Introduction

1. Faith brings confidence in God’s promises and shows trust in God’s character. (Hebrews 11:1–3)
2. The example of Old Testament saints show that faith pleases God and that God rewards all who seek him. (Hebrews 11:4–38)
   1. The generation before the flood (Hebrews 11:4-7)
   2. Abraham and the patriarchs (Hebrews 11:8-22)
   3. The faith of Moses (Hebrews 11:23-28)
   4. The faith of Israel (Hebrews 11:29)
   5. Faith throughout Jewish history. (Hebrews 11:30-38)
3. Faith led believers to experience God’s better blessings. (Hebrews 11:39–40)

Implications / Discussion Questions

• Who are some men and women of faith that you’ve admired and followed and continue to follow? What are some lessons you’ve learned from your own “heroes” of the faith?
• How would you define or explain faith to someone who asked you what it is?
• What is the relationship between faith and perseverance?
• What tangible, concrete evidence of God’s goodness in this life is necessary for a man to continue walking in faith? Explain your answer.
• Read verse 13 again. Why does living a life of faith make you a “stranger” and “exile” on this earth? (Philippians 3:20 and Colossians 3:2 also relate to this question.)