God’s Hall of Fame
Do you ever wonder if Christianity is too hard? Do you ever feel like quitting? Maybe it’s all a little confusing at times? Maybe you struggle to come to terms with the life and lot God has dealt you. Sometimes we feel like the standard, our goals, are just too high. That no matter how hard we try, sometimes we just feel like we’re losing. In this week’s passage, we see the author of Hebrews highlight the heroes of faith, to inspire the Jews he’s writing to, to keep pushing. He uses the heroes to highlight that according to our worldly understanding, there are winners and losers as a result of faith. But when we look at things from God’s perspective there are no winners or losers in faith. When we respond to God’s faithfulness with faith, God sees all of us as heroes, regardless of the outcomes and circumstances we find ourselves in.
Scripture
Hebrews 11:32-40 ESV And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— (33) who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (35) Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. (36) Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— (38) of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (39) And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, (40) since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Bible Study Questions
What comes to mind when you read the author opening with faith heroes such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets? What do you think is important to remember about these heroes in faith? (Heb 11:32) (Rom 3:23)
Hebrews 11:33-35 speaks of the great glory that is possible as a result of faith. In fact, the entire Bible is full of such remarkable stories of the results of deep faith. What are some of your favourites? (Heb 11:33) (Mar 11:22-23)
11:35 Tells us that some heroes faced immense suffering, but refused release so that they might rise to a better life. What do you understand this to mean? (Heb 11:35) (Isaiah 40:31)
Verses 32-35 speak of the great accomplishments we can achieve through faith. But verse 35 is a turning point where the author focuses on how so many great people suffered as a result of faith. Why is suffering such an important part of our faith? (Heb: 11:35-37) (Mat 5:12) (Rom 8:17)
In verse 38 we see that these people who suffered as a result of their faith we outcasts, losers to the larger world and society. Yet they are listed here in God’s affectionate hall of faith. Can you take comfort from knowing this? (Heb 11:38) (Isaiah 53:3) (1 Jn 3:2)
Verse 40 ends off chapter 11 of Hebrews in a beautiful fashion, by saying that apart from us they should not be made perfect. What do you understand by this? (Heb 11:40) (1Th 4:16-17) (Mat 24:30-31) (1Co 15:52)
Based on your understanding of this week’s scripture, do you think we can all achieve great things as a result of faith? Do you think we are all called to suffer as a result of our faith? Do you think God cares about the outcomes of our faith?
Prayer
Mighty Father, thank you for the immense examples you have provided to us, to look up to in faith. Thank you for the great things we can achieve as a result of your faithfulness when we respond in faith. Help us to remember at all times that sometimes you will call us to suffer as a result of our faith. In these times, please let us draw near to you for your comfort, strength and healing. Help us not look upon the outcomes of faith the way the world does, with winners and losers. But rather let us see all our deeds of faith as winning, regardless of the outcomes. Help us to stand fast in our faith, no matter the circumstances we face. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
Worship
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning
New mercies I see
All I have needed
Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness
Lord unto me
Great is Thy faithfulness
O God my Father
There is no shadow
Of turning with Thee
Thou changest not
Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou hast been
Thou forever wilt be
Summer and winter
And springtime and harvest
Sun moon and stars
In their courses above
Join with all nature
In manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness
Mercy and love
Pardon for sin
And a peace that endureth
Thy own dear presence
To cheer and to guide
Strength for today
And bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine
With ten thousand beside
Service
We all face our own struggles when it comes to faith. We all find it difficult to carry on at times, especially when the chips are down. But part of our journey of understanding faith and its outcomes stems from helping others on their journies. Can you think of someone you know, or are acquainted with that is struggling to deal with the circumstances they are in, despite their faith? Reach out to them and encourage them on their journey. Be there for them and pray for them and get elders involved if you think the need is great.