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<h2><a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'all');">Hbr 11</a> - Examples of Faith to Help the Discouraged</h2>
<p>A. Faith defined.</p>
<p class="c1">1. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,1);">1</a>) A definition of faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">Now faith is the substance</span></b>: Just as our physical eyesight is the sense that gives us evidence of the material world, <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b> is the "sense" that gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world.</p>
<p class="c5">i. Faith has its reasons. We aren't talking about a "blind leap" of faith. But the reasons can't be measured in a laboratory, they have to be understood spiritually.</p>
<p class="c5">ii. "Faith extends beyond what we learn from our senses, and the author is saying that it has its reasons. Its tests are not those of the senses, which yield uncertainty." (Morris)</p>
<p class="c5">iii. "Physical eyesight produces a conviction or evidence of visible things; faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible order." (Bruce)</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Of things hoped for...of things not seen</span></b>: If you have the substance before you, if you can see it, what use is there for <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b>? Faith is needed for what we <i>can't</i> see and <i>can't</i> touch.</p>
<p class="c5">i. Faith does not contradict reason, though it may go beyond reason. I may objectively prove the Bible is the most unique book ever published, and has impacted society more than any other book. But only faith can <i>prove</i> that the Bible is the <i>Word of God</i>. Therefore, this is a belief <i>beyond</i> reason, but not in <i>contradiction</i> to reason.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">Faith is the substance...the evidence</span></b>: Faith is <i>not</i> a bare belief or intellectual understanding. It is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to.</p>
<p class="c1">2. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,2);">2</a>) Faith enabled people in the past to overcome.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>For by it the elders obtained a <i>good </i>testimony.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">For by it the elders</span></b>: The great examples of godliness all had different circumstances and personalities, but they all had one thing in common - faith.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Obtained a good testimony</span></b>: These Jewish Christians had been discouraged, and were thinking of giving up on Jesus and a distinctive Christianity. They needed <b><span class="c3">a good testimony</span></b>, and so they needed these examples of faith to break them out of discouragement.</p>
<p class="c1">3. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,3);">3</a>) Faith gives understanding to the invisible world.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word</span></b>: How were <b><span class="c3">the worlds...framed by the word of God</span></b>? It happened when God simply commanded <i>Let there be light</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Gen',1,3);">Gen 1:3</a>). As the Psalmist explains: <i>By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth...For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast."</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Psa',33,6);">Psa 33:6</a>,<a onclick="return mV('Psa',33,9);">9</a>)</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">By faith we understand</span></b>: We did not see this act of creation; we only know of it by <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b>. We also know this by <i>reason</i>, because we know the world was created, and created by an intelligent Designer. Again, this is faith going <i>beyond</i>, but not in <i>contradiction</i> to reason.</p>
<p class="c5">i. Even in times when it seems when God expects a faith that contradicts reason, closer examination reveals He does not. For example, it might seem contrary to reason for God to expect Abraham to believe that Sarah's dead womb could bring forth a child. But it is not unreasonable to believe that the God who created life and the womb could do this, and would do it according to His promise.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">By faith we understand</span></b>: This text <i>does not</i> say that God created the world with <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b>. Since God sees and knows all things, "faith" in a human sense is superfluous to Him. If faith is <i>the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen</i>, what does God not see? What possibly could a sovereign Being "hope" for?</p>
<p class="c4">d. <b><span class="c3">So that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible</span></b><span>: </span>Most scientists at the time Hebrews was written believed the universe was created out of existing matter, not out of nothing, not out of <b><span class="c3">things which are visible</span></b>. But the Bible corrects this misunderstanding.</p>
