Sermons on Hebrews 11:24-26

Hebrews 11:24-26 Interpretation:

Finding True Security in God's Eternal Blessings (Saanich Baptist Church) offers a unique interpretation by framing Moses’ choice in Hebrews 11:24-26 as a radical rejection of both privilege and entitlement, not just wealth. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between “choosing heaven over hell” and the more difficult “choosing heaven over earth,” suggesting that many Christians are willing to avoid damnation but are not willing to relinquish earthly comforts for the sake of Christ. The preacher uses the analogy of “open hands” to describe the posture Moses adopts—holding all privilege and blessing loosely for the sake of Christ. The sermon also explores the psychological defensiveness that arises when wealth or comfort is threatened, suggesting that this defensiveness is a spiritual indicator of misplaced trust. The preacher further employs the metaphor of “cultivating a vision of heaven” as the antidote to the allure of temporary pleasures, arguing that a robust hope in eternity liberates believers from the tyranny of entitlement and the need for legacy or remembrance in this life.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Journey from Power to Purpose (Tony Evans) provides a notable insight by emphasizing the dual “mothering” of Moses—his Hebrew mother whispering his true identity and Pharaoh’s daughter offering him the world. This duality is used as a metaphor for the believer’s own divided loyalties between God’s call and cultural allure. The sermon highlights the Greek word for “considering” (hegeomai), explaining that Moses’ decision was not impulsive but a careful, reasoned weighing of pros and cons, especially regarding the “passing pleasures of sin.” The preacher’s candid admission that “sin is fun, but it’s seasonal” is a fresh, honest take, and he frames Moses’ choice as a rational calculation that the “payoff with Christ is better than the payoff with the world.”

Choosing Faith: Moses' Bold Rejection of Worldly Gains (Spurgeon Sermon Series) offers a deeply detailed and historically rich interpretation, contrasting Moses’ faith with that of Rahab to show that faith is not just for the “lowly” but also for the privileged and educated. Spurgeon uniquely explores the psychological and social cost of Moses’ decision, suggesting that Moses may have tried to “serve God and remain the son of Pharaoh’s daughter too” for years, and only faith enabled him to break free from compromise. The sermon uses the metaphor of “breaking away from the nets of the fowler” to describe Moses’ decisive action, and Spurgeon’s extended analogy of “the worst of Christ is better than the best of the world” is a powerful interpretive lens. He also explores the idea that Moses’ faith was not just in God, but specifically in the coming Christ, seeing Moses as looking forward to the Messiah and thus enduring “as seeing him who is invisible.”

Choosing Faith: Moses' Decision and Our Identity (MLJTrust) interprets Hebrews 11:24-26 through the lens of existential identity, arguing that Moses’ crisis was fundamentally about realizing “who he was”—not the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, but a child of God. The preacher uses the analogy of “crisis” as a universal element in true conversion, insisting that no one becomes a Christian unconsciously; there is always a moment of decision. The sermon also frames Moses’ choice as a rejection of the world’s definition of humanity (as mere animal) in favor of the biblical view of humans as eternal souls made for God. The preacher’s use of the phrase “take the long view” is a distinctive interpretive motif, urging listeners to weigh all choices in light of eternity, as Moses did.

Enduring Faith: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus (Pastor Chuck Smith) interprets Hebrews 11:24-26 by drawing a vivid contrast between “the worst that God has to offer” (reproach, suffering) and “the best the world has to offer” (pleasures of Egypt), concluding that even God’s worst is better than the world’s best. The sermon uses the metaphor of running a race, with Moses as an example of someone who “weighed the eternal consequences” and chose accordingly. The preacher encourages listeners to “lay aside every weight,” not just sin, but anything that impedes spiritual progress, and to “run with patience,” emphasizing the marathon-like nature of the Christian life.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (David Guzik) offers a unique interpretation of Hebrews 11:24-26 by framing Moses’ decision as a radical act of identity formation, not merely a rejection of privilege but a faith-driven redefinition of self. Guzik draws out the nuance that Moses’ choice was not dictated by genetics or upbringing but by faith, emphasizing that Moses’ “seeing” of his brethren in Exodus 2:11 (with the Hebrew verb connoting emotional engagement) was a pivotal moment of self-identification. He uses the analogy of “writing your own movie” to illustrate how Christian identity is not about making Jesus a supporting actor in our story, but about surrendering our story to become part of Christ’s. This sermon also highlights the threefold question of identity: “Who am I not? Who am I? To whom do I belong?” and applies it to the Christian life, suggesting that Moses’ faith-based identity is a template for believers to transcend cultural, genetic, and historical determinants.

