Living by Faith: Lessons from Hebrews 11
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith." This chapter provides a survey of the Old Testament heroes who lived by faith, demonstrating that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is a spiritual sixth sense that allows believers to see the unseen realities of God's promises. We explored how faith operated in the lives of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and others, showing that faith is foundational to our relationship with God.
Abel's faith was demonstrated through his more excellent sacrifice, which still speaks to us today about the necessity of a blood sacrifice for salvation. Enoch's faith was marked by his walk with God, pleasing Him and being taken up without seeing death. Noah's faith led him to build an ark in obedience to God's warning, saving his family and becoming an heir of righteousness. Abraham's faith was shown in his obedience to leave his homeland and live as a sojourner, looking for a city with foundations built by God. Sarah's faith allowed her to conceive Isaac despite her old age, judging God faithful to His promises.
We also saw how faith involves trust and endurance. Moses chose to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ as greater riches. Rahab's faith saved her and her family when she hid the spies and displayed the scarlet cord, symbolizing the blood of Christ. The chapter concludes by highlighting the trials and triumphs of other heroes of faith, who endured suffering and persecution, looking forward to the promises of God.
Faith is not just a historical concept but a living reality for us today. We are part of this great cloud of witnesses, called to lay aside every weight and sin and run the race set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. By faith, we can trust in God's promises, endure trials, and live lives that please Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith as a Spiritual Sixth Sense: Faith allows us to see the unseen realities of God's promises. Just as our natural senses perceive the physical world, faith perceives the spiritual realm. This spiritual vision gives us assurance and hope beyond what our natural senses can comprehend. [02:23]
2. The Necessity of Faith for Salvation: Abel's sacrifice teaches us that faith involves offering our best to God and recognizing the need for a blood sacrifice. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses us from sin. Abel's faith still speaks to us today about the necessity of trusting in Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. [09:18]
3. Walking with God by Faith: Enoch's life exemplifies a daily walk with God, marked by faith that pleases Him. This walk is not about grand gestures but consistent, faithful living in communion with God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and our walk with Him should reflect our trust in His promises. [10:09]
4. Faith in Action: Noah's faith led him to take action despite the ridicule and the seemingly impossible task of building an ark. Faith often requires us to step out in obedience, even when we don't fully understand God's plan. Noah's story reminds us that faith involves trust and action, leading to salvation and deliverance. [12:56]
5. Enduring Faith: The heroes of faith endured trials, persecution, and suffering, looking forward to the promises of God. Their faith was not in vain, as they trusted in God's ultimate plan. We are called to have the same enduring faith, laying aside every weight and sin, and running the race set before us with our eyes fixed on Jesus. [43:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:23] - Faith as a Spiritual Sixth Sense
[09:18] - Abel's Faith and Sacrifice
[10:09] - Enoch's Walk with God
[12:56] - Noah's Faith in Action
[14:41] - Abraham's Trust in God's Promises
[19:13] - Sarah's Faith and God's Faithfulness
[23:43] - The Promise of Christ
[30:51] - Moses' Choice and Endurance
[36:31] - Joshua, Jericho, and Rahab's Faith
[43:01] - Enduring Faith Through Trials
[48:10] - The Better Promise for Us
[49:25] - Running the Race with Enduring Faith
[51:22] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1-40
2. Hebrews 12:1-2
3. Genesis 6:13-22 (Noah's Ark)
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:1 define faith as, and how does it relate to the unseen realities of God's promises? [02:23]
2. How did Abel's faith manifest in his actions, and what does his sacrifice symbolize? [09:18]
3. Describe Enoch's relationship with God and how it exemplifies walking by faith. [10:09]
4. What actions did Noah take as a result of his faith, and what was the outcome for him and his family? [12:56]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of faith as a "spiritual sixth sense" help believers perceive the spiritual realm? [03:03]
2. In what ways does Abel's sacrifice point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ? [09:18]
3. What does Enoch's life teach us about the importance of daily, consistent faith in our walk with God? [10:09]
4. How does Noah's obedience to God's warning demonstrate the relationship between faith and action? [12:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Faith as a Spiritual Sixth Sense: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual vision in your daily life to perceive God's promises more clearly? [03:03]
2. The Necessity of Faith for Salvation: Reflect on your own faith journey. How do you continually remind yourself of the significance of Christ's sacrifice for your salvation? [09:18]