<p>B. Faith at the beginning of man's history.</p>
<p class="c1">1. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,4);">4</a>) Abel's faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Able offered to God a more excellent sacrifice</span></b>: The difference between the sacrifice of Cain and the sacrifice of Abel (<a onclick="return mV('Gen',4,'3-5');">Gen 4:3-5</a>) was not because one was animal, the other was vegetable. The difference was that Abel's sacrifice was made <b><span class="c3">by faith</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c5">i. "Abel's sacrifice was preferred to his brother's for no other reason than that it was sanctified by faith; for surely the fat of brute animals did not smell so sweetly, that it could, by its odour, pacify God." (Calvin)</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">God testifying of his gifts</span></b>: How did God testify of Abel's gifts? It is likely that God showed His pleasure with Abel's sacrifice by consuming it with fire from heaven, as happened at the dedication of tabernacle (<a onclick="return mV('Lev',9,24);">Lev 9:24</a>), the temple (<a onclick="return mV('2Ch',7,1);">2Ch 7:1</a>) and upon offerings made by David (<a onclick="return mV('1Ch',21,26);">1Ch 21:26</a>) and Elijah (<a onclick="return mV('1Ki',18,38);">1Ki 18:38</a>).</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">Through it he being dead still speaks</span></b><span>:</span> Right off with his example of Abel, the writer reminds us that faith is not necessarily rewarded on earth. But God Himself testifies to the righteousness of the faithful. Abel's blood still speaks to us, reminding us of the value of eternity!</p>
<p class="c1">2. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'5-6');">5-6</a>) Enoch's faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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. But without faith <i>it is </i>impossible to please <i>Him, </i>for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and <i>that </i>He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Enoch</span></b>: Enoch is one of the mystery men of the Old Testament being mentioned only in <a onclick="return mV('Gen',5,'21-24');">Gen 5:21-24</a> as the man who <i>walked with God and he was not, for God took him</i>.</p>
<p class="c5">i. Many Jewish and Christian traditions make Enoch the recipient of some spectacular and esoteric revelations. Jude recognizes him as a prophet (<a onclick="return mV('Jud',1,'14-15');">Jud 1:14-15</a>). But the value of other prophecies attributed to him is uncertain at the very best.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death</span></b>: The writer to the Hebrews assumes that only a man of faith could enjoy close communion with God. Obviously, anyone who had this kind of fellowship with God must have pleased God, and in pleasing God, Enoch fulfilled the purpose for which man was created (<a onclick="return mV('Rev',4,11);">Rev 4:11</a>).</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">But without faith it is impossible to please Him</span></b>: This is the basic faith required of any who will seek God. One must <b><span class="c3">believe that He is</span></b>, and one must believe <b><span class="c3">He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him</span></b>. We must believe that God is there, and that He will reveal Himself to the seeking heart.</p>
<p class="c5">i. The writer to the Hebrews doesn't say that it is <i>difficult</i> to please God without faith. He says that it is <b><span class="c3">impossible</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c5">ii. "These two elements seem most simple, but, alas, how many professing Christians act as if God were not living; and how many others, though seeking after Him, are not <i>expecting from Him</i> as Rewarder!" (Newell)</p>
<p class="c1">3. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,7);">7</a>) Noah's faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen</span></b>: Noah was warned of something that had never happened before. His faith was shown in not merely agreeing that the flood would come, but in doing what God told him to do regarding the flood - he was <b><span class="c3">moved with godly fear</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Prepared an ark</span></b>: Real faith will always <i>do</i> something. The book of James repeats this theme over and over again.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">He condemned the world</span></b>: We shouldn't think that Noah was a man who preached sermons of condemnation to the world. Instead, the mere conduct of the godly, without any preaching at all, can feel like condemnation to the world.</p>
<p>C. Faith in the life of Abraham and the Patriarchs.</p>
<p class="c1">1. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,8);">8</a>) Abraham's obedience by faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith, Abraham obeyed</span></b>: Abraham did step out in faith, going to a new place God had promised him; but his faith was less than perfect. This is seen by comparing <a onclick="return mV('Gen',12,'1-5');">Gen 12:1-5</a> with <a onclick="return mV('Act',7,'2-4');">Act 7:2-4</a>, where it is evident that Abraham first went half way to the place God called him to go, and only <i>eventually</i> obeyed completely. Yet now, thousands of years later, God does not "remember" the delayed obedience, only the faith.</p>
