Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter, a list of named and unnamed people who trusted God before Christ came, from Abel and Enoch through Moses, Rahab and the nameless believers who suffered for their hope. These questions are written for a small group, a Sunday class or personal study. You can work through them in order, or choose the set that fits your time and the people in the room.
Hebrews 11 at a Glance
The chapter opens with a definition of faith as confident assurance about what is hoped for and conviction about what cannot be seen. The writer then walks through history: creation, the early patriarchs, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses with the exodus. Each example is introduced with the same phrase, “by faith,” which gives the chapter its rhythm.
The second half moves quickly through judges, kings, prophets and ordinary sufferers, showing that faith produced both visible victories and quiet endurance. The chapter ends on a note of unfinished promise, pointing forward to the better thing God has provided in Christ.
Observation Questions
Use this set first. Ask the group to answer from the text alone, before anyone offers an interpretation. Keep answers short and point back to the verses so the room stays anchored in what is actually written.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.
(WEB)
Read this first to set the definition of faith before the examples begin. Ask the group to restate it in their own words, then notice how the rest of the chapter illustrates what that definition looks like in real lives.
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.
(WEB)
This verse names the two beliefs at the root of coming to God. Reading it aloud helps the group see that faith is relational and that God is one who rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 11:8
By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which he was to receive for an inheritance. He went out, not knowing where he went.
(WEB)
Abraham’s obedience is captured in a single sentence, and the hearing of it often encourages people who feel unsure where God is leading them. Read it slowly so the group can feel the weight of going out without a map.
Hebrews 11:24-26
24 By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to share ill treatment with God’s people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time; 26 accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
(WEB)
Moses’ choice is a clear picture of valuing God’s reward over present gain. Reading the three verses together lets the group hear the full contrast between temporary pleasure and the lasting reproach of Christ.
Hebrews 11:39-40
39 These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn’t receive the promise, 40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
(WEB)
Ending the reading here reminds the group that the chapter’s story is unfinished and that they belong to it. These closing verses turn attention toward the better thing God has provided, which shapes the whole discussion.
Memory Verse for Hebrews 11
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come to you as people who want to trust you the way the believers in Hebrews 11 trusted you. Thank you that faith is not a vague feeling but a confident hope grounded in your character and your promises. Help us to see the cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and to take encouragement from their faithfulness, even in their weakness and loss. Give each person here the courage to take one honest step of obedience this week, trusting that you are able to do what you have promised. Keep our eyes on the better country you have prepared, and let our lives point others toward you. Amen.