Radical Living: Embracing Sacrifice for Christ's Glory (Desiring God) introduces a novel metaphor: the “ticket becomes the treasure.” The preacher reflects on how Christ’s atoning work is not just a means to an end (heaven, reward) but is itself the supreme reward—Christ is both the ticket and the treasure. This sermon also uniquely emphasizes that the “supremacy of Christ” in Hebrews is not only about his qualifications to save but about his being the ultimate object of our joy and reward, especially as encapsulated in the phrase “he considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.” The preacher’s personal struggle to find a metaphor for this (“ticket becomes the treasure”) is itself a fresh interpretive angle, highlighting the inseparability of Christ’s work and person as the believer’s ultimate hope.

Faith, Hope, and Love: A Transformative Journey (Desiring God) provides a distinctive linguistic and theological insight by connecting the “reward” Moses looked to in Hebrews 11:26 with the “hope laid up for you in heaven” from Colossians 1. The sermon unpacks the logic that the objective reality of hope/reward must become a subjective experience through faith, which then produces love. The preacher’s focus on the Greek term for “looking” (as an act of faith that transforms objective hope into subjective motivation) is a nuanced contribution, as is the detailed tracing of how faith, hope, and love are interrelated in the Pauline and Hebrews traditions.

Saving Faith: Treasuring Christ Above All Else (Desiring God) interprets Hebrews 11:24-26 by highlighting the "affectional" dimension of faith, arguing that faith is not just intellectual assent but involves "treasuring" the reward God promises. The sermon uses the analogy of faith as a present "substance" or "experience" of the hoped-for reality, which empowers believers to turn away from the fleeting pleasures of sin. The preacher draws on the Greek term for "substance" and connects it to the idea that Moses' faith was a present enjoyment of the future reward, which "cut the nerve" of Egypt's temptations. The sermon also uses metaphors from the Gospel of John, such as faith as "drinking water" and "eating bread," to reinforce the experiential, satisfying nature of faith.

The Transformative Power of Holiness and Obedience (Desiring God) provides a distinctive analogy for interpreting Hebrews 11:24-26, comparing the fleeting pleasures of sin to an "ebony brooch" that, when exposed to the light of God's holiness, is revealed to be a "roach." This vivid metaphor illustrates the transformation that occurs when one sees the true value of Christ versus the deceptive allure of sin. The sermon also frames Moses' choice as a paradigm for radical obedience, motivated by a superior satisfaction in God rather than mere duty or legalism.

Faith in Future Grace: Liberating Love and Sacrifice (Desiring God) interprets Hebrews 11:24-26 through the lens of "faith in future grace," emphasizing that Moses' choice was a rational weighing of joys: the fleeting pleasures of Egypt versus the lasting reward of God. The sermon uses investment language, likening Moses' decision to choosing a "long-term, high-yield, blue chip investment" over a "low yield, short-term" one. It also frames Moses' faith as a liberating force that frees believers from materialism and the bondage of this world, making them "free men" who can embrace suffering for the sake of Christ.

Finding Joy and Endurance Through Christ's Supremacy (Desiring God) offers a detailed and unique interpretation of Hebrews 11:24-26 by focusing on the concept of "serious joy" as the spring of love. The sermon draws a direct parallel between Jesus' endurance of the cross "for the joy set before him" and Moses' choice to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of Egypt. The preacher emphasizes that Moses' faith was not merely intellectual assent but an affectional treasuring of the future reward, which severed the root of sinful pleasures. The sermon also highlights the Greek word for "substance" (hypostasis) in Hebrews 11:1, arguing that faith is the present experience of a hoped-for reality, thus Moses' faith allowed him to taste the future joy in the present, empowering his sacrificial choices. The analogy of running a marathon is used to illustrate the Christian life, with Moses as a model of someone who lays aside "weights" and "sins" to run for the ultimate reward.

Saving Faith: Treasuring Christ Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) provides a notable insight by interpreting Hebrews 11:24-26 through the lens of "affectional faith." The preacher argues that Moses' faith was not just belief in facts but a treasuring of Christ and the reward God promises. The sermon draws out the idea that faith is the "substance" (hypostasis) of things hoped for, meaning that faith is a present, substantial experience of a future, desired reality. Moses' rejection of Egypt's treasures is seen as a shift of loves—a preference for Christ over the fleeting pleasures of sin. The preacher uses the language of "treasuring" and "affectional dimension" to describe Moses' faith, emphasizing that true saving faith involves a compelling preference for Christ as the all-satisfying reward.

Enduring Joy: Running the Race of Faith (SermonIndex.net) interprets Hebrews 11:24-26 by connecting Moses' choice to the broader theme of Christian hedonism: that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him, especially in suffering. The sermon uniquely stresses that Moses' faith enabled him to see the pleasures of Egypt as "ridiculously short" compared to eternal joy, and that the "reproach of Christ" was esteemed as greater wealth. The preacher uses the analogy of running a marathon, with Moses as a runner who lays aside both "weights" (not just sins) to maximize his effectiveness. The sermon also addresses the objection that seeking joy in God is selfish, arguing that pursuing joy in God through sacrificial love is the biblical paradigm and not selfishness, because it seeks to bring others into that joy.

