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Hebrews 11:8
Verse
Context
The Faith of Abraham and Sarah
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.9By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Abraham, when he was called - See on Gen 12:1-4 (note). Not knowing whither he went - Therefore his obedience was the fullest proof of his faith in God, and his faith was an implicit faith; he obeyed, and went out from his own country, having no prospect of any good or success but what his implicit faith led him to expect from God, as the rewarder of them that diligently seek him. In all the preceding cases, and in all that follow, the apostle keeps this maxim fully in view.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
From the antediluvian saints he passes to the patriarchs of Israel, to whom "the promises" belonged. called--by God (Gen 12:1). The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "He that was called Abraham," his name being changed from Abram to Abraham, on the occasion of God's making with him and his seed a covenant sealed by circumcision, many years after his call out of Ur. "By faith, he who was (afterwards) called Abraham (father of nations, Gen 17:5, in order to become which was the design of God's bringing him out of Ur) obeyed (the command of God: to be understood in this reading), so as to go out," &c. which he should after receive--He had not fully received even this promise when he went out, for it was not explicitly given him till he had reached Canaan (Gen 12:1, Gen 12:6-7). When the promise of the land was given him the Canaanite was still in the land, and himself a stranger; it is in the new heaven and new earth that he shall receive his personal inheritance promised him; so believers sojourn on earth as strangers, while the ungodly and Satan lord it over the earth; but at Christ's coming that same earth which was the scene of the believer's conflict shall be the inheritance of Christ and His saints.
John Gill Bible Commentary
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,.... The land of Canaan, so called, because it was promised to Abraham and his seed; and is typical of heaven, which is not by the works of the law, but by the free promise and grace of God: here Abraham sojourned for a while, as in a strange country; which was not his native place, and not his own, but another's; see Act 7:5 and an idolatrous one; here he sojourned by faith, believing that as it was promised, it would be given to him, and his seed: so all God's people are sojourners in this world, strangers and pilgrims in it; this is not their dwelling place; they do not belong to it, but to another; their stay in it is but for a while; and, while they are in it, do not look upon themselves at home, but are looking out for another, and better country; they are unknown to the men of the world, and the men of the world are strangers to them; though they have a civil conversation with them, they separate from them, both as to profaneness and superstition, and live by faith, in the expectation of the heavenly country, as Abraham also did: dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; the same promised land, the same promised blessings, and the same promised seed, the Messiah; see Gen 12:3 with these Abraham dwelt, for he lived until Isaac was seventy five years of age, and Jacob fifteen; he was an hundred years old when Isaac was born, Gen 21:5 and he lived one hundred and seventy five years, Gen 25:7 and Isaac was sixty years old when Jacob was born, Gen 25:26 and Abraham dwelt with them in tabernacles, or tents, which they pitched at pleasure, and moved from place to place. So true believers, as they are Abraham's seed, they are heirs with him, according to the promise; and are heirs together of the grace of life; and dwell in earthly tabernacles, in houses of clay, which are erected for a while, and then taken down.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:8 Abraham obeyed: See Gen 12:1-2. He, too, acted in the face of what he could not yet see, since he went without knowing where he was going.
Hebrews 11:8
The Faith of Abraham and Sarah
7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going.9By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Consequences of Not Trusting God
By David Wilkerson5.6K54:09ConsequencesGEN 12:1PSA 37:5MAT 6:33ROM 4:20HEB 11:8JAS 1:21PE 1:7In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of trust and faith in difficult times. He emphasizes that despite all the teachings and preaching about faith, this generation is one of the most untrusting in history. The preacher uses examples of various crises, such as losing a job or receiving a cancer diagnosis, to illustrate the challenges faced by believers. He highlights the importance of trusting in God's plan even when faced with impossible situations. The sermon encourages listeners to have unwavering faith and to rely on God's guidance and provision.
