• We spent 11 chapters talking about the supremacy of Jesus. Greater than…
• In Chapter 12 we were encouraged to walk in obedience to Jesus.
• Chapter 13 is stating the obvious and discussing behavior as result of what they already know and are.
• Sometimes you just have to state the obvious.
• Remember the circumstances here: This group of believers was separated from the Jews.
• They were entering a period of isolation.

FINAL EXHORTATIONS
HEBREWS 13
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.

• As Christians, these Hebrew people no doubt had been rejected by their friends and families.
• The deepest kind of fellowship is not based on race or family relationship; it is based on the spiritual life we have in Christ.[1]
• A church fellowship based on anything other than love for Christ and for one another simply will not last.[2]
• Where there is true Christian love, there will also be hospitality.
• This was an important ministry in the early church because persecution drove many believers away from their homes.[3]
• Angels is in reference to Genesis 18 where Abraham hosted 3 angels.

3 Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.

• The imprisoned typically needed someone to provide them with food, water, and clothing.
• Paul relied upon his congregations to care for him while he was in prison [4]
• Our greatest need in the church is for each individual to be capable of identifying with the pain of the other individuals.
• This is how we minister.

4 Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

• The Greek adjective translated “pure” conveys the meaning “undefiled,” “unpolluted,” “untainted.”[5]
• State the obvious…
• This will be in contrast to what we watch on TV, movies or media in general.
• Sex outside of marriage is sinful and destructive.
• Sex within the protective bonds of marriage can be enriching and glorifying to God.[6]
• Notice the identity of those who will be judged.
• Identity of habitual sinners.
• But beyond the obvious… the marriage bed mirrors God’s relationship with His people.

5 Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Psalm 118:6
• Paul considered himself to be a wealthy man since true wealth was being content with what you have.
• When we have God, we have all that we need.
• In the midst of this economy… we have to trust that God will provide as He already has.

7 Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.

• He already listed heroes of the faith in Chapter 11.
• The leaders of the church are described here less by their office and more by their function of preaching and teaching the Word of God.[7]
• When you recall that few Christians then had copies of the Scriptures, you can see the importance of this personal ministry of the Word.[8]
• I am OK with being gone. Then the sooner I leave, the sooner you can start depending on the Lord.
• Never build your life on any servant of God.
• Build your life on Jesus Christ. He never changes.[9]

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• In reference to Jesus’ divine nature.
• In reference to earthly leaders who come and go.

9 Don’t be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited.

• He is being very protective here because most of their lives they were under a different system that had many food regulations (the Law).
• I am very protective about what I want you to hear… and not just from this platform.

10 We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.

• The Levite Priests were forbidden to eat from the animals sacrificed on the Day of Atonement so they took the remains outside of the Tabernacle and burned them.

12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood.

• Jesus died outside the gates of Jerusalem, confirming that Law must be abandoned to partake of Christ.
• Isn’t it amazing that so many churches teach us to remain under the Law but it clearly shows us here that is not true?

13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace.

• Just as Jesus dies outside the camp, he is encouraging the Hebrew Christians to do the same.

14 For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come.

• The current Jerusalem at that time was only temporary.
• They knew there was a New Jerusalem to come.

15 Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.

• They were used to offering up animals and now he is telling them their sacrifice is to be praise.

16 Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

• The actions, as a result from knowing who we are, are a sacrifice to God.
• Your obedience is a sacrifice enough.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

• What an awesome responsibility.
• How do I that? Trust.
• James 3:1 – Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.[10]
• Judgment comes from those who sit under our leadership… Not from God. (Rom 8:1)
• What brings joy to godly leaders? Watching you mature spiritually.
• How do you measure maturity?
• It sure looks different than numerical growth.

18 Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything.

• We need prayer.
• Believers who have a guilty conscience lack the ability to tap into the power and authority they have been given.

 
19 And I urge you all the more to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.

• He was writing to them because he was physically away from them but desired to be with them.

 
BENEDICTION AND FAREWELL
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

• “everlasting” – confirming our eternal security in God’s family.
• God is the One who equips me… not myself.

22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

• It’s brief… it only took me 5 months to get through it with you. Ha!

23 Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you.

• Timothy is released from prison. Not sure where.