Living by Faith: Lessons from Moses' Journey (SermonIndex.net) offers a distinct interpretation by framing Moses' choices in Hebrews 11:24-26 as a rejection of the "honor, pleasure, and treasures" of the world—paralleling 1 John 2:16's "lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life." The preacher highlights that Moses' faith led him to choose the invisible (the future Christ and his reproach) over the visible rewards of Egypt. The sermon also draws out the idea that Moses' faith was tested and refined through suffering and humility, and that his choices are a model for Christians to reject worldly values and embrace suffering for Christ's sake.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (SermonIndex.net) offers a unique interpretation of Hebrews 11:24-26 by framing Moses’ decision as a radical act of identity formation that transcends both genetic heritage and cultural upbringing. The sermon draws a sharp distinction between identity based on genetics, culture, or privilege and identity formed “by faith.” It uses the analogy of Moses refusing both the privilege of Egyptian royalty and the limitations of his Hebrew slave background, instead choosing a new identity rooted in faith and God’s calling. The preacher also employs a modern metaphor, comparing the Christian life to switching from starring in your own movie (with Jesus as a supporting actor) to becoming a supporting actor in Jesus’ story, emphasizing a total reorientation of self. The sermon further highlights the original Hebrew nuance in Exodus 2:11, noting that Moses “saw with emotion” the burdens of his people, which shaped his faith-driven identity choice.

Enduring Joy: Glorifying God Through Suffering and Love (SermonIndex.net) interprets Hebrews 11:24-26 through the lens of joy as the sustaining force behind sacrificial choices. The preacher draws a direct parallel between Moses’ choice and Jesus’ endurance of the cross, arguing that both were motivated by a vision of future joy (“the reward”). The sermon uniquely addresses the accusation that seeking reward is selfish, contending that true love is the pursuit of joy in God that overflows to include others, even at great personal cost. The fleeting pleasures of Egypt are contrasted with the abiding joy set before Moses, and the preacher insists that this paradigm is the key to overcoming selfishness and living a life of love.

Humility and Revelation: Transforming Lives Through God (SermonIndex.net) and "Transformative Revelation: Seeking God's Ways with Humility" (SermonIndex.net) both interpret Hebrews 11:24-26 as a sequence of three radical rejections by Moses: the honor of the world, the pleasures of sin, and the riches of Egypt. What is notable in these sermons is the emphasis on “revelation”—a spiritual insight or enlightenment that transforms one’s values instantly and deeply. The preacher asserts that Moses’ choices were not the result of gradual moral improvement but of a sudden, Spirit-given revelation that made worldly honors, sinful pleasures, and wealth lose their appeal. This is illustrated with the claim that true revelation leads to an immediate and profound change in attitude toward status, sin, and money, distinguishing mere intellectual knowledge from spiritual transformation.

Hebrews 11:24-26 Theological Themes:

Finding True Security in God's Eternal Blessings (Saanich Baptist Church) introduces the theme of “defensiveness as spiritual diagnosis,” suggesting that our emotional reactions to threats against comfort or wealth reveal where our trust truly lies. The sermon also develops the idea that “entitlement is the enemy of faith,” and that true security is found only in the sufficiency of Christ, not in any earthly blessing or legacy. The preacher’s assertion that “a lot of people have chosen heaven over hell, but not many have chosen heaven over earth” is a striking theological challenge, reframing discipleship as a call to radical detachment from worldly security.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Journey from Power to Purpose (Tony Evans) adds the theme of “faith as rational calculation,” emphasizing that biblical faith is not blind but involves a careful, reasoned assessment of the costs and rewards. The preacher’s honest acknowledgment of the pleasures of sin, coupled with the insistence that they are “seasonal,” reframes the Christian life as a series of conscious, reasoned choices rather than mere emotional responses.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Bold Rejection of Worldly Gains (Spurgeon Sermon Series) develops the theme of “faith as the great equalizer,” showing that both the privileged and the lowly are saved by the same faith, and that true faith leads to uncompromising allegiance to God’s people, regardless of their social status. Spurgeon’s insistence that “the worst of Christ is better than the best of the world” is a profound theological assertion, and his exploration of Moses’ faith in the coming Messiah adds a Christocentric dimension to the passage.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Decision and Our Identity (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of “identity as destiny,” arguing that the realization of one’s true identity as a child of God is the decisive factor in choosing faith over worldly gain. The sermon also explores the “essential rightness of the godly life” versus the “wrongness of the sinful life,” framing the Christian life as a moral and existential choice rooted in the truth of who we are before God.

