Hebrews 11:1–3 (NLT) — 1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. 3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. 

Hebrews 11:4 (NLT) — 4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. 

1. Abel - We WORSHIP by Faith
   1. Whatever you offer to God must be offered in faith.
      1. Offer Jesus as your sacrifice, not your works.
      2. Offer your life, not just your words.
      3. Offer up prayers by faith.
      4. Offer up worship according to the Word of God.
   2. Here’s the rule: We offer God only that which is of faith. 
      
      
2. Enoch - We WALK by Faith
   1. Hebrews 11:5-6 (NLT) —  5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
   2. Enoch pleased God 
      1. God is not pleased with our perfection! 
      2. God is not pleased with our sacrifices.
      3. GOD IS PLEASED BY OUR FAITH THAT MANIFESTS IN RELATIONSHIP.
   3. Faith is what causes you to get up every morning and talk to God, walk with God, and be with God.
      
      
3. Noah - We WAIT by Faith
   1. Hebrews 11:7 (NLT) — 7 It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.
   2. The WAIT of Faith: FAITHFULNESS
      1. Faithful work 
      2. Faithful resilience 
      3. Faithful resistance 

Hebrews 11:32–40 (NLT) — 32 How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. 35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.