Introduction
Examples of those whom God has approved, because they have shown faith in God's promises.
Questions
1. How is faith described?
v 1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
2. What is impossible without faith?
v 6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
3. What attitude did all the faithful have when they died?
v 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 3 Faith is having confidence in things we can't see
- v 4 to 12 Acts of faith include Noah preparing for the flood by building a ship and Abraham going to an unknown destination
- v 13 to 16 These faithful people did not receive the promises but used their lives to prepare for a better life
- v 17 to 31 Because of his faith, Abraham was prepared to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Examples of faith in the lives of Abraham's descendants, Moses and others
- v 32 to 40 Many suffered terrible treatment, yet held fast to their faith in God’s promise