<p class="c1">2. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'9-10');">9-10</a>) Abraham's sojourning life of faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as <i>in </i>a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker <i>is </i>God.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith, he dwelt in the land of promise</span></b>: Abraham lived as a "sojourner" in the land God had promised, never owning any of it except the plots that he and Sarah were buried on. <b><span class="c3">Dwelt</span></b> is the ancient Greek word <i>paroikos</i>, describing a "resident alien" - one who lives somewhere, but doesn't have permanent status there.</p>
<p class="c5">i. A resident alien or a sojourner is evident. The way they talk, the way they dress, their mannerisms, their entertainment, their citizenship, and their friends, all speak of their native home. If someone is the same in all these areas as the "natives," they are no longer sojourners - they are permanent residents. Christians shouldn't get "green cards" for planet earth!</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob</span></b>: Because they had no permanent home, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in <b><span class="c3">tents</span></b> instead of houses. They looked forward to a better city - <b><span class="c3">the city which has foundations, who builder and maker is God</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c1">3. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'11-12');">11-12</a>) Sarah's faith and its results.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born <i>as many </i>as the stars of the sky in multitude; innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Sarah</span></b>: Sarah's faith was not perfect. She first laughed in unbelief (<a onclick="return mV('Gen',18,'9-15');">Gen 18:9-15</a>) and then she learned to laugh in faith (<a onclick="return mV('Gen',21,6);">Gen 21:6</a>).</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Because she judged Him faithful who had promised</span></b>: Faith boils down to judging that God is faithful to and able to keep His promises. It was this faith that enabled Sarah to <b><span class="c3">receive strength to conceive seed</span></b>. God gave the strength, but Sarah had to receive it by faith.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">Were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude</span></b><span>: </span>Because of the faith of Sarah and Abraham, thousands - millions - of descendants were born. Their faith had an impact on more lives than they ever dreamed of.</p>
<p class="c1">4. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'13-16');">13-16</a>) What the faith of Abraham and Sarah teaches us.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced <i>them </i>and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that <i>country </i>from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly <i>country. </i>Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">These all died in faith, not having received the promises</span></b>: The promise of the Messiah was made to Abraham and Sarah, and they believed the promise. Yet they <b><span class="c3">died</span></b> having never received it, only seeing it <b><span class="c3">in faith</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c5">i. They <b><span class="c3">saw the promises afar off</span></b>, willing to look at and consider the promise of God, even though it seemed so far away.</p>
<p class="c5">ii. They <b><span class="c3">were assured of them</span></b>: They carefully considered the promise, and assured themselves that the promise had to be valid because it was God making the promise.</p>
<p class="c5">iii. They <b><span class="c3">embraced them</span></b>: They took the promise and embrace it in faith. How many times in a day do you think Abraham and Sarah thought of the son God promised had them? Many, many times - they <b><span class="c3">embraced</span></b> the promise.</p>
<p class="c5">iv. They <b><span class="c3">confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims</span></b>: Abraham and Sarah always took the promise with the understanding that this world was not their home; that God had a better and more enduring home for them in heaven.</p>
<p class="c5">v. If these examples of faith endured through difficulty and discouragement without <b><span class="c3">having received the promises</span></b>, how much more should we who have received those promises?</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">They seek a homeland...they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country</span></b>. Walking in faith is easier when we remember that this world is not our home. It is easier when we remember that on this side of eternity, not everything is settled and every wrong is not righted. That is why they <b><span class="c3">seek a homeland</span></b> and a <b><span class="c3">better...heavenly country</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c5">i. Faith is very difficult when we live as "practical atheists." This describes someone who may have a theoretical belief in God, but the belief doesn't matter in what they do from day to day. When we remember there is a spiritual reality - a heavenly home that is our real home - faith is much easier.</p>