Faith Obeys (3 of 4)
By Paul Washer4.5K1:06:34ObedienceGEN 6:13HAB 3:17MAT 6:33ACT 1:8HEB 11:1HEB 11:8JAS 1:22In this sermon, the preacher uses a vivid example of a boy with sagging pants to illustrate the importance of not conforming to the ways of the world. He emphasizes that our outward appearance and behavior can reveal a lot about our inward realities. The preacher warns young people against being influenced by the sensual and degrading culture around them, urging them to live differently. He encourages them to align their lives with the teachings of the Bible and not be deceived by the traps of the world.
Trust in Christ Is Everything
By Carter Conlon3.6K49:10Trusting GodGEN 15:1MAT 6:33GAL 3:7HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of trust in Christ. He begins by referencing Hebrews 11 and emphasizes that trust in Christ is everything. The speaker then highlights the story of Abraham, who believed God and was accounted for righteousness. He explains that our righteousness today comes from believing God's testimony about himself through Jesus Christ. The speaker also emphasizes that as we believe in Christ, the Holy Spirit supernaturally changes us, molding us into the image of Christ and revealing the love and compassion of God in our lives.
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks2.6K52:53AdversityGEN 12:1JOS 24:2MAT 6:33PHP 1:20HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of responding to God's call and separating oneself from personal interests. The example of Abraham is used to illustrate this point, highlighting how Abraham had to leave his country and sever his personal interests in order to fully follow God. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of patience in our spiritual journey, noting that being kept waiting can reveal our impatience and the need for discipline. The sermon concludes by mentioning the covenant sign of circumcision, which became a central aspect of Abraham's life and a symbol of his faithfulness to God.
Worship
By Manley Beasley2.5K52:35WorshipGEN 1:28MAT 6:33JHN 4:24ROM 8:28HEB 11:8JAS 2:171PE 2:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth. He shares a personal experience of surrendering his life to God and the profound impact it had on his relationship with Him. The speaker encourages listeners to prioritize knowing and walking with God above all else, even in their pursuit of becoming great preachers. He warns against allowing emotions to dictate one's spiritual journey and emphasizes the need for theological correctness in order to grow in grace and maturity as a child of God.
Jewish vs. Hebraic
By Art Katz2.5K1:06:26JewishnessPSA 18:2PSA 37:4PSA 46:1PSA 97:10PSA 119:105HEB 11:8REV 12:11In this sermon, the preacher criticizes the declining civilization and the lack of communication skills in today's generation. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and stepping out in faith, leaving behind worldly attachments. The preacher also highlights the value of silence and revering it, as it allows for a deeper understanding and respect for communication and words. He expresses his desire to go beyond using words as a conveyance and instead proclaim God's faithfulness in a symphonic and impactful way.
Avoiding Cynicism - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan2.4K10:18Critical SpiritGEN 19:26PSA 27:13PRO 18:21MAT 6:33HEB 3:19HEB 4:2HEB 11:8In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannett addresses the danger of becoming cynical and taking God's Word and blessings for granted. He highlights the importance of faith and belief in experiencing the goodness of the Lord in our lives. He references the Old Testament story of the Israelites who were destroyed in the wilderness because they did not mix the word they heard with faith. He emphasizes the need to avoid cynicism and instead have a tangible, real, and touchable faith in God's promises.
Finn-01 Elijah the Prophet
By Art Katz2.3K45:18Elijah1KI 17:41KI 18:38MAT 6:33JHN 1:1ROM 9:11ROM 10:14HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking philosophical answers and being pursued by God. He emphasizes the power of a word spoken in authority and how it can turn someone's life around. The speaker also discusses the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it contradicts our own reasoning. He challenges the church to be a prophetic presence and to speak a word that can bring judgment and transformation. The sermon references the story of Elijah being commanded by God to hide by a brook and be fed by ravens, highlighting the need for trust and obedience in following God's instructions.
The Consequences of Not Trusting God - Part 2
By David Wilkerson2.0K15:04GEN 12:1PSA 37:3PRO 3:5ISA 41:10HEB 11:8This sermon focuses on Abraham's journey of faith, highlighting the challenges and crises he faced as he learned to fully trust God with his life and future. Despite encountering severe famines and impossible situations, Abraham struggled with doubts and fears, yet God was leading him to a deeper level of faith that required complete surrender and belief in the miraculous power of God. The message emphasizes the importance of trusting God in the midst of hardships and allowing faith to transform the heart, rather than solely seeking deliverance from difficult circumstances.
