Hebrews 11:17-23

The Faith of Abraham and His Descendants

The theme of Hebrews 11 focuses on the faith of those who came before us, encouraging us to imitate their faith and proceed forward in a godly fashion. We've examined Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Now the author turns to Abraham, a familiar figure whose story lays a foundation for key doctrines like salvation by faith alone and justification by faith alone. Yet, saving faith is never alone—it produces obedience that evidences its reality.

Abraham, originally Abram meaning "exalted father," was renamed Abraham, "father of a multitude." He is the father of the faithful, as Paul emphasizes. Abraham's faith teaches us to trust and confide in God, by which he was declared righteous—not by works or law, but by faith.

Faith Views Situations from God's Perspective

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:8-10)

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. (Hebrews 11:11-12)

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Faith gives the ability to look at situations from God's perspective. Faith rests on God's promises as surely as if they had already happened, judging situations through the lens of those promises—not judging God and His promises by our situations.

We often fall prey to viewing God through our circumstances. In 2 Peter 3, scoffers mocked the delay of Christ's return, calling God lax because Jesus had not yet come. They rationalized away judgment based on their situation. Yet God's delay was for salvation.

I've seen this in homeless ministry: a man who lost his daughter in a car accident viewed God as a merciless bully. Situations defined his view of God. Instead, faith views situations through what we know of God.

Do you live with God at the center—your focus, desire, direction, and decisions? Or is something else—like marriage, children, or work—the center, becoming an idol?

The Hebrew believers faced persecution to abandon Christ for temple sacrifices. Their struggles mirror ours: societal pressure against Christianity, strains on marriages, jobs, and parenting. Faith provides purpose and hope amid trials.

1. The Faithful Focus on the Heavenly, Not the Earthly

Abraham's focus was not earthly but heavenly—a future city with foundations, built by God. Even promised an earthly land, he sought something better: eternity with Christ, free from trials.

Despite problems—family feuds, fear in Egypt, battles—Abraham persevered, not conquered by circumstances. God didn't detail the journey or timeline for Isaac; Abraham stepped out in faith.

The faithful respond by:

1. Alienation from their environment: They are strangers and pilgrims, not belonging to this world (1 John 2). We live in the world but are not of it.
2. Weighing circumstances as temporary: This world offers fleeting joys that run out, unlike the permanent joy in Christ.

By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave instructions concerning his bones. (Hebrews 11:20-22)

Isaac blessed his sons about future things. Joseph, dying in Egypt, spoke of Israel's departure—despite 400 years of slavery ahead—and instructed about his bones (Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 13:19). His counsel: "God will surely take care of you."

2. Faith Tested Produces Obedience

By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called," concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. (Hebrews 11:17-19)

In Genesis 15, Abraham was declared righteous by faith. Thirty years later in Genesis 22, God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac, the son of promise. Logically absurd—yet Abraham reasoned God could raise him from the dead.

He told his servants, "The lad and I will go worship and return." Faith saw the bigger picture: God's promises are faithful.

3. Hold to God's Faithfulness

God is faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9; Isaiah 30:18). A.W. Pink noted seasons when faith is tried, yet we trust amid darkness (Isaiah 50:10). Jesus said, "What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter" (John 13:7).

Trusting God's faithfulness—promises of eternal life, care, purpose, and glory—leads to a steadfast life that glorifies Him, even in suffering.