04/30/2025
On Monday, 5/5 @ 6:30pm at Martin's Grocery in Warsaw, IN (upstairs), we will continue our study of Hebrews starting with Hebrews 12:1.
Below are some of the notes from 4/28, Hebrews 11:1-40.
Vs. 11:1-11:40 – Faith that Looks Ahead
• Vs. 11:1-3: Faith is not what we see, but what we believe, or better, what we know. We do not see God, physically, but we know he exists. We did not see Jesus be crucified and raise from the dead, but we know he did. We do not know the authors of the Scriptures, but we know they were inspired by God to write them. We do not think we know these things, but through faith, we definitely know them, no doubt.
• Vs. 11:4-6: Abel and Enoch pleased God with their faith in Him, that resulted in their actions. It was not their actions, but their belief in God and their belief they would be rewarded for seeking Him. Notice vs. 6 does not say rewarded for their actions but for seeking Him. Our actions are byproducts of our faith and seeking.
• Vs. 11:7: By faith Noah became heir to righteousness. Again, his actions were a byproduct of his faith. Even though it had never rained before, Noah spent years building the Ark, just because God said to build it.
• Vs. 11:8-12, 17-19: Abraham, the most revered figure for the Israelites, left his country by faith, looked forward to a child by faith, knew God would save Isaac by faith. He never looked to the things of the past, only to the future.
• Vs. 11:32-38: Those mentioned in this section lived through victories and trials, all by knowing that God’s reward was better than any reward they could have on this earth. (ref. 2 Cor. 4:7-18)
• Vs. 11:13-16, 26, 39-40: None of the people mentioned in this chapter were constantly looking back on what they had or had done, they were constantly looking forward to the promises God had for them. They might not have known Jesus by name, but they knew Him by promise. They did not receive their promise immediately, but they received the promise when we received it, when Jesus appeared. (ref. Rev. 21:1-8)
Continue praying for each other.