Introduction: Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the ‘Faith Hall of Fame.’ This profound chapter outlines the nature of faith and teaches it through the lives of the saints from biblical history. Faith is spoken of as the means by which people from all generations have connected with God and carried out His will, despite not always seeing the fulfillment of His promises in their lifetimes. By studying the examples of faith set by these saints of God, we can better understand the nature of true faith and trust in God, which we sorely need in year 2024.
I. Hebrews 11:1-3 – Faith Defined
These verses defines faith as having confidence in what we hope for, and assurance in our hearts of the things we can not see (God, heaven, angels, etc.), another definition of faith is a few verses down – he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him(Hebrews 11:6). It explains that by faith, we understand the universe was formed at God’s command. Cross reference verses: Romans 8:24-25 (hope), 2 Corinthians 4:18 (unseen), and Genesis 1:1 (creation).
II. Hebrews 11:4 – The Faith of Abel
Abel’s offering to God by faith was more acceptable than Cain’s, which led to his approval from God of his righteousness. Cross reference verses: Genesis 4:3-5 (Abel’s story), Matthew 23:35 (his righteousness), and 1 John 3:12 (contrast with Cain).
III. Hebrews 11:5-6 – The Faith of Enoch
Enoch’s faith was so pleasing to God that he did not die, but was taken by God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Cross reference verses: Genesis 5:24 (Enoch’s departure), Jude 1:14-15 (Enoch’s prophecy), and Ephesians 2:8 (faith and grace).
IV. Hebrews 11:7 – The Faith of Noah
Noah built an ark by faith, taking some 75 to 100 years, heeding God’s warning about a flood that was coming. His faith condemned the world and made him an heir of righteousness. Cross reference verses: Genesis 6:13-22 (Noah’s ark), 2 Peter 2:5 (Noah’s righteousness), and Matthew 24:38-39 (Noah’s era as a sign).
V. Hebrews 11:8-10 – The Faith of Abraham
Abraham obeyed God’s call to go to a place I tell you (unknown to Abraham), living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs of the same promise. He looked forward to a city with foundations designed and built by God. Cross reference verses: Genesis 12:1-4 (Abraham’s calling), Revelation 21:2 (heavenly city), and Romans 4:3 (Abraham’s faith counted as righteousness).
VI. Hebrews 11:11-12 – The Faith of Sarah
Sarah’s faith in God’s promise allowed her to conceive Isaac despite her old age. This faith led to an uncountable number of descendants, like stars in the sky. Cross reference verses: Genesis 18:11-14 (Sarah’s laughter and promise), Romans 9:8 (children of promise), and Genesis 15:5 (descendants like the stars).
VII. Hebrews 11:13-16 – The Faith of the Patriarchs
The patriarchs all died in faith, never receiving the promises of God, but seeing them from afar through the eyes of faith. They understood they were strangers on earth and desired a better, heavenly country. Cross reference verses: Genesis 23:4 (strangers and sojourners), Philippians 3:20 (citizenship in heaven), and Genesis 49:33 (Jacob’s faith at death).
VIII. Hebrews 11:17-19 – The Faith of Abraham Tested
Abraham’s faith was tested when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, his only son from Sarah. He believed God could raise the dead, which foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection. Cross reference verses: Genesis 22:1-14 (Isaac’s sacrifice), James 2:21 (justified by works), and Romans 4:17 (God gives life to the dead).
IX. Hebrews 11:20-22 – The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph each showed the faith at the end of their lives, blessing future generations and speaking of promises from God to come one day. Cross reference verses: Genesis 27:27-29 (Isaac’s blessing), Genesis 48:15-16 (Jacob’s blessing), and Genesis 50:24-25 (Joseph’s faith in God’s promise).
X. Hebrews 11:23-29 – The Faith of Moses
Moses’ faith led him away from Egypt and to a freedom to keep the Passover. He and the Israelites were able to pass through the Red Sea as on dry land. Cross reference verses: Exodus 2:2 (Moses’ parents), Exodus 12:21-28 (first Passover), and 1 Corinthians 5:7 (Christ our Passover lamb).
XI. Hebrews 11:30-40 – The Faith of Various Old Testament Figures
The faith of the Israelites (Joshua was the leader) led to the fall of Jericho’s walls and many other things they accomplished because of their faith. Some faced persecution and death, looking forward to a better day when they went to be with the Lord. Cross reference verses: Joshua 6:20 (Jericho’s fall), Daniel 3:17-18 (faith in persecution), and 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (the fight of faith).
Conclusion: The spiritual message of Hebrews 11 is a call to trust in God’s promises, even when fulfillment seems that it will never happen or impossible. The saints of God in this chapter lived by faith, setting examples for all believers then and now to follow. Their legacy teaches us that faith is not merely to believer, but to trust and obey God to the point that it changes their lives, and that shaped their destinies. It shows us that through faith, we too can become part of this great cloud of witnesses, inspiring others to live a life dedicated to God’s purposes.
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