Senior Class Notes – February 5, 2023

Winter 2022-2023 Unit 2 Session 3 – Does it Call You to Trust God? – Hebrews 11:1-6, 13-16. 122-131.

February 5, 2023

The Point: Discerning and obeying God’s voice calls for faith in Him.

Inspirational Verses: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God” (Genesis 14:18); “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4).

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. This chapter (11:1-40) compares the faith of the Old Testament fathers with the faith exercised by Christian believers.¹⁵ Now faith is. This verse is not a definition of faith, but a description of what faith does. Substance means “essence” or “reality.” Faith treats things hoped for as reality.¹⁷ The Greek word for substance is hypostasis.¹³ Used just five times in the New Testament, the noun literally means “a setting or placing under”; that is, a support. The figurative meaning is “essence” or “reality” (as in Hebrews 1:3, where Jesus represents the essence of God) or “assurance” (“confidence,” as in 3:14). In 2 Corinthians 9:4, it is used of Paul’s “confident boasting” (see also 2 Cor. 11:17 – “confidence of boasting”). In Hebrews 11:1 (“substance”) either meaning might fit: Faith could be described as the assurance and confidence of things hoped for or as the substantial nature and reality of those things.¹⁹ Though broad in its usages, this Greek word normally has the meaning of “assurance” in the New Testament (cf. 3:14; 2 Cor. 9:4; 11:17) and this seems to be the best sense here.¹³ It has been used previously to describe the relationship of Christ to God “Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Hebrews 1:3) and the firm confidence that believers possess “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;” (Hebrews 3:14). Faith is not fleeting but substantial enough to generate confidence. The Greek word for evidence is elegchos, indicating an inner conviction that is not based on visible matters.¹⁵ Faith provides evidence in the sense of proof that results in conviction. The difference between assurance and evidence would be minimal were it not for the phrase qualifying each: “of things hoped for” and “of things not seen.” The first involves future hope; the second involves present realities that are unseen. The first includes the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. The second involves unseen realities, such as the forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future, conviction is faith relating to the present.¹³ Evidence: This means “Proof.” Faith itself proves that what is unseen is real, such as the believer’s rewards at the return of Christ “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18).¹⁷ Staying faithful to Christ and not turning back means living a life of faith. Faith is not vague wishful thinking; it is the complete confidence that God’s promises will be fulfilled.¹⁸ Because of faith, objective reality is not required. Faith is the affirmative response to God’s will and Word. Man possesses faith when he takes God at His word. One does not need to see something to believe it. Faith is the acceptance of something merely because God has said it. “. . . blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” said Jesus (John 20:29).¹²

Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. Divine approval is the primary consequence of faith.¹⁵ The substance of faith can be seen in the lives of Old Testament saints (the elders)¹⁸ The author continued to introduce the topic of faith by noting that the elders were approved by God because of the faith they expressed. The book is full of references to Hebrew history, priest, and sacrifices. The “elders” in chapter 11 range from Able to Rahab (Heb. 11:4, 31). The writer then briefly mentioned several other faithful individuals and groups (vv. 32-40). All these people “obtained a good report through faith” (v. 39). This did not mean these ancient people earned their salvation by doing good works. God’s approval of these people resembles the attitude of the master in Jesus’ parable of the talents. To the trustworthy servants the master said, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21, 23).²²

Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. We rely on faith to answer the ultimate questions about how the world began and where it is going.¹⁸ Framed: (Greek katartizō). This word has many possible translations, most of them having to do with restoring or attaining perfection or completeness. For example, it can refer to nets being mended (Matt. 4:21), the church becoming unified in thought (1 Cor. 1:10), students completing their training (Rom. 9:22), believers helping to restore someone lost in sin (Gal. 6:1), and Jesus perfecting our faith (1 Thess. 3:10). First Peter 5:10 contains a prayer that God will, “after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” It occasionally seems to refer to an act of creation, as here (11:3) and in Hebrews10:5.¹⁹ Although the author primarily focused on Old Testament heroes and heroines, he briefly dealt with God’s creation of the world. The author highlighted God’s role in human history, but this verse sets the stage by reminding readers that God is Lord over space and time. The phrase “through faith” is the same Greek word that will introduce each new figure in this historical review that dominates the chapter.²²

