EXHIBIT YO Background Passage: Hebrews 11:1-40 BIBLICAL TRUTH Believers demonstrate their faith in God by their actions. KEY BIBLE VERSES Hebrews 11:1-2 Faith is a key word in the Book of Hebrews. Though used as a verb only twice (4:3; 11:6), it is found as a noun many times—24 times in chapter 11 alone! This should not be surprising because faith is a key ingredient in our relationship with God. We come to know Christ through faith, we live the Christian life by faith, and we die exhibiting the faith by which God ultimate- ly takes us into His own presence! Hebrews teaches us that saving faith always exhibits itself in good works. Although works do not save us, they are evidence we are saved. The author of Hebrews reminded his readers that the righteous “will live by faith” (10:38). James went so far as to say, “Show me your faith without works, and | will show you faith from my works” (see Jas. 2:18b). The verses in this lesson are not in contradiction to the doctrine of salva- tion by faith alone. They teach us that the saved exhibit their faith by their works, which is the title of this lesson and also the theme of this chapter. BACKGROUND PASSAGE OVERVIEW The author did not provide a formal definition of faith. Rather, he gave a description of faith by telling what faith does. In this well-known chapter, — Week of November 12 IRSTUDY QUESTIONS 1. How do we understand that the universe was created by the word of God? (11:3) 2. Canwe be sure we can find God? (11:6) 3. Abraham designated himself as a resident on earth. (11:13) 4. What was the ultimate proof that Abraham was a man of great faith? (11:17-18) often called the “roll call of the faithful,” we read a historical review of outstanding people who have lived by faith through the ages, focusing first on Abel, then on to many of the patri- archs, and concluding with miscellaneous examples of faith- ful believers. What inspiring examples of a faith-walk with God are given in this wonderful chapter! REAL FAITH (HEB. 11:1-3) 1 Now faith is the reality of- 1 Now faith is the substance what is hoped for, the proof of of things hoped for, the evi~ anda what is not seen. 2 For by it our ancestors were approved. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen has been made from things dence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we under- stand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, that are not visible. so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Verse 1. Having already urged believers to continue in the faith, the writer described faith and illustrated its importance in the lives of real people. More philosophical than practical, the description gives characteristics of this faith. We notice two parallels in this verse: reality and proof, and. what is hoped for and what is not seen, Faith deals with the reality of the future, with things not yet experienced. Faith brings an inner assurance (note the footnote in the Holman Christian Standard Bible®: reality can be translated “assur- ance”) that extends beyond what we can see and touch. MEM Exhibit Your FaithHave you heard the saying “seeing is believing”? Well, in authentic religion, “believing is seeing!” The writer described the faith of God’s people, who took God at His word and acted as if His promises were already fulfilled. Faith is not a leap in the dark. It is like a child learning to swim who jumps to the waiting arms of a parent in the water. Faith is confidence in God, trusting that He is there and He embraces us when we throw ourselves into His loving arms. Remember the acrostic FAITH: Forsaking All, | Trust Him. Verse 2. The term ancestors referred to Old Testament be- lievers, beginning with Abel. This would include all those mentioned in this chapter and perhaps others as well. That the ancestors were approved shows that they gained God's commendation and are worthy of our emulation, Verse 3. Understanding that the universe was created by the word of God demands faith. Universe includes more than the physical world. In the author's words by faith we under- stand, we see that knowledge is not independent of faith. The writer has already made clear that the Son was the agent of creation (1:2); here he showed us that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible. This statement is in full harmony with the creation narrative in the Genesis ac- count. It is a function of faith to possess this discernment. Ae faith and reason mutually ‘exclusive? (1131-8) PLEASING FarrH (HEB. 11:6-8) 6 Now without faith it is im- possible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, after being warned about what was not yet seen, in reverence built an ark to deliver his family. By this he condemned the world and be- came an heir of the righteous- ness that comes by faith. 6 But without faith it is im- possible to please him: for he that cometh to God must be- lieve that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that dili- gently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned. of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he con- demned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Week of November 12 ER