Hebrews 11:32-40 "And what shall I more say ? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments; they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: GOD having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect."
The "Faith Chapter," Hebrews 11, is aptly named, for it sets forth some basic truths concerning the importance of faith and provides practical examples of those who walked "by faith, not by sight" (2nd.Corinthians 5:7 pictured above). Our text gives a vivid picture of men and women in the Old Testament who were faithful to the LORD despite facing extreme persecutions and testings. Some experienced miraculous deliverances from impossible situations (vv.32-35a). Others endured great persecution - some of whom became martyrs, "not accepting deliverance" (vv.35b-38). The perfect will of GOD was what determined that which was required of those godly believers who walked by faith.
Note that all the heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 received a "good report" from GOD (v.39). Today, charismatic leaders are influencing millions to accept their unscriptural teachings that every believer can claim bodily healing and financial prosperity as a result of his or her salvation in CHRIST; it is important to study today's text as well as other portions of Scripture as a necessary refutation of such false teaching. Christians who are going through great trials, testings, and persecutions need to leave their circumstance in GOD's hands, understanding that HE knows best how each of HIS children can be the most effective testimony for HIM. The goal of every believer should be to obtain a "good report" from the LORD, just like those in the "Hall of Faith." This is only possible when we trust in the LORD rather than men. Do not let those who twist the Scriptures discourage your heart if you are not delivered in the way they claim you should. GOD's report of "well done" is all that matters (Matthew 25:21 pictured above). MHR
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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