Text: Hebrews 11:4-6
Introduction
After retirement, I have a friend who hiked the entire Appalachian Trail (2,190+ miles). Knowing my friend, I can assure you he maliciously planned for this trip before taking his first steps. I am positive he could tell you about the trail, the markers, rest points, resupply points, and potential trouble areas. Knowing Johnny, he had planned his steps, his time, and what he needed to accomplish each day to be successful.
Can you imagine if Johnny had meticulously studied the trail, could describe it vividly, could tell you about the stunning views, the terrain, and the path, but had never walked it?
Faith is not just a concept to be understood but a practical guide to be lived. It's one thing to know about faith, to talk about what it means to trust God and believe in His promises. But it's another thing to live that faith, demonstrating your trust in God's character and His word. Hebrews 11 introduces us to people who didn't just know about faith; they walked it. Their faith was more than knowledge; it was lived out in tangible actions that aligned with God's values. This is the kind of faith we are called to live, a faith that is practical and powerful.
Today, we will explore Abel and Enoch's accounts. These two men didn't just know about faith; they walked it. Faith is more than just a belief in God's existence. It's about trusting God's promises, even when the destination isn't clear. This trust in God's promises gives us reassurance and security. So, let's pack our backpacks and set out on this trail together, ready to move from knowing the path of faith to walking it.
Defining Faith
Hebrew Word for “Faith”
The Hebrew word commonly translated as "faith" is אָמַן ('aman). This root word means to confirm, support, or be established. From this root, the word אֱמוּנָה (emunah) is derived, which represents faithfulness, reliability, or steadfastness. The first use of this word in the Scriptures is in Genesis 15:6, where it says:
"Abram believed (אָמַן, 'aman) the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness."
This verse captures the idea of trust and reliance on God's promise, even when it seems impossible by human standards.
Greek Word for "Faith"
The Greek word for "faith" is πίστις (pistis). It primarily means trust, belief, or confidence in something (it could be a body of teaching) or someone. In the context of the New Testament, it refers to faith in God or Christ, highlighting relational trust and allegiance rather than mere intellectual assent. It conveys a sense of reliance on God, loyalty, and an active faith that shapes one's actions and perspective.
Development of Meaning
Faith in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) is less about mental assent and more about faithfulness or loyalty. It involves a deep, covenantal relationship with God, where trust and obedience are interwoven.
When we get to the New Testament and Hebrews 11, the Greek word "pistis" has a developed nuance. Hebrews 11:1 provides an understanding as:
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Here, faith is presented as both assurance (the Greek word "hypostasis," meaning substance or reality) and conviction (the Greek word "elegchos," meaning proof or evidence). This understanding builds on the Hebrew understanding by adding a dimension of forward-looking hope and confidence in God's promises, even in the unseen.
Pleasing Faith
Hebrews 11:4 (NIV)
"By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead."
The author of Hebrews opens a window of understanding for us: "...Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did." Let's look back at the story from Genesis 4:
Genesis 4:1–5 (NIV)
"Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, "With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man." Later she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast."
If we notice the text carefully, Abel offered "fat portions" from some of the "firstborn of his flock." Cain brought some "fruits of the soil."
Abel's offering pleased God because he was giving his most valuable possessions. This demonstrates what type of faith the Hebrews author is revealing to us:
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Abel's faith as N.T. Wright notes in his commentary:
"But the point here (this becomes clear as the chapter progresses) is that God accepted Abel, and will reward his faith through and out the other side of death. Though he is dead, the account of his faith is still a powerful witness to us so much later." (2)
Abel's faith prompted him to bring his best. His offering was an expression of worship and a demonstration of his trust and belief in God.
Walking With God
In the Scriptures, we read of two people who did not experience death in the ordinary sense that we all do: Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) and Enoch (Gen. 5:24). The Hebrews author points us to the life of Enoch as an example of faith.
Hebrews 11:5 (NIV)
"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away." For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God."
The example of Enoch drives us to the point the Hebrews author is making:
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Again, as I rely on the studies of Wright, he notes:
"...you may have a general sense that there is a supreme divine being, and you may even have a suspicion that this being wants people to search for him. But unless you have faith, unless you really believe that God exists and that he does indeed want people to seek him, and will reward them lavishly when they do, you can't actually begin to worship him." (2)
Crossing The Context
Hebrews 11:1-6 serves as an introduction to the "Hall of Faith." It sets the stage for the stories of men and women who demonstrated faith in action. Their lives teach us what faith that pleases God looks like. As N.T. Wright aptly puts it:
“…[W]e find ourselves challenged by the faith which looks at creation and celebrates the Creator, which looks at death and sees the promise of new life beyond, which looks God in the face and, trusting Him, builds on that trust a life which honors and pleases Him.” (2)
Just as Johnny meticulously planned his hike but also had to take the first step, we are called to know about faith and live it out. Faith is more than knowing the path—it's about walking it, trusting that God is guiding our every step and that He is faithful to reward those who earnestly seek Him.
Take a step of faith today by offering God your best in an area of your life, whether it's your time, resources, or a personal habit that needs surrender. Like Abel, choose to trust God with something valuable, and like Enoch, earnestly seek Him, believing that He rewards those who diligently pursue Him. Identify one specific way to live out your faith tangibly this week, demonstrating your trust in God's promises, even when the outcome isn't clear.
Notes:
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from: ”Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
2. Wright, Nicholas T. Hebrews For Everyone. Westminster John Knox Press, 2004. p. 77.