<p class="c5">ii. The great theme of our time is <i>naturalism</i>, the belief that only what can be found and measured in nature is "real." Scientists and educators who believe in naturalism may be content to let us believe in God, just as long as we agree that God is a fairy tale - someone not <i>real</i>. But when we believe in the <i>reality</i> of God and of heaven and of His word, it is completely unacceptable to those who live by naturalism.</p>
<p class="c5">iii. H.L. Mencken said faith is the "Illogical belief in the occurrence of the impossible." This would only be true if there is no God, or if He does not matter.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God</span></b>: But for those courageous enough to believe in God, and to believe in Him as <i>real</i>, and heaven and eternal life as <i>real</i>, <b><span class="c3">God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c5">i. We may speak of the fact that we cannot be ashamed of God; but do we often consider that God may be ashamed of us? When we do not regard God and heaven and eternity as real, there can be a sense in which God is <b><span class="c3">ashamed to be called our God</span></b>!</p>
<p class="c5">ii. As the hymn says:</p>
<p class="c6"><em>This world is not my home; I<>m just a passin<69> through<br> My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue<br> The angels beckon me from heaven<65>s open door<br> And I can<61>t feel at home in this world anymore.<br><br> Oh, Lord, you know, I have no friend like You<br> If heaven<65>s not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?<br> The angels beckon me from heaven<65>s open door<br> And I can<61>t feel at home in this world anymore.</em></p>
<p class="c1">5. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'17-19');">17-19</a>) Abraham<61>s faith was great enough to know God was able to raise the dead, and that God was able to keep His promises no matter what.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten <i>son,</i> of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God <i>was </i>able to raise <i>him </i>up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac</span></b>: The verb tense for <b><span class="c3">offered up</span></b> indicates that as far as Abraham was concerned, the sacrifice was complete.<span>&nbsp; </span>In his will and in his purpose, he really did sacrifice his son.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Offered up his only begotten son</span></b>: Though Abraham had another son (Ishmael, the son of his fleshly attempt to fulfill God<6F>s promise), God did not recognize the other son (<a onclick="return mV('Gen',22,'1-14');">Gen 22:1-14</a>) - so Isaac could be called <b><span class="c3">his only begotten son</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c4">c.<b><span class="c3">Accounting that God was able</span></b>: <b><span class="c3">Accounting</span></b> means in the ancient Greek just what it sounds like in English. It is a term from arithmetic expressing "a decisive and carefully reasoned act." (Guthrie) This means that Abraham calculated God<6F>s promise worthy of confidence.</p>
<p class="c4">d. <b><span class="c3">From the dead, from which he also received him</span></b>: As far as Abraham was concerned, Isaac was as good as dead, and it was from the dead that he received him back, in a manner that prefigured the resurrection of Jesus.</p>
<p class="c5">i. Bruce wonders if this is not the incident that Jesus referred to in <a onclick="return mV('Jhn',8,56);">Jhn 8:56</a>: <i>Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he saw it, and was glad</i>.</p>
<p class="c4">e. When Abraham was confronted with a promise and a command from God which seemed to contradict each other, he did what we all should do: he obeyed the command and let God take care of the promise - which God was more than able to do!</p>
<p class="c1">6. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,20);">20</a>) Isaac<61>s faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Isaac blessed Jacob</span></b>: Isaac was really in the <i>flesh</i>, not in <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b>, when he first intended to bless Jacob and Esau. He wanted to bless Esau with the birthright for carnal reasons (he liked him as a more "manly" man, and he liked the wild game he brought home), instead of blessing Jacob, whom God had chosen.</p>
<p class="c4">b. Yet Isaac came to the place of <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b> when he discovered that he had actually blessed Jacob instead of Esau, <a onclick="return mV('Gen',27,33);">Gen 27:33</a> says <i>Isaac trembled exceedingly</i>. When <i>Isaac trembled exceedingly</i>, what was he troubled about? He was troubled because he knew that he had tried to box God in, to defeat God<6F>s plan, and that God had beaten him. He realized that he would always be defeated when he tried to resist God<6F>s will, even when he didn<64>t like it. And he came to learn that despite his arrogance against God<6F>s will, God<6F>s will was glorious.</p>
