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Sermon Introduction

The author instructed the Jewish believers not to shrink back from their faith in Christ. He encouraged them to persist in believing and endure all the hardships because of their faith in Christ. The author explained that faith is the certainty of things hoped for; it is the evidence of things not seen (11:1). The author showed the letter recipients that it was through faith that the Jewish heroes gained their approval (11:2). He emphasized that faith understands that God’s word created the world (11:3). He then warned that it is impossible to please God without faith (11:6). Genuine faith pleases God. It was not through the works of the law. Some of the heroes of the faith mentioned by the author were Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, the parents of Moses, and Moses. The list should inspire the recipients of the letter, the Jewish believers, to continue their faith in Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 11:27-28 NASB

27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them.

Notes

The author instructed the Jewish believers not to shrink back from their faith in Christ. He encouraged them to persist in believing and endure all the hardships because of their faith in Christ. The author explained that faith is the certainty of things hoped for; it is the evidence of things not seen (11:1). The author showed the letter recipients that it was through faith that the Jewish heroes gained their approval (11:2). He emphasized that faith understands that God’s word created the world (11:3). He then warned that it is impossible to please God without faith (11:6). Genuine faith pleases God. It was not through the works of the law. Some of the heroes of the faith mentioned by the author were Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, the parents of Moses, and Moses. The list should inspire the recipients of the letter, the Jewish believers, to continue their faith in Christ.

1. By faith, Moses left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king (11:27a). Most probably, this was the time when he left Egypt with the people. Thus, Jewish believers should not fear anything, even death, for the sake of their faith.

2. Moses endured the long process because he saw the One who is invisible (11:27b). The author seems to be encouraging Jewish believers to see the promises of God by faith

3. Moses believed in God’s word about the Passover. He gave instructions to the Israelites to observe the sprinkling of blood to protect their household (11:28). Thus, Jewish believers should continue faith in the sacrifice of Christ.

Application

1. The fear of God and faith in God go together. Let us not fear any opposition to the gospel of Christ. Let us stand our ground in our faith until death. If we fear men more than God, then our faith is just a façade.

2. By faith, let us endure the process of spiritual growth, which includes fiery trials. We can endure the worst if we keep our eyes on God’s promises in Christ. If our eyes are not on God, we will easily despair.

3. By faith, we remember the perfect sacrifice, which is Christ. Through faith, we passed from judgment to eternal life. By faith, let us pass on the narrative and instruction of the gospel.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What can we learn about faith in the life of Moses?

2. What do you fear? Make a list.

3. How can faith drive out all fear, for real?

4. How can you monitor yourself about fear?