Friday, May 16, 2008

"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets" (Hebrews 11:32).

IDEA: Faith is essential in every area of work and life.

PURPOSE: To help listeners see the necessity of faith in all kinds of activities.

What do you think when someone is giving you one kind of list, then suddenly breaks it off and goes on with a different kind of list?

Told to list a bunch of vegetables, the person mentioned beans, potatoes, corn, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, then suddenly switches to applies, peaches, oranges and cantaloupe.

I. The writer switches from talking about people of faith to the deeds of faith.

For most of the chapter the writer has listed different kinds of people who appear in the Old Testament.

He follows this by talking about the deeds that were accomplished by faith.

II. Why do you think he moved to great deeds and great feats?

Faith is not only a virtue for individuals, but a virtue needed for great accomplishments.

Faith is needed to build the nation of Israel.

Faith is needed to overcome opposition.

Faith takes men and women who are weak and shows that by faith they could accomplish great deeds.

God works in us and through us to accomplish His purposes in the individual and in the world.