Enduring Faith: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus (Pastor Chuck Smith) adds the theme of “eternal perspective as motivation,” urging believers to always “weigh things in the light of eternity.” The preacher’s focus on “laying aside every weight” expands the application of the passage beyond sin to include any hindrance, and his emphasis on the “marathon” nature of faithfulness offers a distinctive pastoral angle.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (David Guzik) introduces the theme that Christian identity is not ultimately determined by genetics, culture, or upbringing, but is radically transformed by faith. Guzik’s application that Moses’ faith-based identity allowed him to transcend both his Egyptian privilege and Hebrew genetics is a fresh angle, especially as he applies it to contemporary questions of identity, belonging, and group affiliation. He also explores the costliness of identity in Christ, arguing that true identity is always demonstrated in costly choices, not just mental assent.

Radical Living: Embracing Sacrifice for Christ's Glory (Desiring God) adds the facet that the supremacy of Christ is not only the means to our salvation but is itself the end and the reward. The preacher’s insistence that Christ’s “means work” (atonement, priesthood) is simultaneously the “end” (our everlasting enjoyment of his glory) is a nuanced theological claim, moving beyond the typical “heaven as reward” motif to a Christocentric vision of reward.

Faith, Hope, and Love: A Transformative Journey (Desiring God) presents the theme that the hope/reward of Hebrews 11:26 is not merely a future possession but must be subjectively appropriated by faith in order to produce love. The sermon’s detailed argument that faith is the “substance” or “taste” of things hoped for, and that this subjective experience is what enables sacrificial love, is a sophisticated theological development.

Saving Faith: Treasuring Christ Above All Else (Desiring God) adds the distinct theological theme that saving faith is fundamentally "affectional"—it is a treasuring or valuing of Christ and the promised reward above all else. The sermon insists that a "shift of loves" is at the root of saving faith, and that faith includes a present, affective delight in the unseen reward, which is what enables believers to forsake sin.

The Transformative Power of Holiness and Obedience (Desiring God) presents the theme that radical obedience and holiness are only possible when believers are captivated by the superior satisfaction found in God. The sermon critiques legalistic or duty-based obedience and insists that only a deep, soul-level delight in God can break the power of sin's promises. The analogy of the brooch/roach is used to show how the perception of sin changes when one is awakened to God's beauty.

Faith in Future Grace: Liberating Love and Sacrifice (Desiring God) develops the theme that faith in God's future promises ("future grace") is the key to liberating believers for sacrificial love and radical risk-taking. The sermon uniquely frames Moses' choice as a rational, joy-based calculation, and extends this to the Christian life, arguing that only a superior satisfaction in God's promises can free believers from the need for immediate payback or worldly security.

Finding Joy and Endurance Through Christ's Supremacy (Desiring God) introduces the theme that faith's present experience of future joy is what empowers radical love and endurance. The preacher argues that the joy set before Moses (and Christ) is not selfish but is the very means by which love is sustained, as it enables believers to joyfully accept suffering and loss for the sake of others. This theme is developed with the idea that faith "tastes" the future reward now, making present sacrifices possible and desirable.

Saving Faith: Treasuring Christ Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) presents the unique theological theme that saving faith is essentially "affectional"—it is not just intellectual assent but a treasuring of Christ above all else. The preacher contends that the new birth creates a shift of loves, so that faith is defined by a compelling preference for Christ as the supreme treasure, which is exemplified in Moses' choice in Hebrews 11:24-26.

Enduring Joy: Running the Race of Faith (SermonIndex.net) adds a new facet by addressing the ethical objection to Christian hedonism: that seeking one's own joy in God is selfish. The sermon argues that biblical love is not the abandonment of the pursuit of joy, but the pursuit of joy in God that overflows in sacrificial love for others, aiming to bring them into that same joy. This reframes the motivation for Christian living as a shared, multiplying joy rather than self-centeredness.

Living by Faith: Lessons from Moses' Journey (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theme that true faith involves a decisive break with the world's values—honor, pleasure, and wealth—and a willingness to embrace suffering and reproach for Christ. The preacher connects Moses' choices to the New Testament call to "go outside the camp" and bear Christ's reproach, emphasizing that faith is demonstrated by visible, costly decisions that align with God's purposes rather than worldly gain.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (SermonIndex.net) introduces the theological theme that Christian identity is not ultimately determined by genetics, culture, or upbringing, but is transformed by faith and God’s calling. The sermon explores the idea that faith enables believers to reject both inherited privilege and inherited disadvantage, forming a new identity in Christ that is lived out through concrete choices and costly associations. It also presents the theme that true Christian identity requires a renunciation of self as the central character in one’s life story, shifting to participation in Christ’s story.

