Hebrews 11:4-31

Some who lived by faith -- Hebrews 11:4-31: The writer of Hebrews has now set forth what faith is and how faith works. He proceeds to list a "Hall of fame" of Old Testament characters who lived 'by faith." These faithful ones are divided into two groups. There are the names of those who lived by faith and some of the specific things they did. Then there are those who names are barely mentioned, for a lack of time. Their faith accomplishments were grouped together. In both groups we observe that saving faith is always active, obedient faith.

Able worshipped by faith. By his faith Enoch lived in such a way as to please God. Noah's faith caused him to build an ark on God's terms and according to God's instructions. Abraham's faith led him to obey God in leaving his homeland. His faith caused him to, "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:10)

Sara was also cited as one of those who died in faith. God said, "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." (Hebrews 11:13)

The list of those who lived by faith goes on with those like Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. (Hebrews 11:24-25)

The nation of Israel lived by faith as they passed through the Red Sea and marched around Jericho for seven days. The result of living by faith is that you are always blessed by God. Rahab the harlot is an example of how those who live by faith are blessed. "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace." (Hebrews 11:31)