The Reward of Faith

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Introduction

Hebrews 11:6 is one of the most powerful verses in the Bible, emphasizing the central importance of faith in the life of a believer. The verse not only tells us that faith is essential for pleasing God but also reveals two key truths: first, we must believe in God’s existence, and second, we must trust that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Today, we will explore why faith is so crucial to our relationship with God, how faith pleases Him, and the incredible reward that comes from earnestly seeking Him.

1. Faith is the Foundation of Our Relationship with God

• Faith is Required to Please God:
  • The verse begins with a bold statement: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” This is a strong reminder that God cannot be pleased by our works, our accomplishments, or our self-sufficiency—only by faith. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with Him.
• The Importance of Faith:
  • Faith is not just an abstract belief, it is the active trust we place in God. It involves not just believing in His existence but also believing that He is good, that He loves us, and that His promises are true. Without faith in God, it is impossible to have a true relationship with Him.

2. Believing in God’s Existence

• Faith Begins with Belief in God’s Existence:
  • The first part of the verse states that “anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists.” Belief in God’s existence is the starting point of all faith. Many people struggle with the question of whether God exists or not, but faith calls us to go beyond mere acknowledgment and to deeply trust in His reality.
• God’s Self-Revelation:
  • Romans 1:20 tells us that God’s existence is evident through creation. His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, so that people are without excuse. Our faith in God’s existence is not based on blind hope but on the evidence of His creation, His Word, and His activity in the world.

3. Faith in God’s Rewards

• God Rewards Those Who Seek Him:
  • The latter part of Hebrews 11:6 says, “…and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Not only does faith begin with believing in God’s existence, but it also involves believing that God is a rewarder—He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
• The Reward of God’s Presence:
  • Seeking God involves actively pursuing Him through prayer, worship, obedience, and a lifestyle of surrender. As we seek Him, we experience the reward of His presence, guidance, and peace. The reward may not always be material wealth or worldly success, but it is the fulfillment of our deepest need—intimacy with God and the transformation that comes with walking in His ways.
• Eternal Rewards:
  • Our faith also secures eternal rewards. Jesus spoke about these rewards in Matthew 6:19-21 when He told His followers not to store up treasures on earth, but to store up treasures in heaven, where they will not fade away. Faith looks beyond the temporary to the eternal, trusting that God is faithful to reward those who seek Him with lasting and eternal benefits.

4. Faith That Pleases God

• Faith Is Active:
  • Faith that pleases God is not passive. It requires action. Hebrews 11 is filled with examples of people who acted in faith—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others. Their faith led them to take steps, make sacrifices, and endure challenges because they trusted in God’s promises and rewards.
• Living by Faith:
  • Faith pleases God when it’s not just a mental acknowledgment but is lived out in practical ways. James 2:26 says, “Faith without works is dead.” Genuine faith moves us to obedience, to align our will with God’s, and to take action in the world around us. Faith is not about intellectual assent alone, it’s about living a life that reflects our trust in God.

Conclusion

Hebrews 11:6 challenges us to examine the depth of our faith. It reminds us that faith is the key to pleasing God, and that faith involves not just believing in God’s existence but trusting that He rewards those who seek Him earnestly. As we cultivate a deeper, active faith, we find that God’s rewards are not just distant promises, but present realities—His presence, His peace, His guidance, and the eternal inheritance that awaits us.

May we be people who earnestly seek God, trusting in His rewards and living lives that please Him, confident in the knowledge that our faith is never in vain.

Amen.