
Sermon Notes | 8 September 2024
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” —Hebrews 11:1
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6
1. Faith and Reason
There has been a long history of people attempting to articulate the relationship between faith and reason.
a) ~400 AD Augustine of Hippo, “I believe, in order to understand; and I understand, the better to believe.”
b) 13th Century Thomas Aquinas – Faith is by revelation; reason is knowledge.
Neither of these saw a conflict between Faith and Reason
2. Faith and Doubt
Around 1635 AD Rene Descartes argued that doubt was the starting point of knowledge and reason. This is the basis for modern scientific method. Everything that withstands scrutiny is accepted as a foundation upon which new knowledge can be built.
3. Faith and Faithfulness
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” —Hebrews 12:1-2
Christian faith is not founded upon doubt, but upon the witnesses of God. We stand upon the shared experiences of humanity and have faith in God because He has proved to be Faithful.
4. Faith and Sight
“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” —1 Corinthians 13:12
Faith is believing in what is only partially seen. We see God not directly, but by the things that He does. One day we will see Him face to face. Now, though, we live by faith, believing in God’s Word because it has never failed, and walking together with His witnesses, the church and those in the bible, mutually encouraging one another in our journey through life.
Application:
We need to have faith in God and in His Word. In order to grow in our understanding of both, we need to learn the stories of His faithfulness to His people throughout history and in our own church family. How do we apply this understanding of faith in how we interact with the world?