The Joy in Responsibility

(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews)

Commentary

Faith that is Alive and at Work

Hebrews 11:7-12 

Outline

Last week through the examples of faith in the lives of Abel and Enoch we looked at what it meant to please God. Abel and Enoch reflected God in their faith. It is said that Enoch “walked with God” and we said that meant that he lived life that was “all in” for God; nether men where hypocrites. In every aspect of life, their actions reflected the same principles and standards. All of life was the Gospel…no walls, no borders.

This week we look at the examples of Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. This week’s text holds examples of how a life of saving faith trusts God and perseveres to the end. This week we reference verse 39 in chapter 10 to understand our authors intended meaning of this week’s examples. “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” Let’s see what it means to know, trust, and love God by faith.

Main actions of our faithful examples:

Noah trusts God and builds an ark for the salvation of his household.

Abraham trusts God and leaves his homeland and family for an unknown land of promise.

Abraham trusts God and lives in tents without building a city with foundations.

Sarah trusts God and conceives when she is barren and past the age of childbearing.

Pattern of the life of faith: 

Noah, Abraham, and Sarah all:

• Heard the Word of God (More than a philosophy, a CALLING)
• Humbled in the presence of God (Inner reckoning)
• Move toward the promise (Outward action as a result of inner reckoning)
• Rejoice in a foretaste of the promise (Always looking forward to the next great blessing of God)

LIFE APPLICATION:

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the very Word of God (Objective Understanding)

Strong inner faith causes radical outward action

Saving faith always changes the way you live 

Faith tastes the blessings of God’s promises today and knows there is much more to come!