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August 15, 2021

The Way of Faith in the Midst of Suffering

August 15, 2021 • Pastor Josh Kee • Hebrews 11:23–40

Hebrews 11:23-40
Title: "The Way of Faith in the Midst of Suffering"

Outline:
1. The Faith of Moses (11:23-29)
a. Faith acts despite hard consequences (23)
b. Faith chooses the promise of God over the pleasures of the world (24-27; Psalm 84:10-12; Philippians 3:8-10)
c. Faith fears God more than man (28; Psalm 118:6; Heb. 13:6)
d. Faith leads the way in obedience (29)
2. The Faith of Israel (11:30-31)
a. Faith chooses the wisdom of God over the wisdom of man (1 Cor. 1:18-31)
b. Faith passes through every hindrance to the purposes of God (Isa. 43:2)
3. The Faith of Rahab (11:32)
a. Faith opposes that which opposes God (Matt. 12:30)
b. Faith aligns with God
4. Other examples of Faith (11:33-38)
a. Faith overcomes (33-35a)
b. Faith endures suffering for a better reward (35b-38; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Peter 1:6-9)
5. The reward of faith (11:39-40)
a. Jesus completes and fulfills every promise of God
b. In Christ we possess the true reward of faith

The point is to give readers ample examples of those who trusted God before them so that they will not give up their hope but persevere in faith amid their suffering.

Those who endure suffering by faith and align themselves with God will receive the great reward of their faith – imperishable life in Christ and indestructible joy in fellowship with God.


Discussion Q’s:
1. What do these verses teach us about the biblical expectations of what being faithful to Christ might mean? Are your expectations of the Christian life aligned with God’s word?
2. Who has served as examples of enduring faith in your life? How do these people encourage you to keep trusting in Christ?
3. What pleasures of the world tend to allure you? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you apprehend the treasure that Christ is.
4. Is there anything that is currently tempting you to turn from Christ? (societally, politically, internally?) How does Christ’s high priestly work encourage you to bring these things honestly to him?
5. Where are you tempted to align with the world’s system of values rather than with God? Confess these areas in faith that Jesus is sympathetic and stands to give you grace to endure faithfully.
6. How does suffering prove the substance of our hope as Christians? What suffering are you enduring currently or have endured at some point? How did/do the promises of God give you hope and endurance?
7. How often do you think of the future “city” that God is preparing for those who are in Christ? Spend some time this week considering what this city will be like, when sin is judged forever and Christ reigns in perfect righteousness.

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