Introduction
Faith in Christ is always contested. Ideologies clash, worldviews collide, and truth claims compete for allegiance in the marketplace of ideas, tempting Christians to abandon Christ for His rivals. This is the primary pastoral concern that Hebrews was written to address. The original recipients were being tempted by suffering and social pressure to turn away from Christ and go back to Judaism. Hebrews, then, is to show the supremacy of Christ over every rival claim and to urge Christians to persevere in wholehearted allegiance to Jesus.
Text: Read Hebrews 11:17-28 and pray.
Passage Summary: True faith trusts God’s promises even when obedience seems to contradict them, choosing obedience and identification with God’s people over fear, comfort, or visible reward.
Discussion Questions
In Hebrews 11:17–28, the author highlights faith that clings to God’s promises when obedience appears costly or illogical. Abraham trusted God so fully that he was willing to offer Isaac, believing God could even raise the dead to keep his covenant promise (11:17–19). Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph lived by faith by blessing the next generation and fixing their hope on God’s future deliverance, even as death approached (11:20–22). Moses’ parents trusted God rather than fearing Pharaoh, and Moses himself chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures and treasures of Egypt (11:23–26). By faith Moses persevered as one who saw the invisible God and obeyed God’s word in keeping the Passover, trusting that salvation would come through obedience to God’s provision (11:27–28).
- Hebrews 11:17–19 says Abraham was willing to obey God—even if it meant sacrificing his own son—because he believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. How does this deepen our understanding of faith? And where are you being asked to trust God when obedience feels hard to understand?
- Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph each expressed faith at the end of their lives by blessing others and pointing beyond themselves (11:20–22). What does this suggest about the long-term orientation of faith in Christ? And how might that inform the way we think about leaving a legacy for Christ?
- Moses chose “the reproach of Christ” over the treasures of Egypt because he was looking to a greater reward (11:24–26). What are some modern “Egyptian treasures” that subtly compete for our loyalty, and how do we discern what faithfulness looks like in those moments?
- Hebrews says Moses lived as though the invisible God were more real than what he could see (11:27–28). What rhythms, practices, or reminders help you live with this same awareness of God’s presence and promises?