Hebrews 11:4-7

Summary retelling of Hebrews 11:4-7

It was through faith that Abel was capable of offering up a better sacrifice than his brother, Cain.  Even though Cain killed Abel because of the sacrifice, Abel still speaks through his faithful witness to God.  Enoch was taken up into heaven by God because of faith.  God commended Him prior to taking him into heaven.  In fact, without faith it is absolutely impossible to please God.  For us to even be able to draw near to God we must have faith and accept His existence.  Even Noah demonstrated faith, in that He heeded God’s warning and constructed an ark.  Through the ark the world was condemned but Noah became an heir to the righteousness that comes by faith.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

In this passage we have three examples of faith that each teaches us different lessons.  The first lesson is through Abel.  In Abel we learn that faith is not squelched by death.  Do we still not remember Abel’s cause?  Does not generation after generation learn from Abel’s plight and Cain’s sin?  Death cannot stand in the way of faith.

Why is it meaningful to you that death cannot stand in the way of faith?  How neat is it to realize that this is one of the first lessons that God teaches us through His word?

Second Thought:

The next lesson that we learn is about Enoch.  Enoch never died.  Enoch was taken up to be with God – quite literally.  Through Enoch we learn that it is faith that brings us close to God.  Without faith we have no chance.  But with faith we can find ourselves in the very presence of God!  Faith, then, is the key to walking with God.

Do you walk with God?  Do you ever think about yourself being in the presence of God?  In what way are you honestly in the presence of God now?  What do you think it will be like in the presence of God when the time for eternal life dawns upon us?

Third Thought:

The third example of faith that we see here is Noah.  From Noah’s example we see the connection between faith and righteousness.  It is through faith that we can do the righteous acts of God.  It is through faith that we can even know what righteousness is!  Through faith we can abide is righteousness and escape the wrath that we truly deserve.

Do you normally think of the connection in this manner?  Is it easy to believe that righteousness brings about faith rather than faith bringing about righteousness?  Why is it important to see that faith comes first?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 11:8-12