Sermon Notes
Overview: The eleventh chapter of Hebrews provides a crescendo to the author’s purpose of calling believers to remain in the faith despite all the temptations to walk away. The focus on Moses illustrates important victories such as his life being spared at infancy; his refusal to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; his leaving Egypt without being afraid of the anger of the king; his keeping of the Passover so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them; and his crossing the Red Sea on dry land while the Egyptians drowned. In spite of all of these victories, Moses’ choice to belong to the people of God came at a high cost as he was mistreated with the people of God and eventually mistreated by the people of God. And yet, the author assures us that Moses made the right choice because he rightly determined that the reproach of Christ was greater than the treasures of Egypt, and he looked forward to the reward. May the Lord help us to find our identity in Christ and with the people of God as we, too, seek to live by faith.
- Belonging to the people of God begins with a choice we make by faith, which sets us apart from the world; therefore, choose this day whom you will serve.
- Belonging to the people of God provides comfort and hope when we are mistreated by the world; therefore, remember and rely upon the people of God.
- Belonging to the people of God requires endurance and forgiveness when we are mistreated by the people of God; therefore, do not separate faith in Christ from the family of God.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY
- What is the overall theme of Hebrews according to Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4; and 3:12-15? In light of this theme, what does the author of Hebrews seek to accomplish with chapter 11? How do heroes of the faith help you to grow in the Christian life?
- How is faith defined according to Hebrews 11:1? In what ways was faith evident in the life of Moses? How did his parents live by faith? How did he live by faith? How are you living by faith?
- When did Moses choose to identify with the people of God? How does this choice inform us about the reality of his faith, as opposed to a cultural faith that he might have otherwise inherited? When did you become part of the family of God? What did it require of you to do so?
- In what ways are Christians mistreated by the world today? How does your church family at Northpoint provide encouragement and strength when you experience mistreatment from the world? In what ways can we also draw encouragement and strength from believers in the history of the church, such as those listed in Hebrews 11?
- When Moses chose to be mistreated with the people of God, it was not long until the people of God (Israel) began grumbling and complaining about his leadership. In what ways does Moses’ willingness to serve the people of God in the midst of their complaining remind us to bear with one another and forgive one another as we serve the Lord?
For Further Reading: Colin Hansen and Jonathan Leeman, Rediscover Church: Why the Body of Christ is Essential (Crossway, 2021)