Uncomfortable Heroes

Hebrews 11
This is perhaps the best-known chapter in Scripture. The repeated conclusion through all of Hebrews is “Jesus is better.” He is better than the angels. He’s better than the prophets. He’s better than Moses. His priesthood is better than Aaron’s. His new covenant is better than the old covenant. His blood is better than the blood of bulls and goats. And His job is finished, done, accomplished… he sat down!
Some have suggested that Hebrews is a sermon, preached by - well, we don’t actually know that. But the sermon is so good, it was included in the canon of the New Testament. And then we get an Old Testament historical fly-by in chapter 11.

Explanation, Expectation, Extra Endurance
My outline hangs on these words. In verses 1-3 the author gives us an explanation of faith… it is being certain of truth - even though we weren’t there; and it is evidence of that which cannot be seen. Evidence, that we feel - conviction that we know, even though we do not see. Peter declares that “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” (1Pe. 1:8)

Their expectation in vss 13: promises that were never seen in life. They hoped for a country. A place that is better. This world was not their home. Exiles.

Their Endurance. They kept on believing - even though they never received what we have received and promise that we hold dear: Christ.

So run… hold fast… fight… endure. (12:1)
Four questions:
Am I spending enough time in God’s Word? Psalm 1
Do I spend enough time praying for others? Matthew 6:9-13
Do I invest enough time in the ministries of the Church? 1 Corinthians 9
Am I involved in the lives of others? Hebrews 6:10
Do I show God’s grace in my life to the unsaved? Colossians 4:5-6