Hebrews studies series

Hebrews 11:8-19

ABRAHAM’S ACTIVE FAITH

HEBREWS STUDY #22 – A Complete Study

· What are the differences between active and inactive church members?

· Is it possible to be considered active and yet be inactive as a member?

· Is there such a thing as inactive faith? Why? See James 2:14-18

· Describe active faith.

· How was the faith of the following Bible Heroes active?

Rahab

Ruth

Esther

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Mary of Bethany

As we continue to study “the Faith Chapter”, Hebrews 11, we meet “the Father of Faith”, Abraham. Abraham’s faith was indeed active. Let us consider four qualities of active faith as demonstrated by Abraham in this passage.

LEAVING THE COMFORT ZONE – Vss. 8-9

ë Vs. 8 – Abraham lived in Mesopotamia. He was an unsaved heathen. God called him to leave what was a cultural center in that day and to follow God’s leading. How was this leaving a comfort zone? What would have been some concerns Abraham could have raised?

ë What is the comfort zone that every Christian should leave when he or she becomes a Christian (1 John 2:15-17)? Why is it hard to leave that comfort zone?

ë According to Philippians 3:4-10, what comfort zone did Paul leave? What motivated Paul to leave it?

ë What is the key word in verse 8 that indicates the Abraham’s faith was active?

ë Whenever we leave the old life behind, we are like Abraham, not knowing where we are going? How does Abraham teach us how to handle this problem?

ë Vs. 9 – The Promised Land was not only promised to Abraham, but his descendents. They all sojourned in the same “strange country”. What is the same “strange country” that all Christians dwell in now? What should we do for each other in this “strange country” and how?

LOOKING FOR A BETTER LAND – Vss. 10, 13-16

F What city was Abraham looking for? How did this affect his behavior?

F What city are we looking for (Philippians 3:20)? How should this affect our behavior?

F Vs. 13 - What promises had Abraham and his descendants mentioned here not received before they died? They were not discouraged. Why?

F How should our hope of a “better land” keep us from being discouraged?

F Why do we have to remember that we are “strangers and pilgrims” here on earth?

F Vss. 14-15 - Was the country that the Patriarchs looked for the one that Abraham left? Why or why not?

F Vs. 16 – What is God’s response to those who seek a better country?

F In what ways should we Christians be better “strangers and pilgrims”?

LEANING ON GOD’S PROMISES – Vss. 11-12

R Why is the birth of Isaac one of the greatest miracles in the Bible?

R In the Greek Language it is possible that the faith mentioned here was Abraham’s. But no matter whose faith it was, God was “leaned on” or trusted and the great miracle occurred.

R What are some of the miraculous things mentioned in the Bible that Christians should lean on God for?

R What is the significance of believing that God is faithful?

LETTING GOD BE BOSS – Vss. 17-19

V Vs. 17-18 – What had God promised Abraham concerning Isaac?

V How was Abraham’s faith tested concerning Isaac?

V Isaac was the most precious thing Abraham had. Does God ever ask us to give up what’s precious to us? Why?

V How does verse 19 show us that Abraham had remarkable faith?

V Abraham allowed God to be “boss” in his life. What Scripture verses tell us that we should allow Jesus, as God, to be boss in our lives?