Hebrews 11:4 by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain: In what way was his sacrifice better? Was it because his was animal and Cain’s vegetable? Or his a firstling and Cain’s not the firstfruit? Or his with blood and Cains without? Both Hebrews and Genesis (4:1-15) demonstrate that it was not the offering that made one acceptable and the other unacceptable. God accepts both grain and animal offerings according to their purposes. The character of the worshiper made one offering acceptable and the other not. Abel offered his by faith.¹³ Evidently, Cain offered his sacrifice without faith (Gen 4).¹⁷ Genesis records that even before the rejection of Cain’s offering his heart was not right with God (Gen. 4:7).¹³ He being dead yet speaketh: God spoke to Cain “And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” (Gen. 4:10).¹¹ Able still speaks to us today because his righteous deeds have been recorded in Scripture.¹⁷ The author provides insight into the Cain and Able story (Genesis 4:1-16). Many people assume that God received Abel’s offering because it involved a blood sacrifice and rejected Cain’s because it did not. Yet both Hebrews and Genesis suggest that Cain’s real sin was tokenism. Abel offered the very best of what he had, while Cain offered only a sampling when he should have given the firstfruits of his crop to God. It was a faulty attitude that led to the rejected offering.¹⁶

Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. “And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years …” “And Enoch walked with God and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:22, 24). Since Enoch walked with God … three hundred years, we can see how he pleased God.¹¹ The story of Enoch appears in Genesis 5:21-24. Enoch’s faith in God was captured in the word picture of Enoch walking with God (Gen. 5:22, 24). Enoch had a long term, close relationship with God. One unusual aspect of the account of Enoch is that he did not experience physical death. The author quoted Genesis 5 to support the fact Enoch was mysteriously translated. The prophet Elijah had a similar experience because he was taken away in a whirlwind after a chariot of fire appeared (2 Kings 2:11-12). Enoch’s faithfulness and obedience to God was applauded by the author; Enoch had this testimony, that he pleased God.²²

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. In the earliest days, God’s people did not have the writings of the law and the prophets. Their faith was simple: God exists and He will reward me if I seek Him. That faith motivated Abel, Enoch, Noah, and others.¹⁸ Cometh. This word is used repeatedly in Hebrews to refer to the privilege of drawing near to God (4:16; 7:25; 20:1, 22). Here, the author of Hebrews explains that faith is mandatory for those who approach him. Rewarder. God rewards not only those who seek Him, but also those who do good works in the Holy Spirit’s power (Rev. 22:12).¹⁷ The author provides a second definition of faith: a belief that God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. Enoch was spared death because his faith pleased God, and Noah (and his family) was spared (11:7) because he believed God and acted on something he had not yet seen.¹⁶

Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. KEY WORDS: Strangers and pilgrims – The Hebrew patriarchs, such as Abraham, were often on the move, having no permanent residence, much like today’s refugees.⁴⁰ From the beginning of the Jewish nation, God’s pioneers lived by faith. They did not receive the fulfillment of every promise made to them in their lifetimes, but saw the promises . . . afar off. Abraham was told of a place that his descendants would claim as an inheritance. He lived as a nomad in the land of promise, believing not only in a country his descendants would populate but also in a city whose builder and maker is God.¹⁸ Everyone the author included in the roll call of faith had died. Despite strong faith in God, they did not see or experience the complete fulfillment of their hopes and God’s promises in this life. The author used the word picture of seeing one’s destination “afar off” but not reaching that destination in this life. The first-century readers were experiencing adversity, and they needed encouragement about living a faithful, obedient life.²²

Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. The words declare plainly: (Greek emphanizo). This Greek verb carries a number of different but related meanings, depending on the context. Emphanizo can mean “to make visible,” thus reveal, manifest (as in John 14:21-22; Matt. 27:53); “show” in Hebrews 11:14; “make known, explain, inform” (as “suggest” in Acts 23:15); and even “present charges” (as in Acts 24:1; 25:2, 15).¹⁹ Country: (own country) – Greek patris – an uncommon noun, this word refers to one’s fatherland or the place one considers home. All four Gospels recount Jesus’ use of “own country” as one of the few places a prophet is disrespected, the others being by his own family and in his own home (Matt. 23:57; Mark 6:4; Luke 4:24; John 4:44). When Jesus came home to Nazareth, the people at the synagogue recognized Him as one of their own and would not listen to His teachings: “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? . . . And they were offended in him” (Matt. 13:55, 57). Most importantly, the term is applied to the ultimate home of believers: heaven (Hebrews 11:14).¹⁹

Hebrews 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of what country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. The patriarchs and Sarah did not return to Ur, even though they could have if they had wanted to. The recipients of Hebrews were to follow the patriarch’s example and refuse to return to the religion of their ancestors, a religious system that no longer provided atonement for sin (8:7-13).¹⁷ The author continued to develop and apply his word picture of believers as migrants or refugees. If they had a permanent home, they might eventually have returned to it. Although the author did not draw any illustrations from the period of the Babylon exile and the return of many Jews to Judah, his main point was still valid. The deepest longing of God’s people is for a relationship with God.²²

