Hebrews 11 – Living by Faith

Overview

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” It provides a sweeping narrative of Old Testament believers who trusted God’s promises even when they could not yet see their fulfillment. The chapter begins with a definition of faith and proceeds to list faithful men and women who bore witness to God’s faithfulness through their lives, decisions, and sufferings. These heroes include Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab, and many others—some who conquered kingdoms and others who were tortured and martyred.

Theologically, Hebrews 11 underscores the centrality of faith as the means by which people relate to God. It affirms that faith is not a vague hope or wishful thinking but a confident trust in the unseen promises of God, grounded in His character. This faith is forward-looking, centered on God’s redemptive plan, and it often requires perseverance in the face of suffering or delayed fulfillment.

This chapter is essential for understanding how the saints of old were saved—not by works, but by grace through faith (cf. Ephesians 2:8). It powerfully illustrates that saving faith is active, enduring, and anchored in the promises of God—a truth that spans both the Old and New Covenants.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Context

The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to abandon Christ and return to Judaism due to persecution, social ostracism, and discouragement. The author writes to reaffirm the sufficiency of Christ and encourage perseverance in the faith. Chapter 11 fits into this larger exhortation by presenting Old Testament examples of endurance through faith despite trials.

These examples would have resonated with Jewish believers who knew the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings. By showing that even the patriarchs and prophets lived by faith, the author makes it clear that faith, not law-keeping, was always the foundation of a right relationship with God.

Literary Context

Hebrews 11 follows a doctrinal exposition in Hebrews 1-10 that proclaims Christ as the perfect High Priest, the once-for-all sacrifice, and the mediator of the new covenant. Now, in chapter 11, the focus shifts from doctrine to illustration—offering real-life examples of faith in action. The structure of the chapter is rhythmic and rhetorical, using the repeated phrase “by faith” to emphasize the central thesis.

The chapter serves as a bridge between the doctrinal foundation of Hebrews 1-10 and the practical exhortations of Hebrews 12-13. In this way, it acts as both a retrospective look at God’s redemptive history and a forward-looking call to endure.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. Faith as the Foundation of God-Pleasing Life (v.1–6)

Definition of faith: “Confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (v.1).
Faith is essential: “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (v.6).
True biblical faith involves:
- Intellectual assent to God’s truth.
- Heart-level trust in His character.
- Action in response to His word (James 2:17).
Faith rests not on circumstances but on God’s unchanging nature and promises.

2. God’s Sovereignty and Human Obedience

The saints acted in response to divine revelation. Their faith was not blind but based on what God had said.
Noah built the ark (v.7) in obedience to God’s warning.
Abraham obeyed and went, though “he did not know where he was going” (v.8).
God is sovereign, but He works through human response. Faith is never passive.

3. Creation and the Unseen Reality (v.3)

The universe was formed “at God’s command,” affirming the doctrine of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing).
The physical world comes from the spiritual realm—what is “seen was not made out of what was visible.”
This affirms Genesis 1, God’s sovereign creative power, and the reality of the invisible, spiritual world.

4. Pilgrimage and the Hope of Heaven (vv.13–16, 39–40)

These believers lived as strangers and exiles on the earth, seeking “a better country—a heavenly one.”
Faith always looks beyond earthly rewards to the eternal city of God.
Even though they didn’t receive the promises in their lifetime (v.13, v.39), they saw them and welcomed them from afar.
This points to eschatological hope and resurrection faith (v.35).

5. Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Though not named until Hebrews 12, Jesus is the ultimate object of their faith (cf. 12:2).
The promises they looked forward to are fulfilled in Christ’s incarnation, death, resurrection, and second coming.
Their faith was a shadow of the substance that would come in Christ (cf. Colossians 2:17).

6. Suffering and Perseverance by Faith (vv.35–38)

Faith is not always rewarded with comfort or earthly success. Some were tortured, imprisoned, destitute, and killed.
The prosperity gospel is refuted here. The true fruit of faith is endurance, not ease.
God honors those who suffer in faith, even when deliverance does not come in this life.

Preaching and Teaching Implications

Faith must be defined biblically, not by cultural or emotional standards.
Encourage believers to anchor their faith in God’s promises, not their feelings.
Preach that faith is obedient, enduring, and heaven-focused.
Use each character to illustrate a principle of trust in God:
- Abel: faith worships.
- Enoch: faith walks with God.
- Noah: faith obeys despite ridicule.
- Abraham: faith waits and sojourns.
- Moses: faith chooses suffering over sin’s pleasures.

