FAITHFULNESS

"God rewards faithfulness and not the size of our ministries" (Daniel Affi).

In Hebrews 10:37-38, the writer quotes Habakkuk 2:3-4. This will transition to chapter 11 and our verse for today, Hebrews 11:1. The idea of "faith" throughout this chapter may be better translated as "faithfulness." We must not "shrink back" (throw away your confidence, 10:35). This would be "sinning willfully." He is talking about faithfulness to Jesus, of our not turning our back on Jesus. 

Throughout Hebrews, the writer has used passages from the Old Testament, particularly Psalms, to show their need to stay faithful to Christ. Just as he has done with every passage from the Old Testament so far, here he quotes the passage, this time from Habakkuk, and then he explains. Our explanation comes in chapter eleven. Note two things that this faithfulness is:

ASSURANCE. This word means confidence. With faithfulness, we move beyond doubts. We show confidence that what we believe is real and factual. The assurance is of things "hoped for," representing every goal and dream that fills the heart of the child of God. Our hope is in Jesus Christ and the promises we have in Him. Faithfulness shows our confidence that they are true.

CONVICTION. This word means "be certain." We don't see many things we believe. We don't see the outcome of the promises right now: Jesus is coming, will judge, has prepared a place, and so forth. But there is no doubt in the mind of the faithful. Those things "unseen" are just as real as those he has seen. For instance, I've never seen a million dollars nor India. But I know both exist. We live our lives differently when we know things are true and real.

This is all about how we live. It suggests we will do something because of our faith - live faithfully. Chapter 11 gives us examples of faithfulness that we can follow. We don't belong in the "shrink-back" category. We belong in the faithful category. However, it all goes back to that choice in these verses: shrink back or be faithful. We have to get up every morning and make that choice. We have to set our face toward God, declare, "That is that," and it ain't going to change. Choose faithfulness because I love you, and God does too!!!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. Congratulations to the Lady Chargers and the Lady Yellowjackets!