Bible Studies

Hebrews Lesson 12

by Thomas Kirkpatrick
06/27/22
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Chapter 11

The last chapter ended in words of encouragement for those who have faith in contrast to those who are faithless. In this chapter, the author gives us a definition of faith and many examples of its application. I have heard many times people refer to faith as being blind, but true faith is anything but blind. Half the verses in this book explain reasons and evidence of faith. It is a grand argument for accepting the New Covenant of Jesus Christ on faith.

Faith is not gullible or senseless. Godly faith is exemplified by trust in God’s Word. Believing that God is, is a key anchor to faith, as no one has or can see God. The proof of His existence is in His creation itself. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) The very creation we are and the creation we live in prove God is. If you cannot see God in His creation, you cannot have faith in anything you see. I see God by the mighty works that He has done. Therefore I know that He exists. With faith, I rely on His creation, and He is Sovereign over His creation, and I have faith in Him.

Faith in God always looks forward to the eternal perspective, which produces obedience in the face of hardship, knowing that He is Sovereign in the context of His love. God takes what cannot be seen or understood and makes it good, according to His Word. Faith relies on what we have seen of God and trusts Him for the future. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”(Hebrews 11:1-3)

Most of this chapter is known as the Heroes of Faith. The author uses Scripture to clarify his definition of faith. Each case has a basic pattern. The people knew enough about God to trust Him. They trusted Him and knew that His promises would be filled ultimately in eternity and not necessarily in their lifetime. These men of faith obeyed God even when faced with doubts and challenges in their life.  

The author’s first example shows the result of life-long trust in God. Able and Enoch are contrasted by how their earthly lives ended. Able was murdered by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:8), and God took Enoch without facing death. (Genesis 5:23-24). The example is what happens in our earthly lives is not the end of God’s plan for us, as God has plans for us in the far future. Others are Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, as examples of those who honor God in their lives and are accepted by God. (Hebrews 11:4-12)

The author then points out that godly faith is not just about our earthly lives but our life in eternity. Abraham trusted God not because he was overly concerned with his life here but looking forward beyond his death “to the city that has foundations.” (Hebrews 11:16) Abraham had faith in a heavenly country. (Hebrews 11:13-16)

The next set of examples is those who trusted God amid immediate challenges. Again Abraham is mentioned when God commanded him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham was obedient to God’s command as his prior experiences with God approved His Righteousness. Abraham obeyed God in faith, not being able to see the end. Others are mentioned as ones willing to pass on the words of God to their children. Moses is spoken of because of his willingness to endure hardships to honor God. (Hebrews 11:17-28) The author also shows us the victory through faithful obedience in the crossing of the Red Sea, the conquest of Jericho, and the rescue of Rahab. (Hebrews 11:29-31)

The author then launches into inspiring passages about Old Testament heroes without much detail. The Judges, the prophets, and David accomplished incredible feats due to their faith. They are given in rapid-fire order, resulting in the ultimate victory of resurrection from death. (Hebrews 11:32-35) The author reminds us that these heroes of faith suffered many hardships. They were willing to suffer persecution, torture, and death without forsaking their obedience to God. (Hebrews 11:36-38)

Chapter eleven has allowed us to hear, know the power of faith each of these witnesses displayed, and respond in that same faithfulness. (Hebrews 11:39-40)

The next chapter will expand on the same theme and encourage the reader to “hold fast” to their faith during adverse times. Christ is our example as He endured the suffering because of the reward He knew was waiting in eternity. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Discussion Topics

Question: What is a crucial anchor to faith?

Answer: Knowing that God exists.

Question: Our faith allows us to look forward and live with an _____________.

Answer: Eternal perspective.

Question: This chapter helps us suffer adversity by holding fast to what?

Answer: Faithfulness.

Opinion Question

What does tested faith accomplish for us personally?