Sermon Outline: “By Faith—The Life That Pleases God”

Introduction: Define faith. Explain why faith matters in a world that lives by sight.

I. Faith Believes What God Has Spoken (vv.1–7)

Example: Abel, Enoch, Noah
Application: Faith begins with listening to God’s Word.

II. Faith Obeys God Even When the Outcome Is Unknown (vv.8–22)

Example: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph
Application: Step out in obedience even when you can’t see the whole picture.

III. Faith Identifies with God’s People and God’s Promises (vv.23–31)

Example: Moses, Rahab
Application: Choose holiness and God’s purpose over comfort and compromise.

IV. Faith Perseveres Through Suffering (vv.32–38)

Example: Gideon to the unnamed martyrs
Application: Faith doesn’t always remove trials—it helps us endure them.

V. Faith Waits for the Fulfillment of God’s Plan (vv.39–40)

They died in faith, still trusting God.
Application: Faith trusts God even when the reward is delayed until heaven.

Conclusion: Challenge the church to live by faith—not just to start well, but to finish well.

Key Applications for Church Leaders

Model faith in personal trials and decision-making.
Teach the whole counsel of God—God’s promises and His call to perseverance.
Shepherd those struggling with doubt, pointing them to the example of the saints.
Disciple believers to treasure heavenly rewards above earthly gains.

Key Doctrinal Summary

Salvation by faith is not a New Testament innovation—it has always been the way to please God.
Justification, perseverance, and glorification are all aspects of a life lived by faith.
God’s promises are sure, but faith is required to walk in them.
Christ is the ultimate focus of all biblical faith.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis: Hebrews 11 (Selected Key Sections)

Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Literal Explanation: This is not a technical definition of faith but a description of what faith looks like in action. Faith has substance (“confidence”) and evidence (“assurance”) even when the object is not visible.
Doctrinal Insight: Faith is rooted in God’s promises, not our imagination. It is forward-looking (hope) and grounded in God’s Word.
Application: Christians are called to trust God’s promises—even when they are not fulfilled yet—in finances, trials, ministry, or family.

Hebrews 11:3

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

Literal Explanation: Faith accepts that God created the cosmos ex nihilo (out of nothing) by His word (cf. Genesis 1:1-3; Psalm 33:6).
Cross-Reference: John 1:1-3 – “Through him all things were made.”
Doctrinal Insight: This affirms God’s sovereignty and the authority of divine revelation. Creation is not the result of chance but of divine design.
Application: Trusting God’s Word means believing in His power even over what seems naturally impossible.

Hebrews 11:4 – Abel

“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did…”

Literal Explanation: Abel’s offering was by faith, meaning it aligned with God’s revealed will. Cain’s was not (cf. Genesis 4).
Cross-Reference: 1 John 3:12 – Cain’s works were evil, Abel’s were righteous.
Doctrinal Insight: Worship must be grounded in obedience and reverence, not ritual.
Application: Worship that pleases God is not just about form but the heart of faith.

Hebrews 11:5-6 – Enoch

“…He was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God…”

Literal Explanation: Enoch’s walk with God (Genesis 5:24) was a life of faith-filled fellowship.
Cross-Reference: Jude 14-15 – Enoch also prophesied, showing he lived with prophetic conviction.
Doctrinal Insight: Faith is essential, not optional. God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Application: True discipleship requires a continual relationship with God through trust and obedience.

Hebrews 11:7 – Noah

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen…”

Literal Explanation: Noah acted on God’s word regarding a coming flood, though there was no visible sign.
Cross-Reference: Genesis 6-9; 2 Peter 2:5
Doctrinal Insight: Faith takes God at His Word even when it contradicts worldly wisdom.
Application: Stand for righteousness in a world that mocks biblical truth.

Hebrews 11:8-19 – Abraham and Sarah

“By faith Abraham… went, even though he did not know where he was going…”

Literal Explanation: Abraham trusted God’s calling, promise, and timing. He left everything familiar for a land unseen.
Cross-References: Genesis 12, 15, 22; Romans 4; Galatians 3
Doctrinal Insight: Abraham is a pattern of saving faith—justified by believing God’s promises (Romans 4:3).
Application: Step out in faith even when God’s plan isn’t fully revealed.