<p class="c4">c. So, where is the <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b> in Isaac<61>s blessing? After Isaac<61>s attempt to thwart the will of God had been destroyed, when he said of Jacob, <i>and indeed he shall be blessed</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Gen',27,33);">Gen 27:33</a>). He knew that God had defeated his puny attempt to box God in, and he responded in the faith that says, "O.K. God, You win. Let Isaac be blessed with the birthright, and let Esau be blessed after him in his own way."</p>
<p class="c1">7. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,21);">21</a>) Jacob<6F>s faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, <i>leaning </i>on the top of his staff.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph</span></b>: Jacob led a pretty carnal life. Yet, his faith could also look beyond death - and he blessed each of his sons.</p>
<p class="c1">8. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,22);">22</a>) Joseph<70>s faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Joseph</span></b>: Joseph <b><span class="c3">made mention of the departure of the children of Israel</span></b> in <a onclick="return mV('Gen',50,24);">Gen 50:24</a>, when he said: <i>God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob</i>. He knew God<6F>s promise was true!</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Gave instructions concerning his bones</span></b>: When Joseph died, he was never buried.<span>&nbsp; </span>His coffin laid above ground for the 400 or so years until it was taken back to Canaan. It was a silent witness all those years that Israel <i>was</i> going back to the Promised Land, just as God had said.</p>
<p class="c4">c. All during that time, when a child of Israel saw Joseph<70>s coffin and asked what it was there for, and why it was not buried, they could be answered, "Because the great man Joseph did not want to be buried in Egypt, but in the Promised Land God will one day lead us to."</p>
<p>D. Faith in the nation of Israel.</p>
<p class="c1">1. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,23);">23</a>) The faith of Moses<65> parents.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw <i>he was </i>a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king<6E>s command.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith Moses...was hidden three months by his parents</span></b>: Moses<65> parents showed faith when they perceived that he was specially favored by God, they took measures of faith to save his life despite danger.</p>
<p class="c1">2. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'24-26');">24-26</a>) The faith of Moses in Pharaoh<6F>s court.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh<6F>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.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh<6F>s daughter</span></b>: Moses showed faith when he let God chart his destiny instead of letting Pharaoh do it.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Choosing rather to suffer affliction</span></b>: This choice had consequences. Moses knew that to go God<6F>s way meant to <b><span class="c3">suffer affliction</span></b> rather than <b><span class="c3">to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin</span></b>.<span>&nbsp; </span>Sin does have its pleasures; but Moses properly saw them as passing, even if they should last our entire earthly lives!</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">The reproach of Christ</span></b>: Moses probably didn<64>t know it, at the time but the persecution he suffered for his choice of servanthood to God and His people put him in the company of Jesus - who suffered to set men free.</p>
<p class="c1">3. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,27);">27</a>) The faith of Moses when he left Egypt.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king</span></b>: Moses<65> natural eyes could see the danger from Pharaoh, and understood the danger in remaining anywhere near Egypt. Yet his eye of faith could see <b><span class="c3">Him who is invisible</span></b>, and he understood that God was a greater fact in his situation than an angry Pharaoh was.</p>
