Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
‘Faith’ [Greek: pistis] faith – eighteen definitions of faith: Substance of things hoped for (11:1). Evidence of things not seen (11:1, 7). Invisible backing of elders (11:2). Creative power of divine works (11:3). Divine testimony of right doing (11:4). Cancellation of natural laws (11:5). Basis of pleasing God (11:6). Dependence upon God’s word (11:7). Trust in an unknown future (11:8-10). Counting things that are not as though they were (11:11-12; Rom. 4:17). Seeing invisible things (11:13-16). Assurance of God’s faithfulness (11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (11:32 – 12:2). The life-blood of the just (10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). The down payment of things desired (3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (11:6; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Jas. 1:1-27).
The law of faith: “According to your faith be it unto you” (Matt. 8:13; 9:29; Jas. 1:5-8; Heb. 11:6; Mark 11:22-24).
‘Substance’ [Greek: hupostasis] is a support; ground work; confidence; subsistence; reality; and essence. Used in the Papyri of title deeds.
To be continued…
Living the Word 