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Sermon Introduction

The author wanted the Jewish believers to continue believing despite the persecution and the difficulties. He warned them against falling away from Christ and the eternal damnation of apostates. Still, he also reminded them of their past faithfulness, despite losing their property because of their faith in Christ. They even helped the persecuted. The author would then define faith as being certain of the things hoped for. Faith sees the promises of God in Christ as evidence of the unseen. God and His word are unseen, and the promises are not tangible. However, faith is confident that God created the world and that God will fulfill all His promises in Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 11:4-6 NASB

4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for before he was taken up, he was attested to have been pleasing to God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

Notes

The author wanted the Jewish believers to continue believing despite the persecution and the difficulties. He warned them against falling away from Christ and the eternal damnation of apostates. Still, he also reminded them of their past faithfulness, despite losing their property because of their faith in Christ. They even helped the persecuted. The author would then define faith as being certain of the things hoped for. Faith sees the promises of God in Christ as evidence of the unseen. God and His word are unseen, and the promises are not tangible. However, faith is confident that God created the world and that God will fulfill all His promises in Christ.

1. The author explained why Abel offered a better offering compared to Cain. The explanation is faith. Abel offered in faith, which was evidence that he was an upright person. God confirmed such. Although he was dead, his blood rebuked Cain (11:4).

2. The author also explained that Enoch pleased God through faith (11:5). Enoch walked with God amid a wicked world, then Enoch disappeared because God took him (Genesis 5:24). God directly transported Enoch to heaven. Enoch was one of two people who did not taste physical death.

3. The author concluded that without faith, it is impossible to please God. One who believes must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him (11:6). The cited OT heroes pleased God through faith, which was evident because they diligently sought Him.

Application

1. Let us make sure that all our offerings and sacrifices should be by faith. Our giving in the work of God should be by faith, knowing that our faith will please God. Our service to Him should be by faith.

2. Believe that faith brings us closer to God. Faith is expressed by grounding our minds, emotions, and actions on the word of God. Let us not shrink back to unbelief but let us live by faith in His word.

3. Faith pleases God. Faith in what? Faith in His promises in Christ. Let us then proclaim the gospel, which embodies the promises of forgiveness, a personal relationship, and God writing His laws in the heart and mind.

Discussion / Reflection

1. Why was Abel’s offering better than Cain’s offering?

2. How did Enoch please God?

3. What makes it possible to please God?

4. How will you connect the author’s discussion on faith in the context of the

   Jewish believers?

5. How will you connect faith in your context?