Hebrews 11: 23-31

Key Verse: He [Moses] considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.   Hebrews 11:26

This week, as you study Moses, the Israelites, and Rahab in Hebrews 11:23-31, meditate on and then discuss these two questions: (1) How did these people of history live out their faith in God and Christ Jesus who was to come? and (2) How can you do the same in today’s world?

Moses

·         Read about Moses in Hebrews 11:23-28 and Exodus chapters 2 and 12.  You may also want to glance at Acts 7:20.  How did Moses and his parents’ actions demonstrate their faith? According to the text, what was the basis behind each of their actions? 

The Israelites

·         Read about the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Hebrews 11:29 and Exodus 14. What led the Israelites to walk through the sea based only on God’s promises?  Why were the Israelites able to cross the Red Sea, but not the Egyptians? 

·         Read about Jericho in Hebrews 11:30 and Joshua 6:1-27.  What brought down the walls of Jericho?  How much confidence do you think Joshua and his men had in God’s promises in order to circle the walls of Jericho with nothing but horns and trumpets? 

Rahab

·         Read about Rahab Hebrews 11:31 and Joshua 2:1-23 and 6:17-25.  What led Rahab to have faith in Joshua’s spies?  In other words, what did she know? 

Summarize in your own words as many principles of faith as you can glean from verses 23-31.  What are specific ways you can follow each of them? (For example, “Like Moses, I can forgo the world’s views on riches and material pleasures and instead invest my resources in God’s people because of God’s promise that the rewards of heaven will be far greater than anything this world can offer.”