Hebrews 11:23-29 – Moses

“By faith Moses… refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…”

Literal Explanation: Moses chose affliction over ease, identifying with God’s people.
Cross-Reference: Exodus 2-14
Doctrinal Insight: Faith may cost us position, comfort, and prestige—but Christ is worth more.
Application: Don’t compromise to gain the world. Prioritize God’s kingdom.

Hebrews 11:32-38 – Faith in Suffering and Martyrdom

“…Others were tortured… destitute, persecuted and mistreated…”

Literal Explanation: The life of faith is not always triumphant in worldly terms. These believers endured persecution without deliverance.
Cross-References: Daniel 6; 2 Chronicles 24:21; Acts 7:59
Doctrinal Insight: God does not always rescue from suffering, but He honors persevering faith (Revelation 2:10).
Application: Prepare your heart to suffer faithfully for Christ, trusting in future glory.

Hebrews 11:39-40 – Awaiting the Fulfillment

“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised…”

Literal Explanation: They looked forward to Christ’s coming, which they did not see in their lifetime.
Cross-Reference: John 8:56 – “Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day.”
Doctrinal Insight: Their faith looked ahead to what we now have in Christ. The church and the patriarchs are united in God’s eternal plan.
Application: Live for what is eternal. This world is not our home.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Hebrews 11 is profoundly Christ-centered—even though Jesus is not named directly until Hebrews 12:2. Here’s how the chapter points to Him:

1. Christ as the Fulfillment of All Promises

All the faithful in Hebrews 11 were looking forward to something better—a Messiah, a heavenly city, and eternal redemption (v.10, 16, 39-40).
Jesus is the substance of those shadows (Colossians 2:17), the fulfillment of all redemptive promises.

2. Christ is the Greater Example of Faith

Jesus lived by perfect faith in the Father (Hebrews 12:2).
He endured suffering, rejection, and the cross for the joy set before Him. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

3. Christ is the Object of Saving Faith

Hebrews 11 shows that people are justified by faith in God’s promises. In our age, those promises are fulfilled in Christ (John 3:16; Romans 3:21-26).
Faith that pleases God must now be centered on Christ’s person and work (John 6:29; Acts 4:12).

Connection to God the Father

Hebrews 11 highlights the initiating and sustaining work of the Father in the life of faith:

1. The Father is the One Who Speaks and Commands

“God said…” is the foundation for all these acts of faith (Hebrews 11:3, 7, 8, etc.).
Faith is always a response to the Father’s revelation. He is the one who initiates, directs, and rewards faith.

2. The Father is the Promise-Giver

The entire chapter revolves around trusting the promises of God—promises made by the Father and ultimately fulfilled in the Son.
The faith of the saints was grounded in the belief that God is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

3. The Father is the Rewarder

Hebrews 11:6 says God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
The Father delights in rewarding trust and obedience—not by merit, but by grace.

4. The Father’s Sovereignty and Providence

Even in suffering and apparent defeat (v.35–38), God was sovereignly working through His people’s lives.
The Father shapes, disciplines, and prepares His children for glory (Hebrews 12:5-11).

Connection to the Holy Spirit in Hebrews 11

Although the Holy Spirit is not directly named in Hebrews 11, His presence and activity are implicit throughout:

1. The Spirit as the Source of Faith

1 Corinthians 12:9 – Faith is listed among the gifts of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22 – Faith (faithfulness) is a fruit of the Spirit.
The enduring, God-pleasing faith described in Hebrews 11 is not humanly manufactured; it is enabled and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

2. The Spirit Inspired the Word

The revelation that the saints believed and obeyed came by the Spirit’s inspiration (2 Peter 1:21).
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17)—which the Spirit illuminates and applies to the heart.

3. The Spirit Empowers Endurance

The Spirit strengthened these saints to endure trials, persecution, and death (Hebrews 11:35-38).
Romans 8:13-17 shows that the Spirit leads and assures God’s children, helping them cry out “Abba, Father” even in suffering.

4. The Spirit Reveals the Heavenly Reality

The saints in Hebrews 11 longed for a better country—a heavenly one (v.16). The Spirit gives us eyes to see beyond the visible (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Ephesians 1:17-18 – The Spirit opens the eyes of our hearts to see our hope and inheritance.

Conclusion: The faith-filled life is a Spirit-empowered life. Without the Holy Spirit’s work, no one could live with the trust, obedience, and endurance that Hebrews 11 commends.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “Living by Faith: Trusting God in a Sight-Driven World”

Text: Hebrews 11
Purpose: To call believers to Spirit-empowered, obedient, and enduring faith in God’s promises.

