Remember the Past.

1 Remember the Past

2 Remember the Past Text: Hebrews 11:1-40, 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2. For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

3 11. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 13. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 17. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19. Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king s commandment. 24. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter;

4 25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. 27. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28. Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 32. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33. Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36. And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38. (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

5 40. God having provided some better things for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Introduction: I. The truly great chapters of the Bible include: A. Psalm 23 God s providential care. B. 1 Corinthians 15 Resurrection. C. 1 Corinthians 13 Love. D. Revelation 21 Heaven. E. Hebrews 11 Faith. II. In this lesson attention is focused on the heroes of faith! Commentary: Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I. Milligan stated that this is not a definition of faith, but rather a clear description of its nature and province. II. Faith is assurance, substance and confidence of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. A. The things hoped for include all of God s promises to the faithful. B. These things include things seen and unseen, temporal and eternal.

6 C. Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. D. Faith is essential for this life and the life that is to come. Faith can be lost or strengthened. Hebrews 11:2, For by it the elders obtained a good report. I. Because of such faith as was just mentioned the elders, Godly patriarchs and prophets of old, had witness borne to them as is to be found in Scripture. A. It is what God writes, thinks of a person that alone matters. Hebrews 11:3, Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. I. By faith, A. not by objective proof positive scientific evidence, 1. Evidences of God s imprint is clearly seen in creation everywhere. 2. Everything has been built by someone including the universe. B. we understand the worlds (plural) have been spoken into existence by God, the Creator. C. we understand the physical creation was made out of invisible things.

7 1. God made, framed, produced something wonderful out of nothing. 2. Colossians 1:16, For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 3. Psalm 32:6, 9, For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found; surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Hebrews 11:4, By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. I. By faith: A. Abel (Genesis 4:2-5:5) offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. 1. Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 2. God, therefore, must have told Abel what kind of sacrifice he wanted. B. By this sacrifice he secured God s witness that he was righteous.

8 C. Through all the millennia since his death, Abel still speaks loudly and clearly by the power of his faith based life. 1. Abel says, if we are to be blessed, we must believe God and do what he says. 2. Abel says the righteous are persecuted by the wicked. II. In this list of heroes of faith Adam and Eve were purposefully not included. Hebrews 11:5, By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. I. By faith: A. Enoch (Genesis 5:18-24) was translated, was spared physical death. B. Enoch had been well pleasing to God. II. Of all people who have ever lived, only two have escaped death; viz., A. Enoch. Genesis 5:24, And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. B. Elijah. 2 Kings 2:17, And when they urged him till he was ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore fifty men; and they sought three days, but found him not. III. Others will be translated. A. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52, Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in

9 the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. B. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. IV. Enoch walked with God, lived a devout life of faith as God s close friend. Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. I. Without faith: A. it is impossible to please God because B. the person who comes to God must believe... 1. that God is (exists). 2. that God is a rewarder of them that seek after him. II. God is not a detached diety. He rewards those who diligently seek after him. A. Seek is a strenuous endeavor. (Westcott via Coffman) B. God does not reward those who lukewarmly, half-heartedly seek him. 1. Revelation 3:15, 16, I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So

10 then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 2. Psalm 119:10, 11, With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Hebrews 11:7, By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. I. By faith Noah (Genesis 5:28-9:29): A. being warned of God about things he had not yet seen. B. moved with godly fear. 1. Ecclesiastes 12:13, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man, 2. Luke 12:5, But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear; Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 3. Noah evidenced hope and love along with godly fear. C. prepared an ark to the saving of his house. 1. Philippians 2:12, Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

11 2. We today must be intently interested in saving our families. II. Through faith and the actions produced by it Noah: A. condemned the unbelieving world. 1. Psalm 7:11, God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 2. Romans 1:18, And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 3. Exodus 34:7, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. 4. 2 Corinthians 2:15, 16, For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 5. 2 Peter 2:5, And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; B. became heir of the righteousness (which is according to faith).

12 Hebrews 11:8, By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. I. By faith Abraham (Genesis 11:26-25:11): A. when God called/ commanded him B. obeyed. II. Abraham left the Ur of Chaldees and went to Canaan which he was to receive for an inheritance. III. Abraham left Ur not knowing where God would lead him to go. IV. Abraham is the father of the faithful and friend of God. A. Isaiah 41:8, But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. B. Three world religions claim a connection with Abraham; viz., 1. Christianity through Christ. 2. Mohammedanism through Hagar and Keturah. 3. Judaism through Isaac. Hebrews 11:9, By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: I. By faith Abraham: A. became a sojourner in the land of promise...