The Call of Abraham
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K33:17GEN 22:1HEB 11:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth without compromise. He encourages the congregation to always preach what they believe in their hearts and not hold anything back. The preacher acknowledges that death is a mysterious journey, but assures the listeners that with God's grace, they need not fear. He reminds them that despite the uncertainties of the future, they can trust in God's purpose and plan, knowing that it will ultimately bring good to those who belong to Him. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in God's faithfulness and to be prepared to leave everything behind for the sake of Christ.
That He Might Fill All Things - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K49:22Jesus ChristGEN 22:17GEN 32:282SA 7:8PSA 127:1MAT 6:33EPH 4:10HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of emptying oneself and allowing God to work in their lives. He uses the example of Joseph, who started off as a conceited young man but went through a process of emptying and suffering in order to fulfill God's purpose. The speaker encourages listeners to learn from their own trials and adversities, allowing Christ to fill their lives. He also highlights the significance of Jesus filling all things, emphasizing the greatness of the Lord and the ultimate fulfillment of His purpose.
Trusting God With All Your Tomorrows
By David Wilkerson1.6K49:06MAT 6:25PHP 1:12PHP 2:10PHP 4:4HEB 11:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting God with all your tomorrows, encouraging listeners to surrender their worries and fears about the future to God. It highlights the need to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, believing that God will provide for all our needs. The message draws from the example of Abraham's total dependence on God's promises and challenges believers to react to suffering in a way that preaches Christ's faithfulness.
Practically Living the Heavenly Vision
By Lance Lambert1.5K1:30:25Heavenly VisionGEN 15:1GEN 15:4ACT 7:2ROM 4:20HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a living, working faith in order to please God. He highlights the need for believers to rely on God and seek His guidance rather than relying on their own common sense. The speaker uses the example of Abraham and Sarah, who trusted in God's leading and used their common sense to follow His instructions. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of holding onto the vision that God has given and not stifling it, using the example of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of faith.
The Obedience of Joseph
By Joshua Daniel1.5K25:32MAT 1:24MAT 2:13GAL 5:6PHP 2:8HEB 5:9HEB 11:8JAS 2:171JN 5:3This sermon delves into the story of Joseph in the New Testament, highlighting his obedience, faith, and action in response to the angel's instructions to protect Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of dynamic faith-driven action, obedience to God's word, and the transformative power of the cross in inspiring obedience and faithfulness in believers.
The Process of Detachment
By Dennis Kinlaw1.5K54:36DetachmentROM 11:8HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Abraham and how God fulfilled his dream of having a child and a son who would inherit his blessings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of God's timing and how waiting until Abraham was 75 years old made the story more impactful. The sermon also highlights the challenges and sacrifices that missionaries and believers may face when following God's call, using the example of Abraham's alienation as a foreigner. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the significance of having a personal encounter with God, which gives believers the strength and conviction to endure hardships and persecution.
(Saved Through the Fire) 10 - the Hope of the Promise
By Milton Green1.5K1:26:40NUM 13:1ACT 13:26ACT 13:32HEB 6:13HEB 10:26HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the story of Abram and how God called him out of his land to inherit a new land. The speaker emphasizes that Abram confessed to being a stranger and alien in this new land. The sermon then shifts to discussing the importance of obeying God's voice and the consequences of willful sinning. The speaker also highlights the message of the promise made to the fathers in the New Testament and the importance of faith in walking towards the promised land.
Intoxicated With Babylon-Chapter Three
By Steve Gallagher1.4K09:50BabylonGEN 13:10MAT 6:33LUK 12:341TI 6:10HEB 11:8JAS 4:41JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the influence of worldly culture on the church and how it can deceive and weaken the faith of believers. He uses the story of Lot and his family in Sodom as an example of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing the things of this world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith and consecration like Abraham, who was determined to follow and obey God no matter the cost. He also challenges lukewarm Christians to examine their hearts and prioritize their love for God over the love for worldly things.
