Young Adults' Group

“Looking Unto Jesus, The Author And Finisher Of Our Faith”

by Pastor Mark
October 29, 2020

Living by faith

The author of Hebrews wrote about the concept of living by faith. He defined faith as the substance or foundation of things hoped for and the evidence or proof of things not seen (Heb 11:1). He also emphasised the vital importance of faith as the basis for our life. Without it, it would be impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). It takes faith for us to come to God and to believe that He will reward us if we diligently seek Him. A key phrase that the author used was “by faith”. He demonstrated what it means to live by faith through many examples, who are recorded to inspire us to do the same (Heb 11).

Examples of living by faith 

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,” (Heb 12:1) The author presented a great cloud of witnesses. Many great heroes in the Old Testament such as Abraham and Moses succeeded in applying faith in their lives. Going beyond what was recorded, examples in the New Testament such as the apostles Peter and Paul, and the Thessalonian church bear testimony of their faith to encourage us. This cloud of witnesses encompasses us. They are like the spectators in a stadium cheering on the runners. All testify of the possibility of living by faith effectively even in overcoming great tribulations.

The challenge to run the race of life

“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” (Heb 12:1)

The use of the word “therefore” would indicate a logical progression that further action should be taken, given what had been written before. The logical progression is that our faith should affect our life. The author gave a strong challenge to put away the things that weigh us down. They may be valid and legitimate things such as our friends and interests. But they can become a distraction or a hindrance in our race of life. There is also the problem of sin in our life that goes against the Lord and His Word. Whatever sin that ensnares us, let us address them and lay it aside. Let us be challenged to run the race of life with patience, perseverance and endurance. Let us never give up but run with faith our race of life.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” (Heb 12:2)

How do we ensure that we succeed in running the race that is set before us? The challenge is to look to the Lord Jesus. It is to fix our eyes on Him and not to be distracted in any way. Let us be encouraged that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Our faith originated from Him. Through the preaching of His gospel, our faith commenced. The Lord continues to teach and guide us in developing and increasing our faith. He will also be the finisher of our faith…to bring completion to our faith. Let us continue to look to the Lord Jesus to help build and mature our faith…one that would last to the end and help us finish the race.

The perfect example of the Lord Jesus

The Lord Jesus is the perfect example of how to run the race well. He set the example as He took up His cross. The focus of the Lord was amazing. There was the joy that was set before Him in taking up the cross (Heb 12:2). He also had the spirit of endurance to bear the pain and suffering of the cross. Jesus was not affected by the shame of the cross. He despised it and did not allow it to bother Him. The Lord was rewarded with the honour of sitting at the right hand of God (Heb 12:2). He became successful in running His race to the end. Let us learn to follow the Lord in living by faith and running the race. Let us cultivate a good, mature faith that would last to the end. Let us keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

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