Hebrews 11:4–7 “A Life That Pleases God”

Hebrews 11:4-7 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Keith & Kristyn Getty – By Faith
• Pat Barrett – Build My Life (ft. Cory Asbury)
• Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Noah’s Ark – Lesson for Kids
• Walk By Faith – Song for Kids
• “Leap of Faith” Music video – Song for Kids
• FAITH | A Discovery Kids Worship Cover – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The author mentions Abel as the first model among the ancestors of faith. The story of Cain and Abel appears in Genesis 4. The Genesis passage only states that God accepted Abel’s offering but did not accept Cain’s offering (verses 4–5). The author of Hebrews, following Jewish tradition, interprets this to mean that Abel offered a “better sacrifice” (v. 4). As a result, Abel received “testimony that he was righteous” from God. The word “testimony” is also used in verse 2 and means “to be acknowledged” or “recognized.”

With the phrase “though he is dead,” the author conveys the truth that even if one is acknowledged as righteous, they may still face a tragic fate on earth. Among the readers of Hebrews, there were those who had been martyred for their faith. The author adds, “By faith he still speaks, even though he is dead,” regarding Abel. Though he physically died, he is still alive in God.

The second model is Enoch (v. 5). Unlike Abel, Enoch did not experience death. Genesis records, “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24). From this, the author emphasizes that not all who have faith share the same earthly fate. Enoch received recognition for having pleased God through a life of walking with Him.

At this point, the author explains that to please God, like Enoch, faith is necessary and presents another definition of faith. Believing involves two aspects. First, it means acknowledging “that God exists.” Second, it means recognizing “that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” The phrase “rewards those” refers to God as the “rewarder.” This means that God grants to believers the very things they have sought through faith while living on this earth. Believing in God’s existence and His faithfulness brings the greatest joy to Him.

The third example is Noah (v. 7). The phrase “things not yet seen” refers to the prophesied flood to come. Noah believed God’s word just as it was and acted accordingly. The author of Hebrews interprets this as “holy fear” toward God. Through his steadfast obedience, Noah “condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” God judged the world through Noah’s obedience, and Noah was acknowledged as righteous through the very act of his obedience.

Meditation:

We feel hurt when someone treats us as if we are invisible. Even though we clearly exist, being treated as though we are not there makes us feel as if we’ve been forcibly erased. Similarly, we are also wounded when someone regards us as powerless. When we feel that we are being treated as if we have no ability, or worse, as if we are untrustworthy, it can deeply hurt us and even stir up anger.

For a parent, being treated this way by their child feels like the world is falling apart. Even if the parent may have acted in a way that deserves such treatment, it is painful. If the parent has done their best in their role, but the child responds with disregard or disrespect, it is even more heartbreaking. What brings the greatest joy to a parent is when their child acknowledges their existence and trusts them. Even if the parent grows old and sick and cannot offer practical help, if the child continues to love and rely on them, that brings the parent immeasurable joy.

This same dynamic applies to our relationship with God. As our Creator, God takes the greatest delight when we, His created beings, acknowledge His existence, trust in His faithfulness, and rely on Him. When what can be known about God is clearly revealed, yet our hearts grow dark and our thoughts become futile, and we ignore His presence, that brings deep sorrow to Him. If we acknowledge that God exists, then we must also live trusting in His guidance and providence. This is not for God’s benefit, but for our own. Just as parents rejoice when their children live rightly and thrive, God rejoices when we live rightly and experience a blessed life.

To live by faith means to acknowledge God’s existence and to trust in His character. God delights in us living this way, because it is the path to blessing for ourselves and for others. Just as the lives of Abel, Enoch, and Noah each looked different, so too will the lives of those who live by faith on this earth. But there is one common truth: “Even though they die, they live!”

Prayer:

Lord, we recall Paul’s confession: “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Grant us this same faith so we may live a life that pleases you.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Living by faith means trusting that God is real, that He cares for us, and that He rewards those who seek Him, just like Abel, Enoch, and Noah did. Even if life looks different for each of us, God is most pleased when we trust Him wholeheartedly.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who do you trust the most? Why do you trust them?
    (Follow-up: What does it mean to trust God like that?)
  • Noah obeyed God even when others didn’t understand. Can you think of a time when you had to do the right thing even when it was hard?
• For Youth
  • Abel, Enoch, and Noah each had a different life, but God was pleased with all of them. What does this tell us about how God sees our unique faith journeys?
  • Enoch walked with God and pleased Him. What might “walking with God” look like daily, especially when others do not surround you?