Brandon Nguyen

In this session, we seek to learn three vital truths. First, how incredible faith truly is—a grace by which we may draw near to God with confidence because we have a great High Priest. Second, how much we need to read and treasure the Old Testament, for it reveals God’s unfolding plan of redemption and showcases the examples of enduring faith. Third, we come to see how astonishing faith in Christ is, especially as we recognize that the saints of old looked forward in faith to promises they had not yet seen. They did not know Christ explicitly, and yet they trusted in God’s word and promises.

The inspired author of Hebrews functions as a commentator on these ancient heroes of faith, showing us the character of enduring faith—that is, faith which holds fast to God and perseveres to the end. This kind of faith is commended and approved by God. The audience of this epistle were Hebrew Christians—Jewish believers who had come to know Christ as Messiah. Abraham, the father of faith, loomed large in their cultural and religious memory. He was honored by them as a model of righteousness and trust in God. And yet, even Abraham had to humbly submit himself before the Lord, placing his full confidence not in himself, but in the promises of God. Who are we, sinful and finite, to approach a holy God? And yet, God in His grace has made a way.

Faith obeys God. True faith is not merely intellectual agreement—it acts. Abraham had a heart of faith that manifested itself in obedience. Though there were times when Abraham hesitated, doubted, or even disobeyed, Hebrews 11 still places him among the faithful. This demonstrates that faith is not perfection, but trust that leads to obedience. God speaks to us through His Word, giving clear commands: to live in harmony, to be fishers of men, to abstain from sexual immorality, to flee idolatry, to beware of the love of money, and not to grow weary in doing good. Yet how often do we disobey? What does our inconsistency say about our faith? How selective are we in choosing which commands we obey? At times, environments like college may feel like “spiritual Disneyland,” filled with distractions and diversions. But our obedience must not rest on external pressures or community consensus; it must be grounded in faith in a holy God.

Faith ventures into the unknown. When Abraham obeyed God’s call, he left his homeland and journeyed to a foreign place. In his time, this meant uprooting his entire household—a radical act of trust. When we, by faith, become more confident in God’s will than in our own plans or abilities, we often find ourselves at the edge of our comfort zones. As students and thinkers, we are used to having answers. But faith, if lived out genuinely, will bring us to places where we don’t know the answer. Perhaps this is because God desires us to depend more on Him than on our knowledge. Faith may lead us into uncomfortable conversations, uncertain career paths, and situations where we must trust God moment by moment. Just as Abraham stepped into the unknown, so must we.

Faith looks to eternity. It fixes its gaze on the heavenly city—the one with foundations, built by God, unshakable and sure. Our hope and confidence are anchored in that eternal city. Colossians 3 urges us to “seek the things that are above” and to set our minds on the things of Christ. Enduring faith sees the finish line and runs the race with perseverance. It is not bound to the fleeting concerns of this life but lives with eternity in view. Life is meant to be lived now and forever. God has promised eternal life through Christ, and faith embraces that promise with joy.

Faith believes in God’s promises against all odds. God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations—and so he had to receive a literal son. But Sarah was barren and well past childbearing age. Though there was a time when she doubted (Genesis 18), she ultimately considered God faithful, and Isaac was born. Abraham’s faith triumphed over logic and impossibility. When God later commanded him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, Abraham obeyed, trusting that God could even raise the dead. His faith looked beyond the immediate and held to the promise.

Faith is often unfulfilled in this life. The Old Testament saints died in faith, never having seen the full realization of God’s promises—specifically the coming of Christ. God’s promises are not always fulfilled according to our timetable or expectations. The things we desire in this life pale in comparison to the inheritance we have in Christ, secured through His perfect priesthood. He who created the heavens, who sent His Son to redeem us, is faithful. Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac because he trusted God’s character and power. Ultimately, God spared Isaac, but did not spare His own Son, whom He crushed on the cross for our redemption. And just as God raised Jesus from the dead, He will raise us to eternal life. The patriarchs lived faithfully with an eye on the unfolding of God's plan, even if it stretched beyond their lifetimes. Joseph, at the end of his life, expressed faith that God would lead Israel out of Egypt—so much so that he made them promise to carry his bones with them. This generational faith reminds us that God’s plan often transcends our lifespans. If His promise is not fulfilled in my generation, perhaps it shall be fulfilled in the next.

Faith triumphs over fear. When Moses was born, Egypt had decreed death to all Hebrew baby boys. Yet Moses’ mother, in faith, hid him for three months. Her quiet courage defied Pharaoh’s command because she saw the child as precious in God’s eyes. When the basket floated down the Nile and was discovered, God’s providence was at work. What would God have me do, even when the cost is great? Faith does what is right in God’s sight, not man's.

Faith forsakes the world. Moses, though he could have lived in luxury as a prince of Egypt, chose instead to suffer with the people of God. He gave up earthly comfort for heavenly reward. How do we weigh the temporary pleasures of this life against the surpassing joy of obedience to God? Moses chose mistreatment because he desired something better—eternal rest with God.

Faith is delivered by God’s power. By faith, Moses kept the Passover, leading God’s people in obedience and trust. That faith was met by divine power. The Red Sea parted, Jericho’s walls fell—not because of human ingenuity, but because of God’s might. Our faith is not blind or wishful. It rests on the sure testimony of God’s ability to act. There is no such thing as a world apart from divine intervention. When we experience deliverance in life—whether small or great—do we recognize it as God’s doing? Do we give Him the credit for our conversations, our breakthroughs, our provisions? Faith acknowledges that every deliverance is by His hand.

Faith saves the sinner. Rahab heard of Yahweh and received the spies in peace. Though a prostitute, her faith spared her from destruction. The gospel testifies that no one is beyond the reach of grace. Abraham was once an idolater. Moses rebelled. Rahab was immoral. Yet God redeemed them. By faith, we are saved from the bondage of sin. On this side of the cross, as we wait for Christ’s return, will we place our faith in Him? Will we draw near to God, hold fast our confession, and help others do the same?

Knowledge must lead to response. The reward of faith is not comfort, but Christ. The heavenly city is our inheritance—eternal redemption secured by our Savior. We, sinners, place our faith not in ourselves but in Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, who gives us forgiveness of sins and entrance into the presence of the Holy God.

Thanks be to God for the gift of faith. Amen.