24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings.

• The writer is in Italy or all the people working with the writer are from Italy.

25 Grace be with you all. [11]

• Grace – the desire and power to do God’s will… walk by His Spirit.
• Mediocrity will never allow us to experience life abundantly.
• It never has and never will.

May we walk on in faith and grow in our maturity!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Heb 10:34). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[5] Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. The New American Commentary (p. 609). Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. The New American Commentary (p. 611). Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:7). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:7). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Christian Standard Bible (Jas 3:1). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 13:1–25). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

WARNING AGAINST REJECTING GOD’S GRACE
HEBREWS 12
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.

• This verse is not about identity but about behavior.
• This is how we respond out of knowing our own identity.
• We already have peace (Gal 2:20). We just need to choose it in our relationships.
• If you try to make peace and holiness with everyone without knowing who you are… you will labor and fail.
• Otherwise, it comes very naturally, and it will be obvious to others that you are a believer.
• God’s grace does not fail, but we can fail to take advantage of His grace.[1]

15 Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.

• We are not talking about salvation grace… but daily grace… what we live by each day.
• If you live in the room of good intentions rather than the room of grace… you will fall into bitterness.
• I’d rather be freer with God’s grace than freer with God’s wrath.
• If you reject grace (that comes every moment) you will eventually blame God for your circumstances.
• When you accept grace… your view of circumstances and God changes.
• I might get labeled as “soft on sin” but the door to sharing with more people about their sin issue is much larger!
• Grace allows me to see God’s discipline in my life as a good thing… rather than a bad and causing bitterness to grow.

16 And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. 17 For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.

• The author is reminding the Hebrew Christians that their choice of returning to Judaism could cost them much… their lives!
• Esau sold his birthright thinking he could eventually get it back.
• He was sorry for his physical loss rather than the spiritual loss of the blessing therefore wasn’t repentant.
• Esau didn’t lose his salvation, just the physical and spiritual blessings that were rightfully his.
• Esau became bitter because he realized all that he lost.
• Author is warning the Hebrew Christians of this same loss and bitterness.
• Wes Cate: I was always curious why Esau was so despised, and Jacob was loved by God. Jacob is the conniving one, and Esau was just hungry. But looking at the inheritance of the Patriarch's: that inheritance wasn't the wealth of life; it was the Lord who blesses. I think Esau and Jacob both knew that; so, Esau was willing to give up the Lord for a meal and Jacob was willing to lie, cheat and steal to get to God. That would be an interesting lesson on faith vs law in itself!
  
  

It's my opinion that Jacob had watched his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac walk before God, he knew their relationship and wanted it bad. That's why at the end of his life he could pray a beautiful prayer to a life-long friend; to someone he had grown up in--a matured, well-aged relationship: "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil . . . bless the lads."
18 For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19 to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20 for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned. 21 The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.

• In reference to Mt. Sinai that they could physically touch.
• They so feared God they asked Him to stop talking.
• Referring to returning to the Law.
• If they return to what was, the Law, they will experience terror and fear and miss out on the spiritual blessings.
• We sometimes feel comfortable in returning to what we already know.
• Stepping out in faith, allows you to experience additional blessings.

22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, 23 to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.

• Mount Zion (New Jerusalem) – walk by grace.
• Mount Sinai – life of bondage and Law.
• Author refers to OT believers who were perfected at the cross.
• At this new Mount… they are made righteous rather credited with righteousness at the old Mount.
• The blood of Abel only covered sin (atonement).
• Jesus’ blood was poured out on earth and offered in heaven.
• Abel’s blood only offered on earth.

25 See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven.

• It is Jesus’ sacrifice of blood that speaks to the Hebrew Christians.
• Moses warned them at Mount Sinai not to turn from God.
• A whole generation died in the wilderness because they refused to listen.
• Jesus is warning them now (from heaven) not to turn from His message.
• If they don’t return to the message, they will die in the destruction of 70 AD.

26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.

• Haggai 2:6

27 This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain.

• Tribulation & Second Coming of Christ.
• Believers will remain.
• Those who trust in daily grace… rather than the Law.

