This teaching continues a verse-by-verse study of Hebrews chapter 11, focusing on examples of ordinary men and women who lived by faith. The speaker emphasizes that faith is most exercised in adverse situations, not when things are going well. Hebrews 11:1 is cited: "faith is being sure of what we hope for in certain of what we do not see." The discussion highlights 17 individuals mentioned by name in chapter 11, along with others summarized, as encouraging examples of trusting God in extraordinary ways.
The sermon picks up at Hebrews 11:32, listing Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. Jephthah's story from Judges chapter 11 is summarized, noting his rejection by his half-brothers and his foolish vow, but emphasizing his faith in God despite his background. David, whose name means "beloved," is discussed, acknowledging his flaws like the affair with Bathsheba and his passivity as a father, as seen in 1 Kings chapter 1 and 2 Samuel 13. However, David is included in the "Hall of Faith" because of his faith, not his flaws, as demonstrated in his youth when confronting Goliath in 1 Samuel chapter 17, where he declared, "I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty."
Samuel, the 17th person mentioned by name, is presented as a prophet used by God, whose story begins with his mother Hannah's vow to God. Samuel's faithfulness to hear, do, and go where God directed is highlighted. The teaching then covers the unnamed individuals in Hebrews 11:33-38, including references to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, the woman of Zarephath, the Shunammite woman, Jeremiah, Joseph, and Isaiah. The speaker explains that "none of them received what had been promised" (Hebrews 11:39) refers to Jesus, the ultimate promise, whom Old Testament saints saw from a distance. The teaching concludes by briefly introducing Hebrews 12:1-3, connecting the "great cloud of witnesses" from chapter 11 to the call to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us," fixing our eyes on Jesus.
