By faith - I le faatuatua

Scripture Focus: Eperu 11:1-22

Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. For by this, the elders obtained testimony. By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God. Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went. By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised. Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. By faith, Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. Yes, he who had gladly received the promises was offering up his one and only son; even he to whom it was said, “In Isaac will your seed be called”; concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, he also did receive him back from the dead. By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith, Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave instructions concerning his bones.
- Hebrews 11:1-22 (WEB)

Study:

The passage from Hebrews 11 provides a powerful overview of faith in action. It defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. The heroes of faith mentioned—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and others—demonstrate how faith shaped their lives. They trusted God’s promises even without seeing the fulfillment in their lifetime, embraced uncertainty, and obeyed God’s calling with perseverance. Their faith was both the foundation and the fuel for their actions, rooting them in God’s promise rather than their circumstances.

Application:

Today, we can draw inspiration from these examples of faith. In times of uncertainty or challenge, we are called to trust in God’s promises and act accordingly—whether in prayer, obedience, or courageous decisions. Faith moves us beyond what our eyes can see to embrace God's greater plan. Like Abraham stepping out without knowing the destination, we too can walk forward with confidence, assured that God is our rewarder. Living by faith means trusting God’s timing and purposes, even when the outcome is unseen.

Reflection Questions:

• What are the "things hoped for" in your life that require faith?
• How can you trust God more deeply when you cannot see the outcome?
• In what ways are you called to step out like Abraham and Noah with obedience and trust?
• Do you see yourself as a stranger and pilgrim on earth, looking for the heavenly city?
• How does remembering God's faithfulness to the heroes of faith encourage you in your journey?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the examples of faith in Your Word. Help me to trust You fully, even when I cannot see what lies ahead. Strengthen my faith that I may live obediently and confidently, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill Your promises. May I keep my eyes fixed on the eternal city You have prepared, and walk each day in hope and assurance, through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Tags: faith, Hebrews 11, biblical faith, spiritual growth, trust in God, heroes of faith, Christian living, obedience, hope, perseverance, Bible study