 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.[2]

• Our reverence and awe play out how?
• Attitude of devotion
• Worship
• Praise
• Ever been around a bitter Christian?
• Don’t miss out on what Jesus has already provided.
• It is a great life full of Spiritual blessings!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 12:14). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 12:1–29). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

THE CALL TO ENDURANCE
HEBREWS 12
1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,

• Those mentioned in Hebrews 11.
• These people are not witnessing what we are doing; rather, they are bearing witness to us that God can see us through.[1]
• We are watching them for encouragement rather than them watching us in examination.[2]
• One of the best ways to develop endurance and encouragement is to get to know the godly men and women of the Old Testament who ran the race and won.
• If you are having problems with your family, read about Joseph.
• If you think your job is too big for you, study the life of Moses.
• If you are tempted to retaliate, see how David handled this problem.[3]
• Weight – encumbrance – bulk – burden - impediment
• The race will not be won unless there is a willingness to ‘run light’ and be rid of sins and unhelpful ways that hinder progress.[4]
• Randy Parker – A Christmas Story – Bundled up for the snow and fell over… couldn’t get up.
• A winning athlete does not choose between the good and the bad; he chooses between the better and the best.[5]
• The writer most likely was referring to the sin of returning to Judaism.

2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

• 2 pitchers – works/sin vs God’s perfection
• Focus on Jesus and how He sees you.
• You won’t win the sin management game.
• You don’t overcome the problem by focusing on the problem…
• You overcome the problem by focusing on victory… Jesus.
• “joy” is not happiness. Happiness is an emotion. Joy is a state of being.
• Joy is accessible to the believer while happiness is on vacation… as so for the Hebrew Christians.

 
FATHERLY DISCIPLINE
3 For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.

• It was easier for them to remember what Jesus endured because they lived during that period.
• I believe the Spirit allows us and teaches us to have the same consideration.
• Being in the garden of Gethsemane.

4 In struggling against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

• None of the Hebrew Christians had lost relatives at this point.
• Therefore, they were not part of the church in Jerusalem because Steven & James had already been martyred.

5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons:
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or lose heart when you are reproved by him,
6 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and punishes (scourges) every son he receives.

• Proverbs 3:11–12
• The key word in this quotation which the author develops is paideia, whose meaning ranges between training and corporal punishment.[6]
• Discipline – train, educate, nurture, correct a child.
• It refers to education in Greek tradition and to discipline by punishment in Hebrew tradition.[7]
• The writer viewed the trials of the Christian life as spiritual discipline that could help a believer mature. Instead of trying to escape the difficulties of life, we should rather be “exercised” by them so that we might grow[8]
• It does not carry the idea of wrathful punishment.
• God’s wrath will be greater than the punishment I have already received.
• God’s wrath is reserved for nonbelievers.
• God’s discipline is for believers because He loves us!
• God doesn’t always come in and rescue us from our logical negative consequences.
• Parents would be wise not to do the same.
• I am not physical with my kids… I teach them… I direct them… I protect them… I release them in trust… I let them fail.
• You will always struggle with this if you don’t know your identity.

7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

• This confirms our sonship.

8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

• Another way of identifying believers from nonbelievers.
• Why do bad things happen to good people?

9 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?

• A child who is disciplined (properly) will respect their parents… usually not during the discipline but after maturity.

10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness.

• Short time – while under our roof.
• I like the word “seemed”
• God’s discipline is perfect.
• He desires for us to walk in a holy manner.
• God’s will for your life and mine is the same.

11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

• Exercise – Soreness – Good or bad
• God’s discipline (training) brings the understanding of righteousness.
• Understanding our righteousness greatly impacts how we behave.
• When we behave out of our righteousness we experience true peace.

12 Therefore, strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.

• At Leavener, we race in a pack.
• To encourage one another.
• Some who are weak will drop out.
• They do not lose their salvation.
• They just don’t get to experience the victory of living a spirit-filled life even though they have the capability.

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 12:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Hacking, P. H. (2006). Opening up Hebrews. Opening Up Commentary (82). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 12:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Hacking, P. H. (2006). Opening up Hebrews. Opening Up Commentary (82–83). Leominster: Day One Publications.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 12:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[6] Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. The New American Commentary (580). Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
[7] Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. The New American Commentary (580). Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 12:5). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

LIVING BY FAITH
HEBREWS 11
13 These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.

