THE NATURE OF FAITH

Bob Myhan

n Hebrews 11:1-3 we are told four things about faith. (1) It “is the substance of things hoped for,” (2) it is “the evidence of things not seen,” (3) it is that by which “the elders obtained a good testimony,” and (4) it is that by which “we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.”

wo words, “sub” (meaning “under”) and “stance” (meaning “stand”), combine to form the word “substance.” Thus, the substance of a thing is that which “stands under” or gives support to a thing. “Hope” may be defined as “desire plus expectation.” Without faith hope has no support, for faith creates both the desire and the expectation of what is promised. If one loses his faith, therefore, he necessarily loses his hope, as well. We do not hope for what we do not expect or what we do not desire. Nor do we hope for what we already possess. “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance” (Romans 8:24,25).

he word “evidence” means, “proof.” Thus faith is not blind. The psalmist tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (19:1). We may conclude—by observing the heavens—that God is glorious and—by observing the firmament—that He is handy in His work. But the only evidence we have that He created all things is our faith. That is, God tells us that He “created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), so by hearing the word of God on the matter of the creation we have evidence of its certainty. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told, “But without faith it is impossible o please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Thus, if we believe both these things, we will “diligently seek Him.” Thus, faith is not mystical in nature, but both rational and functional. 

esus asked, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears my sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on a rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great” (Luke 6:46-49). Thus, when one hears what God’s word says, and accepts it (to the extent of acting on it) then it may be said that he has faith.

THINK ON THESE THINGS

Guest Writer: Eddie R. Littrell

      “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

e can observe that all the good and holy things of this text work together to purify those who heed the admonition. Paul does not merely write, “Do these things” but more importantly, “Think on these things.” This literally means to take them into your minds, dwell on them and allow them to permeate your very soul. When these things are fostered in the inner man they are reflected in the outer man. It is far better, far safer, and far more beneficial to think of the virtuous and praiseworthy than of the vicious and blameworthy.

he more we meditate upon what is virtuous and praiseworthy, the more prepared we will be to face the trials and tribulations of this present world. And the more capable we will be in the relations and dealings of the present life.

e can all appreciate the importance of being able to guide and control the very thoughts of our minds. We can all understand that it would be a serious thing to be without this power. Which of us has not at some time experienced the temptation and even the guilt of succumbing to the evil effects of thinking of things opposite to those recommended here by the apostle Paul? He bids the Philippians—and us also—to entertain a certain type of thought within us, and implies that we should exclude or expel all others. There is great wisdom in this caution by the inspired writer.

he charge of the apostle has a depth of wisdom and a wholesomeness of counsel. We ought to cherish only such thoughts concerning others that are lovely and of good report; we ought to dwell only upon things that are virtuous and praiseworthy. This caution presupposes a power over the thoughts of our minds. It brings to mind the wisdom expressed by Solomon who wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

hus we are prompted to a serious evaluation of the importance of turning our faith to the task of regulating and disciplining our thoughts. Of ourselves we know that we can do nothing. But knowing the gospel to be true, we know that we can think as well as “do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13).

DO YOU WANT TRUTH?

Guest Writer: Charles “Skip” Sebree

ne would think that surely most people want the truth. And yet one finds, at least in the realm of religion, that such is not the case.

n Matthew 21:33-46 Jesus tells a parable of servants being sent to work in a vineyard who are beaten, stoned and killed by those in charge. They even killed the owner’s son. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day correctly perceived He was talking about them and they sought to kill him. In Matthew 23:34-38 Jesus again tells of how the people had and will continue to kill those who are sent from God. Eventually, they killed Jesus for teaching truth.

tephen, in his sermon in Acts 7, asks the people, “Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted?” He tells them they were just like their fathers in resisting God. Because they did not like the truth Stephen was preaching, they stoned him to death.

he apostle Paul was beaten, then stoned and left to die because he taught the truth. On another occasion, he wrote to Christians who were being deceived and misled by false teachers. Apparently some did not like his warnings for he asked in Galatians 4:16, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

t is obvious from these examples that many religious people do not want the truth, and are willing to do anything to keep from hearing it [Please read 2 Timothy 4:1-4]. There needs to be a constant examination of one’s attitude toward truth. Jesus tells us that it is truth that makes one free (John 8:32). Either one loves and seeks after the truth—even when it hurts and calls for a change in one’s life—or one will do whatever is necessary to keep from hearing it. Are you sincere in wanting to follow Jesus? Do you want the truth?