I. The Definition of Faith
Hebrews 11:1, NKJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
“Faith is living in advance what we will only understand in reverse.” —(Wayne Cordeiro)
II. The Demonstration of Faith
1. Faith Keeps Moving Forward Even When You Don’t Know What
2. Faith Keeps Moving Forward Even When You Don’t Know Where
3. Faith Keeps Moving Forward Even When You Don’t Know When
Isaiah 55:10-11, NKJV
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
4. Faith Keeps Moving Forward Even When You Don’t Know How
Hebrews 11:11-12, NLT
It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was toovold. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this onevman who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky andvthe sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them.
Romans 4:18-21, NLT
Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he wouldvbecome the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendantsvyou will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, hevfigured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.
5. Faith Keeps Moving Forward Even When You Don’t Know Why
Hebrews 11:32-39, NLT
How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
Hebrews 11:6, NIV
But without faith it is impossible to 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.
God is Immutable (Unchanging)
1. God’s Life Does Not Change
Psalm 90:1-2, NLT
Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God.
Psalm 102:26-27, NLT
They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them. But you are always the same; you will live forever.
2. God’s Character Does Not Change
Exodus 34:6-7, NLT
The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty.
James 1:17, NIV
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
3. God’s Truth Does Not Change
Isaiah 40:6-8, NKJV
“All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Psalm 119:89, NKJV
Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.
4. God’s Ways Does Not Change
5. God’s Purposes Does Not Change
Numbers 23:19, NKJV
“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Psalm 33:11, NKJV
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
6. God’s Son (Jesus) Does Not Change
Hebrews 13:8, NKJV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 7:25, NIV
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Daniel 3:26-28, NIV
So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of
fire on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him.”
1 Peter 4:19, NIV
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.