Following Faith; A study of Hebrews 11

Nov 09, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Persevering Faith in the Midst of Trials

God calls us to persevere in faith, trusting His promises even when we face suffering, injustice, or challenges that seem insurmountable. The encouragement is that we are not alone—others have walked similar paths and remained faithful, and God is always true to His word. When we feel tempted to shrink back or give up, we are reminded to hold fast, for God is faithful and will fulfill what He has promised. Our perseverance is not just about enduring, but about actively trusting and hoping in the God who sees and knows all, even when we cannot see the outcome. [07:38]

Hebrews 10:36-39 (ESV)
"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, 'Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to give up or shrink back from trusting God? How can you choose to persevere in faith today, even if you don’t see immediate results?

Day 2: Faith in Action—Trusting God Beyond Understanding

True faith is more than belief; it is trust in action, as seen in the lives of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others who obeyed God even when it was risky, costly, or made no sense by human standards. Their stories show that God honors even small steps of faith and can do great things through those who trust Him, regardless of their doubts or weaknesses. Faith is not about having it all together, but about responding to God’s call with obedience, even when the path is unclear. [18:40]

Hebrews 11:1-8 (ESV)
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 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. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."

Reflection: What is one step of obedience God is calling you to take today, even if it feels risky or you don’t fully understand the outcome?

Day 3: God Uses Imperfect People for His Purposes

God’s history is filled with people who struggled, doubted, or failed, yet He accomplished great things through their willingness to trust Him, even in weakness. From Sarah’s laughter to Rahab’s unlikely faith, God’s power is made perfect in our imperfection, and He invites us to trust that He can use our lives for His glory, no matter our past or present struggles. This truth encourages us to bring our doubts and weaknesses to God, knowing He delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. [22:05]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: Where do you feel most inadequate or unworthy for God to use you? How might God be inviting you to trust Him with that area and step forward in faith?

Day 4: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus, the Perfect Example

All the heroes of faith ultimately point us to Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured suffering, shame, and opposition for the joy set before Him, and He calls us to run our race with perseverance, throwing off anything that hinders us. Jesus is not only our example but our source of strength, and we are invited to fix our eyes on Him, trusting that He is with us and will complete the good work He has begun in us. [37:35]

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted."

Reflection: What is one distraction, sin, or hindrance you need to lay aside today in order to more fully fix your eyes on Jesus and run the race He has set before you?

Day 5: Trusting God’s Bigger Picture and Unseen Purposes

God’s people throughout history did not see the full picture of His plan, yet they trusted Him to know what they could not see. We are called to place our hope in the God who sees every angle and is always working for our good and His glory, even when life feels confusing or unfair. Our faith is rooted not in our understanding, but in God’s character and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [34:44]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life right now where you cannot see what God is doing? How can you choose to trust His bigger picture and unseen purposes today?

Sermon Summary

Every year, our family participates in diabetes awareness walks, a tradition that began long before our children were born. These walks are deeply personal for us because of RA’s journey with type 1 diabetes. I remember the moment our kids realized their mom wasn’t the only one living with this challenge—it was a revelation that brought comfort and connection. In the same way, we often feel isolated in our struggles, convinced that no one else truly understands our pain, our brokenness, or our unique burdens. Yet, when we encounter others who have walked similar paths, we find encouragement and strength. Their stories remind us that we are not alone, and that faithfulness in hardship is possible.

The author of Hebrews offers us a powerful collection of such stories in chapter 11, often called the “faith chapter.” These aren’t just tales to honor ancient heroes; they are meant to inspire us to persevere, to press on in faith even when life is difficult or unfair. The early church faced persecution and was tempted to turn back, but Hebrews urges them—and us—not to shrink back, but to hold fast to faith in God’s promises.

We see example after example: Abel, whose faith cost him his life; Enoch, who walked with God; Noah, who acted on God’s word despite ridicule; Abraham, who left everything familiar and was willing to trust God with his most precious promise, his son Isaac; Sarah, who wrestled with doubt yet saw God’s faithfulness; Moses, who gave up privilege to identify with God’s people; Rahab, an outsider whose faith led to salvation. Some of these figures lived lives marked by faith, while others showed only glimpses, but in every case, God worked powerfully through their trust in Him.