I. Faith is the Substance and Evidence of Our Hope (Hebrews 11:1-6)

Main Point: Faith gives reality to what God has promised and not yet fulfilled.
Transition: The author now shows us how this kind of faith shaped the lives of real people in history.

II. Faith Worships and Walks with God (Hebrews 11:4-7)

Abel – Faith offers God the best.
Enoch – Faith walks in daily fellowship with God.
Noah – Faith obeys even when the world mocks.
Application: Will you live differently—even when no one else understands?

III. Faith Obeys Even When the Outcome is Unknown (Hebrews 11:8-22)

Abraham and Sarah – Left security, waited on God’s timing, and believed in the impossible.
Application: Faith often requires sacrifice and patience.
Illustration: Like a soldier following orders before seeing the battlefield—trust before clarity.

IV. Faith Chooses God’s Kingdom Over Earthly Rewards (Hebrews 11:23-31)

Moses – Rejected power, chose affliction, and acted boldly.
Rahab – A Gentile prostitute trusted God’s people and was saved.
Application: Real faith chooses eternal reward over temporary comfort.

V. Faith Endures in Triumph and in Suffering (Hebrews 11:32-38)

Some conquered kingdoms—others were tortured.
Faith isn’t always rewarded on earth but is always seen by God.
Application: Are we prepared to follow Christ even when it costs everything?

VI. Faith is Part of a Bigger Story (Hebrews 11:39-40)

They didn’t receive the fullness because God had something better for us—Christ!
Their faith and ours are joined in one redemptive story.
Conclusion: We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses—will we run the race?

Call to Action

Will you live by faith or fear?
Are you trusting God in the unseen—your calling, your future, your suffering?
Invite: Repent of unbelief. Trust in the finished work of Christ. Ask the Spirit to strengthen your faith today.

Modern-Day Illustrations and Examples

1. The Airplane Window Analogy (Faith in the Unseen)

When you’re on a plane flying through clouds, you can’t see the ground or the sky—but you trust the instruments, the pilot, and the destination. Faith is like flying through clouds: You may not see clearly, but you trust the One who is guiding you.

Application: Just because you can’t see the fulfillment of God’s promise yet doesn’t mean you’re off course.

2. The Missionary Story: William Borden

Borden, heir to a wealthy family, gave it all up to serve as a missionary. He died before ever reaching his mission field. His Bible contained these words:

No reserves.
No retreats.
No regrets.

Application: Like the saints in Hebrews 11, his faith saw beyond this life.

3. The Marathon Runner Analogy (Hebrews 12:1)

Faith is like running a marathon—not a sprint. Runners endure cramps, weather, and discouragement. But they keep moving because the finish line is real, even if far away.

Application: Persevering faith means staying the course when it gets hard.

4. A Testimony from Church Life

Consider sharing a story from a member in your congregation—perhaps a single mom trusting God through unemployment, a teenager choosing purity, or a cancer patient displaying peace and hope.

Real-life testimony: Often, these stories reflect Hebrews 11 more than the dramatic tales—because they show simple, quiet faith under pressure.

Final Encouragement for Church Leaders

Encourage your people to:

Know the Word, because faith is rooted in God’s promises.
Ask the Spirit to strengthen their faith.
Fix their eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Run the race with endurance, remembering they are part of the same faith family as Abel, Abraham, and Moses.

Application for Today’s Christian

Hebrews 11 is a timeless call for believers to live by faith in all areas of life. Faith is not just for spiritual heroes; it’s for every follower of Jesus.

1. Discipleship: Follow God When the Way is Unclear

Like Abraham, trust God’s calling even when you don’t see the full picture (v.8).
Choose daily obedience, even in small decisions—this is what discipleship looks like.
Walk closely with God like Enoch—prioritize spiritual disciplines (prayer, Scripture, fellowship).

Practical Tip: Begin each day asking, “Lord, where are you leading today?” Then take one step in that direction, even if it stretches you.

2. Stewardship: Faithful Living with Temporary Resources

Noah built an ark with time and materials God gave him; Moses rejected the wealth of Egypt for eternal reward.
Stewardship means living as pilgrims, not owners. Our time, money, and gifts belong to God.

Practical Tip: Review your finances and time this week. Are they invested more in eternity or in temporary comforts?

3. Endurance in Trials: Trusting God Even in Pain

Many in Hebrews 11 were mocked, tortured, or killed—but they endured through faith (vv.35–38).
Today’s Christian must not equate faith with comfort. Real faith clings to God even in suffering.

