When He Was Called, He Obeyed

In one paragraph

Pastor Ray continued the church's chronological study of the New Testament, working through the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. On the third Sunday of Advent, with joy as the theme, the sermon traced a string of specific examples from that chapter, asking what these figures actually did in faith and what came of it. Pastor Ray opened by briefly revisiting three examples from the previous week. Abel...

Read together

1. Hebrews 11:1 opening definition of faith as assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen
2. Hebrews 11:7 Noah being warned by God, preparing an ark for the salvation of his household, and becoming an heir of righteousness according to faith
3. Genesis 15:6 Abraham believed in the Lord and it was reckoned to him as righteousness
4. Romans 4:3 Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness
5. Galatians 3:6 Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness
6. James 2:23 Abraham believed God, it was reckoned to him as righteousness, and he was called a friend of God
7. Acts 7:2-3 Stephen's speech recounting God appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia and calling him to leave his country
8. Hebrews 11:8 Abraham obeyed when called, going out not knowing where he was going
9. Hebrews 11:9-10 Abraham lived as an alien in the land of promise, looking for the city whose architect and builder is God
10. Hebrews 11:11 Sarah received ability to conceive because she considered God faithful who had promised
11. Hebrews 11:12 from one man as good as dead came descendants as numerous as the stars and sand
12. Hebrews 11:15-16 had they thought of the country they left they could have returned, but they desired a heavenly country so God is not ashamed to be called their God
13. Genesis 21:12 God telling Abraham that his descendants would be named through Isaac
14. Hebrews 11:17-19 Abraham offered Isaac by faith, considering God able to raise people from the dead
15. Hebrews 11:20 Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau regarding things to come
16. Hebrews 11:21 Jacob as he was dying blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning on his staff
17. Hebrews 11:22 Joseph when dying made mention of the Exodus and gave orders concerning his bones
18. Genesis 50:24-25 Joseph telling his brothers God would bring them up from Egypt to the promised land and making them swear to carry his bones
19. Exodus 13:17-19 God leading the people by the wilderness way and Moses taking the bones of Joseph
20. Joshua 24:15 Joshua's choose this day whom you will serve speech, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord
21. Hebrews 11:6 without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who seek Him

Talk about it

1. Ray said that when you think of the people listed in the Hall of Faith, what comes to mind is not always their faith, but sometimes their doubt, their confusion, or even their lying. Which of these figures do you most identify with, and why does their presence in this list matter to you?
2. The text says that when Abraham was called, he obeyed, and Ray pointed out that he started moving before he even knew where he was going. What does that kind of obedience look like in practical terms, and where do you find it hardest to take that first step?
3. Ray said that Sarah initially laughed at the promise, but eventually 'considered him faithful who had promised.' Have you ever moved from doubt or even laughter at something God seemed to be saying, to a place of trust? What changed for you?
4. Ray made the point that placing your faith in the faithfulness of God is what makes the difference, and that your own subjective faith is only as good as the object you place it in. How do you personally guard against placing faith in the right idea but the wrong object?
5. Ray noted that all of these figures died without having received the promise, and that this passage was written to people suffering persecution to show them that following Christ is worth it even when you are not seeing the reward. How does that long view of faith sit with you in your own circumstances right now?