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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
Hall of Fame
February 22,2025
Week 7: Heroes - Enduring Hardship Valiantly
Jeff Griffin
Hebrews 11:32-40
The Biblical Hall of Fame in Hebrews 11 can be an inspiration for spiritual greatness, much like our contemporary Halls of Fame serve as inspiration. As we wrap up this series (and this chapter of Hebrews) we’re given an overview of multiple heroes who didn’t let obstacles prevent them from fulfilling God’s vision for their lives.
If you could exchange talents or abilities with someone for a day, what one ability would you like to “try out”?
1. Read the story of Barak found in Judges 4. From that telling of the story, what is your impression of Barak? Now consider that his name is listed in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Fame. How does that change your view of him?
2. Hebrews 11:34 talks about those “whose weakness was turned to strength.” Jeff shared several examples of this – from Gideon, to the apostle Paul, to his own fear of public speaking. Have you had a time where you felt led to do something that went against all of your notions of what you’re capable of? Did you do it anyway? Or not? How did it turn out?
3. Hebrews 11:32-40 lists what heroes of the Old Testament accomplished through faith. What are those feats? How does the tone change in verse 35 starting with “There were others”? How can this guide our expectations of where God might direct our lives when we follow Him by faith?
“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” (John 15:18-19, NLT)
4. Looking again at the latter part of that list (vs. 35-38), what did these saints endure? How do you think faith played a role? Jeff quoted the saying that we should “Never waste a good crisis.” What is overwhelming you now (or recently) that you could draw on faith to endure?
5. Which of the three excuses Jeff listed in his sermon (But I’m flawed!, But I’m weak!, But I’m overwhelmed!) do you find yourself falling back on most often instead of leaning into God’s vision for your life? Name one way you plan to live by faith, and not the world’s ways, in order to counter that tendency in the future.
“the world was not worthy of them.” (Hebrews 11:38a, NIV)
Flawed, weak, and overwhelmed people throughout the Old Testament and all of history have been used by God as they lived by faith. Let’s pray that we would remember God’s desire for us to be part of the faith Hall of Fame too, by His power, in spite of our brokenness.