God Rewards – Hebrews 11:6 Who is God? What is God like? How does God interact with us?
“And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 ESV RSV NASB CSB
Context: Holy Spirit inspired letter to Jewish followers of Jesus. Hebrews 11 focus on the decision, by significant people in their history (in ch. 11 order same as Gen. Ex. Josh, Judges, Ruth, Sam, Chron.), to believe in God, and both the “here and now” response of God as well as the coming ultimate fulfillment of their faith upon Christ’s return. Important to note that it speaks of the Old Testament, New Testament, and future Day of the Lord as three spiritual eras. God rewarding faith is the focus (Enoch pleased God so much…). This powerful and memorable verse relates to the teaching of Jesus, in Matthew 5.
Reward – positive response, recompense, reimbursement, payment, (common word in ancient Roman and Greek cultures)
…”earnestly seek him,” – NIV
…”sincerely seek him,” – NLT
…”must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.” – NCV
”Without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith knowing that he is real and that he rewards the faith of those who give all their passion and strength into seeking him.” – Hebrews 11:6 TPT
“It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 The Message
What is Jesus teaching? How are these thoughts connected to Hebrews 11:6 and relevant to us?
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Change your hearts and lives, because the kingdom of heaven is near.’” – Matthew 4:17 NCV summary of Jesus’ teaching
Matthew 5:3-10 NLT “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” – Matthew 5:3-10 NLT
“Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34 NCV
“Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. Yes, everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8 NCV
What do we learn?
1. God provides and rewards with blessing.
2. God responds to those who diligently seek him.
What should we do?
1. Pray, asking God to help you remove anything that is getting in the way of your pursuit of him.
2. Write a gratitude list of ways that God has provided for you and rewarded your faithful pursuit of him.
3. Share your list with other people.