The Struggle of Two Cities
By Lance Lambert1.4K00:00StrugglePSA 2:1PSA 2:7ACT 7:2ROM 11:24HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of marriage in the Bible, highlighting the marriage of Adam and Eve in the first three chapters and the marriage of the Lamb and the wife of the Lamb in the last three chapters of the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the love relationship between God and the redeemed, emphasizing that God will not let them go even when they become lukewarm or self-satisfied. The sermon also touches on the importance of having a heavenly vision and not living in a cramped, limited version of Christianity. The speaker uses examples from the lives of Abraham, Jesus, and Paul to illustrate the significance of the heavenly vision.
Abraham, My Friend: 04 When He Was called...
By Ron Bailey1.3K14:05AbrahamGEN 12:1JOB 11:7MAT 14:29LUK 1:37JHN 8:56ACT 7:2ROM 10:17HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and his obedience to God's call. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's word without demanding explanations or visions for the future. Abraham's faith and obedience are highlighted as key factors in his relationship with God. The speaker encourages listeners to have faith and respond to God's revelation, trusting in His guidance even when the path is uncertain.
Dont Despise the Day of Small Endings
By Carter Conlon1.2K50:22ZEC 4:7HEB 11:8This sermon encourages individuals who feel condemned and insignificant in their Christian walk, reminding them that God sees the whole picture and values faithfulness over worldly success. It emphasizes the importance of being faithful in the small things, trusting that God will bring increase and reward according to purity of motive, trust, and obedience. The speaker uses biblical examples like Abraham, Paul, and Jesus to illustrate how God works through seemingly small endings to accomplish His purposes.
Principles of Faith and Obedience
By C. Stacey Woods1.2K34:04ObedienceFaithHEB 11:8C. Stacey Woods emphasizes the intertwined principles of faith and obedience in the Christian life, illustrating how true faith necessitates obedience to God's will, as exemplified by Abraham's journey of trust. He discusses the importance of surrendering to God's authority, highlighting that obedience is a response to faith, not merely a command. Woods encourages believers to embrace a life of faith that may seem contrary to common sense, trusting that God’s plans are ultimately for their good. He challenges the congregation to commit themselves fully to God, just as Abraham did, and to live as pilgrims in faith, looking forward to the promises of God. The sermon concludes with a call to trust and obey God in all aspects of life, including relationships and vocations.
The Meaning of Abraham
By Bill Randles99348:31AbrahamGEN 12:1EXO 12:21MAT 6:33ROM 8:28GAL 3:16HEB 11:8REV 21:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abram going down to Egypt and the lessons we can learn from it. He emphasizes the importance of believing in God and not being deceived by the allure of worldly pleasures. The preacher also highlights the significance of Christ's sacrifice and how it has delivered and redeemed us. The sermon then shifts to the story of Abram leaving Egypt and God's promise to bless every family on the face of the earth through him, ultimately referring to Jesus. The preacher acknowledges the natural problem of Abram and his wife being barren, but emphasizes that God can work miracles even with seemingly impossible situations.
(Youth Bible School 2007) Christ Is the Believer's Strength
By John D. Martin9261:03:30PRO 4:23MAT 6:33HEB 11:2HEB 11:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acting on one's vision. He uses the example of men in the Bible who took definite steps to show their belief in their vision. The speaker encourages the audience to not just talk about their vision, but to live it out through their actions and words. He also shares a personal story about being a school teacher and learning how to treat people with fairness and understanding. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the audience to have the spirit of a man who constantly praises God and lives out their vision.
Vision #1
By Stephen Kaung8811:11:30Faith and ObedienceDivine VisionGEN 12:1GEN 15:5GEN 17:4GEN 22:17PRO 29:18JHN 8:56ACT 7:2EPH 3:9HEB 11:8REV 21:2Stephen Kaung emphasizes the significance of having a divine vision, drawing from Proverbs 29:18, which states that without vision, people become unrestrained. He illustrates this through the life of Abraham, who, despite his initial uncertainties, obeyed God's call to leave his homeland and pursue a promise he could not yet see. Kaung highlights that true vision is a revelation from God that transforms our understanding and guides our actions, urging believers to seek a personal encounter with God to receive their own vision. He encourages the congregation to recognize that God's revelations are not just abstract ideas but practical truths that should manifest in their lives.
