Let us travel as these pilgrims did (Hebrews 11:13-16)
Introduction:
1. In these verses we read about some people who referred to themselves as "strangers and pilgrims." 2. As they traveled from place to place on earth they were looking for a heavenly dwelling place prepared by God. 3. As a result of studying their examples, "let us travel as these pilgrims did."
Discussion:
I. LET US EXAMINE THE INFORMATION REVEALED IN THESE VERSES
A. Vs.13 mentions some who "died in faith, not having received the promises." 1. They believed the promises that God made to them, and they refused to return to the country they left. 2. Consequently, God was "not ashamed to be called their God." B. The people under consideration in these verses were: 1. Abraham (vs.8-10) a. God made special promises to him (Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:4-5, 18; 17:6-8). 1) God promised to give him many descendants. 2) God promised to give Canaan to his descendants. 3) God promised that kings would descend from him. 4) God promised that all families [nations] of the earth would be blessed through his seed. b. These promises were not completely fulfilled before Abraham died. 2. Sara (vs.11-12) a. God made special promises to her (Genesis 17:15-16; 18:9-11). 1) God promised her that she would give birth to a son. 2) God promised that kings would descend from her. b. These promises were not completely fulfilled before Sara died. 3. Isaac (vs.20) a. God made special promises to him (Genesis 26:1-4). 1) God promised to give him many descendants. 2) God promised to give Canaan to his descendants. 3) God promised that all nations would be blessed through his seed. b. These promises were not completely fulfilled before Isaac died. 4. Jacob (vs.21). a. God made special promises to him (Genesis 28:12-15). 1) God promised to give him many descendants. 2) God promised to give Canaan to his descendants. 3) God promised that all families would be blessed through his seed. b. These promises were not completely fulfilled before Jacob died. C. Abraham, Sara, Isaac, and Jacob "died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them." D. Also, God was not ashamed to be called their God (Exodus 3:6). E. As Hebrews 11 concludes we see that all the Old Testament characters listed obtained a good report through faith without receiving the promise (vs.39).
II. APPLICATION
A. In Hebrews 11:13-16 we read about some who trusted in God, even though they did not receive all of the promises He made to them during their lifetimes. B. According to Hebrews 11:40, we have certain advantages over the men and women listed in this chapter in that God has "provided some better thing for us." C. Let us trust in God and exercise patience so we can receive the promises that God has made to us (10:36). D. In 2 Peter 1:4 God's promises are described as "exceeding great and precious."
Conclusion:
1. We have taken a brief look at some people who lived and died in faith. 2. Let us follow their examples and "travel as these pilgrims did."
