Integrity- People of God

We may think we have an understanding of words and their meaning, but sometimes it is necessary to see the words in the original text of Greek and Hebrew. Looking at this text in the Greek we find faith comes from a word that means assurance, belief or fidelity, which is a strict observance of promises and loyalty. Substance is from a Greek word meaning confidence and the dictionary defines it as the actual matter of a thing. The word hope comes from a Greek word that means expect, confide or trust. Evidence in the Greek means proof or conviction.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. KJV

When we state it, as written in the Greek, we may have a better understanding. Now (faith) the assurance and belief of the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word, is the (substance) actual matter and confidence of the things we (hoped for) expect and trust, and this assurance, belief and confidence in the fidelity of God’s word, is the (evidence) proof of our conviction of those things that are not yet seen in the natural but are coming and will be manifested in the seen world.

It is our assurance in God’s love for us, His loyalty and fidelity of His word and promises to us that is the material, which is the substance that is seen by others. People can see our confidence, our joy and marvel at our hope and trust in what God said because we know He will deliver. That hope, faith and belief is proof both in the spirit realm -the things that cannot be seen, and the natural world that we are waiting with great expectation, for the promises to be manifested in the natural and seen world.

The spirit realm cannot be seen with the natural eye or perceived with the natural senses. The only thing this world can see is our excitement, hope and trust in God’s promises and we have the assurance and great expectation to receive it. This is how we too may obtain a good report, that we believed God regardless of what life or experience and others may say.

Hebrews 11:2- 3         For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. NKJV

So by faith (the belief of the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word) we understand the worlds were formed by the spoken word of God. Spoken words are not seen and yet they made the things that are visible. When we understand how the word of God works in the spirit realm we can trust God’s word in the seen world. There are principles and processes that govern in the spoken word of God and faith. They are spirit and not visible and it is important to get knowledge and understanding of these principles, which take the unseen and see them manifested in the seen and earthly realm.

This is why the Bible says without faith we cannot please God, because faith believes in the truth, loyalty and fidelity of God’s word, regardless to what is seen or said in the natural realm. We too, would be offended if someone, who says they love us, but does not trust us or have confidence in our loyalty. We would be insulted and upset even though we may not have been perfect and may have missed the mark on occasion. We want the people who say they love us to trust us. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God who is perfect in all things and has never missed His promise to us. Still, many do think God has failed them but what they lack is true knowledge and wisdom of God’s word.

Hebrew 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. NKJV

Faith believes God is who He says He is. Faith believes God’s promises and trusts His love and loyalty to reward those who search and seek after Him, His word, principles and truth. It is not going after the things God can do, or provide or the blessing we may get if we do some acts of service for Him. Seeking God is an ongoing process to know Him better and Who He is.

The world and the traditions of men have taught us so many things that are contrary to the word of God until so many are living in unbelief and do not realize it. They will say things like, “I call it like I see it,” but faith is saying what God says about the matter and is not moved by what is seen. Some people will even say God did not fulfill His promise and these are those who lack a true knowledge of God and His promises. God is not a man that He should lie, so if there is a problem then we should look at ourselves. God is not the problem.

If there is a problem, the problem is with us and our knowledge and understanding but not with God’s word. So many people rely on what they have been told, things they have heard or experienced, to determine their trust in God’s word. God says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. The word says wisdom is the principal thing, so we should strive for wisdom and in our striving we should get an understanding.

Romans 10:17            So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.

Proverbs 4:7   Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. NKJV

Remember, faith is the belief in the loyalty and fidelity of God’s word. Our assurance in God’s word is the substance, the actual matter, which we are hoping for, expect and trust with confidence, that we will receive what is in the word of God. Our hope, confidence and joy is the very evidence and proof of our conviction that those things that are not yet seen, that are the spoken word of God, will be manifested in the natural and seen world.