3. Walking with God by Faith: What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your daily walk with God is consistent and pleasing to Him? [10:09]
4. Faith in Action: Think of a situation where you need to step out in faith. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your trust in God's plan, even if it seems challenging? [12:56]
5. Enduring Faith: Identify a trial or challenge you are currently facing. How can you draw inspiration from the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 to endure and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? [43:01]
6. Running the Race: What are some "weights" or sins that you need to lay aside to run the race set before you more effectively? How can you practically do this in the coming week? [49:25]
7. Encouraging Others: How can you support and encourage someone in your small group or community to live by faith and trust in God's promises? [51:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Spiritual Sixth Sense
Faith allows us to see the unseen realities of God's promises. Just as our natural senses perceive the physical world, faith perceives the spiritual realm. This spiritual vision gives us assurance and hope beyond what our natural senses can comprehend. Faith is described as the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is a spiritual sixth sense that enables believers to grasp the unseen truths of God's promises and His kingdom. This kind of faith is not based on physical evidence but on the trustworthiness of God and His Word.
By faith, we can see the fulfillment of God's promises even when they are not yet visible. This spiritual insight gives us the confidence to live in a way that aligns with God's will, knowing that His promises are sure. Faith transforms our perspective, allowing us to live with hope and assurance in God's future plans for us. [02:23]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust in the unseen promises of God? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual vision to perceive these promises?
Day 2: The Necessity of Faith for Salvation
Abel's sacrifice teaches us that faith involves offering our best to God and recognizing the need for a blood sacrifice. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanses us from sin. Abel's faith still speaks to us today about the necessity of trusting in Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. Abel's offering was accepted by God because it was given in faith, acknowledging the need for atonement through a blood sacrifice. This act of faith foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Faith in Christ's sacrifice is essential for salvation. It is not enough to merely believe in God; we must also trust in the provision He has made for our redemption through Jesus. Abel's example reminds us that true faith involves recognizing our need for a Savior and placing our trust in His finished work on the cross. [09:18]
Hebrews 12:24 (ESV): "And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
Reflection: Have you fully trusted in the sacrifice of Jesus for your salvation? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and appreciation of His atoning work?
Day 3: Walking with God by Faith
Enoch's life exemplifies a daily walk with God, marked by faith that pleases Him. This walk is not about grand gestures but consistent, faithful living in communion with God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God, and our walk with Him should reflect our trust in His promises. Enoch's faith was demonstrated through his close relationship with God, which was so pleasing to Him that Enoch was taken up without experiencing death. This kind of faith is characterized by a daily, intimate walk with God, where we seek to know Him more and live in obedience to His will.
Walking with God by faith means trusting Him in every aspect of our lives, even when we don't understand His plans. It involves a commitment to live according to His Word and to seek His presence continually. Enoch's example challenges us to cultivate a deeper, more consistent relationship with God, marked by faith and trust in His promises. [10:09]
Genesis 5:24 (ESV): "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily walk with God that is marked by faith? What practical steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Faith in Action
Noah's faith led him to take action despite the ridicule and the seemingly impossible task of building an ark. Faith often requires us to step out in obedience, even when we don't fully understand God's plan. Noah's story reminds us that faith involves trust and action, leading to salvation and deliverance. Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark was a remarkable demonstration of faith. Despite the lack of evidence for an impending flood and the mockery of those around him, Noah trusted God's warning and acted accordingly.
Faith in action means stepping out in obedience to God's Word, even when it seems difficult or illogical. It requires us to trust in God's wisdom and timing, knowing that His plans are for our good. Noah's example encourages us to take bold steps of faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises and bring about His purposes in our lives. [12:56]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where God is calling you to take a step of faith? How can you act in obedience to His leading, even if it seems challenging?
