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FAITH IS THE VICTORY

HEB 11:32-40 / 1 0 - 1 6 - 2 2 / S U N

I. FIRST, THERE IS AN UPSIDE OF FAITH.

A. The author summarized a few more victories of

faith-11:32.

B. In verses 33-35 we read some of what they

were able to do through faith.

1. For example, verse 33a lists certain political

deliverances through faith.
Hebrews 11:33a
33a. who through faith conquered kingdoms,
administered justice, and gained what was
promised.

2. Also, verses 33b-35a list certain personal

deliverances through faith.
Hebrews 11:33b-35a
33b-35a who shut the mouths of lions, 34
quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the
edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned
to strength; and who became powerful in battle
and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received
back their dead, raised to life again.

II. SECOND, THERE IS A FLIP SIDE OF FAITH.

A. A very different tone about faith begins verse 35

with the word "others".
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1. If verses 33-35a sounded like a dream then 35b-
38 sounds like a nightmare.

Hebrews 11:35-38
.••.Others were tortured and refused to be
released, so that they might gain a better
resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while
still others were chained and put in prison. They
were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were
put to death by the sword. They went about in
sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted
and mistreated—the world was not worthy of
them. They wandered in deserts and mountains,
and in caves and holes in the ground.

2. Many of us can identify more with this flip

side of faith.

B. What distinguishes the people living the dream of

faith from those living the nightmare?

1. The people in both parts were characterized by

faith- 39a.
Hebrews 11:39a
These were all commended for their faith.••••••

2. Those living the nightmare all had faith but God

didn't let them experience the victories of faith.

3. God, however, never considered them failures-

v.38a.
Hebrews 11:38a
the world was not worthy of them .....
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Ill. THIRD, THERE IS THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE FLIP SIDE OF FAITH.

A. Why are those living the flip side of faith esteemed

so highly by God?--v.35b.
Hebrews 11:35b
.... so that they might gain a better resurrection.

B. These believers died without receiving the

promise of victory-39.

C. In verse 40 the author brings to a conclusion his

list of the heroes of faith-40.