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). We just need to focus on God’s promises rather than our fears.
I recall a time when I was an enthusiastic young believer, passionately sharing my faith wherever I went. At age eighteen, I had a profound encounter with God that transformed my life. I became intensely devoted, which led me to join a group travelling to hear Billy Graham speak in Switzerland. During a stop in New York City, I found myself in Times Square, witnessing to anyone who would listen. I encountered many people, including a group of prostitutes, whom I shared tracts with. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the reality of their situation, so I wasn’t even tempted by it because I didn’t think that way. My focus was on spreading the Gospel, not on what I was surrounded by.
In the same way, when Abraham was tested by God to offer up his son Isaac, he didn’t dwell on the potential losses or challenges he saw in the natural. His faith was so strong that he trusted God to raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. I don’t believe God ever truly wanted Isaac as a physical sacrifice—He simply wanted Abraham’s complete trust and willingness to obey.
What an encouraging example to fix our eyes on God’s promises rather than our fears or doubts. This is mirrored in Romans 8:6, where it says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Being spiritually minded means letting God’s Word guide your thoughts and actions, rather than being controlled by your senses or life’s uncertainties.
You know, when God touched my life, I became so focussed on Him that I went about twenty years without even watching TV. Sure, I missed out on a lot of American and pop culture, but I didn’t miss anything that truly mattered. I haven’t dealt with depression, serious sickness, or poverty. Instead, I’ve witnessed incredible miracles and lives transformed by the Word of God. My point is, while you might miss some worldly things by focussing on God, the trade-off is a life overflowing with spiritual fruit and divine encounters.
If you’re struggling with faith, healing, or any other issue, it often comes down to what you are focussing 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). Whether we face personal challenges or global uncertainties, our focus on God’s Word will keep us anchored in faith, peace, and strength.
I want you to experience the full freedom of the New Covenant and understand the power of faith.
This article is just a starting point, so I encourage you to get my full teaching, titled Hebrews: Living in the New Covenant Reality. I believe it’ll help you overcome temptations and truly embrace the freedom Christ offers.
We’re offering the hardcover book for £22. Your generosity helps us continue spreading the Gospel to those in need. This teaching is also available in CD, DVD, or USB format.
To order, visit awme.net/hebrews, or call our UK Helpline on +44(0)1922 473300.
We love you.
Andrew and Jamie
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). We just need to focus on God’s promises rather than our fears.
I recall a time when I was an enthusiastic young believer, passionately sharing my faith wherever I went. At age eighteen, I had a profound encounter with God that transformed my life. I became intensely devoted, which led me to join a group travelling to hear Billy Graham speak in Switzerland. During a stop in New York City, I found myself in Times Square, witnessing to anyone who would listen. I encountered many people, including a group of prostitutes, whom I shared tracts with. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the reality of their situation, so I wasn’t even tempted by it because I didn’t think that way. My focus was on spreading the Gospel, not on what I was surrounded by.
In the same way, when Abraham was tested by God to offer up his son Isaac, he didn’t dwell on the potential losses or challenges he saw in the natural. His faith was so strong that he trusted God to raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. I don’t believe God ever truly wanted Isaac as a physical sacrifice—He simply wanted Abraham’s complete trust and willingness to obey.
What an encouraging example to fix our eyes on God’s promises rather than our fears or doubts. This is mirrored in Romans 8:6, where it says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Being spiritually minded means letting God’s Word guide your thoughts and actions, rather than being controlled by your senses or life’s uncertainties.
You know, when God touched my life, I became so focussed on Him that I went about twenty years without even watching TV. Sure, I missed out on a lot of American and pop culture, but I didn’t miss anything that truly mattered. I haven’t dealt with depression, serious sickness, or poverty. Instead, I’ve witnessed incredible miracles and lives transformed by the Word of God. My point is, while you might miss some worldly things by focussing on God, the trade-off is a life overflowing with spiritual fruit and divine encounters.
If you’re struggling with faith, healing, or any other issue, it often comes down to what you are focussing 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). Whether we face personal challenges or global uncertainties, our focus on God’s Word will keep us anchored in faith, peace, and strength.
I want you to experience the full freedom of the New Covenant and understand the power of faith.
This article is just a starting point, so I encourage you to get my full teaching, titled Hebrews: Living in the New Covenant Reality. I believe it’ll help you overcome temptations and truly embrace the freedom Christ offers.
We’re offering the hardcover book for £22. Your generosity helps us continue spreading the Gospel to those in need. This teaching is also available in CD, DVD, or USB format.
To order, visit awme.net/hebrews, or call our UK Helpline on +44(0)1922 473300.
We love you.
Andrew and Jamie
Hebrews: Living in the New Covenant Reality
In this verse-by-verse study of the book of Hebrews, you’ll learn how to embrace the finished work of Jesus and experience God's best for your life.
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