Day 5: Enduring Faith
The heroes of faith endured trials, persecution, and suffering, looking forward to the promises of God. Their faith was not in vain, as they trusted in God's ultimate plan. We are called to have the same enduring faith, laying aside every weight and sin, and running the race set before us with our eyes fixed on Jesus. The lives of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 demonstrate that faith is not just about believing in God's promises but also enduring through trials and challenges. They faced persecution, suffering, and even death, yet they remained steadfast in their faith, trusting that God's promises would ultimately be fulfilled.
Enduring faith requires perseverance and a focus on the eternal rather than the temporary. It involves laying aside anything that hinders our spiritual growth and running the race with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This kind of faith sustains us through difficult times and gives us the strength to continue trusting in God's promises. [43:01]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (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."
Reflection: What weights or sins are hindering your spiritual race? How can you lay them aside and focus on enduring faith in Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "Faith is all about a relationship with God. It's an assurance. A conviction. And there's a testimony here. This sense of good report. It's got the sense of their bearing witness. Hebrews 12 talks about that great cloud of witnesses that we're surrounded by. It's the same word. This word report or witness. There's many that bear testimony to the truth of faith. And there's many witnesses who testify to us. The reality of all these things." [05:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith in God is the creator of all. It's foundational. To know that God is. He's the creator. In the beginning. God created. And we cannot begin to understand ourself. Our life. World history. Unless we accept the early chapters of Genesis. The authority is there. It's stamped with God's authority. I know we often times when we're witnessing. You encounter people that say. Oh it's just words on a page. No. This is God's word. It's the very words of God. We can take it as read." [07:33] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is about trust too. We see another witness now of Abraham, the friend of God. We see back to Hebrews 11. Abraham really demonstrates his trust in God. We read that Hebrews 11 verse 8 by faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed and he went out not knowing whether he went." [16:09] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is the only way to please God and not just any airy fairy kind of faith but faith in Christ isn't it faith saving faith in Christ the savior of your soul believe that he is and seek after God faith is the essential." [12:56] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is to the spiritual realm what the five senses are to the natural realm. It's just an extra dimension. We haven't quite realised that yet. And this is what Hebrews 11 tells us about these witnesses. This testimony of people who put their trust in God. The God of hope. There's a hope there. And this is a certainty of hope. It's an assured hope." [04:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "Faith sees those things that are out of sight. Faith is to the spiritual realm what the five senses are to the natural realm. It's just an extra dimension. We haven't quite realised that yet. And this is what Hebrews 11 tells us about these witnesses. This testimony of people who put their trust in God. The God of hope. There's a hope there. And this is a certainty of hope. It's an assured hope. And it says of these ones that they've obtained a good report." [04:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faith is about trust too. We see another witness now of Abraham, the friend of God. We see back to Hebrews 11. Abraham really demonstrates his trust in God. We read that Hebrews 11 verse 8 by faith Abraham when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed and he went out not knowing whether he went." [16:09] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is the only way to please God and not just any airy fairy kind of faith but faith in Christ isn't it faith saving faith in Christ the savior of your soul believe that he is and seek after God faith is the essential." [12:56] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith in God is the creator of all. It's foundational. To know that God is. He's the creator. In the beginning. God created. And we cannot begin to understand ourself. Our life. World history. Unless we accept the early chapters of Genesis. The authority is there. It's stamped with God's authority. I know we often times when we're witnessing. You encounter people that say. Oh it's just words on a page. No. This is God's word. It's the very words of God. We can take it as read." [07:33] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith is all about a relationship with God. It's an assurance. A conviction. And there's a testimony here. This sense of good report. It's got the sense of their bearing witness. Hebrews 12 talks about that great cloud of witnesses that we're surrounded by. It's the same word. This word report or witness. There's many that bear testimony to the truth of faith. And there's many witnesses who testify to us. The reality of all these things." [05:27] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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