Hebrews -- Holding on to Jesusਨਮੂਨਾ

Examples of Faith

Throughout history, there have always been people whose faith stands out. People who have faced overwhelming odds, walked through pain and persecution, and still remained faithful to God. You may know someone like that personally: a parent, teacher, friend, or someone in your church. These individuals inspire us by showing what a life of faith looks like in the real world and not just in theory.

In Hebrews 11, as we learned yesterday, is often called the “Hall of Faith.” In the chapter, the author highlights several men and women from different generations who lived by faith and demonstrated faith. Let’s take a look at a few of them and draw lessons we can apply to our own journey.

Abel: Faith that offers
Hebrews 11:4 tells us that Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, not because of what he gave, but because of the heart behind it. The difference wasn’t between animal and vegetable offerings (Genesis 4:3–5); it was that Abel’s offering was made by faith. It’s likely God showed His approval by consuming the offering with fire, as He did at the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24), the temple (2 Chronicles 7:1), and through the offerings of David and Elijah. The key takeaway? God looks at the faith behind the action, not just the action itself.

Enoch: Faith that walks
Enoch is one of only two people in Scripture who never experienced death. He was taken directly to heaven (the other being Elijah). His story reminds us that faith isn’t just about believing; it’s about walking closely with God. Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Not difficult. Not rare. Impossible. Faith begins by believing God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Enoch’s life is proof that faith leads to deep, intimate fellowship with God.

Noah: Faith that obeys
Noah believed God when He warned of a flood, something that had never happened before. But Noah’s faith didn’t stop at belief. He acted. He built an ark, preached righteousness, and stood firm for over one hundred years. Hebrews says he was “moved with godly fear.” This teaches us a vital truth: Real faith always results in action. There is always movement attached to a heart of faith. The book of James echoes this: Faith without works is dead. Faith isn’t just an idea; it’s something we live out.

Abraham and Sarah: Faith that trusts
Abraham obeyed God’s call to go, not knowing where he was headed. Sarah laughed at God’s promise at first, but later, her laughter turned to joy as she bore Isaac. Their story reminds us that faith doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Hebrews 11:11 says Sarah “judged Him faithful who had promised.” That’s the essence of faith: believing God is trustworthy, even when His promises seem impossible. Because of their faith, generations were born. Their trust in God had an impact far greater than they ever imagined, and so can ours.

Hebrews 11 goes on to list Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, David, and many others—eighteen names in total, from kings to prostitutes. What mattered wasn’t their status, but their faith. And yet, the ultimate point of this list isn’t the people. It’s the One they were all pointing to: Jesus. They looked forward to the Messiah in faith.

We, on this side of the cross, look back and see the finished work of Christ. That gives us even more reason to believe. More reason to endure. More reason to live by faith.

The chapter closes with a sobering reminder: Many heroes of faith suffered greatly: torture, imprisonment, even death. Tradition says Isaiah was sawn in two. Others were stoned or beaten with clubs. And yet, the writer of Hebrews tells us they were all commended for their faith. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). The message is clear: Faith doesn’t shield us from hardship, but it carries us through it.

The people in Hebrews 11 were not perfect. They had doubts. They made mistakes. But they kept trusting God. And so can we. They looked forward in faith. We look back in faith. And together, we look ahead to the fulfillment of every promise in Jesus Christ. So in your moments of discouragement, when faith feels hard, remember this chapter. Remember these people. And most of all, remember the One who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 NIV).