13 1. as in a land not his own. 2. dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob. a. who were heirs with him of the same promise. B. Abraham never possessed Canaan. 1. He only owned a burial site for Sarah, the cave of Machpelah, purchased from Ephron the Hittite (Genesis 23:16). 2. Abraham dwelled in tents as a wonderer making it clear that his permanent place of residence was in the world to come, not in this world. a. Philippians 3:20, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: b. Matthew 6:19, Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: c. Luke 10:20, Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. d. Hebrews 6:19, Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Hebrews 11:10, For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

14 I. Abraham looked for the city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God. A. Revelation 21:2, And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. B. Revelation 22:5, And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. C. 1 John 3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. D. 1 Corinthians 2:9, But it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Hebrews 11:11, Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. I. By faith Sarah: A. received strength to conceive when she was past age. B. because she counted God, who had promised her a son, faithful. 1. At first Sarah laughed when she heard that she would have a child in her old age. 2. Her attitude changed when she realized the promise came from God.

15 Hebrews 11:12, Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. I. Because of this faith, Abraham s descendants through Sarah became numberless: A. as many as the stars of heaven. B. as many as the grains of sand at the seashore. Note: Abraham s descendants include Christians (spiritual) as well as Jews (physical). II. This happened even after Abraham (and Sarah) were, as far as childbearing was concerned, the same as dead. Hebrews 11:13, These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. I. These all died in faith: A. having not received the promises; that is, possession of Canaan as their homeland nor heaven as their eternal homeland. 1. One day with the Lord is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 2. Keep the faith! B. continuing to look for and being ready to greet God s promises from afar.

16 C. confessing they were strangers and pilgrims on earth. 1. Pilgrims refers to one who crosses the field. 2. James 4:14, 15, Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. II. The all important thing is dying in the faith! A. Revelation 14:13, And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. Hebrews 11:14, For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. I. People who speak of such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. A. Abraham and other faithful people spoke after this manner. 1. Abraham: Genesis 23:4, I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. 2. Jacob: Genesis 47:9, And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

17 3. David: Psalm 39:12, Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 4. Paul: 2 Corinthians 5:6, Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 5. Peter: 1 Peter 1:17, And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Hebrews 11:15, And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. I. If the patriarchs had centered their minds on returning to Ur of the Chaldees, they certainly could have gone back there. A. We must choose to continue moving toward heaven or turn back to the world from which we came. 1. John 6:67, Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 2. Luke 9:62, And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Hebrews 11:16, But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. I. These patriarchs desired a better, heavenly country.

18 II. God, because of this, was not ashamed of them. A. God was proud to be called their God. B. Abraham, Isaac and especially Jacob did wrong things, but God was pleased to be known as their God. Exodus 3:6. III. God prepared for them a city. A. The future here is spoken of in the past tense prepared because what God promises is a done deal. B. John 14:2, 3, In my Father s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. C. John 13:28-30, Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him. For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor. IV. For God to be proud of us, we must be proud of him. A. Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. B. 2 Timothy 1:8, The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

19 C. Mark 8:38, Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Hebrews 11:17-19, By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. I. By faith Abraham: A. when he was tested offered up Isaac, his only begotten son (by Sarah). (Genesis 22:1ff) 1. James 1:13, Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: B. offered Isaac on whom all the promises of future blessing hinged. 1. At this time Abraham was 130 years of age and Isaac was approximately 33 years of age according to Adam Clarke. 2. Isaac s faith is seen in his willing participation in this sacrifice. 3. Abraham and Sarah were beyond starting over with another family. C. believed God could raise Isaac from the dead after being sacrificed.

20 1. Figuratively God did resurrect Isaac from the dead. 2. Abraham believed God could raise the dead. a. Psalm 16:10, For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. b. Daniel 12:2, And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. c. John 5:28, 29, Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and that that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. II. Human sacrifices were common place in ancient times, even among the Hebrews. A. Abraham s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac spoke volumes to all around about his putting God first, above all else. B. God sacrificed his only begotten Son as well. C. References: 1. Jeremiah 32:35, And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

21 2. Leviticus 20:2-5, Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. And I will set my face against that man, and will cut him off from among his people; because he hath given of his seed unto Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name. And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. 3. Deuteronomy 18:10, There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 4. 2 Kings 3:26, 27, And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven hundred men that drew swords, to break through even unto the king of Edom: but they could not. Then he took his eldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land. 5. Ahaz. 2 Kings 16:3, But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, yea, and made his son to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel.