Enduring Joy: Glorifying God Through Suffering and Love (SermonIndex.net) presents the distinct theological theme that the pursuit of joy in God is not antithetical to love but is its very foundation. The preacher argues that seeking the “reward” or “joy set before” is not selfishness but the means by which believers are empowered to endure suffering and love others sacrificially. This theme is further developed by showing that faith makes the future joy a present reality, enabling believers to experience joy “through tears” and in the midst of suffering.

Humility and Revelation: Transforming Lives Through God and "Transformative Revelation: Seeking God's Ways with Humility" (SermonIndex.net) both develop the theme that humility is the prerequisite for receiving divine revelation, which in turn produces a radical transformation of values. The sermons assert that without humility, one may possess doctrinal knowledge but will not experience the heart-level change that leads to the rejection of worldly honor, sinful pleasure, and wealth. The preacher also introduces the idea that revelation is not gradual but can be sudden and decisive, leading to an immediate loss of interest in the world’s attractions.

Hebrews 11:24-26 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Choosing Faith: Moses' Bold Rejection of Worldly Gains (Spurgeon Sermon Series) provides extensive historical context, describing Moses’ upbringing in the Egyptian court, his education in “all the wisdom of the Egyptians,” and the likely social and political implications of his decision. Spurgeon notes that Moses may have been the heir apparent to the throne, and that his choice involved not only leaving behind privilege and wealth but also severing ties with influential friends and embracing a despised, enslaved people. The sermon also discusses the spiritual state of the Israelites at the time—“spiritless serfs” with little to commend them socially or morally—making Moses’ identification with them all the more remarkable. Spurgeon’s references to Egyptian idolatry and the contrast with monotheistic faith further illuminate the cultural and religious backdrop of Moses’ choice.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Decision and Our Identity (MLJTrust) offers historical context by referencing Moses’ upbringing in Pharaoh’s palace, his education, and his military prowess, as well as the broader biblical motif of “the two ways” (God vs. the world) that recurs throughout Scripture. The preacher situates Moses’ crisis within the larger narrative of Israel’s history and the recurring biblical theme of decisive choice (e.g., Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joshua, Elijah), emphasizing that Moses’ decision was not forced by circumstances but was a response to an inner conviction brought about by God.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (David Guzik) provides significant historical context by comparing the legacy of slavery in the United States to the 350-year slavery of the Israelites in Egypt, emphasizing how deeply slavery shaped the identity of the Hebrew people. Guzik also references Josephus’ account that Moses was in line to be Pharaoh and a successful military general, highlighting the magnitude of what Moses renounced. He further explains the cultural significance of Moses’ adoption into Egyptian royalty, noting that Egyptian rulers were considered divine descendants, which intensifies the radical nature of Moses’ choice to identify with the Hebrew slaves.

Radical Living: Embracing Sacrifice for Christ's Glory (Desiring God) offers contextual insight into the structure of Hebrews as a “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22), noting that it is likely the only full sermon in the New Testament addressed to Christians, and that its original delivery would have lasted about 50 minutes. The preacher also situates the call to “go outside the camp” in the context of first-century Jerusalem, explaining that “outside the gate” was a place of danger, uncleanness, and exclusion, thus intensifying the call to radical discipleship.

Faith in Future Grace: Liberating Love and Sacrifice (Desiring God) provides historical context about the ancient practice of caring for prisoners, noting that in the time of Hebrews, prisoners depended on friends for food and support, as the state did not provide for them. The sermon explains that identifying with prisoners could result in one's own imprisonment or the plundering of one's property, highlighting the real social and economic risks faced by early Christians. This context deepens the understanding of what it meant for Moses to choose mistreatment with God's people and for believers to accept the loss of property joyfully.

Living by Faith: Lessons from Moses' Journey (SermonIndex.net) provides historical context by describing the privileges and temptations of life in Pharaoh's palace, noting that Egypt was the most powerful and wealthy nation of its time, and that Moses' rejection of its honors, pleasures, and treasures was a radical act. The sermon also explains the process of Moses' training in Egyptian wisdom and his subsequent humbling in the wilderness, highlighting the cultural and educational background that Moses left behind to identify with God's people. The preacher further contextualizes Moses' choice by referencing the ancient world's view of honor and status, and the significance of aligning with a slave people rather than remaining in royal privilege.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (SermonIndex.net) provides detailed historical context by comparing the duration and legacy of Israelite slavery in Egypt (approximately 350 years) to African-American slavery in the United States (about 165 years). The preacher uses this comparison to illustrate how deeply the identity of slavery was ingrained in the Hebrew people, making Moses’ choice to identify with them all the more radical. The sermon also references the ancient Jewish historian Josephus, who claimed that Moses was in line to be the next Pharaoh and a successful military general, highlighting the magnitude of what Moses gave up.

