Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 10:35–39, Rom. 1:17,
Hebrews 11, Josh. 2:9–11, Heb. 12:1–3.
Memory Text: “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne
of God” (Hebrews 12:2, NKJV).
H
ebrews 11 and 12 are probably the most-loved chapters of the
book. They describe the Christian life as a race in which we all
participate and in which all who stay faithful will receive the
reward. They also describe the drama of Redemption as a race in which
people of faith from the past persevered, despite sufferings, but have
not yet received the reward.
And that’s because the story ends with us, as well, not just them. We
are the concluding act. The drama culminates with our entering and
running the last part of the race, and with Jesus seated at the goal line
at the right hand of God. He provides inspiration as well as the ultimate
example of how the race is run. He is the ultimate Witness that the
reward is true and that He is the Forerunner who opens the way for us
(Heb. 6:19, 20; Heb. 10:19–23).
Hebrews 11 explains that faith is confidence in God’s promises, even
if we cannot see their fulfillment yet. This lesson will explore what
faith is and how it is obtained through the examples of the past and,
especially and centrally, through the example of Jesus, “the founder and
perfecter of our faith” (Heb. 12:2, ESV).