HOMEWORK due April 14,
2004 HEBREWS 11:8-22
THE PRODDING OF
FAITH—HEBREWS 11:8-12
b.
What phrase reveals why Abraham was encouraged to obey?
b.
What truths about this “unseen reality” prod us to faithfulness?
THE PATIENCE OF FAITH -- HEBREWS 11:13-16
b.
What caution is implied in these Hebrew verses for those of us who are inclined
to insist upon immediate results from God?
c.
How could your attitudes about life and relationships be improved by thinking
of yourself as an “alien and stranger on earth”?
d.
Do you think this emphasis on “otherworldliness” made Abraham an impractical
person detached from this world? (Use
other information you have about him to help with your answer.)
THE PERPETUATION OF
FAITH—HEBREWS 11:17-22
b.
From the example of Abraham and Isaac, what sort of test of faith might we
expect?
b. How do these examples verify the definition of
11:1?
c. What does v.22 mean, do you think, about Joseph
and his bones? (extra credit)
Personal Evaluation: Powerfully,
our author directs our attention through generation after generation of those
who persevered by faith. We dare not
minimize the significance of such examples.
The effects of faith imprint history as surely as a footprint does
sand. And others are drawn to the
imprint of genuine faith as surely as a child is drawn to walk in deserted
prints upon a beach. Let us give thanks
for those who walked with God before us and may it be our prayer to follow in
their footsteps and leave a well-marked path for others to follow.