This month, we’re continuing our study of Hebrews. This is absolutely essential if you want to operate in the New Covenant grace Jesus purchased for us. Hebrews is a radical book and contrary to modern-day Christianity, where many still live under the Old Covenant and haven’t entered into the freedom and the liberty available through Jesus in the New Covenant. That’s really the heart of it.
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is known as the “Hall of Faith” because it shows the extraordinary exploits of many people in the Old Testament. The key takeaway from each example is that it wasn’t just about their physical actions, but their heart attitude of faith. So, even under the Old Covenant, it was faith that was the victory that overcame the world, not just performance. As 1 John 5:4 says, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
Abraham and Sarah’s story is a prime example of this. The scripture below is one of the most important things that I’ve ever seen in the Word of God, and it has literally changed my life.
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Hebrews 11:15
This verse has deeply impacted my understanding and highlights a profound truth: you cannot be tempted by something you don’t think about. Abraham and Sarah didn’t dwell on returning to their old life; therefore, they weren’t tempted to go back. They were focused on what lay ahead, not what they left behind.
Many people find themselves constantly battling temptation because they let their minds dwell on things they should avoid. They end up struggling, trying to hold on and plead with God to hold them steady so that they’ll last. But it’s because they shouldn’t have ever been thinking that way in the first place. You won’t be tempted with something if you don’t think about it. For instance, I’ve dealt with a lot of Christian men who struggled with lust, largely because they viewed pornography. They thought of it as harmless because they were just looking. But even this “just looking” involves thinking about things that lead to greater temptation.
Jesus made it clear in Matthew 5:28 that lustful thoughts are equivalent to committing adultery. Sin begins in our minds. James 1:15 says, “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
Sin doesn’t strike us unexpectedly; it starts with our thoughts. But if we guard our minds and avoid thinking about such things, we won’t be tempted by them. This principle applies to all areas of our lives. For example, if someone is worried about their health, they might struggle with fear because they focus on the negative possibilities instead of standing on God’s promises, such as Psalm 118:17: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” You see, God’s Word is full of promises of healing and wholeness (Ps. 103:2–3 and 1 Pet. 2:24).
If you’re struggling with faith, healing, or any other issue, it often comes down to what you are focusing on. Are you giving place to doubts and fears, or are you holding fast to God’s promises? God’s Word is an incorruptible seed (1 Pet. 1:23) that will produce results if you let it grow in your heart. Your part is to nurture that seed by fixing your thoughts on God’s truth. If you’re not seeing results, it might be because you’re letting contrary thoughts undermine your faith.
We need to remember that faith is not a feeling but a choice—a choice to focus on God’s promises, to ignore the distractions and doubts, and to live with the assurance that what He has promised, He is also able to perform (Rom. 4:20–21).
If you enjoyed what I shared here, visit my website at awmi.net, where you’ll find additional free teachings and resources. If you need prayer, I encourage you to call my Helpline at 719-635-1111, where one of my trained prayer ministers would love to pray with you.
We love you,
Andrew and Jamie
