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Sermon Introduction

The author mentioned the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fellow-heirs to the same promise, lived as foreigners in the land. They dwelt in tents because they looked forward to a more permanent dwelling place, a heavenly one. The promised land was not the ultimate promise. God used the land to nurture a nation that would usher in the ultimate promise, Christ Jesus our Lord. The only way into the heavenly dwelling place is through faith in Him, not good works, not the works of the law. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. And faith is the certainty of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith believes, without a doubt, in God and His promises in Christ. The author sought to encourage the Jewish believers to keep the faith and that their faith should endure. And like the patriarchs, they should welcome the promises that they have not seen.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 11:13-16 NASB

13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen and welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country which they left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

Notes

The author mentioned the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, fellow-heirs to the same promise, lived as foreigners in the land. They dwelt in tents because they looked forward to a more permanent dwelling place, a heavenly one. The promised land was not the ultimate promise. God used the land to nurture a nation that would usher in the ultimate promise, Christ Jesus our Lord. The only way into the heavenly dwelling place is through faith in Him, not good works, not the works of the law. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. And faith is the certainty of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith believes, without a doubt, in God and His promises in Christ. The author sought to encourage the Jewish believers to keep the faith and that their faith should endure. And like the patriarchs, they should welcome the promises that they have not seen.

1. The Patriarchs, with Sarah, died without receiving the promises, but they saw a glimpse of the promises. Their faith made them see. They welcomed the promises from a distance (11:13).

2. They recognized that they were exiles; they did not belong. However, they looked forward to a country that they would belong. It shall be their own country (11:13-14).

3. The Patriarchs could have gone back to their own country, but they did not. They searched for a country that was not of this world. They sought a heavenly country. Thus, God was not ashamed to be called their God (11:15-16).

Application

1. By faith, let us testify of the promises of God that we received in Christ, namely, the forgiveness of sin, a personal relationship with the Father, and God writing His commands in our minds and hearts.

2. By faith, let us welcome the promises of God from a distance, the promises that we have not yet received. One of which is the city of God, the country that we will call our very own.

3. Our faith in Christ grants us God’s grace, including mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and a new heart. Thus, we will never look back, and we will continue to proclaim the gospel of Christ, calling people to believe.

Discussion / Reflection

1. How did the patriarchs respond to God’s promise?

2. How did the patriarchs see themselves on earth?

3. What were the patriarchs looking for?

4. What should we be looking for?