1. Faith explained (11:1-3)The point of this section isn’t necessarily to define faith; rather, it provides essential characteristics of faith that underlie the author’s argument. Faith always involves the unseen and holds a certain conviction (v. 1). Verse 2 reveals that approval from God is what’s hoped for (cf. Heb 11:6). The concept of faith gaining God’s approval is the theme of chapter eleven. Note that genuine faith begins with believing God created all things (v. 3).
2. Faith from Abel to Noah (11:4-7)
The example of antediluvium saints draws a contrast between faith and a lack of faith. God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because it was undergirded by faith. Enoch’s translation is a reward for exhibiting faith pleasing to God. Noah displayed “unseen” faith and became an heir to righteousness by faith.
3. The Faith of Abraham and Sarah (11:8-12)
Abraham exercised faith in God’s future promise of inheriting. Abraham shows that faith leads to obedient trust in God. Abraham had faith in a future, unseen city of God (v. 10). Sarah’s ability to conceive and bear children at an old age is attributed to her faith in God’s promise (vv. 11-12).
4. The Expectancy of Faith (11:13-16)
The “these” of verse thirteen points to the Patriarchs (cf. 11:8-9). These men were faithful even unto death. As strangers and aliens on earth they never obtained their promised “homeland” for they were seeking a far better one. Instead of returning to Haran Abraham pursued a better place on the basis of God’s promises.
5. The Faith of Moses (11:23-28)
Moses renounced his position to identify with God’s people (vv. 24-26). He renounced the temporal riches of Egypt and in doing so identified with Jesus by suffering for a future reward. By faith Moses celebrated the Passover before seeing the deliverance it would bring.
6. The Faith of Ancient Israel (11:29-31)
To encourage the community the author gives an example of group faith. By faith the Israelites crossed the Red Sea acting in faith to a command of God. The readers would note that their obedience resulted in salvation. The same salvation was attained because of obedience to God’s command at Jericho and Rahab.
7. An Ensemble of Faithfulness (11:32-38)
The author lists six more Old Testament individuals beginning a catalog of faithfulness attributed to those through out history who not only achieved great things but also preserved through struggles, various trials, and martyrdom all the while enduring through faith.
8. The Extension of Faith (11:39-40)
Verse thirty-nine reminds the readers once again that faith brings the approval of God. This verse also calls the community to endurance a major theme in chapter twelve. Having not received their promise, the Old Testament saints will experience the fullness of the promise upon the attainment of the New Testament elect saints (v. 40). Thus, the faithful throughout all generations will enter into the fullness of God’s promise together.
2. Faith from Abel to Noah (11:4-7)
The example of antediluvium saints draws a contrast between faith and a lack of faith. God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because it was undergirded by faith. Enoch’s translation is a reward for exhibiting faith pleasing to God. Noah displayed “unseen” faith and became an heir to righteousness by faith.
3. The Faith of Abraham and Sarah (11:8-12)
Abraham exercised faith in God’s future promise of inheriting. Abraham shows that faith leads to obedient trust in God. Abraham had faith in a future, unseen city of God (v. 10). Sarah’s ability to conceive and bear children at an old age is attributed to her faith in God’s promise (vv. 11-12).
4. The Expectancy of Faith (11:13-16)
The “these” of verse thirteen points to the Patriarchs (cf. 11:8-9). These men were faithful even unto death. As strangers and aliens on earth they never obtained their promised “homeland” for they were seeking a far better one. Instead of returning to Haran Abraham pursued a better place on the basis of God’s promises.
5. The Faith of Moses (11:23-28)
Moses renounced his position to identify with God’s people (vv. 24-26). He renounced the temporal riches of Egypt and in doing so identified with Jesus by suffering for a future reward. By faith Moses celebrated the Passover before seeing the deliverance it would bring.
6. The Faith of Ancient Israel (11:29-31)
To encourage the community the author gives an example of group faith. By faith the Israelites crossed the Red Sea acting in faith to a command of God. The readers would note that their obedience resulted in salvation. The same salvation was attained because of obedience to God’s command at Jericho and Rahab.
7. An Ensemble of Faithfulness (11:32-38)
The author lists six more Old Testament individuals beginning a catalog of faithfulness attributed to those through out history who not only achieved great things but also preserved through struggles, various trials, and martyrdom all the while enduring through faith.
8. The Extension of Faith (11:39-40)
Verse thirty-nine reminds the readers once again that faith brings the approval of God. This verse also calls the community to endurance a major theme in chapter twelve. Having not received their promise, the Old Testament saints will experience the fullness of the promise upon the attainment of the New Testament elect saints (v. 40). Thus, the faithful throughout all generations will enter into the fullness of God’s promise together.
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