<p class="c1">4. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,28);">28</a>) Moses showed faith when he led Israel in the Passover, in obedience to God<6F>s command.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith he kept the Passover</span></b>: It took faith to believe that the blood of a lamb on the door post would save a household from the terror of the angel of death. But Moses had that faith, and led the nation in observance of <b><span class="c3">the Passover</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c1">5. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,29);">29</a>) The faith of the nation of Israel when crossing the Red Sea.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry <i>land, whereas </i>the Egyptians, attempting <i>to do </i>so, were drowned.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith they passed through the Red Sea</span></b>: The difference between the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and the Egyptians who followed them was not courage, but faith.<span>&nbsp; </span>The Egyptians had as much (or more) courage than the Israelites, but not the same <b><span class="c3">faith</span></b> - and they each had different fates.<span>&nbsp; </span>The Israelites <b><span class="c3">passed through</span></b>, and the Egyptians <b><span class="c3">were drowned</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c1">6. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,30);">30</a>) The faith of the nation of Israel when circling around Jericho as God had commanded.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith the walls of Jericho fell down</span></b>: At Jericho, the people of Israel had a <i>daring</i> faith. There was no turning back, having already crossed the river Jordan at flood stage, which cut off any line of retreat.</p>
<p class="c4">b. At Jericho, the people of Israel had an <i>obedient</i> faith. They did not really understand what God was doing, yet they obeyed none the less.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">After they were encircled for seven days</span></b>: At Jericho, the people of Israel had a <i>patient</i> faith. The walls did not fall down for the first six days, yet they kept marching as God commanded.</p>
<p class="c4">d. At Jericho, the people of Israel had an <i>anticipating</i> faith. They knew God would act on the seventh day when they shouted.</p>
<p class="c1">7. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,31);">31</a>) The faith of Rahab.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish</span></b>: <b><span class="c3">Rahab</span></b> (Joshua 2) might seem an unusual example of faith, but her trust in God and willingness to identify with His people, no matter what the cost, is worthy of praise.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">When she had received the spies with peace</span></b>: When the Hebrew spies came to Rahab, she declared <i>He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath</i> (Joshua 2:11). This was proof of her faith. It was not strong faith, it was not perfect faith, but her faith was commendable nonetheless.</p>
<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent2">i. Clement of Rome, the earliest Christian writer outside of the Bible, was the first the see a symbol of the blood of Jesus in the scarlet cord which Rahab hung outside her window.</p>
<p class="c1">8. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,32);">32</a>) Other heroes of faith.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also <i>of </i>David and Samuel and the prophets:</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">Gideon</span></b> was a man who boldly destroyed idols, and was mightily used of God to defeat a much larger army of Midianites (<a onclick="return mV('Jdg',6,'1-');">Jdg 6-7</a>). Yet he was also a man who doubted God<6F>s word to him at first, and repeatedly asked for confirmation.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">Barak</span></b> led the people of Israel in a dramatic victory over the Canaanites (<a onclick="return mV('Jdg',4,'all');">Jdg 4</a>). Yet he hesitated and went forward only when Deborah encouraged him.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">Samson</span></b> was used mightily of the Lord to defeat the Philistines. Yet he never lived up to his potential, and had a tragic ending to his life after being enticed by Delilah (<a onclick="return mV('Jdg',11,'1-');">Jdg 13-16</a>).</p>
<p class="c4">d. <b><span class="c3">Jephthah</span></b> was used of God to defeat the Ammonites. Yet Jephthah made a foolish vow and stubbornly kept it (<a onclick="return mV('Jdg',11,'all');">Jdg 11</a>).</p>
<p class="c4">e. <b><span class="c3">David</span></b> was a remarkable man of faith. Yet he also failed with Bathsheba and with his own children.</p>
<p class="c4">f. Each one of these were men of faith, yet had notable areas of failure in their life. Still, Hebrews 11 commends their faith, and lists them in the "Hall of Faith." This shows that weak faith is better than unbelief, and you don<6F>t have to be perfect to make it into God<6F>s "Hall of Faith."</p>
<p class="c1">9. ( <a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'33-35');">33-35a</a>) By faith, some were victorious <i>over</i> circumstances.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>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. Women received their dead raised to life again.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. Some of those who <b><span class="c3">subdued kingdoms</span></b>: David, Joshua, King Asa, Jehoshaphat, King Hezekiah, King Josiah.</p>
<p class="c4">b. Some of those who <b><span class="c3">worked righteousness</span></b>: Elijah, Elisha, and all the prophets of God, and King Josiah also.</p>
<p class="c4">c. Some of those who <b><span class="c3">obtained promises</span></b>: Caleb, Gideon, Barak.</p>
