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Sermon Introduction

The author mentioned the faith of Moses and his parents. Their faith became part of the history of the return of Israel from captivity. By faith, the parents did not fear the king’s edict; they saved the then-baby Moses. When Moses grew up, he identified with God’s people rather than enjoying the privileges of a prince. Moses chose Christ over the pleasures of sin. Moses did not fear the wrath of the king because Moses looked at God. By faith, Moses warned the Hebrews to observe the Passover to protect their firstborn from the destroyer. The author would then pivot to the people's faith crossing the Red Sea and the people's faith to conquer Jericho. The mentee of Moses, Joshua, led the conquest of Jericho. And again, it was by faith.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 11:29-31 NASB

29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after the Israelites had marched around them for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.

Notes

The author mentioned the faith of Moses and his parents. Their faith became part of the history of the return of Israel from captivity. By faith, the parents did not fear the king’s edict; they saved the then-baby Moses. When Moses grew up, he identified with God’s people rather than enjoying the privileges of a prince. Moses chose Christ over the pleasures of sin. Moses did not fear the wrath of the king because Moses looked at God. By faith, Moses warned the Hebrews to observe the Passover to protect their firstborn from the destroyer. The author would then pivot to the people's faith crossing the Red Sea and the people's faith to conquer Jericho. The mentee of Moses, Joshua, led the conquest of Jericho. And again, it was by faith.

1. The Israelites crossed the Red Sea, but the Egyptians died when they attempted (11:29). Faith in God brought salvation, but the absence led to destruction. The author encouraged the readers to continue in faith.

2. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they walked around the city for seven days (11:30). They obeyed in faith, and God gave them victory. Thus, the recipients of the letter should trust in the victory in Christ over sin and death.

3. By faith, Rahab welcomed the spies of Israel. She feared God more than the soldiers (11:31). Thus, Jewish believers, recipients of the letter, should fear God, welcome God’s people, and not fear those against the gospel.

Application

1. By God’s grace, let us continue in faith. Genuine faith leads to salvation, but the absence of faith leads to destruction. Christ made the impossible possible, which is the salvation of all who truly believe.

2. Our faith in His word affirms that it is He who brings the victory. What He commands us is to have faith. Christ already won the victory. Therefore, we must believe in the divine conquest, Christ defeated sin and death.

3. Faith in God’s promises through Christ ushers us into a relationship with God, which includes His people. Let us continue to welcome each other and grow together as we study God’s word as a church family.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What was the difference between the Israelites and the Egyptians?

2. What was the role of faith in the conquest of Jericho?

3. Who was Rahab? What did she do with the spies? What was her reward?

4. How is faith in Christ related to these stories?

5. How may we practice our collective faith?