HEBREWS 11:17-22

WHAT FAITH LOOKS LIKE: ABRAHAM (AND HIS SON, GRANDSON, AND GREAT GRANDSON)

September 18, 2016

Todd Chapman

Hebrews 11:17-22 ESV: [17] By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, [18] of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” [19] He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. [20] By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. [21] By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. [22] By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

  • Abraham most vividly illustrates what the faith looks like in which God delights.
  • Abraham had faith.  
  • Abraham’s faith was grounded in the assurance of God’s promise: THE BEST IS YET TO COME.
  • Abraham displayed most vividly what faith looks like.
  • Abraham’s faith was passed on to his son, grandson, and great-grandson.

Life Group Questions:

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

  1. How would you summarize 11:8-16?
  2. What made Abraham’s offering of Isaac such a dynamic expression of faith?
  3. What motivated Abraham to offer Isaac?
  4. In what way was did Abraham “figuratively speaking”, receive back Isaac?
  5. Why does the author reference Isaac’s display of faith?
  6. Why does the author reference Jacob’s expression of faith?
  7. Why does the author reference Joseph’s demonstration of faith?
  8. Why does the author tell us that Joseph mentioned the exodus and gave directions concerning his bones?  What difference do his bones being in the Promised Land make?
  9. How would you summarize 11:17-22?

HOW DOES IT APPLY?

  1. What about Abraham’s offering of Isaac most strikes you?
  2. What about Abraham’s offering of Isaac most challenges you?
  3. Are there commands of God you are having trouble obeying?  Explain.
  4. How is your conviction that the best is yet to come impacting your daily life?
  5. How is your assurance that the best is yet to come affecting the way you view the major challenges of life?
  6. How would a stronger conviction that, the best is yet to come, change your approach to the challenges in your life?
  7. What can you do to have a deeper conviction that the best is yet to come?