Not Without Us: Joining the Faith Hall of Fame

Alternative Titles

· United in Perfection: How Faith Connects Us Across Time

· All Together Now: The Shared Promise of Hebrews 11

· Leveling Up: Why Old and New Believers Finish Together

· One Future, One Faith: God’s Big Plan for Everyone

· Perfected Together: The Epic Endgame of God’s People

· United in Perfection: The Shared Inheritance of Faith

Sermon 17 in Series on Hebrews 11

Sermon on Hebrews 11:39-40

Opening Prayer

Gracious Heavenly Father, we gather before You with humble hearts, seeking Your wisdom and guidance. We ask for Your Spirit to open our minds and hearts as we explore the truth of Your Word. May Your presence fill this place, granting us understanding and blessing as we reflect on the unity and perfection found in Jesus Christ. In His holy name we pray, Amen.

Introduction: Context of Hebrews 11:39-40

Today, we turn our attention to Hebrews 11:39-40, which states: "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect." This passage draws together the stories of faithful men and women from the Old Covenant and ties their hope to the fulfillment found in Christ. It points us to God's grand design—a plan of unity, perfection, and shared blessing—offered to all who believe.

Point 1: The Definition of Perfection

Scripture tells us that perfection is not merely flawlessness; it is the culmination of God’s redemptive work. Christ’s sacrifice definitively put away sin, consecrated us to God’s service, and secured our future glorification. In Him, we find the ultimate eschatological blessing: forgiveness, transformation, and eternal hope. This perfection is not something we achieve through our own efforts but is a gift, secured by Christ alone.

Point 2: The Unified Inheritance

Hebrews 11 emphasizes that Old Covenant Saints and New Covenant believers share a single, unified inheritance. The heroes of faith from the past could not reach their ultimate goal without us, and we depend on the completed work of Christ. God's plan was never fragmented; it always pointed to a moment when all believers, past and present, would join together in perfect salvation. Our story is bound to theirs, united in one hope and one future.

Point 3: The Fulfillment of Promises

The promises given to Abraham, Moses, and others found their fulfillment in Jesus. Their faith looked forward to what was yet to come—the Messiah’s sacrifice and priestly work. Only through Christ’s completion of salvation could all be brought to perfection. This teaches us the importance of Christ’s work: without Him, neither we nor those who came before us could receive the fullness of God’s blessing.

Point 4: Enduring Faith

Hebrews 11 highlights figures who believed in spite of adversity. Their faith was not based on immediate results but on confidence in God’s promises. Likewise, we are called to an enduring faith—a loyalty fixed on Christ’s completed work. In times of trial and uncertainty, we remember that our faith connects us to a legacy of believers who trusted God’s plan, knowing that ultimate fulfillment awaits all who persevere.

Conclusion: Recap of Unity, Perfection, and Faith

As we reflect on Hebrews 11:39-40, we see the unity of God’s plan woven through all generations. Perfection is found in Christ, who secured our inheritance and brought together all who believe. Let us hold fast to enduring faith, confident that we are part of this great story—a story that finds its end in perfect salvation, shared by every believer.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the hope and unity we have in Your Son. Strengthen our faith, and help us to remain steadfast in times of challenge. We commit ourselves to trusting Your promises, and we look forward to the day when all Your people are united in perfect salvation. Fill us with gratitude, courage, and unwavering loyalty to Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.