The World Was Not Worthy of Them

Hebrews 11:32-40

Key Verse 11:38a

1. Verse 32 contains the names of six people.  What do the Scriptures say about each of them (and their weaknesses) when God called them to serve something far bigger than they themselves?  Why do you think God calls weak people rather than strong ones? (1Co 1:27-29; 2Co 12:10)  What can we learn about God who calls the weak?

2. According to verse 33 it was “through faith” that they were able to do what seemed impossible.  In what respect are the following challenges difficult for anyone to meet: (1) Conquering kingdoms; (2) administering justice; (3) gaining what was promised; (4) shutting the mouths of lion; (5) quenching the fury of flames; (6) escaping the edge of the sword; and (7) turning weakness to strength?  What do verses 33-34 teach us about faith?

3. First Kings 17:1-24 and 2 Kings 4:8-37 show the women described in verse 35a.  What does their example show about the kind of faith we are called to live by as we help children who are put under our care?

4. What do you think it is to be “tortured” (perhaps in a prison for one’s faith in the Lord) in verse 35b?  What could have allowed them to be released?  What does “a better resurrection” in verse 35b refer to? (2 Cor 5:8-10; Daniel 12:2-3)

5. Consider the hardships and difficulties some people endured in verses 36-38.  What parallels do Christians face in modern society?  Why did these things happen? (v. 38a; John 15:19; 1 John 3:13)  How can we endure such atrocities? 

6. What does “the world was not worthy of them” in verse 38a tell us about them? 

7. What does “what had been promised” in verse 39 or “something better for us” in verse 40 refer to? (Romans 16:25)  What does it mean to be “made perfect”? (Hebrews 12:22-23)  What makes man perfect? 

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