The Faith of the Patriarchs
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

Faith That Sees Beyond This World

Hebrews 11:13–16 reveals the kind of faith the patriarchs possessed—faith that endured, trusted, and obeyed, even when the promises of God remained unfulfilled in their lifetimes. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, though never receiving the promised land or witnessing the coming of the Messiah, still lived by faith. They believed what God had said and acted accordingly. They died in faith, fully trusting in what they could not yet see.

Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth

The patriarchs confessed that they were “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” They understood that this world was not their home. Their hearts were fixed on a heavenly country. They didn’t belong here—they were only passing through. Like them, we are sojourners. The things of this world—houses, lands, wealth, and approval—are temporary. A Christian's true citizenship is in heaven, and our eyes must be fixed on that eternal city.

Seeing the Promises From Afar

Though they never physically possessed the land or saw the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, the patriarchs saw those promises “afar off.” How? By faith. God spoke, and they believed. God promised, and they obeyed. Their faith welcomed the promises with open arms. The Greek word for “embraced” suggests greeting with joy and deep gratitude. They did not begrudge the wait; they rejoiced in the certainty of God’s word.

Examples of Sojourning Faith

David, in Psalm 39:12, described himself as a stranger and sojourner, just like his forefathers. Peter, in 1 Peter 2:11–12, pleads with Christians to live as pilgrims, abstaining from worldly lusts and maintaining conduct that honors God. The Bible is clear: we are not home yet. We should not plant roots too deeply in this temporary world. Everything here will be destroyed, but the heavenly country is eternal.

A Faith That Obeys and Perseveres

The patriarchs didn’t merely believe with their minds—they moved with their feet. Abraham obeyed God’s command to leave his homeland and go to an unknown land. Isaac and Jacob endured hardship and continued to trust in God’s promises. Their faith took action. It wasn’t passive. They didn’t give up or look back. They pressed forward, knowing God’s way was better.

Not Ashamed to Be Called Their God

Because of their obedient, enduring faith, God was not ashamed to be called their God. What a profound reward! God owned them as His own. These men lived thousands of years ago, and yet they are still alive. Jesus affirmed this truth, showing that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob live on. God continues to approve of them because they walked by faith.

A City Prepared for the Faithful

Hebrews 11:16 says God “prepared a city” for them. That’s the heavenly city, the eternal dwelling, the promised reward for the faithful. Jesus spoke of it in John 14:1–3—“I go to prepare a place for you.” This place was prepared from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34). The patriarchs lived their lives in anticipation of that city, and so must we.

The Day of Reckoning

There will be a day when every person—believer or atheist—will stand before God and know without doubt that He is real. On that day, no one will deny Him. But it will be too late for those who lived without faith. Only those who embraced the promises, believed God, trusted Him, and obeyed Him will inherit that heavenly country.

The Gospel Invitation

To have the faith of the patriarchs, we must respond to God’s Word the way they did: with belief, obedience, and endurance. God calls us to believe in His Son, repent of our sins, confess Christ before men, and be buried with Him in baptism for the forgiveness of our sins (Romans 6). When we act upon His Word, He forgives—and He prepares a place for us. If you need to make your life right today, now is the time to come.

Sermon Outline: The Faith of the Patriarchs

1. Faith That Sees Beyond This World
   • Hebrews 11:13–16
   • Dying without receiving the promises
   • Looking for a heavenly country
2. Strangers and Pilgrims
   • Psalm 39:12
   • 1 Peter 2:11–12
   • Living as spiritual foreigners
3. Embracing the Promises by Faith
   • “Saw them afar off”
   • Gratitude and joy for God’s promises
4. Faith That Obeys and Endures
   • Abraham leaving his homeland
   • No turning back (Hebrews 11:15–16)
   • Living for God, not this world
5. God’s Approval: Not Ashamed to Be Their God
   • Acts 10:35
   • 2 Corinthians 5:6–9
   • Living to be pleasing to God
6. Reward: A City Prepared
   • Matthew 25:34
   • John 14:1–3
   • God prepares a place for the faithful
7. Call to Action: Faith That Obeys the Gospel
   • Belief, repentance, confession, and baptism
   • The promises are still valid and available today

Scripture References

• Hebrews 11:13–16
• Psalm 39:12
• 1 Peter 2:11–12
• Acts 10:35
• 2 Corinthians 5:6–9
• Matthew 25:34
• John 14:1–3
• Romans 6:1–4