22 6. Manasseh. 2 Kings 21:6, And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger. Hebrews 11:20, By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. I. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come (Genesis 27:1-46). A. The words of the blessings were inspired and were fulfilled historically as spoken. B. Although Isaac eventually understood he had been deceived, he did not attempt to change the words of the blessing pronounced upon Jacob as God had directed. Hebrews 11:21, By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. I. By faith Jacob (Genesis 25:21-49:33): A. when he was dying, B. blessed each of the sons of Joseph, a. Ephraim and Manasseh would each become separate tribes. b. Ephraim, the younger brother, would be more powerful among the tribes than Manasseh, the older brother.

23 C. worshiped leaning upon the top of his staff (bed s head). a. Genesis 47:29-31, And the time drew nigh that Israel must die: and he called his son Joseph, and said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me: bury me not, I pray thee, in Egypt: But I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place. And he said, I will do as thou hast said. And he said, Swear unto me. And he sware unto him. And Israel bowed himself upon the bed s head. b. This took place before the blessing of Joseph s sons. c. At this time Jacob made Joseph swear to return his body to Canaan to the cave of Machpelah which confirmed his faith that Israel would return to Canaan. d. Things not seen as yet was clearly the basis of the faith evidenced by the Patriarchs. Note: The Hebrew words for staff and bed s head are the same except for humanly supplied punctuation. The preferred reading is staff. (Milligan via Coffman) Hebrews 11:22, By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. I. By faith Joseph (Genesis 37-50): A. when his end was nigh B. made mention of the departure of the children of Israel and

24 C. gave commandment concerning his bones. 1. Exodus 13:19, And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him: for he had straitly sworn the children of Israel, saying, God will surely visit you; and ye shall carry up my bones away hence with you. Hebrews 11:23, By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king s commandment. I. By faith Moses (Exodus 2:1 Deuteronomy 34:12): A. when he was born was hidden three months by his parents (Amram and Jochebed). 1. A pharaoh arose who did not know Joseph. 2. This king determined to reduce the rate by which the Hebrew slaves were increasing. B. because they saw he was a goodly child. 1. What if Moses had been an ugly child with major disabilities? Would his parents have treated him as they cared for Moses? C. they were not afraid of the king s commandment. Hebrews 11:24, By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter; I. By faith Moses:

25 A. when he was grown up... B. refused to be called the son of Pharaoh s daughter. 1. This refusal is the first great manifestation of Moses faith. 2. The world would say Moses made a very foolish mistake in refusing to remain the adopted grandson of the king. 3. History and eternity attest to the fact that he made the hard, right decision. Hebrews 11:25, Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; I. Rather than enjoy all the wealth, culture and perks of Egypt. A. The enjoyment of sin is short. 1. Job 20:5,... the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment. II. than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. A. Moses did not forsake the faith of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. B. Psalm 112:6, Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. Hebrews 11:26, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. I. Moses:

26 A. accounted the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. B. because he looked unto the recompense of reward. 1.... to the eternal rewards of faith, heaven. 2. The hope of glory was far greater than all Moses suffered in the wilderness. II. Coffman wrote that the reproach of Christ could be: A. the kind of reproach suffered by Christ. B. the kind of reproach a Christian suffers for following Christ. C. the reproach that fell on Moses as a type of Christ. D. the reproach Christ bore during his public ministry, trial and death. Hebrews 11:27, By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. I. By faith Moses: A. forsook Egypt. B. did not fear the wrath of the king. 1. Moses, in this respect, was like his parents, Amram and Jochebed. 2. Coffman stated, The more men fear God the less they fear any man.

27 C. endured as seeing him (God) who is invisible. 1. Hebrews 11:3, 7, 8, 10, By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 2. All these heroes of faith believed in the supernatural. 3. The more we believe in the assurance of our salvation, the less tempted we will be to depart from God s Way. Hebrews 11:28, Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. I. By faith Moses: A. kept the Passover B. sprinkling of blood C. that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. II. In order to bring about the release of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage God decreed a final plague. A. The firstborn of man and beast would be killed in one night.

