Living By Faith: Lessons from the Cloud of Witnesses

As believers, we are often exhorted to “live by faith.” But what does it mean to live by faith? The “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 11 has many lessons to teach us about what it means to live by faith.

Living by faith means…

 

...Action.

On repeat in Hebrews 11 is this formula: “By faith” + [insert name here] = action. That action might include offering, constructing, obeying, going, leaving, crossing, etc. Faith isn’t merely a feeling. It isn’t merely a belief. Living by faith means acting on faith.

 

...Living for the future.

In obedience to God’s call, Abraham left his country, family, and home. He went to live “in tents,” meanwhile, he was looking forward to a city “with foundations.” He wasn’t living for the now. He was living for God’s tomorrow. He was living with eternity in mind.

 

...Not letting circumstances define you or your outlook.

Noah was warned by God “concerning events as yet unseen.” He didn’t let present circumstances dictate his action. He chose God’s word and God’s truth over what he saw around him.

 

...Trusting God [and not yourself] for righteousness.

Faith is what commended those in the “faith chapter” to God. Faith is what commends us to God. And while that includes our actions, which come by faith, God’s commendation is not based on “our righteousness.” Our faith is pleasing to God.

 

...Allegiance to a different country.

The heroes of faith made it clear that they were strangers and exiles on the earth, seeking a homeland, desirous of a better country, a heavenly one. “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” (Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV).

 

Being allegiant to a different country means being allegiant to a different king. Moses, instead of fearing the king’s anger, “endured as seeing him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). The favor of a heavenly king far outweighs the favor of an earthly one.

 

...Not letting emotions rule you nor define you.

Moses’ parents hid him as a baby for three months “because they were not afraid of the king’s edict” (Hebrews 11:23 ESV) I guarantee they were afraid of the king’s edict. But they aren’t remembered for their fear, because they didn’t let their fear rule them. Faith doesn’t mean you don’t feel fear. Faith just means you choose to act in obedience to God, instead of letting emotions define you.

 

...Choosing a different value system.

Moses was brought up in a palace. He had the opportunity to live in luxury and ease. But he refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose mistreatment over pleasure. “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt” (Hebrews 11:26 ESV). Why? Because he was looking forward to a reward not given by earthly rulers, not doled out in earthly wealth, but a heavenly reward given by the King of Kings.

 

⁶ 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 ESV

 

Reflection:

Read Hebrews 11. What are you learning about faith? What of the above “lessons” is the most difficult for you to internalize? Which comes more easily? How would you like to ask for God’s help to live by faith?