You may have learned in previous posts of mine that I read through a chronologically arranged Bible every year.
I have several reasons for doing this, but the primary reason is to know the Lord and learn how to live a life that honors and glorifies my creator.
The characters referred to in Hebrews 11:1-12 lived in a time that did not have the benefit of the written word of God. Yet, they are all held up as heroes of the faith.
Join me as we take a brief look at each of their lives to discern how their examples inform us of not just how we can be encouraged to respond to God in faith, but God’s faithfulness to us.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. [1]
Who died?
- Abel–Hebrews 11:4
- Enoch–Hebrews 11:5
- Noah–Hebrews 11:7
- Abraham–Hebrews 11:8
- Isaac/Jacob–Hebrews 11:9
- Sarah–Hebrews 11:11
What is the definition of faith according to Hebrews 11:1?
Verse 1–being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see
Faith helps us understand what, according to Hebrews 11:2?
God formed the universe by speaking it into existence out of nothing
Why is it important for us to understand what is now seen was not made from what was visible?
This reveals God’s power and majesty to us, helping us to acknowledge Him as our Creator.
Read Genesis 4:3-5
What was better about Abel’s sacrifice than his brother Cain’s?
Genesis 4:3–Cain brought “some” of the fruits of the soil
Genesis 4:4–Abel brought fat portions from the firstborn of his flocks
How does Abel’s sacrifice show faith?
Sacrificing a firstborn animal reveals a faith that the Lord will provide additional animals to replace the one surrendered.
What happened to Abel?
Genesis 4:8 Cain attacked and killed Abel.
How is Enoch described in Genesis 5:21-24.?
Enoch walked with God.
Describe how one “walks with God” according to Hebrews 11:5-6.
Enoch believed God existed and earnestly sought Him.
This pleased God and showed Enoch’s faith.
What happened to Enoch?
Genesis 5:24-God took him away after only 365 years of life on earth. This is in stark contrast to the length of life of Enoch’s contemporaries who lived over 900 years of life on earth.
How is Noah described in Genesis 6:9?
Noah was righteous, blameless, and walked with God, unlike the people of his time.
What plan does God reveal to Noah in Genesis 6:11-13 and 17?
God planned to put an end to all people on earth by sending a flood to drown all breathing creatures because of the level of violence caused by them.
- Side notes about God’s mercy in sending a flood as His chosen means to wipe out the earth in Genesis 6.
- Drowning vs crucifixion on a cross.
- Crucifixion can take up to four days for someone to die, depending on their physical state at the start of their crucifixion. Drowning can occur between 10-12 minutes or fewer and one typically becomes unconscious in under two minutes.
God’s mercy is also clear in that he saves Noah’s family and pairs of every animal through the baptism or cleansing of the earth through the flood.
How did Noah respond to God according to Hebrews 11:7?
Noah built an ark as instructed by God. He believed and obeyed God.
What did Noah’s faith accomplish, according to Hebrews 11:7?
Noah’s faith affirmed God’s judgment of condemnation and made him an heir to a new covenant of righteousness by faith.
Did Noah receive everything the Lord promised him before dying? See Genesis 9:18-29.
The Lord’s covenant with Noah included all life on earth. Rainbows in the sky were now appointed to remind the Lord to never send a flood to destroy all creatures that breathe again.
But one thing Noah did not receive in his life’s journey of 900 plus years was to be treated honorably by all his sons. Ham, his youngest son, dishonored Noah by viewing his father’s nakedness. In addition, Ham attempted to convince his older brothers to do the same.
Even though Noah had been faithfully obedient to God, he was being disgraced by his youngest son. Thus, the problem of sin post-flood remained.
God’s assessment of human nature was spot on. (See Genesis 8:21.)
Yet God was not done as this incident with Ham led to Noah cursing Ham’s youngest son, Canaan, setting up a foreshadowing of future biblical events. (See Genesis 9:24-27ff)
How is Abraham (Abram) described in Genesis 12:1-4 and Hebrews 11:8?
Abraham (Abram) obeyed God’s instruction to leave Haran for a land God would show him.
Why does Hebrews 11:9 also mention Isaac and Jacob as the successive heirs of the Abrahamic covenant?
This illustrates the passing of Abraham’s faith to his son and grandson and the surety of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises to His people.
What reason is given for Abraham’s obedient faith in Hebrews 11:10?
Abraham desired and trusted God’s plans for his future.
How is Sarah and Abraham’s faith described in Hebrews 11:11-12?
Past the age of normal childbearing, Sarah and Abraham received the power to conceive a child by believing God’s promise to them. (See Genesis 21:1-7)
What part of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah in Hebrews 11:12 did they not receive before they died?
The innumerable descendants and their ownership of the promised land. (See Genesis 15:1-6 and 22:17-18)
Review Hebrews 11:13-16.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. [2]
What were all these who died, according to Hebrews 11:14-16, seeking through their faith in God?
A home free from sin and evil, ruled by the Lord of all creation.
Consider your own daily life. How would it look different if there were zero sin or evil around, whether in your own heart or those around you?
Keep in mind when I use the words sin or evil, this includes selfishness, pettiness, rudeness, arrogance, etc.
Sin is not just ostentatious crimes and atrocities, but anything that we or others choose that puts our own preferences, comfort, or agendas ahead of the Lord’s at the expense of another creature, thus dishonoring our creator God.
Who do you relate most to in this passage: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, or Sarah? Why?
Although certainly not perfect in every way, the faith heroes mentioned in Hebrews 11:1-16 all emulate a particular rule for life. For each of them, trusting and obeying the Lord was their typical mode of operation.
Consider the words of the Lord through Moses prior to entry into the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s descendants, the Hebrews.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” [3]
Also, remember Paul’s encouragement that the Lord will enable you to remain faithful. Why? Because the Lord is faithful.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. [4]
How has your life changed because of your faith in God?
What is your response to God’s faithfulness to you?
How will you encourage someone else on their faith journey this week?
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn
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[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 11:13–16.
[2] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 11:13–16.
[3] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Dt 30:19–20.
[4] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), 1 Th 5:23–24.