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Sermon Introduction

The Patriarchs passed on God’s word to their descendants, who also believed what they believed. They believed that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob destined them to be a nation under God; that the descendants of Abraham would be numerous as the stars. And that God promised the land of Canaan. However, the Patriarchs knew that there was something more, a heavenly place. Thus, they never settled. Because they waited for the city whose architect was God, God was not ashamed to be called their God. Until death, they kept believing even if they only saw a glimpse of the promise. But God would fulfill His promise in His time; His ultimate promise is Christ, the way to heaven. Christ would be born a descendant of Abraham. As the Israelites passed on the story of Abraham to their descendants, believers should pass on the story of Christ to their descendants and everyone else.

Dr. Steve Bonilia
Elder

Hebrews 11:20-22 NASB

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.

Notes

The Patriarchs passed on God’s word to their descendants, who also believed what they believed. They believed that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob destined them to be a nation under God; that the descendants of Abraham would be numerous as the stars. And that God promised the land of Canaan. However, the Patriarchs knew that there was something more, a heavenly place. Thus, they never settled. Because they waited for the city whose architect was God, God was not ashamed to be called their God. Until death, they kept believing even if they only saw a glimpse of the promise. But God would fulfill His promise in His time; His ultimate promise is Christ, the way to heaven. Christ would be born a descendant of Abraham. As the Israelites passed on the story of Abraham to their descendants, believers should pass on the story of Christ to their descendants and everyone else.

1. By faith, when Isaac was advanced in age, he blessed his sons concerning the future (11:20). Isaac passed on the blessing of the promise to Jacob, who would later be known as Israel.

2. By faith, Jacob, when he was also advanced in years, blessed the sons of Joseph (11:21). Manasseh and Ephraim became part of the tribes of Israel. Furthermore, Jacob also blessed his other sons before he died.

3. By faith, Joseph foresaw the exodus and instructed to bring his bones back to the promised land (11:22). Joseph believed God’s promise to his fathers, the land of Canaan.

Application

1. By faith, we should bless our children with persistent prayer that they would be grounded in God’s word. Let us teach them that they may grow to know the Lord and that they would belong to a Christ-centred church community.

2. By faith, let us foresee the future as revealed by God’s word. Let us look forward to the heavenly place where we truly belong. We belong with the Father in Christ Jesus.

3. By faith, let us bless each other in the church community and work together to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Together, let us fulfill God’s promise to be a blessing to every tongue, tribe, and nation.

Discussion / Reflection

1. What was the act of faith common to Isaac and Jacob?

2. What was Joseph’s instruction? Why do you think he gave those instructions?

3. How may we pass on the promises in Christ to other people?