C+C University District CG Discussion Guide
Text: Hebrews 11:17–31
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Summary
Faith often becomes clearest when God’s people cannot see any human way forward.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
Summary
Faith often becomes clearest when God’s people cannot see any human way forward.
Hebrews 11:17–31 gathers stories from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Israel, and Rahab to show that God delivers His people when they are powerless to deliver themselves. Faith is not confidence in our ability to fix what is broken; faith takes hold of God’s promises, even when death, sin, judgment, or danger seem final.
Abraham trusted that God could keep His promise even if Isaac died, because God is able to raise the dead. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph looked beyond their own deaths to the future God had promised. Their faith rested in a God whose covenant promises are stronger than the grave.
Moses rejected the fleeting pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he belonged to the people of God and looked to the greater reward. God delivers His people not only from death, but from sin’s enslaving power by giving them a new identity and a better hope.
The Passover, the Red Sea, Jericho, and Rahab all reveal God as both righteous Judge and gracious Deliverer. Judgment is real, but God provides rescue through blood, through a way of escape, and through welcome into His people. All of these acts point forward to Jesus Christ, the true substitute, Passover Lamb, rescuer, and risen Lord who delivers His people from judgment, sin, and death.
Key Takeaways
Abraham trusted that God could keep His promise even if Isaac died, because God is able to raise the dead. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph looked beyond their own deaths to the future God had promised. Their faith rested in a God whose covenant promises are stronger than the grave.
Moses rejected the fleeting pleasures and treasures of Egypt because he belonged to the people of God and looked to the greater reward. God delivers His people not only from death, but from sin’s enslaving power by giving them a new identity and a better hope.
The Passover, the Red Sea, Jericho, and Rahab all reveal God as both righteous Judge and gracious Deliverer. Judgment is real, but God provides rescue through blood, through a way of escape, and through welcome into His people. All of these acts point forward to Jesus Christ, the true substitute, Passover Lamb, rescuer, and risen Lord who delivers His people from judgment, sin, and death.
Key Takeaways
- God Delivers from Death - Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph trusted God beyond what they could see, even at the edge of death. In Christ, death is not the end because the risen Jesus will raise His people.
- God Delivers from Sin - Moses refused Egypt’s temporary pleasures because he had a greater identity and reward. In Christ, believers are no longer slaves to sin but are being set free by the Spirit.
- God Delivers from Judgment - The Passover, the Red Sea, Jericho, and Rahab show that God judges evil and provides rescue by grace. Jesus bore judgment in the place of sinners so all who trust Him are forgiven and welcomed.
Think of a time when you felt completely stuck, whether in traffic, a difficult circumstance, a relationship, or a personal struggle. What did that feeling of being trapped do to you emotionally and spiritually?
Reflection Questions
- What do Moses’ choices in verses 24–26 reveal about sin’s pleasures and faith’s reward?
- How do the Passover, the Red Sea, and Rahab each show both God’s judgment and God’s mercy?
- How does a future hope change the way we face present hardship or even death itself?
- Where are you most tempted to feel stuck right now: fear of death, bondage to sin, fear of judgment, or uncertainty about the future?
- How does your identity in Christ help you resist sin rather than simply try harder in your own strength?
- How would you explain to a non-Christian friend that Christianity takes both God’s judgment and God’s mercy seriously?
Practical Applications
- Remember Christ - When guilt rises, confess sin honestly, but do not punish yourself as though Jesus’ cross were incomplete. Rest in His finished work and return to God as Father.
- Resist Sin - Name one temptation that offers temporary pleasure and compare it with the reward of knowing Christ. Ask the Spirit for a clear way of escape and invite a trusted believer to pray with you.
- Resurrection Hope - Bring your fear of death, loss, or uncertainty before God in prayer. Let the promise of Christ’s resurrection strengthen courage, worship, and faithfulness this week.