Hebrews: Approaching the Throne in Faith

Hebrews 11:4-7

May 29, 2022

Sunday’s Scripture

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

Sermon Applications

Cross Referenced Verses

Genesis 4:6-7 | Genesis 5:22; 24 | Luke 22:42 | Proverbs 25:21-22

Pastor’s Closing Questions

• Do you truly believe, and have assurance that Christ’s sacrifice was enough to cover your sin?
• How will you faithfully respond to this sacrifice?

Pointed Questions from the Sermon

Read Genesis 4:2-7. Why do you think God chose to not accept Cain’s offering? 

• Read Leviticus 2. Grain offerings were used in the Levitical Law, so could the reason be more than it being grain? If so, what could be the real problem?
• God says that “sin is crouching at the door,” and Pastor Vince pointed out the significance of the author of Hebrews starting with Cain & Able’s sacrifices.  What do you think is the significance of this?
• How does all this point to the blood shed of Jesus’ sacrifice? 

Pastor Vince talked about how Enoch walked faithfully with God. He related this to our personal walks. What are some ways that we can feel confident that we’re walking in God’s will for our lives?

• How are we to put our activities and interests into submission to God? What are some practical ways for us to do this?
• How is our relationship with God different from any other relationship?
• Read Galatians 5:22-26. Pastor Vince quotes Alexander MacLaren saying, “If faith has any reality in us at all, it works. If it has no effect, it has no existence.” What do you think MacLaren means when he says this?

Read Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 6:14-22. Noah demonstrates the acting out of our faith. In fact, we are told that he obeyed and built the ark out of holy fear. What do you think it means to fear the Lord?

• Is this fear different for a believer as it would be for a nonbeliever? If so, how so?
• Read Proverbs 1:7. How would fearing the Lord be the beginning of a right relationship with God?

Read Proverbs 25:21-22 and Romans 12:19-21. We are told that treating our enemies well is like heaping burning coals on their head. Are these passages giving us license to seek revenge through kindness, or are they speaking to something else, if they are speaking to something else, what do you think that is?

• What should our motivation be as we interact with those around us?
• Does this verse show us a passive byproduct of Christlike living or is this something we should be actively intentional about? Why?