Come and See!

Friday, August 2, 2013

Scripture & Questions for Sunday (8/4/13)

Scripture
ESV Hebrews 11:29

By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as if on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated- 38 of whom the world was not worthy- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
 
12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
 
Questions:
1.    If you were able to listen to your own funeral eulogy (Tom Sawyer style), how would you like to hear yourself described?
2.    What do you consider the greatest example of faith you have ever seen? Why?
3.    What were some of the victories enjoyed by faithful Old Testament believers? (11:32-34)
4.    How does this passage disprove the notion that faith always leads to earthly blessing? (11:35-38)
5.    What happened to a great many Old Testament saints who exercised faith in God? (11:39)
6.    How do you think the individuals praised in Hebrews 11 were looked upon by those of their day?
7.    What should motivate followers of Christ to live for Him? (12:1)
8.    What should be the focus of those who would live for Christ? (12:2)