Standing on the Substance of Faith

 

Standing on the Substance of Faith

Hebrews 11:1–6 (NLT)

1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.

3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.

6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

2 Thessalonians 3:3–5 (NLT)

3 But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you.

5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.

Faith is the confident assurance that God exists and will fulfill His promises, even when evidence is not yet visible, making it essential to pleasing Him. By anchoring our hope in His unchanging character, we find strength in His faithfulness and protection against evil.

Faith isn't blind; it is trust based on the character of a faithful God. Hebrews 11 defines faith as the “substance” or “evidence” of what we cannot yet see. It is believing that God is working behind the scenes, even when our current circumstances look bleak. Without this active, seeking trust, it is impossible to please Him.

However, this kind of faith can feel difficult to maintain alone. That is where 2 Thessalonians 3 provides comfort: the Lord is faithful, and He is the one who strengthens and protects us from the evil one. Our faith is not just holding onto God; it is resting in the fact that He is holding onto us.

The Greek Depth: Faith as a Title Deed

Looking at the specific Greek concepts used in these verses reveals something powerful — faith is like a legal guarantee from God that empowers endurance in a hostile world.

Hupostasis — “Substance” or “Assurance”

In the first-century business world, this word referred to a title deed — the legal document proving ownership of property. The writer of Hebrews is saying that your faith functions like a spiritual title deed in your heart. It guarantees that what God promised already belongs to you, even before you physically possess it.

Elegchos — “Conviction” or “Evidence”

This word implies proof or demonstration. Faith is not a blind leap into darkness. It is confidence built on the evidence of God’s character, His track record, and His Word.

The Rewarder’s Heart

Verse 6 clarifies that pleasing God requires more than believing He exists; you must believe He is a rewarder. This is not selfish thinking — it is trust in His goodness. Seeking Him is never wasted effort.

Faithfulness as a Shield (2 Thessalonians 3:3–5)

While Hebrews focuses on our faith, this passage shifts our attention to God’s faithfulness.

Standing Guard

The Greek word for “guard” paints a picture of a shepherd standing watch over his flock, alert for predators. Even while facing wicked and evil men, Paul’s heart turned toward the protection of others. That is the nature of Christ in us.

Directed Hearts

When Paul prays that the Lord would “lead” or “direct” our hearts, the word implies clearing obstacles to make a straight path. He asks God to steer our emotions and our will toward two things: the love of God and the patient endurance of Christ.

Endurance Is Not Passive Waiting

Patient endurance is not sitting still. It is steadfastness. It is the same determined resolve Jesus showed when He set His face toward the cross. It is faith in motion.

A Boys Faith

There once was a young boy named Caleb whose father promised him a treehouse. His father showed him the blueprint and said, “It’s yours.”

The treehouse wasn’t built yet. There were only boards stacked in the yard.

Every day Caleb would tell his friends, “Come over soon! I have a treehouse!” They laughed because all they saw was wood and nails.

But Caleb believed his father. He began clearing the yard. He picked up sticks. He made room. He even chose where his ladder would go.

Weeks later, the treehouse stood tall in the branches.

Caleb didn’t start believing when he saw it built. He believed when his father spoke.

Faith is living like the treehouse is already yours because your Father said so.

The Covenant Loop

These passages create a beautiful cycle:

God’s Faithfulness — He strengthens and guards you.

Our Faith — We trust the Title Deed in our hearts.

Active Endurance — We walk in obedience, patiently enduring.

And the loop continues.

So ask yourself gently:

In what area of your life do you need to stop “blindly hoping” and start standing on the title deed of God’s promise?

Identify the Invisible

What promise are you waiting on? Write it down. Consider it “real” today.

Actively Seek Him

Take one step of obedience that shows you believe He rewards those who seek Him.

Rest in His Protection

Declare aloud: “The Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard me.”

Prayer

Father God,

Thank You that faith is not fragile imagination but solid substance. Thank You that Your character is trustworthy and Your promises are sure. Strengthen my heart when I feel weary. Guard me from the evil one. Direct my emotions, my thoughts, and my will toward Your love and Christ’s patient endurance. Help me live as though Your promises already belong to me — because they do. I trust You as my faithful Father. In Jesus’ precious name we pray Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.

Amen.

BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN.

BOBBA 💛

Love, Penny