Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith 12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)  Witnesses (1a): The cloud of witnesses are the Old Testament heroes of the faith who have witnessed God working because of their faith. Those heroes demonstrate that the race can be run successfully, and the prize is great. Endure (1b): The writer exhorts his readers not to be encumbered by actions and sin that hold them back from a healthy, spirit-led life. The Writer encourages them to keep to the course the Lord has laid out. Sin drains the energy from holy living and the hinderances of our human nature impede our faith journey. Looking to Jesus (2): Once again, the writer urges his readers to keep their eyes or focus on Jesus (see Hebrews 3:1) and not ourselves. It is Jesus who put us on the path of faith and leads us spiritual maturity. Jesus was the pioneer and model for Christian living. Jesus was not concerned with the shame of the cross. Rather, he looked forward with joy to being seated next to the Father in heaven, just as we should anticipate being with him. Challenge : What distracts you from your faith? What weighs on your life? What is your focus? Do all in your power not to fall, for the strong athlete should not fall. But if you do fall, get up again at once and continue the contest. Even if you fall a thousand times…rise up again each time and keep on doing this until the day of your death. Anonymous

39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:39-40) Something Better: In conclusion, the writer states that those he identified or referenced in general were commended for their faith, thought they did not receive the promised permanent dwelling in their lifetime. For his readers and us, God has provided the blessings of indwelling Spirit under the new covenant. Having the Spirit inspires and encourages his readers and us to live our lives by faith. Faith is a Journey: First, there is saving faith; belief that Christ died for you. Then comes empowering faith, faith comes by believing in God’s promises. It grows as we experience the resurrected Christ in our lives and his transforming power. Further, believers see their actions making a difference in the lives of others. Faith increases as we believe it is God that works in and through us and by continue acting on that faith. Challenge: Do you have faith that God can transform your life? Do you believe that God can use you to transform the lives of others? What is your faith testimony?  "Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." Saint Augustine

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched 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. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They 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— 38 of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (Hebrews 11:32-38) Six Plus Prophets (32): The author continues his discussion on faith by naming four men from the book of Judges, two from the monarchy (David and Samuel) and the prophets; three major periods in the history of Israel. The emphasis in verses 32-38 is on faith; what it brought not the actions of those listed. The exploits of these are mentioned only in general terms to avoid burdening his readers. Deliverance Through Faith (33-34): They experienced God working through them to conquer kingdoms, make righteousness a standard of society, and God’s promises fulfilled. Further, they saw God deliver Daniel from lions and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace and people from death by the sword. In addition, they saw God bring strength from weakness, life from death, and avoided death by sword. Clearly, their focus was on something greater than themselves.  Endurance Through Faith (35-38): Next the writer addresses the faith of prophets (Elijah and Elisha) through whom the Lord raised the sons of the widow and Shunamite women. Then the author moves on to the faith of those who endured beatings and torture and did not recant their beliefs knowing that in the end a better life awaited them. He addresses the perseverance of Israelites experienced in the face of disdain, torment, restraints and confinement for their faith throughout their history. Finally, he addresses the faith of those who experienced violent death, extreme hardship, loneliness, and destitution because of their faith. All of whom were of greater stature than those considered great by the world. Challenge : Are you living a life counter to the culture? Are you standing firm on the solid rock of faith in Christ? Does your life draw criticism from those around you? Have you been ridiculed for your faith? If so, how did you respond? Did you take the contempt personally? Who, in reality, is being ridiculed? "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." — Billy Graham

29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. (Hebrews 11:29-31)  Corporate Faith (29): The author moves on to the faith of the people who left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea under Moses leadership. In so doing they experienced God’s hand in delivering them death at the hand of Pharoah and his army. This is an example of the faith of a group that flows out of the faith of individuals. Walls of Jericho (30): The destruction of Jericho is another example of group faith. It was not about just walking around the city, it was doing it for seven days and seven times on the seventh day (Joshua 6:1-21). It is faith when God’s solution does not appear to match the obstacle. Faith is believing when we do not see a solution or when God’s direction does not match the situation, when God’s direction does not seem to address reality. Rahab (31): The author returns to the faith of an individual, Rahab. Rahab, along with the people of Jericho, had heard about the power of the God of Israel. The people of Jericho were disobedient while Rahab placed her faith in the Lord (Joshua 2:8-9). She hid the spies, and the Lord spared her and her family, keeping the promise made to her by the spies (Joshaua 6:22). Here God responded to the faith of a Gentile woman and a harlot. Challenge: Is your faith encouraged by the faith of others? Do you encourage others in their faith. Do you take faith-filled risks? Have you experienced God’s blessing because you took faith-filled risks. Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. Billy Graham

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them. (Hebrews 11:23-28)  Parenting by faith (23): Moses parents kept his birth a secret because Pharoah had commanded midwifes to kill new-born male Hebrew children (Ex 1:16). By faith Moses’ parents hid him from Pharaoh because they thought him to be no ordinary child and they were not afraid of Pharaoh. Rejecting Privilege by Faith (24-26): While Moses was raised in the Pharoah’s palace, he knew his Hebrew heritage. By faith he gave up his right to the throne of Egypt and the pagan lifestyle for the life of a Hebrew slave. The author linked the earthly rewards Moses gave up and the suffering he experienced with that of Christ forgoing heaven to identify with and share in the suffering of his people. Faith is how believers navigate opposition and hostility. Leading by Faith (27-28): Further, fearing God’s purposes would be thwarted, he fled Egypt and became a shepherd in the desert. There he encountered the great “I Am” at the burning bush. Showing no fear, he returned to Egypt where he instructed the people in preparing the Passover meal and spreading the blood of lambs on their door posts to protect from the angel of death. These actions further separated the Hebrews from the Egyptians. Living by Faith: Moses demonstrated faith by living counterculture, following God’s direction when it made no sense, and consistently moving forward in the face of opposition. Moses acted in faith and God delivered. Challenge: How do you face fear? Do you step out based on God’s promises? What does God promise in your situation? Can he part the “Red Sea” in your life? "Faith is led confidently to expect what reason would never suggest." Spurgeon