Practical Tip: When trials come, don’t ask “Why me?”—ask “How can I glorify Christ in this?” Seek support from a faith-filled community.

4. Evangelism and Mission: A Heavenly Focus

These saints desired a “better country—a heavenly one” (v.16).
Faith fuels missions. We proclaim a God whose promises are real and whose salvation is eternal.

Practical Tip: Share your testimony of how God has proven trustworthy in your life. Faith stories are powerful evangelism tools.

Connection to God’s Love

Though Hebrews 11 emphasizes faithful obedience, behind every act of faith is a God who loves, calls, and redeems His people.

1. God’s Love Seen in His Promises

Every person in Hebrews 11 believed because God first revealed Himself and made promises.
God did not have to speak—but He did. His promises show His intent to bless and redeem humanity.

Romans 5:8 – “God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. God’s Care in Their Waiting and Trials

Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham’s sojourning, Moses’ exile, and others’ suffering all show that God often loves us through delays and trials, shaping our character.
He is not a distant God but one who walks with His people—even in hardship.

Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”

3. God’s Redemption Plan for All People

Rahab, a Gentile woman with a shameful past, is included. This foreshadows God’s love reaching beyond Israel, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…”

Broader Biblical Themes

Hebrews 11 is not a stand-alone chapter. It is deeply rooted in the grand narrative of Scripture, revealing God’s consistent pattern of working through faith from creation to new creation.

1. Creation

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command…” (v.3)

The chapter begins by affirming God as Creator, laying the foundation for faith.
Faith starts with believing that God made all things—He owns, rules, and sustains them.

2. Covenant

God made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they responded by faith (vv.8–22).
These were covenant promises—not vague hopes, but God’s binding word of blessing, land, and offspring (Genesis 12, 15, 17).
Hebrews 11 shows that the covenant relationship is entered by faith, not works.

3. Redemption

The faith of Moses (vv.23–29) highlights deliverance from Egypt, a major picture of redemption.
Rahab’s rescue points to God saving sinners by grace through faith.
The suffering saints (vv.35–38) demonstrate that redemption often comes through suffering, fulfilled in Jesus’ cross.

Hebrews 12:2 – “…for the joy set before Him endured the cross…”

4. Eschatology (Future Hope)

The saints looked for a heavenly city (v.10, v.16).
Hebrews 11 reminds us that this world is not our home; our faith points to a final fulfillment in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-4).

5. Unity of Scripture

Hebrews 11 unites Genesis to Malachi with the Gospels and Epistles, showing that salvation by grace through faith is the one consistent message of the Bible.
Christ is the culmination and fulfillment of every promise these people hoped in.

Reflection Questions – Hebrews 11

Use these questions for personal journaling, family devotions, or small group discussion to deepen understanding and help apply the message of Hebrews 11.

Faith and God’s Promises

What is one promise from God’s Word that you are finding hard to believe right now? How does Hebrews 11 encourage you to trust Him?
How does the description of faith in verse 1 challenge or reshape your understanding of what it means to live by faith?

Personal Obedience and Discipleship

Like Abraham, are there areas in your life where God is asking you to step out in obedience even if you can’t see the outcome? What’s holding you back?
In what ways can you live more like a “pilgrim” or “stranger” on earth, looking forward to heaven (v.13–16)? What specific lifestyle change could reflect this?

Faith Through Suffering

Some believers in Hebrews 11 received miracles, others suffered and died. What does this tell us about God’s plan and the true nature of faith?
When has your faith been tested through hardship or delay? What did you learn about God’s character during that time?

Spiritual Legacy and Generational Faith

What do the examples of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (vv.20–22) teach us about passing on faith to the next generation? Are you currently helping someone younger grow in faith?
What story of faith from your life (or family) can you share with others to encourage them?

Heavenly Focus

The people of faith in Hebrews 11 longed for a better country (v.16). How can you cultivate a greater longing for heaven in your heart and home?
How does focusing on eternal rewards change the way you spend your time, money, and energy today?

Christ-Centered Reflection

How does Jesus fulfill the hope that the people in Hebrews 11 looked forward to? What does it mean that we now live on the “fulfilled” side of God’s promises?
How can your faith in Jesus today reflect the same kind of obedience and endurance shown by the people in this chapter?

Group Challenge / Personal Application

What is one step of faith you will take this week to obey God more fully?
Who in your life needs encouragement to trust God? How can you share something from this chapter to build their faith?