THE EXPLOITS OF FAITH

TITLE: THE EXPLOITS OF FAITH 

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 11:1-2 
Supporting Texts: Daniel 11:32, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:17, Matthew 17:20

INTRODUCTION 
Faith is the bedrock of the Christian life. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Throughout the Bible, we see how men and women of faith performed great exploits, accomplishing the impossible through their trust in God. Daniel 11:32 declares that "the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." This message highlights the nature of faith and the remarkable exploits that can be accomplished when we live a life fully trusting in God.

1. FAITH AS THE FOUNDATION FOR EXPLOITS 

a) The Substance of Faith
Faith is not a vague hope or wishful thinking; it is the substance of things hoped for. Faith is tangible in the spiritual realm, and it is through faith that we can access the promises of God. Hebrews 11:1 emphasizes that faith gives us the confidence to believe for what is unseen, knowing that God is working behind the scenes.

b) The Power of Belief 
Faith unlocks the power of God in our lives. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "without faith, it is impossible to please God." Faith is the currency of the spiritual realm, and when we exercise it, we are positioning ourselves to see God move in powerful ways. The Bible is filled with examples of those who believed God for the impossible and saw His mighty hand at work.

Biblical Example: Abraham’s Faith (Romans 4:18-21) 
Abraham, though old and beyond human capability to have children, believed God’s promise. His faith was counted to him as righteousness, and he became the father of many nations. His life shows us that faith opens doors to God’s miraculous power.

2. FAITH THAT PRODUCES ACTION 

a) Faith Without Works Is Dead
True faith produces action. James 2:17 states that "faith without works is dead." It’s not enough to say we believe; our actions must align with our faith. The men and women of faith in Hebrews 11 not only believed in God’s promises but also acted upon their faith, leading to great exploits.

b) Bold Steps of Faith 
Great exploits require bold steps of faith. Faith involves taking risks, trusting that God will come through even when we cannot see the full picture. When we step out in faith, we activate the power of God to work through us and accomplish great things.

Biblical Example: Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14:28-29) 
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he asked to join Him. Peter stepped out of the boat in faith, and as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible. This story teaches us that faith requires action, and when we step out, we can do exploits through God’s power.

3. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES THROUGH FAITH 

a) Faith Moves Mountains 
In Matthew 17:20, Jesus teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Mountains in our lives represent obstacles, challenges, and impossibilities. Through faith, these mountains can be removed, and what seems impossible becomes possible. Faith gives us the strength to overcome the challenges that would otherwise defeat us.

b) Endurance Through Faith
Faith is not just for the miraculous; it is also the foundation for enduring trials. Hebrews 11 records those who "through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions." Their faith not only produced victories but also gave them the strength to endure hardship and persecution.

Biblical Example: The Faith of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:30, 14:6-9) 
Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants in the Promised Land as the other spies, but they had faith in God’s promise. They boldly declared, "We are well able to take the land." Their faith allowed them to see the victory while others saw defeat. Faith helps us see beyond obstacles to the promise of God.

4. FAITH AS A LIFESTYLE 

a) Living by Faith 
Faith is not a one-time event; it is a lifestyle. The just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). Every day presents opportunities for us to exercise faith, whether in our decisions, our trust in God’s provision, or our relationships. Faith is not only for the big moments but also for the daily walk with God.

b) Developing Strong Faith 
Faith grows as we walk with God. Romans 10:17 tells us that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word and spend time in His presence, the stronger our faith becomes. Strong faith is necessary to accomplish greater exploits for God’s kingdom.

Biblical Example: The Faith of Daniel (Daniel 6:10-23) 
Daniel’s faith was tested when he was thrown into the lion’s den for refusing to stop praying to God. His unwavering faith and trust in God’s deliverance resulted in a miraculous rescue. His life is a testimony that living by faith attracts God’s supernatural intervention.

5. THE REWARD OF FAITH 

a) Faith That Pleases God 
Hebrews 11:6 tells us that faith pleases God, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. The reward of faith is not only the fulfilment of God’s promises but also a deeper relationship with Him. When we trust God, we experience His presence, power, and provision in our lives.

b) Faith That Changes Generations 
The exploits of faith go beyond our individual lives and impact generations. The faith of Abraham, Moses, David, and others did not just affect them but influenced future generations. Our faith has the power to change our families, communities, and nations for the glory of God.

Biblical Example: The Faith of Moses (Hebrews 11:24-29) 
Moses chose to follow God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. His faith led him to lead the Israelites out of bondage and toward the Promised Land. Moses’ faith not only changed his destiny but the destiny of an entire nation.

CONCLUSION 
Faith is the key to doing great exploits for God. It is the foundation of our relationship with Him, the force that drives us to action, the strength that enables us to overcome obstacles, and the lifestyle that pleases God. As believers, we are called to live by faith and to trust God for the impossible. When we walk in faith, we can achieve exploits that bring glory to God and transform lives. Let us commit ourselves to a life of unwavering faith, trusting God for great things.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Lord, strengthen my faith and help me to trust You for the impossible. 

2. Father, give me the boldness to take steps of faith, knowing that You are with me. 

3. Lord, remove every obstacle in my life that hinders me from walking in faith. 

4. Father, help me to live a life of faith that pleases You daily. 

5. Lord, increase my faith as I hear and meditate on Your Word.
 
6. Father, let my faith produce great exploits for Your kingdom.
 
7. Lord, give me the endurance to stand firm in faith, even in times of trials. 

8. Father, reward my faith with the fulfilment of Your promises in my life. 

9. Lord, let my faith impact generations and bring transformation to my community. 

10. Father, empower me to live a life that demonstrates Your power through faith.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. You will do great exploits through your faith, and nothing shall be impossible for you. 

2. Every mountain in your life will be removed as you trust in the power of faith. 

3. Your faith will produce results that will bring glory to God in this season. 

4. You will walk on water and overcome every storm that comes your way through faith. 

5. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will reward your faith with miracles and breakthroughs. 

6. As you step out in faith, you will see divine opportunities manifest before you. 

7. Your faith will open doors that no man can shut. 

8. You will overcome every obstacle, and nothing shall hinder your progress by faith. 

9. Your faith will inspire and impact future generations for God's glory. 

10. You are entering a season of exploits, where God will use you mightily to accomplish great things.

Go forth and walk by faith, for through faith, you shall achieve mighty exploits in Jesus' name!