Over the last few weeks in our study over the book of Hebrews we have slowed down to reflect on various aspects of faith. We've looked at what faith is and how it is manifest in the lives of believers through examples that the author puts forward from the Old Testament. What has hopefully started to come into focus is that faith is far more complex than one would probably imagine upon first glance.
I have often contrasted the world's view of the Christian faith as something that requires one to essentially check all reasonable thinking at the door. Faith is far more than simply diving naively or blindly into a world of mysticism and mythology. In fact, faith is a key component of human existence, regardless of where one lands on the topic of religious belief. Cody pointed out to us a few weeks ago how those in our culture who most emphatically mock the Christian for their faith, live out a faith of their own on a daily basis. Moreover, their faith, like that of the Christian, forms the foundation for a worldview through which they process everything around them.
We all place a great deal of faith in any number of "truths" that govern our reality. For example, I have faith that when I exert force with my legs to jump into the air, I won't float off into space. My faith is rooted in an invisible force called gravity that holds me close to the ground on which I stand. Even though I can't touch or see gravity, I would say that I can prove that it exists because I see the evidence of it at work in the physical world. I doubt many would argue against my belief in gravity. We accept this reality as we perceive it.
Doesn't this all fit well with God's definition of faith in scripture? "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." I sure hope that I don't float away into the expanse of outer space. And I rest assured in my convictions that gravity will do its job and hold me fast to the Earth, even though I can't touch it, see it, smell it, taste it, or hear it.
My point is simply that for the same reason I believe in gravity, I profess faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Even though I can't see him or touch him, I see him at work all around me...in my own life and in the lives of others. My faith isn't the casting off of sane and rational thought, rather it is the product of it. I believe because it is reasonable to do so. Scripture tells us that the Apostle Paul, when evangelizing the intellectuals of his day, appealed to reason (Acts 17:2. 17:17, 18:4, 18:19, 24:25).
However, the author of Hebrews doesn't merely argue for the legitimacy of the Christian faith, he goes on to walk his hearers through a number of examples from the Old Testament where we can see how this conviction of faith in Christ shapes the lives of believers. In the same way that my faith in gravity empowers me to live freely in the power of my convictions, so too does my faith in Christ produce a great amount of joy and freedom in life. Imagine what it would be like to live without faith in gravity. How would such a belief hinder your ability to live a meaningful and productive life.
When a Christian fails to live in light of their faith, it robs them of the fruitful life that the hope of the gospel offers. By faith in Christ, I am free from the bondage of sin. Moreover, I am no longer enslaved to the passions and desires of my flesh. I can enjoy living a thankful and generous life like Abel. I can experience the benefits of walking in obedience to the commands of God like Enoch. I can live a life of meaning and purpose because I belong fully to the author of life and perfecter of my faith.
Faith is like the energy source that empowers every aspect of our lives. It isn't the foolish pursuit of wishes and fairytales that the world would have you believe. It is a normal part of human life. We express faith in all types of things, each and every day. But if we don't have faith in the ultimate thing, Jesus Christ, the rest is all for naught.
In Grace,
Chris Morris
If you missed this week's sermon (or just want to listen again), follow the link below to listen. Or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes.
Part 27 - Faith Like Enoch
Questions discussed in this sermon:
1. Who is Enoch?
2. What does Enoch teach us about faith?
3. What hope do you live with now?
Next week's lesson: Hebrews 11:7
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