Applying the Scriptures: God’s Hall Of Fame

(HEBREWS 11:1-40).

HEBREWS CHAPTER 11.

(A Midrashic exposition)

The following four major rules of Midrash are employed once again in the exegetical interpretation of the Holy Scriptures.

P’shat – the simple rendering (literal, grammatical, contextual and historical meaning).

Drash – to search out (to compare and to contrast the Holy Scriptures).

Remez – a hint of something (Typology, symbolism).

Sod – number meaning or something concealed (a secret).

Allegorica – classic allegory (one thing standing for or suggesting similarity).

GOD’S PICTURE GALLERY.

Section 1 – The Antidiluvian section. 11:3-7.                                                                                                                               (The few were doing what none of the rest of the world was doing)

Section 2 – The Patriarchal section. 11:8-32.
(The few were looking for something in which others were not interested)

Section 3 – The Mosaic section. 11:23-29
(The few were choosing what no one else was choosing)

Section 4 – The Promised Land section. 11:30-39
(The few were enduring what none of the rest of the world would endure)

Section 5 – The Present Day section. 11:40
(The few are running in a race in which the rest of the world is not competing!)

The few of course are the – REMNANT!

THE WAY OF FAITH.

1. The DEFINITION of Faith.
   • Faith’s Confidence – verse 1 (title deeds and evidences).
   • Faith’s Commendation – verse 2.
   • Faith’s Compensation – verse 3.
2. The DEMAND of Faith.
   • It is the Gateway to the presence of God – verse 6.
   • It is the Guarantee of an audience with God. 
3. The DECLARATION of Faith. ‘We seek a city’ – verse 14.
   • (God’s promises are accepted, embraced and confessed.)
4. The DEMONSTRATION of Faith.
   • By and through faith – verses 28 and 33-34.
5. The DEVOTION of Faith.
   • Not accepting deliverance – verses 35-38.

Five ways (5 is the number denoting grace) showing faith follows the grace of God. (see Eph 2:8)

Bible = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

THE MANIFESTATION OF OUR FAITH.

1. Faith’s Worship – verse 4 – a more excellent sacrifice.
2. Faith’s Witness – verse 5 – Enoch pleased God.
3. Faith’s Work – verse 7 – Noah prepared an ark (2 Peter 2:5)
4. Faith’s Walk – verse 8 – Abraham went out…
5. Faith’s Waiting – verse 10 – he looked for a city.
6. Faith’s Willingness – verses 11 and 12 – Sarah received strength.
7. Faith’s Welcome – verses 13 to 16 – the remnant believed, were persuaded, and confessed their FAITH.

HEROES OF THE FAITH..

1. Abel – the Sacrifice of Faith.
2. Noah – the Simplicity of Faith.
3. Abraham – the Sojourn of Faith.
4. Isaac – the Sanguinity of Faith.
5. Moses – the Suffering of Faith.
6. Rahab – the Salvation of Faith.
7. All the rest of the Saints (the remnant – verse 32 etc) – the Supremacy of Faith.

LIVING PICTURES OF FAITH.

ABEL – Faith that Justifies – verse 4.  Name means ‘breath or vapor.’

ENOCH – Faith that Sanctifies – verse 5.  ‘dedicated or initiated.’

NOAH – Faith that Testifies – verse 7.  ‘rest.’

ABRAHAM – Faith of Enterprise – verse 8.  ‘father of a multitude.’

SARAH – Faith that Multiplies – verse 11.  ‘princess.’

ISAAC – Faith that looks Onward – verse 20.  ‘laughter.’

JACOB – Faith that looks Upward verse 21.  ‘supplanter, following after.’

JOSEPH – Faith that looks Homeward – verse 22.  ‘may Jehovah increase.’

MOSES’ PARENTS – Faith of a Mother – verse 23.

MOSES’ PEOPLE – Faith of a Multitude – verse 29.

RAHAB – Faith that Receives – verse 31.  ‘broad.’

OTHERS (the remnant) – Faith that Achieved – verses 33 to 34.

MOSES – Faith of a Man- verse 34.  ‘drawn out.’

THE MARTYRS – Faith that Endures and a Faith that Assures – verse 35.

As we can see Hebrew Chapter 11 is God’s ‘Hall of Fame’. There are many lessons from the examples of these Heroes of the Faith for us to follow. These are our Life Application Principles – the Holy Bible is a read it and do it book – We are to walk the Walk of Faith not just talk the talk! Faith means – Forsaking All I Trust Him.

Conclusion: Three Important Exhortations.

1. Let us draw near – OUR WORSHIP. Hebrews 10:22.
2. Let us hold fast the confession of our Faith – OUR WITNESS – Hebrews 10:23.
3. Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works – OUR WORK – Hebrews 10:24.

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