Long for a Better Country

Hebrews 11:8-22.

Key Verse 16a

“Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one.”

1. Read verses 8-10. How did Abraham respond when he was called to go to an unknown place? (8) Why did Abraham live in tents like a stranger in the promised land? (9a, 10) What can we learn from Abraham who helped his heirs to live in the same way? (9b)

2. Read verses 11-13. How was Sarah able to bear children? (11) What was the outcome of Abraham’s life of faith? (12) What can we learn from Abraham and other servants mentioned in this chapter, who lived by faith to the end? (13a) How did they respond when they did not receive the things promised? (13b)

3. Read verses 14-16. If they had lived as strangers looking for their own country on earth, what might they have done? (14, 15) What were they longing for instead? (16a) Why is God not ashamed to be called their God? (16b) What can we learn about God who has prepared a city for them? (16c)

4. Read verses 17-22. What did Abraham do when God tested him? (17, 18) What kind of faith did Abraham have? (19) By what faith do you think Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau? (20) What can we learn from Jacob who blessed each of Joseph’s sons? (21) What instructions did Joseph give when his end was near? (22)