1/18/26
Rev. Clint Smith
Sermon Direct Link
In Hebrews 11:30–40, the writer presents both triumphs and suffering as a concluding portrait of faith. Heroes of faith experience miraculous victories through God’s divine presence and protection, while others endure intense suffering for the sake of their trust in Him. Ordinary believers were transformed into martyrs through faithful obedience, especially during hardships. God allowed His people to honor Him not only through miraculous deliverance, but also through perseverance in the most difficult circumstances.
The power of God is demonstrated when the righteous believe Him and obey Him. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they were encircled for seven days by Joshua and the sons of Israel. By faith, Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who were disobedient, because she expressed faith in God’s plan to deliver Jericho to Israel and played an integral role in accomplishing it. Joshua 2-6; James 2:14-26
God caused the writer of Hebrews to recount examples of the heroes of the faith, pointing to real people and miraculous events that testify to His power.
The heroes of faith had enduring trust in God and His promises. They subdued kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promised blessings, closed the mouths of lions, extinguished the power of raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty and unbeatable in battle, and put enemy forces to flight. Judges 6-8; 13-14; 1 & 2 Samuel; Daniel 6
The faithful suffered immense trauma for the sake of their faith. Women received back their dead by resurrection; others were tortured to death, refusing release on the condition of denying their faith, so that they might attain a better, eternal resurrection. Still others endured mocking and scourging, along with chains and imprisonment.
The persecuted were ordinary people with extraordinary faith, of whom God says the world was not worthy. All these earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none received all that God had promised. God, in His eternal plan, had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection apart from us. God is love!