28 B. Those (Israelites) who sprinkled the blood of a lamb on the doorposts and lentils would be spared the death of their firstborn when God passed over. C. Christ is our Passover. 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8, Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. III. In ordering the keeping of the Passover, Moses acted by faith in what God had told him without imperical evidence before hand that God would spare those who observed this feast and the sprinkling of blood as directed. Hebrews 11:29, By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. I. By faith: A. Israel passed through the Red Sea as by dry land. 1. For Israel to enter the Red Sea with walls of water on either side evidenced phenomenal faith in God s promise of deliverance. 2. Isaiah 51:10, Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? B. The Egyptians attempting to pursue Israel through the Red Sea were drowned.

29 Hebrews 11:30, By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. I. By faith: A. the walls of Jericho fell down. 1. Joshua 6:1-27. 2. No rational person without belief in a supernatural power could have believed marching around Jericho 13 times would cause the city s defensive walls to fall. B. after the city had been compassed about for seven days. II. It was Israel s faith in God that produced this wondrous victory. Hebrews 11:31, By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. I. By faith Rahab (Joshua 2:1-21; 6:22, 23): A. Rahab had been a harlot. 1. Rahab s past life of prostitution did not keep her from changing her life by faith in God. 2. Rahab saved herself from Jericho s destruction and became an ancestor of Christ. B. perished not with those who were disobedient. 1. Disobedience, pervasive corruption, leads to destruction. C. having received the spies with peace.

30 II. Spurgeon via Coffman stated that Rahab won victories over: A. her past life of sin. B. over patriotism, loyalty to her home city. C. fear of death from the citizens of Jericho who would have surely killed her had they learned of her complicity with Israel. Note: To Israel Rahab was a heroine. To Jericho she was a traitor who lied to her own people about the spies. (Benedict Arnold is an American traitor. In England he is considered a hero.) Hebrews 11:32, 33,And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, I. Other examples of heroic faith (It was not possible to list all worthy of being admitted to faith s Hall of Fame.) included: A. Gideon (Judges 6:1-8:38) who defeated the Midianites. B. Barak (Judges 4, 5) who defeated the Canaanites. 1. Why was Barak cited as a hero of faith when he refused to fight unless Deborah went with him? 2. Perhaps he saw Deborah the prophetess as God s representative. C. Samson (Judges 13:1-16:31) who, in spite of his shortcomings, defeated the Philistines.

31 D. Jephthah (Judges 11:1-12:17) who defeated the Ammonites. E. David (1 Samuel 16 1 Judges 2), Israel s great king, a man after God s own heart. F. Samuel (1 Samuel 1-28) who spoke the word of God faithfully and lived a blameless life. G. The prophets who faithfully preached the word of God in face of opposition, danger and death. II. Through faith these heroic characters: A. subdued kingdoms. B. wrought righteousness. 1. None of those listed above were perfect for sure! C. obtained God s promises and acted upon them. D. stopped the mouths of lions as in the case of Samson, David and Daniel. 1. David. 1 Samuel 17:36, Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. 2. Samson. Judges 14:6, And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him, and he rent him as he would have rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand: but he told not his father or his mother what he had done.

32 3. Daniel. Daniel 6:22, My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. III. What more could be said to make the case for the power of faith? A. Nothing more needs to be said. B. Much more could be said, but to cover all examples of wondrous faith would exhaust all available time. Hebrews 11:34, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. I. By faith these people: A. quenched the power of fire. 1. Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 2. Daniel 3. B. escaped the edge of the sword. 1. Elijah. 1 Kings 19:1-3, And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

33 2. Elisha. 2 Kings 6:31, Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shapshat shall stand on him this day. 3. Jeremiah 36:19, 26, Then said the princes unto Baruch, Go, hide thee, thou and Jeremiah; and let no man know where ye be. But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet: but the Lord hid them. C. from weakness were made strong. 1. Gideon who moved from the least in his father s house to deliverer of Israel. 2. Jephthah who moved from a despised son of a harlot to Israel s judge. D. waxed mighty in war and turned to fight armies of aliens. 1. Leviticus 26:8, And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. Hebrews 11:35, Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: I. By faith: A. women received their dead by a resurrection. 1. Widow of Sarepta. 1 Kings 27:17-24.

