November 12 Commentary

Sunday School Lesson: Explore the Bible - November 12

Exhibit your faith By Bob Orgeron 11/8/2006

Focal Passage: Hebrews 11: 1-3, 6-8, 13-19, 24-26 Faith defined (vv. 1-3). In Hebrews 11 we find a brief, working description of the word “faith.” We find that faith is “being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” It is our knowing of certain realities for which we have no material evidence. In verse 3 we are introduced to the phrase “by faith” that will run throughout the list of the faithful presented in verses that follow and are reminded that “through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God.” Faith demonstrated: Abel through Abraham (vv. 4-19). We are introduced to a number of men and women universally regarded among the Jews. He begins by showing the faith manifested in the lives of people who lived before the great flood, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Then he addresses Abraham and Sarah, the first of the patriarchal families. In verse 4, the first example of faith is Abel, who brought God a more acceptable sacrifice than did his brother Cain. Scripture never says there was anything inherently superior in Abel’s offering. Abel was right with God and his offering was a demonstration of his faith. In verse 6 we see that “it is impossible to please God without faith.” Enoch was a man of faith who pleased God. There is no substitute for faith. We see two requirements of the worshiper who would come to God. First, he or she must believe God exists and second, there must be a conviction about God’s “willingness to reward those who earnestly seek Him.” Without these, faith is not possible. In verse 7 we are reminded of Noah and his faith. At the time Noah received his message from God to build an ark there was no sign or indiction of the flood that was to come. His action was motivated solely by faith. Noah acted out of reverence for God and His command. The list of faithful includes Abraham and Sarah. Out of faith Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. While he probably did not understand the purpose of God’s command, his faith told him God would work out His purpose. Abraham’s unswerving faith in God was vindicated when God provided a substitute offering. Faith demonstrated: Moses and others (vv. 24-38). Moses’ life of faith finds its origins in a mother and father who were “by faith” people. They obviously

influenced their son for God. By faith Moses led the people of God out of Egypt through the Red Sea and out into the wilderness in route to the promised land. The falling of the walls of Jericho in verse 30 is another “by faith” experience. The taking of Jericho is a striking example of the power of faith. Apart from the conviction that God would act, nothing could have appeared more pointless than for the warriors of Israel to walk around the walls of Jericho. Rather than attack, they simply walked around the city once a day for six days and then seven times on the seventh day. Talk about “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” What an unforgettable faith stretching moment in the lives of God’s people when those walls tumbled down at the conclusion of their “by faith” walk. Many other examples of faith are listed in these verses: Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel, Daniel, and others. Faith approved (vv. 39-40). This section on heroes of faith ends with a reminder of the great privilege Christians have. The heroes of faith had done great things for God in their time and there is no question regarding God’s approval of them. God never forgets any of his faithful servants. — Orgeron is pastor of Park Avenue Baptist Church, Nashville.