A. INTRODUCTION: HEBREWS 11:1-40
This is the hymn of faith, summoning the Hebrews to a life of unshaken confidence in the living God (10:23). The writer encourages them in the midst of persecutions and trials with quick sketches of the patriarchs who had conquered the enemy by faith.
1. What is the two-fold effect of spiritual faith? “The substance (assured confidence) the things hoped for, and the evidence (demonstration) things not seen (v. 1). The word for “substance” is one found in ancient legal documents bearing on your ownership of property. It means “title deed,” hence your inner assurance of ownership of the future.
2. What are the two first essential requirements in faith? “Must believe God exists and that He rewards faith (v. 6). Faith is therefore belief in a Person and trust in a promise.
3. Faith is “judging him faithful (v. 11), taking Him at His Word.
4. What is the very first thing true faith teaches one? God created everything (v. 3; cf. Genesis 1:1).
5. This would exclude from the region of faith all atheism, pantheism, evolution, etc.? What does faith teach one as to the true way to approach God? Approach properly (v. 4: cf. Genesis 4:4).
6. What did faith teach Abel? He needed shedding of blood (9:22).
7. How do we know that both Cain and Abel had received instruction as to the appointed way of approaching God? Bible states it (Romans 10:17). “By faith they knew God told them how to come to Him” (v. 4).
8. Cain approached God as though there was no chasm between him as a sinner, and God. He saw no need for atonement but trusted in self-righteousness.
9. Of what does Abel’s act of faith still testify? That God’s instructions are correct (v. 4; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
10. Why was the seventh man from Adam (Genesis 5) made the trophy of God’s power over death? His faith pleased God (v. 5).
11. What is the testimony of God concerning Enoch? Enoch lived in fellowship with God (Genesis 5:22, 24).
12. Without faith, is it possible for any person to please God? No (v. 6).
13. When Noah started building the ark, were there any visible signs that there might be a great downpour? No (v. 7).
14. What did Noah’s faith have to lay hold of? God’s Word to him is God’s instructions (Genesis 6:13, 22).
15. How does anyone become the heir of divine righteousness? Obey God’s Word (v. 7; cf. Romans 4:13).
16. What did faith in God’s Word lead Abraham to do? Left his home and went to Promised Land (v. 8).
17. What is one of the real tests of faith? Living by faith in this present world (v. 9; cf. Acts 7:5-6).
18. While waiting in faith what sustained Abraham? He believed God’s promise to him (v. 10).
19. What wonders were wrought through faith in the case of Sarah? Giving birth to a son when it was impossible (vv. 11-12).
20. What was their viewpoint of life in this world? All died in faith but believed God’s promise (v. 13; cf 1 Peter 2:11).
21. When one considers himself merely a pilgrim in this life, what is implied? We live for a future promise (v. 14; cf. Romans 8:23).
22. Did the faith and hopes of the patriarchs reach beyond mere temporal blessings? Considered themselves pilgrims, looking forward to God’s promise to them (vv. 15-16; 1 Peter 1:4).
23. To what severe test was Abraham’s faith submitted? To offer his son Isaac as a burnt offering (vv. 17-18; Genesis 22:1-12).
24. Since it had been promised that Messiah should come of the seed of Isaac, what was Abraham’s faith ready to embrace, in case God required him to actually slay his son? God would raise him from the dead (v. 19).
25. How do we know the incident was intended to be a type of the death and resurrection of Christ? God promised (v. 19).
26. How was it that Isaac was able to claim the promise of the future as though already present? He experienced God’s miracle (v. 20; Genesis 27:27-40; 28:2-3).
27. In this list of those who received the warrants of faith, what other characters are here mentioned? Jacob (v. 21), Joseph (v. 22), Moses (v. 23), Rahab (v. 31).
28. What was the real secret of the endurance of the saints in those days? Keeping eyes on God who was invisible (v. 27).
29. Who are some of the great warriors who acted through faith? Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, all the prophets (v. 32).
30. Do you find that those who knew God best were exempt from trying providences, sorrows, and burdens? No (vv. 33-37).
31. What was it that marked them as men and women of faith? They believed God (v. 39; Romans 8:18).
32. Even though some of those mentioned have notable faults recorded of them, what is God’s verdict concerning them? Too good for this world (v. 38).
33. Though one may not live long enough to see the full answer to his prayers, in this an indication that the promise of God has failed? No (v. 39).
34. When the covenants of God reach their consummation, who will be present to form the Hallelujah Chorus? For us (v. 40; cf. Revelation 6:11).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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