Humility and Revelation: Transforming Lives Through God and "Transformative Revelation: Seeking God's Ways with Humility" (SermonIndex.net) both provide historical context by noting that Egypt was the richest country in the world at the time, and that Moses’ rejection of its treasures was a rejection of the highest possible worldly wealth and status. They also mention the cultural importance of honor, family, and caste in both ancient and modern contexts, drawing parallels to contemporary attitudes toward status and privilege.

Hebrews 11:24-26 Cross-References in the Bible:

Finding True Security in God's Eternal Blessings (Saanich Baptist Church) references Psalm 49, using it to highlight the futility of trusting in wealth and the universal human longing for significance and legacy. The preacher also cites Matthew 5:3 (“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”) to reinforce the idea that spiritual poverty, not material wealth, is the true basis for blessing. Ephesians 1 is referenced to affirm the believer’s eternal value and chosenness in Christ, and the parable of the treasure in the field (Matthew 13:44) is used to illustrate the surpassing worth of God’s kingdom. The sermon also alludes to Matthew 6:19-21 (“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth...”) and Matthew 25 (“Well done, good and faithful servant”) to reinforce the eternal perspective.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Journey from Power to Purpose (Tony Evans) references Acts 7, noting that Moses’ Hebrew mother nurtured him and instilled in him his true identity, which is used to explain the internal conflict Moses experienced. The preacher also alludes to the broader biblical theme of “reproach for the sake of Christ,” connecting Moses’ experience to the New Testament call to bear the cross.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Bold Rejection of Worldly Gains (Spurgeon Sermon Series) references the story of Rahab as a foil to Moses, highlighting the universality of faith. Spurgeon also cites the words of Jesus (“He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me... unless a man forsake all that he has he cannot be my disciple”) to underscore the radical demands of discipleship. The sermon references the Ten Commandments, the story of the rich young ruler, and the broader biblical motif of “coming out from among them” to reinforce the call to separation and allegiance to God’s people.

Choosing Faith: Moses' Decision and Our Identity (MLJTrust) references Acts 7 (Stephen’s speech), Deuteronomy (Moses’ farewell address), Joshua (“Choose you this day whom ye will serve”), Elijah on Mount Carmel (“How long halt ye between two opinions?”), Matthew 7 (“Enter in at the strait gate...”), and Romans 6 (“What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed?”). The preacher also alludes to the parable of the sower and the words of Jesus (“What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”) to reinforce the eternal stakes of the decision.

Enduring Faith: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus (Pastor Chuck Smith) references Matthew 24:13 (“He that endures to the end shall be saved”), the parable of the sower, and the story of Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13-14) to illustrate the necessity of perseverance and faith in the face of overwhelming odds. The preacher also alludes to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (“Run in such a way as to get the prize”) and Matthew 25 (“Well done, good and faithful servant”) to reinforce the athletic metaphor and the goal of eternal reward.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (David Guzik) references Exodus 2:11 (Moses’ seeing his brethren), Acts 7:23 (Moses’ age and motivation), and draws a parallel to the rejection of Jesus as “prince and judge” (Acts 7:27, 35), using these to illustrate the pattern of God’s chosen leaders being rejected by their own people. He also alludes to the early church’s experience of slander and persecution (without specific verses), and to Jesus’ own self-understanding at age 12 (Luke 2:49).

Finding Joy in Sacrificial Love and Faith (Desiring God) and "Enduring Joy: Running the Race of Faith" (Desiring God) both cross-reference Hebrews 10:32-34 (joyful acceptance of property loss), Matthew 13:44 (parable of the treasure in the field), Acts 20:35 (“more blessed to give than to receive”), 1 Corinthians 13:5 (love seeks not its own), Romans 12:8 (acts of mercy done cheerfully), Micah 6:8 (“love mercy”), and 2 Corinthians 6:10 (“sorrowful yet always rejoicing”). These references are used to reinforce the logic that joy in God and hope of reward empower sacrificial love and endurance in suffering.

Radical Living: Embracing Sacrifice for Christ's Glory (Desiring God) groups Hebrews 10:32-34, 11:24-26, 12:2, and 13:12-14 to show a consistent pattern: radical sacrifice is sustained by the hope of a better, abiding possession (Christ himself). The preacher also references Ephesians 1:6 (praise of the glory of his grace) and Revelation 5 (the Lamb slain as the center of eternal worship) to support the claim that Christ’s atoning work is the ultimate reward.

Faith, Hope, and Love: A Transformative Journey (Desiring God) cross-references Colossians 1:3-8 (hope laid up in heaven), Galatians 5:6 (faith working through love), 1 Timothy 1:5 (love issuing from faith), and James 2 (faith shown by works), using these to argue that faith in the hope/reward is what produces love, and that this is the logic at work in Hebrews 11:24-26.

