1. The Epistle to the Hebrews Lesson 18 Living by Faith Hebrews 11:1-22

2. The Meaning and Importance of Faith Hebrews 11:1-6 Chapter ten concluded by declaring that “the just shall live by faith” (10:38) Chapter eleven teaches what faith is and shows us what it means to live by it. –The phrase “by faith” occurs 22 times in Heb. 11. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (11:1)  Substance = assurance or confidence  Evidence = convincing proof, being convinced  Things hoped for are not seen (Romans 8:24)

3. The Meaning and Importance of Faith Hebrews 11:1-6 Great Bible characters of old gained renown because they lived lives of faith (11:2)  not because of their wealth or worldly accomplishments Faith enables us to understand how the world was created (11:3) –The visible came from the invisible by the power of God’s word. (Psalm 33:6, 9; Genesis 1:3) Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain by faith (11:4) –He must have heeded God’s word (Rom. 10:17) –His faithful obedience testifies that he is righteous

4. The Meaning and Importance of Faith Hebrews 11:1-6 Faith is necessary to please God. By faith, Enoch was taken from this life to the next without dying because He pleased God. (11:5; Genesis 5:21-24) He who comes to God MUST believe two things about the unseen God (11:6; John 1:18) –That “He is” –That He rewards “those who diligently seek Him.”

5. Living by Faith Hebrews 11:7-22 By faith Noah… (11:7) Believed God’s warning concerning things he had not seen. Moved with godly fear and prepared an ark. –The ark was for the saving of his household. –Would his household have been saved without it? Condemned the world –By contrast between his faithful obedience and the world’s ungodliness (Genesis 6:5-9, 22) Became an heir of righteousness

6. Living by Faith Hebrews 11:7-22 By faith Abraham (11:8-10) Obeyed when he was called go to a place God would give him –Not knowing where he was going. Dwelt in the land of promise as a foreigner –Because he waited for the city of God. By faith Sarah… (11:11-12) Received strength to conceive and bear a child in her old age. –She was convinced that God is a faithful promise keeper –As a result, one man who was as good as dead, became the father of an innumerable multitude.

7. Living by Faith Hebrews 11:7-22 Characteristics of those who live by faith (11:13-16) They are persuaded of God’s promises and they embrace God’s promises This world is not their home. –They do not desire to go back to where they were before receiving God’s promises. They seek a heavenly home. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God! He has prepared a city for them! (Revelation 21:2)

8. Living by Faith Hebrews 11:7-22 By Faith Abraham offered Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19; cf. Genesis 22:1-18) He had received promises from God that His descendents would be a great nation and inhabit the promised land (Genesis 12:1-3) Isaac was the son through whom these promises were to be fulfilled (Genesis 17:19) But Abraham reasoned that God could raise Isaac from the dead if need be, to fulfill His promises.

9. Living by Faith Hebrews 11:7-22 The Faith of the Patriarchs (11:20-22) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come (Genesis 27:26-40) Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph (Genesis 48:5; 47:31) Joseph spoke of the departure of Israel from Egypt and made mention concerning the disposition of his bones (Genesis 50:24-25; Joshua 24:32) All three of these men trusted God with the unseen future of their children!