Phil Rowlands

Hello, my friends!

Today, as we continue in Hebrews, let's explore a topic that's fundamental to every believer – faith. Not just any faith, but the kind that endures, the kind that stands firm in the face of trials and tribulations. As we journey through life, we often encounter challenges that test our resolve and shake our foundations. But it's in these moments that our faith truly shines, revealing its genuine nature and strength.

Have you ever wondered about the difference between a profession of faith and a possession of faith? It's a crucial distinction that the writer of Hebrews addresses in his letter to a group of Jewish seekers. These were people who had been exposed to the gospel, had seen miracles, and had even professed an interest in Jesus. But now, they stood at a crossroads, facing persecution and uncertainty. Would they fully embrace the new covenant, or would they turn back to the familiar comforts of Judaism?

The writer exhorts them, saying, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22). This passage isn't addressing Christians who have already entered into God's presence through faith in Christ. Rather, it's an invitation to these seekers to take the final step of faith, to fully embrace Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.

But with this invitation comes a stark warning. The writer cautions, “For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27). This isn't referring to the occasional sins of believers, but to the deliberate rejection of Christ by those who have been fully enlightened to the truth of the gospel. It's a sobering reminder of the seriousness of our response to God's offer of salvation.

Friends, the genuineness of our faith is often revealed in how we respond to trials. As Peter writes, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Our trials, though painful, serve a purpose – they refine our faith, making it stronger and more precious than gold.

The writer of Hebrews provides us with a beautiful gallery of faith in chapter 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” Here, we see examples of men and women whose faith was tested in various ways, yet they remained steadfast. Abel's faith led him to offer a more excellent sacrifice. Enoch's faith enabled him to walk with God in a godless world. Noah's faith moved him to build an ark when there was no sign of rain. Abraham's faith compelled him to leave his homeland for an unknown destination, trusting in God's promise.

These saints didn't just profess faith; they possessed a faith that transformed their lives and affected their choices. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived as pilgrims, never fully settling in the land promised to them. Why? Because “they were looking for a better country—a heavenly one” (Hebrews 11:16). Their faith gave them an eternal perspective that shaped their earthly journey.

Moses is another powerful example. By faith, he “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:24-26). Moses' faith enabled him to renounce his old identity and embrace his true identity as one of God's people, even when it meant facing hardship and persecution.

Friends, our faith, like that of these Old Testament saints, will be tested. Some, through faith, “subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Hebrews 11:33-34). Others, equally faithful, “were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment” (Hebrews 11:35-36).

The key is not the outcome of our trials, but our response to them. Do we lean towards God in times of difficulty, or do we draw back? The just shall live by faith, and this faith is evidenced by how we navigate life's challenges. It's not about being perfect or faultless – many of these heroes of faith had their moments of weakness. But they endured to the end, keeping their eyes fixed on God and His promises.

As we face our own trials, let's remember that our faith is more than just a mental assent to certain truths. It's a living, active trust in God that shapes our choices, our perspectives, and our very lives. It's a faith that enables us to say with Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

In the book of Hebrews, we're reminded that faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This definition paints a beautiful picture of what true faith looks like. It's not just wishful thinking or blind optimism. Rather, it's a firm foundation upon which we build our lives, a confidence in the promises of God even when we can't see their fulfillment with our physical eyes.

This kind of faith doesn't come from our own efforts or willpower. It's a gift from God, initiated by His grace and nurtured through His Word. As Romans 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing its truths to sink deep into our hearts, our faith grows stronger and more resilient.

But here's the thing about faith – it's not meant to be static. It's meant to be lived out, to be put into action. James reminds us that “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). This doesn't mean we're saved by our works, but rather that genuine faith will inevitably produce good works. It's like a tree that's deeply rooted – it can't help but bear fruit.

In our walk of faith, we may sometimes find ourselves in seasons of doubt or uncertainty. Perhaps you're there right now. Take heart, dear friend. Even the greatest heroes of faith had their moments of weakness. Think of Abraham, who twice lied about Sarah being his wife out of fear. Or Moses, who struck the rock in anger instead of speaking to it as God had commanded. Or Peter, who denied Jesus three times on the night of His arrest.

Yet in each of these cases, God didn't abandon His servants. Instead, He used these moments of weakness to refine their faith, to teach them to rely more fully on His strength rather than their own. As Paul learned through his own struggles, God's grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

So how do we cultivate this kind of enduring faith? First and foremost, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). We remember that He is faithful even when we are faithless, that His love for us is constant and unwavering. We immerse ourselves in His Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and guide our actions. We surround ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage us and spur us on in our faith journey.

And when trials come – as they inevitably will – we choose to see them not as punishments or setbacks, but as opportunities for our faith to grow stronger. We remember the words of James: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

Be blessed today, my brothers and sisters. May your faith be strengthened through every trial you face. Remember, our God is faithful, and He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). In Him, we have an unshakeable foundation, a living hope, and an eternal inheritance. May this truth sustain you through every test and trial, proving the genuineness of your faith to the praise and glory of God.

Phil