The article "Four More Feats of Faith" by Don Fortner addresses the theological topic of faith's power as demonstrated in the lives of biblical figures. Fortner emphasizes how faith, when placed in God, enables believers to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, presenting nine feats of faith narrated in Hebrews 11:32-34. He highlights specific examples such as David and the prophets who escaped death by the sword, deriving strength from their weakness, and engaging valiantly in spiritual warfare, supported by references to 1 Samuel, 1 Kings, and 2 Corinthians. The significance of this teaching is grounded in the Reformed understanding that God's grace empowers believers, demonstrating that true strength comes from reliance on Christ, a principle that is both doctrinally enriching and practically applicable for Christians facing difficulties today.
Key Quotes
“Faith, leaning upon the arm of Omnipotence, accomplishes that which would otherwise be impossible.”
“When we are weak, then we are strong; for only when we are weak is Christ made to be our Strength.”
“Poor weak helpless insignificant insufficient creatures like us, when walking in faith, are made strong in Christ.”
“Faith waxes most valiant when she most depends upon her omnipotent Savior.”
What does the Bible say about faith overcoming obstacles?
The Bible illustrates that faith can conquer great challenges, as seen in Hebrews 11:32-34, where believers achieved the impossible through their trust in God.
Hebrews 11:32-34
How do we know that God strengthens us in weakness?
2 Corinthians 12:10 assures us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, allowing His power to sustain us.
2 Corinthians 12:10
Why is faith important for Christians?
Faith is essential for Christians as it enables them to trust God and overcome the trials of life, providing assurance of His promises.
Hebrews 11:32-34, Romans 8:38-39
What examples does the Bible give for faith in action?
The Bible provides numerous examples of faith in action, such as those in Hebrews 11 who accomplished great feats through trusting in God's promises.
Hebrews 11:32-34
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. - Hebrews 11:32-34Four More Feats of Faith
"And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens." Hebrews 11:32-34
In Hebrews 11:33-34 the Holy Spirit directs our attention to nine specific feats of faith. In these nine examples of faith, meeting great obstacles and overcoming them, we are taught that faith, leaning upon the arm of Omnipotence, accomplishes that which would otherwise be impossible. We have looked at five of these great works of faith already. Now, let’s look at the last four.
“Escaped the edge of the sword”
Certainly David, Elijah, and Jeremiah escaped the persecutor’s sword by faith (1 Sam. 18:4; 1 Kings 18:10; Jer. 39:15-18). There is no question that persecuted believers escape the edge of the persecutor’s sword, by the grace of God. Believing God, even when beheaded, they escape the edge of the sword. That which is intended to be the instrument of death is the instrument of life for God’s elect. But this line, like all those things written in the Book of God, was written for us and about us.
The Sword of the Spirit, by which we are brought under the sentence of death, that Sword whose edge slays us in Holy Spirit conviction, that Sword proceeding out of the mouth of the King of kings and Lord of lords, is itself the source of faith, by which we escape the edge of the Sword, for it brings us to our knees before the throne of grace, suing for mercy in faith (Heb. 4:12-16).
“Out of weakness were made strong”
Samson, in his weakest hour, was out of weakness made strong. Hezekiah was, upon his deathbed, out of weakness made strong and became the father of Josiah, the progenitor of the Christ.
Can this apply to us? Of course it does! Notice, the text does not simply say that these were made strong when they were weak. It says, they “out of weakness were made strong!” Here is the great source of strength for faith. When we are weak, then we are strong, for only when we are weak is Christ made to be our Strength and trusted as our Strength (2 Cor. 12:1-10).
“Waxed valiant in fight”
This phrase could refer to any of the Judges, or to David, or any of those kings in Israel who were valiant in war, or to any of
those mighty prophets of old. But, again, the purpose of the Holy Spirit in this place is to teach us about faith and to encourage us in faith.
This is what he is teaching us. — Poor, weak, helpless, insignificant, insufficient creatures like us, when walking in faith, are made strong in Christ and are made to wax valiant in the fight of faith by his omnipotent grace. Faith refuses to be intimidated by opposition. Faith is undaunted by reason. Faith stubbornly refuses to give in to cowardice.
The kingdoms of the flesh and of the world will not stop faith in her path. Roaring lions may make us tremble; but they will be subdued. The violence of fire will not prevent faith from pursuing Christ. The persecutor’s sword will not cause faith to give up Christ. Weakness will not cause faith to give up the fight. Faith waxes most valiant when she most depends upon her omnipotent Savior.
“Turned to flight the armies of the aliens!”
Did not Joshua put Ai and the five kings of the Amorites to flight (Joshua 10:1-10)? Did not David put to flight the armies of the Philistines at Baal-perazim, smiting them hip and thigh, from Geba to Gazer (2 Sam. 5:17-25)? So it shall be with all who believe, with all who trust the Lord Jesus Christ. We, too, shall put to flight the armies of the aliens: our sins, Satan, and the world (Ex. 15:11-18).
“Who shall condemn to endless flames
The chosen people of our God,
Since in the Book of Life their names
Are clearly writ in Jesus’ blood?
He, for the sins of His elect,
Hath a complete atonement made:
And justice never can expect
That the same debt should twice be paid!
Not tribulation, nakedness,
The famine, peril, or sword,
Not persecutions, or distress,
Can separate from Christ the Lord!
Nor life, nor death, nor depth, nor height,
Nor powers below, nor powers above,
Nor present things, nor things to come,
Can change His purposes of love!
His sovereign mercy knows no end,
His faithfulness shall still endure:
And those who on His Word depend
Shall find His Word for ever sure!”
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