None of these people saw the full picture of God’s plan, yet they trusted Him. Their faith paved the way for Jesus, the ultimate example—the one who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Surrounded by this “great cloud of witnesses,” we are called to throw off everything that hinders us and run our race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who truly understands our suffering and leads us forward. Let us trust Him, obey Him, and hope in Him with all that we are.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Connects Us in Shared Struggles We often feel alone in our pain or challenges, but the stories of others—both in Scripture and in our lives—remind us that we are part of a larger community. Their faithfulness in hardship encourages us to persevere, knowing that God has walked with others through similar valleys and will walk with us as well. [02:26]
2. God Works Through Imperfect Faith Many of the “heroes” in Hebrews 11 had moments of doubt, weakness, or failure. Yet, God used even their small steps of trust to accomplish great things. This assures us that God is not looking for perfect faith, but for willing hearts that trust Him, even when that trust is fragile. [21:22]
3. Faith Requires Action and Obedience True faith is not just belief or mental assent; it is trust that moves us to act, often at great personal risk or cost. Whether it’s Noah building an ark, Abraham leaving home, or Rahab protecting the spies, faith is demonstrated in obedience, even when the outcome is uncertain. [17:58]
4. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus, the Perfect Example All the stories of faith in Scripture ultimately point us to Jesus, who endured suffering, shame, and death for our sake. He is not only our example but the source and perfecter of our faith. When we are weary or discouraged, we are called to look to Him, drawing strength to persevere. [37:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Family Story: Diabetes Walks
[01:48] - The Power of Shared Experience
[03:38] - Old Testament Examples of Faith
[04:17] - Purpose of Hebrews 11
[07:01] - Call to Persevere in Faith
[09:06] - The Mosaic of Faithful Lives
[12:31] - Abel: Faith and Sacrifice
[16:38] - Enoch and Noah: Trust in Action
[18:40] - Abraham’s Journey of Faith
[20:42] - Sarah’s Struggle and God’s Faithfulness
[22:48] - Abraham and Isaac: Trusting God’s Promise
[26:12] - Moses and His Parents: Risking for God
[28:52] - Rahab: Faith from the Margins
[30:55] - A Litany of Faithful Witnesses
[33:28] - Faith Without Seeing the Full Picture
[35:30] - Surrounded by a Cloud of Witnesses
[37:35] - Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus
[39:39] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith That Perseveres (Hebrews 11–12)

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:1–12:3 (ESV)

> Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
>
> By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.
>
> ... [Read through the stories of Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, and the summary of other faithful witnesses.]
>
> ... Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Observation Questions

What are some of the different backgrounds and struggles faced by the people listed in Hebrews 11? ([03:38])
According to Hebrews 11, what made Abel’s sacrifice different from Cain’s? ([13:58])
How does the author of Hebrews describe the faith of people like Sarah and Rahab, who had doubts or came from unlikely backgrounds? ([21:22] and [29:34])
What does Hebrews 12:1–3 say we should do in response to being “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses”? ([35:30])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the author of Hebrews includes people who struggled with doubt or made mistakes in the “faith chapter”? What does this say about the kind of faith God values? ([21:22])
The sermon mentioned that none of the people in Hebrews 11 saw the full picture of God’s plan, yet they still trusted Him. What does this teach us about faith when we don’t have all the answers? ([33:28])
The examples in Hebrews 11 often acted on their faith, even when it was risky or costly. Why is action an important part of faith, according to both the passage and the sermon? ([17:58])
The sermon says that all these stories point us to Jesus, who is the “author and perfecter of our faith.” What does it mean to “fix our eyes on Jesus” in the middle of our own struggles? ([37:35])

Application Questions

The sermon began with a story about feeling alone in a struggle, but finding comfort in shared experience. Is there a challenge in your life where you’ve felt isolated? How might sharing your story or hearing someone else’s help you? ([01:48])
Think about a time when you felt your faith was weak or imperfect. How does knowing that God worked through people like Sarah and Rahab encourage you in your own journey? ([21:22] and [29:34])
Hebrews 11 shows that faith often requires action, not just belief. Is there something you sense God is asking you to do, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable? What’s holding you back? ([17:58])
The passage calls us to “throw off everything that hinders” and run our race with perseverance. What is one specific thing (a habit, fear, distraction, or sin) that is hindering your faith right now? What step could you take this week to lay it aside? ([36:08])
The sermon says that Jesus truly understands our suffering and leads us forward. When you are discouraged or weary, what helps you “fix your eyes on Jesus”? Is there a practice (prayer, worship, reading Scripture, talking with a friend) that helps you refocus? ([37:35])
The “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1 includes people from all kinds of backgrounds. Who is someone in your life (past or present) whose faith has inspired you? How could you encourage someone else by sharing their story—or your own? ([35:30])
The sermon reminds us that God is not looking for perfect faith, but for willing hearts. What is one area where you want to trust God more, even if your faith feels small? ([21:22])

Sermon Clips

“We have a tendency to wrestle and struggle with feeling like we are alone in those challenges that nobody else has walked in our shoes. But how encouraging it is to see that no there are other people who have experienced very similar upbringings, very similar illnesses, very similar challenges that we have faced and are facing. There's a sense thereof in which it gives us an encouragement and strength to see that we're not alone in that.”

