Hebrews Chapter Eleven Verses 1-6

HEBREWS CHAPTER ELEVEN VS 1-6 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

Heb 11:2  For by it the elders obtained a good report. 

Heb 11:3  Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 

Heb 11:4  By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 

Heb 11:5  By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

Main Point: Faith….what it is and why we need to grow it.

1.    Explain what faith is: Faith G4182 From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction
Assurance: G5287 From a compound of G5259 and G2476; a setting under (support), that is, (figuratively) concretely essence, or abstractly assurance
Evidence: G1650 From G1651; proof, conviction:
The term persuasion evokes the concept of “world view”. As is the case today, there are many world views, some with, some without religious approaches to life. In this text, the writer has been promoting the world view that there is a God who sent His Son as a security for those who are drawn near to Him. The believer is required to trust the source even though there are no (current) overt messages to convince the one being asked to continue believing. But God does not leave the believer without historical records. The acts of Jesus were never refuted. These things add to our PERSUASION that what we have read is true.
Ultimately, faith is trust. We read the word of God and our faith grows. We let the ancient scriptures become the foundation of our world view…it is the evidence of “things not seen”. This was especially important in this writing since many were becoming disenchanted, expecting Jesus to return in their lifetime….perhaps not clearly understanding the true purpose of Jesus.   

2.    How did God’s people receive their commendation? God accepted Abel’s sacrifice (gifts). Enoch pleased God. These are the attributions to their commendations, but both exhibited faith within these conclusions (as is expressed in vs 6).

3.    How was faith visible in these people’s lives:

Abel: Abel’s sacrifice “more excellent” indicates actual “more” in quantity, number and quality. Faith in this instance was simple act of trying to please God. Abel’s sacrifice revealed his heart toward God.

Enoch: “Pleased God” – Which indicates to gratify completely.

Additional:

One must ask why the writer would be addressing “believe that He exists” and “He rewards”.