BY MRS ADEDOYIN OLUWASEUN

Introduction

Good morning, church. Today, I want to talk about the exploits of faith. Faith is a cornerstone of
our Christian life, and through faith, we can achieve great things. Our scriptures today are from
Hebrews 11:7-34 and Mark 16:15-18.

Body

1. Definition of Faith

• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen." Faith is believing in what we cannot see and trusting in God's promises. It’s
about having confidence in God’s plans, even when the outcome is uncertain.

• Faith and Relationship with God: Hebrews 11:6 states, "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." Our relationship with God depends
on faith. It's through faith that we trust in His goodness, love, and salvation.

• Faith in Everyday Life: Faith is not just for the big moments but also for daily living.
Trusting God with our decisions, finances, health, and relationships requires a constant,
living faith.

2. Examples of Faith from Hebrews 11:7-34

• Noah (Hebrews 11:7):

"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared
an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world and became heir
of the righteousness which is by faith."
 o Noah's faith led him to build an ark in obedience to God, even when there was no
sign of a flood. Imagine the ridicule and doubt he faced from those around him.
Yet, his faith in God's word saved his family and preserved humanity.

Application: Sometimes, our faith will require us to act in ways that seem foolish
to others, but obedience to God brings His protection and blessing.

• Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-19):

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance,
obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

o Abraham's journey of faith involved leaving his home and traveling to an

unknown land, believing in God's promise that he would be the father of many
nations. Even when he was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac, he trusted that God
could raise him from the dead.

Application: Faith often means stepping into the unknown and trusting God's
promises, even when they seem impossible.

• Moses (Hebrews 11:23-29):

"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s
daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the
fleeting pleasures of sin."

Moses' faith led him to forsake the riches and power of Egypt to lead God's
people out of slavery. He faced Pharaoh, led the Israelites through the Red Sea,
and received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

Application: Faith can require us to make sacrifices and take bold stands for God,
knowing that His purposes are greater than temporary gains.

• Rahab (Hebrews 11:31):

"By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those
who were disobedient."
•
o Rahab’s faith led her to protect the Israelite spies, and her actions saved her
family and placed her in the lineage of Jesus.
 Application: Faith is not limited by our past; anyone can exercise faith and be
used mightily by God.

Faith is more than just believing; it is about trusting God and acting on that trust. The heroes of
faith in Hebrews 11 showed us that when we have faith, we can achieve great things for God's
kingdom. As we go out to preach the gospel, let us remember that God has given us the power to
perform great exploits through faith. Let us step out in faith, knowing that God is with us, and
watch as He works wonders through our lives.

3. How to Become Exploits in Faith

Becoming exploits in faith involves developing a deep, active trust in God and taking bold
actions based on that trust. Here are steps and principles to help you grow in your faith and
accomplish great things for God's kingdom:

• Understand and Study the Word of God

o Regular Bible Study: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God
(Romans 10:17). Regularly reading and studying the Bible will deepen your
understanding of God's promises and His character.
o Meditation: Meditate on God’s Word day and night (Joshua 1:8). Reflect on
scripture and let it sink deeply into your heart and mind.

• Prayer and Communion with God

o Daily Prayer: Develop a habit of daily, fervent prayer. Prayer strengthens your
relationship with God and helps you rely on Him.
o Listening to God: Prayer isn’t just talking to God; it’s also listening. Be still and
listen to God’s voice and guidance (Psalm 46:10).

• Obedience to God’s Commands

o Immediate Obedience: When God instructs you, obey immediately. Delay can
lead to doubt and disobedience.
o Trust in His Plans: Trust that God’s plans are good, even when they don’t make
sense to you (Jeremiah 29:11).
• Step Out in Faith
o Take Bold Steps: Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Take bold actions
that demonstrate your faith. This could be sharing the gospel, starting a ministry,
or helping someone in need.
o Overcome Fear: Don’t let fear hold you back. Remember, God has not given us
a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

• Perseverance in Trials
o Endure Hardships: Trials test and strengthen your faith (James 1:2-4). Embrace
them as opportunities to grow.
o Stay Faithful: Remain faithful during tough times. Trust that God is with you and
will see you through.

• Fellowship with Believers

o Church Community: Be part of a church community. Fellow believers can
encourage, support, and pray for you.
o Discipleship: Seek mentorship from mature Christians and be willing to mentor
others in their faith journey.

• Share Your Testimony

o Witness to Others: Sharing your testimony of what God has done in your life can
inspire and build the faith of others.
o Bold Evangelism: Follow the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). Preach the
gospel and make disciples, trusting God to work through you.

• Recognize and Rely on the Holy Spirit

o Holy Spirit’s Power: Depend on the Holy Spirit to guide, empower, and enable
you to live out your faith.
o Spiritual Gifts: Use the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12) to serve others and
build up the church.

• Live a Life of Worship and Gratitude

o Worship God: Make worship a daily practice. Worship strengthens your faith
and keeps you focused on God.
 o Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of gratitude. Thanking God for His blessings
reminds you of His faithfulness and builds your faith.

Becoming exploits in faith is a journey of growing closer to God, trusting Him deeply, and
taking bold actions based on that trust. By immersing yourself in His Word, staying connected
through prayer, obeying His commands, stepping out in faith, enduring trials, fellowshipping
with believers, sharing your testimony, relying on the Holy Spirit, and living a life of worship
and gratitude, you will see God work powerfully in and through your life. Let us all strive to be
people of great faith, accomplishing great exploits for the kingdom of God.

Let us pray.