Saving Faith: Treasuring Christ Above All Else (Desiring God) references several passages to expand on Hebrews 11:24-26: 2 Corinthians 4 (seeing the glory of God in Christ), 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (the relationship between loving the truth and believing the truth), Romans 1:18 and 1 Corinthians 13:6 (the contrast between unrighteousness and truth), and multiple passages from the Gospel of John (faith as eating, drinking, and loving the light). These references are used to argue that faith is not just belief but an affectional treasuring of Christ, and that this is consistent across the New Testament.

The Transformative Power of Holiness and Obedience (Desiring God) cross-references Romans 9:31-32, Romans 14:23, Hebrews 11:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:3, Galatians 5:6, and James 2 to show that all true obedience must come from faith. The sermon also references John 6:35 to support the idea that faith is a soul-satisfying coming to Christ, and Psalm 16 ("in thy presence is fullness of joy") to reinforce the promise of superior pleasure in God.

Faith in Future Grace: Liberating Love and Sacrifice (Desiring God) draws on Hebrews 10:32-34 (joyfully accepting the plundering of property), Hebrews 12:1-2 (Jesus enduring the cross for the joy set before him), and Hebrews 13:12-14 (going outside the camp to suffer with Christ). The sermon also references Matthew 5:12 ("rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven") and Isaiah 40 (the nations as a drop in the bucket) to reinforce the theme of seeking lasting, heavenly rewards over temporary, earthly ones.

Finding Joy and Endurance Through Christ's Supremacy (Desiring God) references several passages to support and expand on Hebrews 11:24-26: Hebrews 12:1-2 (Jesus enduring the cross for the joy set before him), Hebrews 10:32-34 (believers joyfully accepting the plundering of their property for a better possession), and 2 Corinthians 6:10 (sorrowful yet always rejoicing). The preacher uses these texts to show a consistent biblical logic: that faith in future joy empowers present endurance and sacrificial love. The sermon also references Hebrews 11:1 to explain the nature of faith as the "substance" of things hoped for, and draws connections to the stories of Old Testament saints in Hebrews 11 as witnesses to this pattern.

Saving Faith: Treasuring Christ Above All Else (SermonIndex.net) cross-references 2 Corinthians 4:6 (seeing the glory of God in the face of Christ), 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (the relationship between faith, love for the truth, and pleasure in unrighteousness), Romans 1:18 and 1 Corinthians 13:6 (contrasting love for truth and unrighteousness), John 6:35, 51; 7:37; 3:18-19 (faith as eating, drinking, and loving the light), and 1 Peter 2:2-3 (tasting that the Lord is good). These references are used to build the case that saving faith is affectional and involves a treasuring of Christ, with Moses as a prime example.

Enduring Joy: Running the Race of Faith (SermonIndex.net) groups together Hebrews 12:1-2, Hebrews 10:32-34, and Hebrews 11:24-26 to show a repeated pattern: the joy set before believers enables them to endure suffering and love sacrificially. The sermon also references 1 John 2:16 (the world as lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life) to parallel Moses' rejection of Egypt's values, and Hebrews 13:13 (bearing Christ's reproach outside the camp) to apply Moses' example to Christian discipleship.

Living by Faith: Lessons from Moses' Journey (SermonIndex.net) references Numbers 12:7 (Moses' faithfulness), Zechariah 3:6-7 (promise of access to God's presence), Deuteronomy 34:10 (Moses' unique relationship with God), Acts 7:22 (Moses' Egyptian education), Exodus 4:10 (Moses' reluctance to speak), and 1 John 2:16 (the world’s temptations). These passages are used to illustrate Moses' journey of faith, his rejection of worldly status, and his unique intimacy with God.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (SermonIndex.net) references Exodus 2:11-14 to provide the narrative background for Moses’ choice, highlighting the emotional depth of the Hebrew verb for “looked at their burdens.” The sermon also cites Acts 7:23 to clarify Moses’ age at the time and Acts 7’s explanation that Moses expected to trigger a revolt and be accepted as a leader. The preacher draws an analogy between the rejection of Moses by the Hebrews and the rejection of Jesus by his own people, emphasizing the cost of leadership and identification with God’s people. The sermon also alludes to the early church’s experience of slander and misunderstanding, referencing accusations of cannibalism, immorality, and hatred of humanity in the Roman world.

Enduring Joy: Glorifying God Through Suffering and Love (SermonIndex.net) makes extensive use of cross-references. It connects Hebrews 11:24-26 to Hebrews 12:2 (Jesus enduring the cross for the joy set before him), Hebrews 10:32-34 (believers joyfully accepting the plundering of their property for the sake of a better possession), and 2 Corinthians 6:10 (Paul’s “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”). The preacher also references Philippians 3:8 (Paul counting all things as rubbish compared to Christ) to illustrate the radical revaluation of worldly goods in light of Christ.

