1. We learn from Hebrews 11 that faith will enable a person to be in good standing with God. a. Negatively, a person cannot please God without faith (vs.6). b. Positively, by faith a person can obtain a good report from God (vs.2). 2. This chapter also tells about the faith that was demonstrated by a number of men and women in the Old Testament. 3. Previously, we have examined the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. 4. (vs.21) Through faith Jacob blessed Joseph's sons shortly before his death. 5. The details of Jacob's blessing are found in Genesis 48. Discussion: I. PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
A. God's promise to Abraham and Isaac was also made to Jacob (Genesis 28:10-15). B. Jacob was blessed with twelve sons (Genesis 35:22b-26). C. Jacob especially loved Joseph (Genesis 37:3). D. Jacob grieved deeply when he thought that Joseph was killed (Genesis 37:31-36). E. Joseph was blessed with two sons in Egypt (Genesis 41:50-52). F. Joseph and Jacob were reunited, and Jacob's family settled in Egypt (Genesis 46:28-34). G. Before his death, Jacob: 1. gave instructions to Joseph concerning his burial (Genesis 47:27-31) 2. blessed Joseph's sons (Genesis 48) 3. spoke to all of his sons (Genesis 49).
II. (GENESIS 48) JACOB BLESSED JOSEPH'S SONS, EPHRAIM AND MANASSEH
A. (vs.1-20) When he blessed Joseph's sons, Jacob indicated that Ephraim would be greater than Manasseh (see Numbers 2:17-21). B. (vs.21) Like his father Isaac (Hebrews 11:20), faith enabled Jacob to look to the future with confidence. C. (vs.22) By blessing Joseph's sons, Jacob was actually giving Joseph a double portion.
