Hebrews Chapter 11

INTRODUCTION

Pastor Daren led us into Hebrews 11, often called the “faith chapter,” highlighting both the essence of faith and examples of faithful lives from Scripture. As he said, “What we have that Jesus gives us… He gives us faith, hope, and love.” Faith, the cornerstone of our walk with God, assures us of what we hope for, even though we may not see it. Pastor Daren encouraged us to consider how God defines and uses faith to transform and sustain us through the most challenging times.

OPENING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith, which assures us of Your promises. As we look into Your Word today, help us to see our lives through the lens of Your truth. strengthen our faith as we study and give us hearts that trust fully in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

ICE BREAKER

Share a time when you trusted God, even though you couldn’t see how things would turn out. How did that experience grow your faith?

KEY VERSES

Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:4 – “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain…”
Romans 10:17 – “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

TOPICS

Faith’s Definition and Substance
Pastor Daren opened with the reminder, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” It is believing in what we don’t yet see but are confident of because of God’s promises. This faith is not just belief but a conviction that drives action, as it did for the faithful in Hebrews 11. Faith in God’s truth reshapes us to follow Him, even when the journey requires perseverance.
Faith Beyond Obedience: The Story of Cain and Abel
Pastor Daren used Cain and Abel as examples to illustrate that true faith is more than obedience—it’s about relationship and trust. “Abel loved God, and he did it by faith… and brought forth his best,” Pastor said. Abel’s faith was a heart posture toward God, leading him to give freely. In contrast, Cain’s offering was done without true faith, showing the difference between obligation and a faith-filled response to God’s call.
Faith Comes by Hearing
“It’s the word of God that transforms us,” Pastor reminded us, quoting Romans 10:17. Faith grows as we absorb God’s Word, allowing it to change our perspective and conviction. Pastor Daren encouraged us to spend time reading Scripture personally, experiencing God’s promises firsthand. “It’s not just me up here preaching… it’s even more intimate when you open up your Bible,” he said, emphasizing that daily immersion in Scripture is essential for deepening our faith.
Faith as Our Anchor in Transformation
Reflecting on how faith renews us, Pastor Daren explained that we are “not doing good deeds out of our own strength but because God has called us.” He pointed out that God works in us, and our obedience is not to gain righteousness but as a reflection of the righteousness already given to us through Christ. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are His workmanship, created for good works that God has prepared in advance.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

What does it mean to you that faith is “the conviction of things not seen”?
In what ways can we strengthen our faith through God’s Word, as Pastor Daren mentioned?
How can we distinguish between following God out of faith and merely out of duty?
How does recognizing our “workmanship” in Christ change our approach to serving others?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Faith, as described in Hebrews, is rooted in assurance and conviction from God’s promises, allowing us to act even when we don’t see the outcome.
The story of Cain and Abel highlights that offerings given in faith are pleasing to God, as they reflect a heart of devotion rather than mere duty.
Faith grows through hearing and meditating on Scripture, which transforms us and helps us align our lives with God’s truth.
Our good works are not means to achieve righteousness but are expressions of the righteousness we already have through faith in Christ.

CHALLENGE

This week, commit to reading Scripture each day, even if just a few verses. Reflect on what it reveals about God’s promises, and ask Him to deepen your faith. Consider how you might offer God your “first fruits”—giving Him your best in time, resources, or service as an act of faith.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord, thank You for the faith You have given us to believe and follow You. Increase our faith daily as we draw near to You. Help us to rely on Your promises and live lives that reflect Your truth. May our faith bring You glory and draw others to see Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

BIBLE STUDY

1. Hebrews 11:1 – The Nature of Faith

Verse: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Discussion: Pastor Daren explained that faith goes beyond what we can see or touch; it’s confidence in God’s promises even before they are fulfilled. Faith isn’t just about what we know but about trusting God for what we don’t yet see.
Reflection Question: What does it mean for you to have confidence in something you hope for but cannot see?

2. Hebrews 11:4 – Faith vs. Works (The Example of Abel)

Verse: “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain…”
Explanation: Pastor Daren pointed out that Abel’s offering was accepted because it was given in faith. “Abel loved God, and he did it by faith… he brought forth his best,” Pastor said. This contrasts with Cain, who brought an offering without true faith.
Reflection Question: How can we ensure that our actions are motivated by faith rather than by obligation?

