warm-up

What is the proudest moment of your life so far?

What would you want to be your life’s legacy?

What is one thing that keeps you going?

word

³⁹And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, ⁴⁰since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11;39,40

Many men and women displayed great faith throughout the Bible and are listed in the letter to the Hebrews. While these men and women were far from perfect, they attempted and endured great things for God. This is because they were looking to something better that God would provide for them. This is something that we also look forward to. We can learn from their lives what it is like to live a life of great faith.

1
We can do great things for God.

³²And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—³³who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Hebrews 11:32–34

Conquering kingdoms, enforcing justice, stopping the mouths of lions, and quenching the power of fire are humanly impossible. Yet men and women did these things through the power of God. Faith in God enables us to do great things for Him. What are the things we can do through Christ? (Philippians 4:13)

2
We can endure through trials.

³⁷They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—³⁸of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:37,38

(Read also Hebrews 11:35,36.)

Life on earth is not easy. Even Jesus acknowledged this when He told His disciples that there would be trials in this world (John 16:33). The believers suffered terrible persecution in the hands of men, but even while they were destitute, afflicted, and mistreated, they were commended for their great, unwavering faith and it was said that the world was not worthy of them. Trials and difficulties will shake our faith as we live on this earth, but we can rest in the truth that Christ has overcome the world. How are we made stronger through the testing of our faith? (Romans 5:3–5)

3
We will receive God’s promise.

³⁹And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, ⁴⁰since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39,40

The believers did not endure such trials just to make a name for themselves. They did this in faith and hope that God would provide something better. They endured temporary sufferings by faith because they held on to God’s promise of the better life that He has prepared for us. Because of their faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God (Hebrews 11:16). What are the promises that God has in store for us in Christ? 

application

What is God calling you to do for Him? Commit to start acting out in faith this week.

What are the persecution and hardships you are experiencing in your walk with God? What is one practical thing you will do this week to hold onto God’s Word and respond in faith?

Who is one person you can encourage to respond in faith in the face of trials? Commit to contact that person this week.

prayer

Thank God for the opportunity to do the impossible with Him. Thank Him that despite persecution and trials, He is with us and He strengthens us.

Pray for God to increase your faith despite the challenges that you face. Pray that others will be encouraged as you respond in faith.

Ask God to cause you to be aware of people in your life who need encouragement. Commit to pray for these people and to encourage them with faith.

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© 2019 by VICTORY®
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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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