Humility and Revelation: Transforming Lives Through God and "Transformative Revelation: Seeking God's Ways with Humility" (SermonIndex.net) both cross-reference Philippians 3:8, where Paul declares all worldly gains as rubbish compared to knowing Christ, to reinforce the idea of radical value transformation. They also reference Matthew 27:42-44, describing the two thieves crucified with Jesus, to illustrate the suddenness and power of revelation that leads to salvation.

Hebrews 11:24-26 Christian References outside the Bible:

Finding True Security in God's Eternal Blessings (Saanich Baptist Church) explicitly references Justin Martyr, quoting his warning that four things threaten Christian discipleship: sexual immorality, wealth, magic (updated to “technology”), and racism. The preacher also cites Count Zinzendorf’s famous dictum, “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten,” using it to illustrate the freedom that comes from relinquishing the need for legacy or remembrance. These references are used to reinforce the sermon’s call to radical detachment from worldly security and the pursuit of eternal significance in Christ.

Hebrews 11:24-26 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Finding True Security in God's Eternal Blessings (Saanich Baptist Church) uses several detailed secular illustrations to illuminate Hebrews 11:24-26. The preacher references a Stanford economic study that attempted to assign a monetary value to a human life, critiquing the Western tendency to “economize everything” and highlighting the biblical assertion of inherent, eternal value. The sermon also uses the example of people putting their names on buildings to illustrate the human longing for legacy and the futility of seeking significance in remembrance. The preacher humorously recounts personal experiences with Costco—buying oversized toilet paper rolls and indulging in “retail therapy” by purchasing shoes—to illustrate the subtle ways in which material comfort and entitlement can become spiritual obstacles. The reference to the pandemic-induced shortages of toilet paper and yeast is used to show how people instinctively turn to material things for comfort in times of crisis, exposing the underlying spiritual dynamics at play.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (David Guzik) uses several secular analogies to illustrate the search for identity: he compares the cultural legacy of American slavery to Israelite slavery in Egypt, drawing out the lasting impact on group identity. He also references contemporary phenomena such as brand identification (“I’m a Mac guy”), consumer choices, and the popularity of tattoos as modern attempts to answer “Who am I and to whom do I belong?” Guzik further uses the analogy of “writing your own movie” to critique the self-centered approach to identity, suggesting that true Christian identity is about joining Christ’s story rather than making Jesus a supporting actor in ours. These analogies are used to make the ancient text of Hebrews 11:24-26 resonate with modern questions of identity, belonging, and self-definition.

Faith in Future Grace: Liberating Love and Sacrifice (Desiring God) uses a contemporary illustration involving door-to-door evangelism in Mounds View, Minnesota, where the preacher and his daughter experience rejection and hostility while inviting neighbors to church. This real-life example is used to parallel the biblical call to "go outside the camp" and bear reproach for Christ, making the cost of discipleship tangible for modern listeners. The preacher also references the experience of missionaries in Bangkok, drawing a connection between local evangelism and global missions, and uses the language of investment (e.g., "blue chip investment," "low yield, short-term investment") to make Moses' choice relatable to a modern, financially literate audience.

The Transformative Power of Holiness and Obedience (Desiring God) employs the vivid metaphor of an "ebony brooch" that, when exposed to the light, is revealed to be a "roach." This analogy is used to illustrate the deceptive allure of sin and the transformative power of seeing God's holiness. The preacher also references the comforts of modern Western life (e.g., "the palaces of the comforts of Birmingham," "the rewards of a well-to-do lifestyle in the suburbs") to draw a parallel between Moses' choice and the choices faced by affluent Christians today, urging listeners to consider missions and radical obedience in light of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures.

Enduring Joy: Running the Race of Faith (Desiring God) uses the analogy of running a marathon, including references to modern marathon running and NFL preseason games, to illustrate the Christian life as a long, arduous race that requires laying aside both "weights" (unnecessary hindrances) and "sins" (cheating). The preacher draws on his own experience raising children and their questions about what is "wrong" with certain behaviors, encouraging listeners to aim for maximal effectiveness in the Christian race rather than minimal compliance. The analogy is extended to the experience of suffering and loss, with references to personal grief (the death of the preacher's mother) and the simultaneous experience of joy and sorrow, illustrating the power of future hope to sustain believers through present trials.

Finding Identity in Christ Amid Cultural Shifts (SermonIndex.net) uses several secular analogies to illustrate the search for identity. The preacher references the practice of getting tattoos as a modern attempt to brand oneself and declare identity, as well as consumer choices such as being a “Mac guy” or a Starbucks loyalist as ways people seek belonging and self-definition. The sermon also uses the metaphor of starring in one’s own movie, with Jesus as a supporting actor, to critique self-centered approaches to faith and advocate for a Christ-centered identity. Additionally, the preacher draws a parallel between the legacy of American slavery and Israelite slavery to highlight the deep-seated nature of identity shaped by historical oppression.