Descriptions of faith

Hebrews 11 is  wonderful chapter to consider when examining the Godly characteristics of faith. Within this section of scripture there are multiple tweet-like descriptions of Old Testament saints who were made righteous by placing their faith in God. Within the first seven verses we have already discovered three heroes of the faith. Each real life practical illustration thus far has introduced us to some of the most basic yet profound components of faith. Able, our first example, is a reminder that by faith we worship God. He did not approach God based on his agenda or under his constraints but rather came to God by faith based on past revelation of atonement. His faith produced a righteous worship that honored God. Enoch was also a worshiper of God however the author of Hebrews reminds us that through his faith he cultivated an intimate relationship with God and is noted as a man that walked with God. Noah, like Able worshiped God and like Enoch walked with God, is however our first example of one who worked for God. By faith Noah committed himself to the purposes of God. He was motivated out of reverent fear that God was going to both destroy the earth and deliver his family. For 120 years Noah faithfully served God and worked as a preacher of righteousness. When you consider the obedient faith of Noah in light of the depravity of his world you come away amazed at the steadfastness and consistency of his life. The divine pattern illustrated by these saints is that by faith we live as people who worship, walk, and work for the purposes of God. Cultivating a life of faith is critically important as the author of Hebrews reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6