34 2. Shunamite woman. 2 Kings 4:18-37. B. others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance. 1. Eliazar who was tortured because he refused to eat pork. 2 Maccabees 6, 7. C. in order to obtain a better resurrection. 1. a better resurrection than that to be experienced by those without faith. 2. an eternal resurrection rather than a resurrection followed by another death. a. Lazarus. b. widow s son of Nain. Hebrews 11:36-38, And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, 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 in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. I. By faith others: A. had trials of mockings and scouragings. B. of bonds and imprisonment. C. stonings.

35 D. sawn asunder. E. tempted. F. slain with the sword. G. went about in sheepskins, goatskins being destitute. H. afflicted. I. ill treated. J. wandering in deserts, mountains, caves and holes in the earth. II. The world was not worthy of people like these! A. Many of those who suffered for their faith are lost to history but well remembered in the mind of God. B. Among those who are known are: 1. Samson. Judges 16:25, And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that he may make us sport. And they called for Samson out of the prison house; and he made them sport; and they set him between the pillars. 2. Micaiah. 1 Kings 22:27, And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace. 3. Hanani. 2 Chronicles 16:10, Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for he was in a rage

36 with him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people the same time. 4. Zechariah. 2 Chronicles 24:20, And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken he Lord, he hath also forsaken you. 5. Urijah. Jeremiah 26:23, And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people. C. The world because of its sinfulness was not worthy of saints and martyrs such as these. 1. This is a completely true statement. 2. This is also a proverbial expression. Hebrews 11:39, 40, And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better things for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. I. All of these: A. had witness borne to them that they were faithful. B. did not receive the things promised. C. God provided better things for us Christians.

37 D. apart from Christians the ancient, Old Testament faithful could not be perfect, complete. II. Without Christ the entire Bible account is incomplete. A. Hebrews 10:36, For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. B. Christians have received some of the long awaited promises, but all of them will not be actualized until we reach our eternal home in glory. 1. Matthew 25:34-40, Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink: When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 2. Matthew 10:32, Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 3. Revelation 3:5, He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name

38 out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 4. John 6:40, 44, 54, And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life: and I will raise him up at the last day. 5. Philippians 3:21, Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 6. Revelation 21:1, 2, And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 7. 2 Timothy 4:8, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Song: Faith Is the Victory Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise, And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies. Against the foe in vales below, Let all our strength be hurled; Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.

39 Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory That Overcomes the world. His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God; We tread the road the saints above With shouts of triumph trod. By faith they, like a whirlwind s breath, Swept on o er ev ry field; The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining shield, Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory! O glorious victory That overcomes the world.

40 Questions Hebrews 11 1. What is faith? 2. For what were those of long ago commended? 3. Of what was the world made? 4. The world was formed at s NIV. 5. How did Abel demonstrate his faith? 6. How did Enoch demonstrate his faith?

41 7. Without it is to please because all who come to must that he and that he those who him. NIV 8. How did Noah demonstrate his faith? 9. How did Abraham demonstrate his faith? 10. All of these faithful men died without receiving the things promised. What had been promised? 11. How did Isaac demonstrate his faith? 12. How did Abraham receive Isaac back from death? 13. How did Jacob demonstrate his faith?

42 14. How did Joseph demonstrate his faith? 15. How did Amram and Jochebed demonstrate their faith? 16. How did Moses demonstrate his faith? 17. How did Israel demonstrate its faith at the Red Sea?... at Jericho? 18. What did Rahab do? 19. Tell how each of the following people demonstrated faith:

43 (a) Gideon (b) Barak (c) Samson (d) Jephthah (e) David (f) Samuel (g) Prophets 20. Give examples of the faithful who: (a) conquered kingdoms, became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. (b) administered justice.

44 (c) gained what was promised. (d) shut the mouths of lions. (e) quenched the fury of the flames. (f) escaped the edge of the sword. (g) turned weakness into strength. (h) women received back their dead, raised to life again. (i) were tortured and refused to be released so that they might receive a better resurrection. (j) faced jeers and flogging. (k) were chained and put into prison. (l) stoned. (m) sawn asunder.

45 (n) went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated. (o) wandered in deserts, mountains, caves and holes in the ground. 21. These were all commended for their faith. Who commended them? 22. None of these faithful ultimately received what had been promised. What had been promised? 23. What has God planned for them that will together with us make these heroes of faith perfect, complete? 24. Of all the people who have ever lived, list the five who, in your opinion, the world was most unworthy. 25. If you had faced the situations faced by these heroes of faith, how would you have measured up?

46