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. (Hebrews 11:17-22)  Abraham (17-19): Next, the author discusses Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, an act that contradicts the specific promise that his son would be the heir through whom Abraham’s lineage would continue. He believed that the Lord would restore Isaac to life. Some see Isaac as a type of Christ, the only son sacrificed and restored to life. Abraham believed that his caring Lord was able to come through in this catastrophic situation. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (20-22): Isaac demonstrated faith, by blessing his sons with certainty in the future (Genesis 27:28-29, 39-40). Jacob blessed his twelve sons plus grandsons (Ephraim and Manasseh) with a view toward the coming of the nation of Israel (Genesis 50:24-25). Joseph’s faith in the future was demonstrated by his mention of the Israelites’ departure from Egypt and directing that his bones be carried to the promised land. The writer’s intent is for his readers to live out their faith believing that there is a better future even when facing death. Through faith they saw their future though, at the time, it was not visible. Challenge: Do you have faith that the Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection was for you personally? Do you have faith to obey when the Lord asks you to move out of your comfort zone. Are you willing to take faith-filled risks? "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith." — Billy Graham

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:13-16)  Exiles (13): The writer pauses to summarize the hope that the previously listed people of faith had for a better, permanent dwelling place. They died Expecting God to fulfill his promises. Yet they remained faithful to their very personal convictions to the end. While they were living in a land promised by God, they lived in tents awaiting a more permanent dwelling. Tents (14-16a): In Abraham’s and Sarah’s case, if they were looking for something more permanent, they could have returned to Haran and a more advanced civilization. In faith and obedience, they moved to a strange land where they lived in tents. Their hope and longing was for both a physical and spiritual home They longed a place not made by human hands (11:10). The writer’s appeal may have been to curb any thoughts his readers may have had toward returning to Judaism. The focus is on an envisioned spiritual realm made by God rather than a physical, visible world created by humans. A Better Country (16b): The author closes these thoughts by connecting the promised land with God’s love and care his people and the place he prepared for them. This despite their failures. He was their God. Challenge: Are you seeking a better life here or one to come? Can you envision the life to come? Do you know that the Lord is not ashamed to call you his child despite your failures. Do you identify with the faith described here? " No matter what has happened to you in the past or what is going on in your life right now, it has no power to keep you from having an amazingly good future if you will walk by faith in God. God loves you! He wants you to live with victory over sin so you can possess His promises for your life today!" — Joyce Meyer

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:8-12)  Abraham (8-10): Genesis chapter 12 tells the story of God’s calling Abraham to Leave the comfort of family and friends in Haran to a land the Lord would show him. Clearly, he had a relationship with the Lord because he heard his voice. He left Haran depending on God to guide him to the promised land. For Abraham it was a pilgrimage, living like a stranger in tents, waiting the city built by God, looking for stability. Not only did Abraham hear God, but he also obeyed. Unlike Noah, the Lord did not give him a complete set of instructions. Abraham displayed trust and obedience. Sarah (11): Sarah believed correctly that she could not give birth when she was 90 years old, and Abraham was “as good as dead.” Sarah is an example of developing faith. That began when the Lord asked her if “anything was too hard” for him. She began living in faith, accepted God’s promise, and launched the increase detailed in verse 12. By her faith, she became a partner in God’s promise to Abraham. Like Abraham, she listened to the Lord. She believed the impossible. Descendents ( 12): The writer concludes these thoughts by describing the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that his descendants would be a numerous as the stars in the heavens and grains of sand on the seashore. This promise can be viewed from both a spiritual (heavenly seed, stars) and a physical or earthly (sand) perspective. The promises in these verses encompass both near-term and future events. Challenge: What are you hearing from the Lord? Are you willing to leave your comfort zone and respond to God’s call to move into the unknown? Do you believe that the Lord can and will do the impossible? Do you view life in spiritual as well as physical terms? "The answer to our fears is faith—real, fear-shrinking faith—in the God who loves us and gave himself for us." — Jani Ortlund

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.  Abel (4): Abel’s sacrifice was more acceptable than Cain’s because it was offered in faith and not as a ritual. It is believed that God’s acceptance of Abel’s offering was based on the condition of his heart not its content. In contrast, consider Cain’s jealous, angry heart that led him to murder his brother. God accepted Abel as a person, that is, saved him from eternal death. Faith is evident in a devoted heart. Enoch (5-6): Enoch’s life was contrary to the age in which he lived. He had a personal relationship with God (he “walked with God” (Genesis 5:22), was accepted by God, and was taken up. He pleased God and did not die. Enoch exemplifies that pleasing God is an action based on a conviction or commitment. It is living on the trust that God exists and that he will bless those who follow him (v3). The result is life everlasting. The obedient life is based on faith. Noah (7): Hearing and acting on the warning from God on the pending flood, Noah constructed an ark to save his family. His life and faith-based actions were sharply different from that of the unbelieving, resisting culture. As a result, God declared him righteous. Faith is obedient action in the face uncertainty and opposition. Challenge: What is the condition of your heart? Are you walking with the Lord? How strong is your faith? Are you willing to act despite resistance and uncertainty? Are you righteous. "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times." — Martin Luther