August 25, 2019 Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

“8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude — innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:8-31 NKJV)

The writer continues the lineage of faith and these Patriarchs (fathers) of the faith not only continue the lineage but also give us a greater meaning of what faith really is. God includes a Matriarch (woman) in the Hall of Fame of Faith.

Abraham

Put the story of Abraham’s faith in your own words. You should need enough room to write it on another sheet.

When you make an important decision do you seek God’s guidance?

What is important about verses 17-19? Is there a similar event in the New Testament?

Sarah

Sarah made Abraham have sex with a servant so she could have a child. When told she was going to have a child herself Sarah not only laughed but when called on it she lied and denied it. Yet it says Sarah trusted God is faithful.

What does Sarah’s story teach us about faith?

What part does faith play in your life?

What part does faith play in the now and in the future?

Issac, Jacob and Esau

The story of these three men has the making of a soap opera! The lineage of faith seems to stumble along with very human characters doing very human things. Yet God guides and builds this lineage of faith and hope which will become the nation of Israel and the lineage of Jesus Christ the Messiah!

What is their place in the Hall of Fame of Faith?

Why are these three, who are called heroes of faith, so broken and so human?

Joseph

Joseph is often called a “type” of Jesus which means you can see the life of Jesus in the life of Joseph. Joseph by faith asked when the Israelite's returned to the promised land they would take his body back with them.

Of all the amazing happenings in the life of Joseph why is this one chosen?

Why was it important for Joseph’s bones be returned to the Holy Land?

Moses

Moses is a remarkable man with many twists and turns. This description of Moses is very different from the one usually shown in movies.

Starting at verse 23 list the actions Moses did and describe what you think they mean. List those on another sheet to give you room.

What part does faith play in these actions?

Take time to meditate on what it means to live by faith and if you are living by faith.