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Although the author used geographical vocabulary, words such as country and city in this verse, he dealt more with relationships and priorities. The author quoted Jeremiah’s prophecy about the new covenant and noted it had been fulfilled through Jesus (v. 13). Our ultimate destination as Christian pilgrims is a heavenly city prepared for us. While we live in this time and space, we should be loyal and faithful followers of God. The author made the intriguing comment that because of the faith of His people, God is not ashamed to be called their God. Earlier the author noted that God had approved the offering brought by Abel (11:4), and God was pleased with Enoch (v. 5). It might seem odd to some to think of God being ashamed of his people. At times the Bible highlights God’s wrath at sinners, and at other times God’s sorrow over human sin is stressed.²²

References: Winter 2022-2023, December 4, 2022 – February 26, 2023

(CWB) – Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry – Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd. Copyright © 1960. Copyright 1961 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(ESVSB) – The English Standard Version Study Bible, Personal size. Copyright © 2008 by Crossway. Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway.
(ETB) – Explore The Book by J Sidlow Baxter. Copyright © 1960 by J. Sidlow Baxter. Published 1960 by Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan.
(HISB) – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible – The Holman Illustrated Study Bible Copyright © 2006 by Holman Bible Publishers. The Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers.
(HRTB) He Reads Truth Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(IMO) – On occasion, with the prayerful guidance of the Holy Spirit, I will make comments of my own, based on my understanding of the events. I will indicate such times with – In My O
(KJBC) – The King James Bible Commentary, Copyright © 1999 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. ©1983 by Old-Time Gospel Hour. Scripture quotations are from the Open Bible, King James version, © 1975 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(KJSB) – The King James Study Bible, (previously published as The Liberty Annotated Study Bible and as The Annotated Study Bible, King James Version) © 1988 by Liberty University.
(LESB) Life Essentials Study Bible Copyright © 2019 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Based on the Christian Standard Bible Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
(NCBD) – The Nelson’s Compact Bible Dictionary Copyright © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. with Scripture Quotations from the New King James Version of the Bible Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, 1990 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(NIDNTT) – The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology Copyright © 1967, 1969, 1971 by Theologisher Verlag Rolf Brockhaus, Wuppertal. English Language edition Volume 1 Copyright © 1975, 1986, The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.A. and The Paternoster Press, Ltd. Exeter, Devon, U.K.
(NIVBTSB) – The New International Version Biblical Theology Study Bible Copyright © 2018 by The Zondervan Corporation. Text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. previously published as The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible.
(NIVCBSB) – The New International Version Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Copyright © 2016 by The Zondervan Corporation text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. published by the Zondervan Corporation.
(NIVJSB) – The New International Version Jeremiah Study Bible, Copyright © 2016 by David Jeremiah, Inc. Using the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan.
(NIVLASB) – The New International Version Life Application Study Bible, Hardcover Edition. Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton Il. 60189. Hardcover editions are published by Tyndale house.
(NIVMEB) – The New International Version Ministry Essentials Bible, Copyright © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC. Based on The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(NIVSB) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985 by the Zondervan Corporation text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the New York International Bible Society.®
(NIVSB #2) – The New International Version Study Bible Copyright © 1985, 1995, 2002, 2008, 2011, 2020 by Zondervan Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, USA. text from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®
(NIVZSB) – The New International Version Zondervan Study Bible Copyright © 2015 by the Zondervan Corporation. Text from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
(NKJVBGTCB) – The New King James Version Billy Graham Training Center Bible © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. with Scripture Quotations from the New King James Version of the Bible Copyright © 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
(NKJVSB) – Holman Study Bible, New King James Version Edition Copyright © 2013 by Holman Bible Publishers Nashville, Tn. Text from the New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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(QNBD) – Quick Notes Bible Dictionary based on text from the King James Version of the Bible and cross referenced with the NIV and NRSV Bibles. Copyright © 1998 by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray.
(SEC) – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible with Dictionaries of the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Testament words. Copyright © 1890 by James Strong. Based on the King James Version of the Bible.
(TATA) – The Acts of The Apostles by Charles Caldwell Ryrie Copyright © 1961 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.
(TDNT) – Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
(THBC) – Today’s Handbook of Bible Characters Copyright © 1979 by E.M. Blaiklock, published by Bethany House Publishers.
(TMEB) – The Ministry Essential Bible © 2014 by Hendrickson Publishers Marketing, LLC P.O. Box 3473 Peabody, Massachusetts 01961-3473.
(TZPEB) – The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, copyright © 1975, 1976 by the Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan
(WIKI) Wikipedia – internet source.