The Culmination of Faith

Faith Throughout Jewish History

vv. 30-38

The faith exhibited by God’s people in these nine verses is staggering. 

Joshua led God’s people to march around Jericho for seven days. I can only imagine that the people of Jericho watched all of this in bewilderment while mocking God’s people.

Faith led the Israelites to believe that God would do the impossible. And He did!

The pagan prostitute Rahab had heard of Israel's mighty God, and her faith in God moved her to welcome the spies sent by Israel.

Her faith led her to see the spies as those sent by God rather than as enemies.

The author of Hebrews then mentions Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah (all Judges), David, Samuel, and the prophets as examples of faithful servants.

(Verses 33-38)

By faith… God’s people conquered kingdoms, established justice, and obtained (inherited) spiritual promises.

By faith… God’s people shut the mouth of lions, quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword.

By faith… God’s people gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put armies to flight.

By faith… God’s people received their dead back to life, endured torture, and survived mockery and imprisonment.

By faith… God’s people stood firm in the midst of stoning, being sawed in two (possibly a reference to Isaiah), persecution, hunger, and severe abuse.

All of these people were incredible examples of faith!

(v. 38) The author reminds us that the world often despises people of faith, and the world “was not worthy” of such people, showing their unworthiness by their mistreatment and rejection of those who place their faith in the Lord.

What does this teach us?

Faith in God does not guarantee comfort in this world.

Where does such faith lead us?

The Culmination/Vindication of Faith

vv. 39-40

Most of the faithful people of God mentioned in this chapter saw only preliminary glimpses of what was specifically promised, and all anticipated a greater future hope.

Heb. 11:13 -- “These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.”

Heb. 11:16 -- “But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

God was pleased with these Old Testament saints because of their faith. Their faith sustained them in good times and bad, in prosperity and suffering.

Old Testament saints put their faith in “what was promised,” and yet they did not receive the final promise.

They didn’t stop believing, even though the promise was not fulfilled.

They recognized that they must wait for the fullness of the promise that the promise would be realized in the end.

In light of all this, “something better for us” refers to the new covenant of Christ, the ultimate perfection of the faithful.

“so that they would not be made perfect without us.”

God ordained that Old Testament believers would not be perfected apart from New Testament believers. Despite the remarkable faith of the Old Testament saints, something “better” would only come with the new covenant. The something “better” arrived with Jesus’ death and resurrection, with His final cleansing of sins.

Now that Christ has come, those who trust in Jesus have experienced what is “better.” 

Faith is being sure of what we hope for.

Faith is the proof (conviction) of what we do not see.

The Old Testament saints showed their faith.

By faith, they gained divine promises and conquered injustice. By faith, they faced torture and muzzled the mouths of lions. They endured threats, imprisonment, and death. They received God's favor.

They lived as examples for us to follow. They challenge us when we waver. They encourage us to remain faithful when difficulty surrounds us.

When we believe God, we take him at his word and walk with him through whatever he places before us.

With faith in God, we can face sickness, loss of a job, family difficulties, and uncertain futures.

With faith in God, we can glorify Him in our daily living, find and follow His will for our lives, and one day hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Faith gives us confidence that God rewards those who seek Him with the whole heart.

So, how should we respond?...

Trust God because of His faithfulness and reliability.

Trust in His promises and His character.

Do not enjoy life on earth so much that you lose sight of your heavenly destination.

Be willing to face threats, persecutions, and even death as you believe God's promises.