• Neither Abraham, Isaac or Jacob possessed the Promised Land to this day.
• The Jews are now back in the land… but they do not possess the land.
• They trusted God’s promise and knew they would one day have to be resurrected.

14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

• Seeking new Jerusalem.
• Dr. George Morrison, a great Scottish preacher, once said, “The important thing is not what we live in, but what we look for.”[1]

15 If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16 But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

• They were willing to die to wait for the promise of God.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, 18 the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring will be traced through Isaac., 19 He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.

• The patriarchs believed in resurrection.
• Abraham knew for God’s promise to be fulfilled that God would have to resurrect Isaac if Abraham killed him.
• This should not be surprising from God because it was a foreshadowing of what He did with His Son for us.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

• We not only live victoriously but we can die victoriously.
• Isaac eventually honored the blessing of Jacob over Esau.
• Isaac knew the blessing to Jacob was irrevocable.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

• Jacob gave blessings to Ephraim & Manasseh.
• These blessings were not received until Joshua lead them into the Promised Land so these blessings were made in faith.

22 By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.

• Joseph lived most of his life in Egypt when he was sold into slavery by his brothers.
• He desired for his bones to be buried in Canaan (the Promised Land).
• This desire was made in faith because they were not in Canaan yet.

23 By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict.

• Beautiful because his parents recognized that he was going to be used by God.
• It was this recognition that caused them to risk their own lives.
• King’s Edict: All Jewish boys were to be killed.
• Moses was sovereignly retrieved from the Nile by Pharaoh’s daughter.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter 25 and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.

• Moses clung to his parent’s faith.
• He opted for eternal rewards rather than lavish temporary rewards.
• Remember that the Hebrew author is trying to convince the people to not return to what would seem easier for them.

26 For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.

• Symbolic to Jesus taking on humanity for the greater reward of saving the chosen in Christ.
• By acting in faith we obtain wisdom.
• Taking the easy road is not walking by faith.
• Walking by faith tells an adventuresome story.

27 By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees him who is invisible.

• Moses stayed the course of pursuing God & His promises even when the people rejected Moses and wanted to return to Egypt.
• 40 years of grumbling.

28 By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. 29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned.

• It was faith that caused Moses to start the Passover and cross the Red Sea.
• Interesting that the writer focuses on Moses faith rather than him receiving and obeying the Law.
• Another way the writer was encouraging them not to return to the sacrificial system.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being marched around by the Israelites for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute welcomed the spies in peace and didn’t perish with those who disobeyed.

• Jerico was in the Promised Land.
• The writer skips the wilderness history because there was little faith during that period.
• Rahab assisted the Hebrew spies because she had heard about the mighty God of the Jews.
• She mothered Boaz who grandfathered David.
• Rahab, once a harlot, became King David’s great grandmother.

32 And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon (destroyed thousands of Midianites with only 300 men), Barak (destroyed the army of King Jabin including his commander), Samson (defeated the Philistines), Jephthah (delivered his people from the Ammonites), David (the only king mentioned here, was a mighty warrior who defeated many including Goliath), Samuel (a godly man who was the last OT judge, also a prophet who anointed Saul & David), and the prophets (all had character flaws but not mentioned here because there stories were triumphs of faith over the enemy), 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

• If you walk by faith, you will suffer for your faith.
• The more you become intimate with your Father, the more you walk by faith and do things differently from the world.
• You will stand out in the world.
• If we don’t stand out in this fallen world then most likely it is because we never got to know the heart of our God.

35 Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection.

• When we receive our heavenly bodies

36 Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned,, they were sawed in two (tradition says this is how Isaiah died), they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. 38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.

• Whether a believer dies by his enemies’ hands or is supernaturally delivered, faith is victorious over death.
• Wake up! Don’t go back to the old system.
• Live the adventure
• Yes! There will be pain & suffering.
• You won’t be the first ones to go through it!
• But we are not in this alone.
• You’ve had a cakewalk compared to the others in the past.
• Walk on… exercise your faith!

39 All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.[2]

• Pre-cross vs post-cross.
• Give me post-cross any day and every day!

Post-cross… we have been perfected!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 319). Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 11:13–40). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.