1. By Faith We Understand

 

Hebrews 11:1-3

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

 

Reflection:

• Faith is substance of future and the evidence of the unseen realm.

• Faith is a mark of our level of trust in God- the elders obtained a good testimony.

• The world was framed by the word from invisible to visible.

 

2. Faith at the Dawn of History

 

Hebrews 11:4-5

(Gen. 4:1–16; 5:18–24; 6:5—8:22)

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

 

Reflection 

• By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice than can which still spoke even after his death.

• By faith Enoch did not see death because he had a good testimony.

 

3. Faith pleases God.

 

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

 

Reflection 

• Faith is the ingredient that pleases God.

• The Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him. 

• Matthew 3:17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

 

4. By Faith Noah, Abraham & Sarah 

 

Hebrews 11:7-8

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

(Gen. 15:1–6; 21:1–7)

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

 

Hebrews 11:11

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

 

Reflection:

• By faith Noah was divinely received instruction of things to come.

• By faith Abraham received instruction to move to a land which became his inheritance. A city “which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

• By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed past age because she believed God.

 

5. The Faith of the Patriarchs.

 

Hebrews 11:17-22

(Gen. 22:1–14; 48:8–16; 50:22–25)

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

 

Reflection:

 

• By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead. 

• By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come which is still shaping the world history.

• By faith Joseph, on his death gave a prophecy about the departure of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.

 

6. The Faith of Moses. 

Hebrews 11:23-29

(Ex. 2:1–10; 12:31–51)

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

 

Reflection:

• By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents who were not afraid of the kings command.

• By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter- personal choice. 

• By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood- establishing the Passover and communion. 

• By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land- it 

 

7. By Faith They Overcame.

 

Hebrews 11:30-34

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

 

Reflection:

• By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 

• By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe.

• And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets- add your name on the list.

• By faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle,