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Sermon Introduction

The author of the epistle of Hebrews instructed the recipients to continue in the faith and not shrink back. He defined faith and explained that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The author briefly mentioned some of their Jewish ancestors. All of whom lived by faith. Through faith, they gained God’s approval, and not through works. Instead, their faith resulted in works of righteousness. The author concluded this section by describing some of the mighty exploits of the people of faith. And, he also mentioned how some of them endured as refugees, how they faced suffering, and how they died in faith. God’s people endured suffering through faith, even until death, yet some escaped death and conquered kingdoms.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 11:32-38 NASB

32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mocking and flogging, and further, chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented 38 (people of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, on mountains, and sheltering in caves and holes in the ground.

Notes

The author of the epistle of Hebrews instructed the recipients to continue in the faith and not shrink back. He defined faith and explained that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The author briefly mentioned some of their Jewish ancestors. All of whom lived by faith. Through faith, they gained God’s approval, and not through works. Instead, their faith resulted in works of righteousness. The author concluded this section by describing some of the mighty exploits of the people of faith. And, he also mentioned how some of them endured as refugees, how they faced suffering, and how they died in faith. God’s people endured suffering through faith, even until death, yet some escaped death and conquered kingdoms.

1. The author listed names from Jewish history such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. All lived by faith (11:32). The recipients of the letter should live by faith like them.

2. The listed names, through faith, did mighty exploits, the weak became strong, acted in righteousness, obtained promises, shut the lions, and more (11:33- 35). Thus, the author encouraged the believers that faith can conquer.

3. However, it is not just about conquest. It is also about endurance through suffering, persecution, and martyrdom (11:35-38). Finally, the author encouraged the Jewish believers to face their present situation by faith.

Application

1. Live by faith like the Old Testament heroes listed in Hebrews 11. Yet, let us not forget the people of faith in the New Testament. May our names reflect faith in the Word by people who will remember us.

2. Is it possible to do mighty exploits for the glory of God? The answer is, through faith, YES. As we continue to grow in faith, which is also growing in obedience to His word, He will lead us to conquer in His name.

3. True believers will face trials, but the trials are part of God’s design. The testing of their faith will produce endurance. Through faith, we will endure even in the face of death.

Discussion / Reflection

1. Name some of the characters that the author mentioned in the text. Briefly mention their stories.

2. What mighty exploits may we accomplish through faith in our day, age, and context?

3. In what ways may we experience suffering, persecution, and trials? How may we face them through faith?

4. How may our faith inspire others in our family, church family, and spheres of influence?