Running the Race Like Abraham - Kp Yohannan
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons74329:55FaithfulnessLegacy of FaithRadioHEB 11:8K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of running the race of faith like Abraham, who faced numerous challenges yet remained steadfast in his commitment to God. He reflects on the significance of finishing well, learning from both good and bad examples in scripture, and the necessity of sacrifice and dependence on God throughout our journey. Yohannan warns against the dangers of complacency and the influence of negative relationships, urging believers to maintain their focus on eternal promises. He encourages the audience to consider their own spiritual journeys and the legacy they will leave behind, drawing inspiration from Abraham's faithfulness and ultimate success in fulfilling God's call.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Abraham, when he was called - See on Gen 12:1-4 (note). Not knowing whither he went - Therefore his obedience was the fullest proof of his faith in God, and his faith was an implicit faith; he obeyed, and went out from his own country, having no prospect of any good or success but what his implicit faith led him to expect from God, as the rewarder of them that diligently seek him. In all the preceding cases, and in all that follow, the apostle keeps this maxim fully in view.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
From the antediluvian saints he passes to the patriarchs of Israel, to whom "the promises" belonged. called--by God (Gen 12:1). The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "He that was called Abraham," his name being changed from Abram to Abraham, on the occasion of God's making with him and his seed a covenant sealed by circumcision, many years after his call out of Ur. "By faith, he who was (afterwards) called Abraham (father of nations, Gen 17:5, in order to become which was the design of God's bringing him out of Ur) obeyed (the command of God: to be understood in this reading), so as to go out," &c. which he should after receive--He had not fully received even this promise when he went out, for it was not explicitly given him till he had reached Canaan (Gen 12:1, Gen 12:6-7). When the promise of the land was given him the Canaanite was still in the land, and himself a stranger; it is in the new heaven and new earth that he shall receive his personal inheritance promised him; so believers sojourn on earth as strangers, while the ungodly and Satan lord it over the earth; but at Christ's coming that same earth which was the scene of the believer's conflict shall be the inheritance of Christ and His saints.
John Gill Bible Commentary
By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,.... The land of Canaan, so called, because it was promised to Abraham and his seed; and is typical of heaven, which is not by the works of the law, but by the free promise and grace of God: here Abraham sojourned for a while, as in a strange country; which was not his native place, and not his own, but another's; see Act 7:5 and an idolatrous one; here he sojourned by faith, believing that as it was promised, it would be given to him, and his seed: so all God's people are sojourners in this world, strangers and pilgrims in it; this is not their dwelling place; they do not belong to it, but to another; their stay in it is but for a while; and, while they are in it, do not look upon themselves at home, but are looking out for another, and better country; they are unknown to the men of the world, and the men of the world are strangers to them; though they have a civil conversation with them, they separate from them, both as to profaneness and superstition, and live by faith, in the expectation of the heavenly country, as Abraham also did: dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; the same promised land, the same promised blessings, and the same promised seed, the Messiah; see Gen 12:3 with these Abraham dwelt, for he lived until Isaac was seventy five years of age, and Jacob fifteen; he was an hundred years old when Isaac was born, Gen 21:5 and he lived one hundred and seventy five years, Gen 25:7 and Isaac was sixty years old when Jacob was born, Gen 25:26 and Abraham dwelt with them in tabernacles, or tents, which they pitched at pleasure, and moved from place to place. So true believers, as they are Abraham's seed, they are heirs with him, according to the promise; and are heirs together of the grace of life; and dwell in earthly tabernacles, in houses of clay, which are erected for a while, and then taken down.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:8 Abraham obeyed: See Gen 12:1-2. He, too, acted in the face of what he could not yet see, since he went without knowing where he was going.