“The author of Hebrews gives us provides for us basically that he he gives us several examples throughout the Old Testament, throughout history of people who have walked through very challenging circumstances, persecution, suffering, temptation, mistreatment, injustice. several different people from different uh walks of life, from different places that we can look to and point to and go, "Ah, that's what faith looks like. That's what trusting God looks like in these various circumstances."”

“This morning we're going to as we continue on in this series on faith, we're going to be looking at Hebrews chapter 11, which is often is known as is referred to as the the faith chapter. And we'll be looking at how um how he gives all of these heroes of faith for the purpose of of it's not about so much honoring these heroes and think how great they were to celebrate them. Actually, it's more about pushing the early church and us today, pushing us to persevere, to press on, to um to trust in God as they did, even it midst difficulties.”

“As you read um the the as you read the chapter, we um you can tend to think that it's again just about the honoring these people, but it's not. It's about pushing the church to to uh to persevere and be faithful to see that there are others who have walked in your shoes or very similar shoes and still been faithful.”

“He says directly, you need to persevere understanding that they're going through challenges. They're going through difficulties because of their faith related to them living out their faith. And and so the author of Hebrews, he actually quotes two verses from Habach um chapter 2. He quotes verse three and verse four. And he basically says to lean into and trust in the God who is faithful. He who said he will come, he will come. He is the one who always does what he says. He fulfills his promises.”

“He warns them not to shrink back, not to not to u not to walk away from their faith in Christ due to these difficulties. Don't shrink back, but cling to your trust and hope in Jesus. This is how chapter 10 ends. And this is where he then gives this long chapter on faith, giving example after example after example of what faith looks like lived out in flesh and blood.”

“He actually writes presuming that his audience already knows the stories well that his original readers and that you and I today already know these stories really well. But just by mentioning the name or or saying something very briefly about them, the expectation is that we will recall all of the story their their lives and we'll we'll see each of these people as part of a mosaic.”

“What we see is that even though some live lives of faith and some we just see glimpses of faith, what we see is that God does big things through them placing their trust in him even at great risk to themselves. Whether that be that they lived a life doing that or if we just see glimpses of that in moments of their lives that we have recorded in scripture.”

“God will and has a history of doing huge, incredible, life-changing, worldchanging things through people who struggle with things like you and I do. And some of the people that included some will be able to more um easily connect with and go, "Wow, if God could use them, what could he do in and through me in my life?"”

“By faith, Noah, when warned about the things not yet seen in holy fear, built an ark to save his family. By his faith, he con he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. Again, by faith, by trust in God, Noah built this huge boat and started loading it up. It was ridiculed and mocked and and you know, looked strange.”

“But notice that for that Noah didn't just when we talk about Noah's faith, he didn't just believe. He didn't just have this opinion or perspective, but he acted on it in obedience by building this huge boat according to the exact specifications that God had given him. That he acted in obedience. His tr his faith was more than just belief or knowledge. It involved trust in action and obedience by faith.”

“But we often neglect and take for granted how how big of an act of faith it was for Abraham to leave his father's home and leave all of that that wealth, that comfort, that security, all that is there and be looked at. What in the world are you doing? You're you're leaving and you don't even know where you're going. but he picked up and left and doesn't even know where God's going to lead him, but he he literally walks by faith saying, "God, I will go. Just point the way."”

“But what we what we see is that she is that God uses Abraham's trust and what little nugget of of faith and trust that she has to do uh to do big things to fulfill his promises not just to Abraham and to Sarah but to fulfill his promises to the world. And so again Sarah through what we um through what little faith that she has, we see what God is able to do.”

“Here we see Abraham trusting God completely with everything, even with his and his wife's only son, Isaac. And he again it's it's as if trusting him with with your son is not already enough to remember that Isaac is the promised son through whom all that God has promised them is to come. Everything hinges on Isaac.”

“And so what we see here is that she is this powerful example of someone who's lived her entire life far from God, caught in sin, in brokenness, so far away from God. And yet when she hears of him, she responds in faith and trust. And again, she doesn't just believe, but she acts on that belief. She receives the Israelite spies, helps them.”

“All throughout history, we can look back and see all of history unfolding and paving the way for Jesus to come and lay down his life for us and take it up again. We have the benefit of God's word and history to look back and see what they couldn't see then, but they trusted in God that he knows what we can't know. That he can see what we can't see.”

Ask a question about this sermon