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September 20, 2020

Introduction To Hebrews 11

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. —Hebrews 10:39

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible….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….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. —Hebrews 11:1-3, 6, 13

The Struggling People To Whom This Letter Was Written: Christians

24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. —Hebrews 10:24-25

32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. —Hebrews 10:32-34

4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. —Hebrews 12:4

2 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. —Hebrews 2:1

4 Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it. —Hebrews 4:1

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10:23

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. —Hebrews 10:35

The Strategic Point To The Whole Letter: Jesus Is

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, —Hebrews 1:1-3

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. —Hebrews 4:14

6 But as it is, Christ[a] has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second….13 In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. —Hebrews 8:6-7, 13

The Supreme Principle That Would Guide Them Through It All: Jesus Is

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful —Hebrews 10:23

35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. —Hebrews 10:35-36

37 For,

“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”

39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. —Hebrews 10:37-11:2