<p class="c4">d. Some of those who <b><span class="c3">stopped the mouths of lions</span></b>: Daniel, David, and Benaiah (one of David<69>s mighty men).</p>
<p class="c4">d. Some of those who<i></i><b><span class="c3">quenched the violence of fire</span></b>: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.</p>
<p class="c4">e. Some of those who<i></i><b><span class="c3">escaped the edge of the sword</span></b>: David escaped both the swords of Goliath and Saul, Moses escaped the sword of Pharaoh, and Elijah escaped the sword of Jezebel.</p>
<p class="c4">f. Some of those who<i></i><b><span class="c3">out of weakness were made strong</span></b>: Sarah, Gideon, Abraham, Esther, and King Hezekiah.</p>
<p class="c4">g. Some of those who<i></i><b><span class="c3">became valiant in battle</span></b>: David, King Asa, and Jehoshaphat.</p>
<p class="c4">h. Some of those <b><span class="c3">women who received their dead raised to life again</span></b>: The widow of Zarepheth, and the Shunamite.</p>
<p class="c1">10. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'35-38');">35b-38</a>) By faith, some were victorious <i>under</i> their circumstances.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, <i>in </i>dens and caves of the earth.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. <b><span class="c3">Tortured</span></b> in the ancient Greek language has the idea "to beat with a stick or a baton."</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">A better resurrection</span></b>: As Jesus said in John 5:29, there is a resurrection unto life, and a resurrection unto condemnation. These worthies received the <b><span class="c3">better resurrection</span></b>.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">Trial of mockings</span></b>: Isaac endured the cruel mocking of Ishmael, and Samson was mocked at the feast of the Philistines.</p>
<p class="c4">d. <b><span class="c3">Chains and imprisonments</span></b>: Joseph was cast into prison for his faith, and the evil King Ahab imprisoned the prophet Micaiah.</p>
<p class="c4">e. <b><span class="c3">They were stoned</span></b>: Zechariah was stoned to death between the altar and the temple, and Naboth was stoned to death by Jezebel<65>s henchmen.</p>
<p class="c4">f. <b><span class="c3">Sawn in two</span></b>: According to reliable tradition, Isaiah was sawn in two and killed.</p>
<p class="c4">g. <b><span class="c3">Were tempted</span></b>: How does being <b><span class="c3">tempted</span></b> compare with these other persecutions?<span>&nbsp; </span>Some have thought the text was corrupted here, and the writer to the Hebrews originally wrote "branded" or "burnt alive" or "mutilated" or "strangled." But for those who have known the pains of temptation, it is not unreasonable to think that the writer to the Hebrews regards overcoming temptation as a true triumph of faith.</p>
<p class="c4">h. <b><span class="c3">Were slain with the sword</span></b>: Such as the eighty-five priests murdered by Doeg, or the prophets murdered in Elijah<61>s day.</p>
<p class="c4">i. <b><span class="c3">Wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins</span></b>: Such as Elijah, who wore this kind humble clothing and did not mind the humility or the discomfort.</p>
<p class="c4">j. <b><span class="c3">Of whom the world was not worthy</span></b>: The world is not necessarily friendly to people of faith, and the world isn<73>t necessarily <b><span class="c3">worthy</span></b> of them either!</p>
<p class="c5">i. "The despised and ill-treated group of servants of God was of greater real worth than all the rest of humanity put together." (Morris)</p>
<p class="c4">k. <b><span class="c3">In dens and caves of the earth</span></b>: David, Elijah, and prophets under the leadership of Obadiah were all forced to flee and hide in caves.</p>
<p class="c1">11. (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',11,'39-40');">39-40</a>) Conclusion: We have even more reasons for faith, more reasons to hold on to faith, than these heroes of the faith did.</p>
<p class="c2"><span>And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.</span></p>
<p class="c4">a. Even though they <b><span class="c3">obtained a good testimony through faith</span></b>, they never saw the promise in the same way that we do on this side of the cross.<span>&nbsp; </span>They <b><span class="c3">did not receive the promise</span></b>, the testimony of the completed work of the Messiah on their behalf.</p>
<p class="c4">b. <b><span class="c3">God having provided something better for us</span></b>: We have been <b><span class="c3">provided something better</span></b> (seeing and enjoying the completed work of Jesus on our behalf) have <i>much more reason</i> to hold on to faith, and to not let discouragement and tough times defeat us.</p>
<p class="c4">c. <b><span class="c3">They should not be made perfect apart from us</span></b>: The idea of <b><span class="c3">perfect</span></b> is "complete." They could not be made complete until the work of Jesus; they looked forward to Jesus and His work, we look at it from behind - and enjoy the fruits of His work!</p>
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