HOMEWORK due April 14, 2004           HEBREWS 11:8-22

 

 

THE PRODDING OF FAITH—HEBREWS 11:8-12

 

  1. a. Name the things in these verses that required that Abraham face the unknown.

 

b. What phrase reveals why Abraham was encouraged to obey?

 

  1. a. What do we learn from Hebrews 12:22-24 and Revelation 21:9-14, 22-27 about the “city” anticipated in faith by Abraham?

 

b. What truths about this “unseen reality” prod us to faithfulness?

 

THE PATIENCE OF FAITH  -- HEBREWS 11:13-16

 

  1. a. What portion of the promise to Abraham recorded in Genesis 12:1-3 had he not seen by the time of his death?

 

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

 

  1. a. Read also James 2:21.  What difference do you see in the emphasis of the two records of Abraham’s faith?

 

b. From the example of Abraham and Isaac, what sort of test of faith might we expect?

 

  1. a. What view of the future is conveyed by these true stories?  (vv. 17-22)

 

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)

 

  1. In what specific way has this portion of Scripture challenged or encouraged you?

 

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.