3. Hebrews 11:5-6 – Faith that Pleases God (The Example of Enoch)

Verses: “And without faith, it is impossible to please God…”
Explanation: Faith isn’t about working harder or being perfect; it’s about trusting in God. Pastor Daren taught that “we can only please God by faith.” True faith recognizes who God is and acts in response to that knowledge.
Reflection Question: What does it mean to you that faith, not works, is what pleases God?

4. Hebrews 11:7 – Faith in Action (The Example of Noah)

Verse: “By faith, Noah… prepared an ark for the salvation of his household…”
Explanation: God warned Noah about things he could not see (the coming flood), yet Noah obeyed by building the ark. Pastor Daren noted that Noah’s faith led him to act, even when others mocked him. “They rejected him… they didn’t fear God,” Pastor explained. In our New Covenant, we too must trust Christ for our salvation.
Reflection Question: Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to take action in faith?

5. Hebrews 11:8-10 – Trust in God’s Promises (The Example of Abraham)

Verses: “By faith Abraham… was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Explanation: Abraham obeyed, leaving his homeland even though he didn’t know where he was going. Pastor Daren noted that faith means “stepping out into faith for things that God says will be.” Faith in the New Covenant trusts that God has a promised inheritance for us through Christ.
Reflection Question: How does Abraham’s trust in God’s promises inspire you in your faith journey?

6. Hebrews 11:11-12 – Faith Despite Impossibilities (The Example of Sarah)

Verse: “By faith even Sarah… considered Him faithful who had promised.”
Explanation: Pastor Daren reminded us that Sarah’s faith in God’s promise came despite the impossibility of her situation. Though she initially laughed, she grew to believe that “with God, all things are possible.” For us, believing in the sufficiency of Christ means trusting God even when circumstances seem impossible.
Reflection Question: What promises of God seem “impossible” to you right now? How can faith help you trust God in those areas?

7. Hebrews 11:13-16 – Living as Strangers in the World

Verses: “All these died in faith, without receiving the promises… they were strangers and exiles on the earth.”
Explanation: Pastor Daren explained that living by faith in Christ often means recognizing that we don’t fully belong here. Our true home is with God. We are strangers here because our future hope is in the New Jerusalem, a “better country” (v. 16).
Reflection Question: How does knowing that our citizenship is in heaven affect the way you live now?

8. Hebrews 11:17-19 – Faith Tested and Strengthened (The Example of Abraham and Isaac)

Verses: “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac…”
Explanation: Abraham’s faith was tested when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac. Pastor Daren shared that trusting in God’s goodness—even in trials—is central to faith under the New Covenant. Abraham trusted that God would keep His promise, even if it required a miracle.
Reflection Question: How has God used difficult times in your life to strengthen your faith?

9. Hebrews 11:24-26 – Choosing Christ Over the World (The Example of Moses)

Verses: “By faith Moses… chose rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.”
Explanation: Moses chose to identify with God’s people rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of Egypt. Pastor Daren emphasized that faith means choosing to follow Christ, even if it means turning away from worldly gain.
Reflection Question: In what ways are you challenged to choose God’s way over the world’s way?

10. Hebrews 11:39-40 – Christ Fulfills the Promise for Us

Verses: “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised because God had provided something better for us…”
Explanation: Those mentioned in Hebrews 11 lived by faith but did not see the final fulfillment in Christ. Pastor Daren noted that “God provided something better”—the completed work of Jesus Christ. Under the New Covenant, we have what they longed for: a secure hope in Christ’s finished work.
Reflection Question: How does knowing that you live in the fulfilled promise of the New Covenant affect your relationship with God?

Scriptures

Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

1 Corinthians 13:13
“But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Hebrews 10:22-24
“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

Romans 12:2
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Hebrews 10:38-39
“But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”

Ephesians 2:10
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Hebrews 11:4
“By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.”

Genesis 4:3-5
“So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.”

Genesis 4:6-7
“Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.’”

Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”

Hebrews 11:5
“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.”

Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Proverbs 9:10
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Hebrews 11:7
“By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Hebrews 11:8-10
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Hebrews 11:11-12
“By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.”

Hebrews 11:13-16
“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”

John 14:3
“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”

Revelation 21:1-4
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.’”

Revelation 21:22-27
“I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

Hebrews 11:17-19
“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your descendants shall be called.’ He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.”

Psalm 73:1-2
“Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart! But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, My steps had almost slipped.”

Hebrews 11:30-31
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”

Hebrews 11:32-40
“And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goat skins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”

2 Timothy 4:7-8
*“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for

Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”