Introduction to Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11 is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it highlights numerous Old Testament figures who demonstrated extraordinary faith in God. The chapter emphasizes that faith is the foundation of the believer’s relationship with God and is essential for receiving His promises.

“Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1, WEB)

This verse defines faith as confidence in God’s promises, even when they are not yet visible. The chapter proceeds to illustrate this definition by recounting the lives of faithful individuals from biblical history.

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1. Faith in Creation (Hebrews 11:3)

The chapter begins with the belief that the universe was created by God’s word:

“By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by God’s word so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3, WEB)

This means that faith acknowledges God as the Creator, even though no human witnessed the act of creation.

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2. Abel – Faith That Worships (Hebrews 11:4)

“By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4, WEB)

(Genesis 4:1-10)

Abel and his brother Cain were the sons of Adam and Eve. Both offered sacrifices to God, but Abel’s was accepted while Cain’s was not. Abel brought the firstborn of his flock, demonstrating faith and devotion, whereas Cain’s offering was from the ground and was not given in faith. Out of jealousy, Cain murdered Abel.

Lesson from Abel

• Faith in God requires offering our best in worship.
• Faith continues to influence others, even after death.

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3. Enoch – Faith That Walks with God (Hebrews 11:5-6)

“By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that he had been well pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 11:5, WEB)

(Genesis 5:21-24)

Enoch was a man who walked with God so closely that he was taken to heaven without experiencing death.

Lesson from Enoch

• True faith is about a relationship with God.
• Faith pleases God and leads to eternal life.

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4. Noah – Faith That Obeys (Hebrews 11:7)

“By faith, Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” (Hebrews 11:7, WEB)

(Genesis 6-9)

God warned Noah of the coming flood, even though there had never been rain before. Noah, despite ridicule from others, built the ark and saved his family and the animals.

Lesson from Noah

• Faith acts in obedience, even when God’s commands seem impossible.
• Faith may set believers apart from the world.

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5. Abraham – Faith That Trusts (Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-19)

“By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went.” (Hebrews 11:8, WEB)

(Genesis 12-22)

• Leaving Home – God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a place he had never seen.
• Waiting for a Son – Abraham and Sarah waited decades for their promised son, Isaac.
• Offering Isaac – Abraham was tested when God asked him to sacrifice Isaac, but he obeyed, believing God could resurrect him.

Lesson from Abraham

• Faith is trusting God’s promises, even when they seem delayed.
• Faith requires obedience and sacrifice.

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6. Sarah – Faith in God’s Promise (Hebrews 11:11-12)

“By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11, WEB)

(Genesis 18, 21)

Sarah was 90 years old when she miraculously gave birth to Isaac. Though she initially laughed at the idea, she later believed God’s promise.

Lesson from Sarah

• Faith believes that nothing is impossible for God.

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7. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph – Faith in God’s Future (Hebrews 11:20-22)

“By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” (Hebrews 11:20, WEB)
“By faith, Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph.” (Hebrews 11:21, WEB)
“By faith, Joseph, when his end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel.” (Hebrews 11:22, WEB)

These men demonstrated faith by blessing future generations and believing in God’s promises even when they had not yet been fulfilled.

Lesson from the Patriarchs

• Faith looks forward to God’s promises, even beyond one’s lifetime.

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8. Moses – Faith That Chooses God Over the World (Hebrews 11:23-29)

“By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” (Hebrews 11:24, WEB)

(Exodus 1-14)

Moses was raised as an Egyptian prince but chose to suffer with God’s people. He led Israel out of Egypt and trusted God to part the Red Sea.

Lesson from Moses

• Faith may require giving up earthly comfort.
• Faith leads to deliverance and victory.

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9. Rahab – Faith That Risks Everything (Hebrews 11:31)

“By faith, Rahab the prostitute didn’t perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.” (Hebrews 11:31, WEB)

Backstory (Joshua 2, 6)

Rahab, a Gentile prostitute, hid Israelite spies and believed in God’s power. She was spared during Jericho’s destruction and became an ancestor of Jesus.

Lesson from Rahab

• Faith is available to everyone, regardless of their past.

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10. Other Heroes of Faith (Hebrews 11:32-40)

The chapter ends by listing many others who suffered for their faith, including Gideon, Samson, David, and the prophets. Some were delivered, while others died for their faith, but all are counted as righteous.

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Final Lessons from Hebrews 11

• Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).
• Faith acts in obedience.
• Faith trusts God’s promises, even when delayed.
• Faith endures trials and looks toward eternal rewards.

Hebrews 11 reminds believers that faith is not just believing but acting on that belief, trusting that God is faithful to His promises.

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All Bible quotations are from the World English Bible (WEB) and are free of copyright.

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