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"Women received their dead... others were tortured..."

Text: Hebrews 11:35

POSITIVE RESULTS

The results of faith in God were many! The author listed one more result.

“Women received their dead raised to life again.”
Hebrews 11:35a

Two outstanding cases may be cited:-

1. The widow of Zarephath had her son raised up from the dead (Cf. 1 Kings 17:22)

a) Elijah’s faith was certainly exercised.

b) The faith of the widow of Zarephath also played a part.

2. The kind woman of Shunem who cared for Elisha was blessed with a son

a) Her son died but was raised to life.

b) The faith of both Elisha and the woman brought about this miracle.

UNDERSTANDING NEGATIVE RESULTS

While faith often brings about powerful and positive results, it is also true to say that at times, within the profound will of God, some would experience “negative results”.

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance.”
Hebrews 11:35b

1. Others were tortured

a) Could these have been spared from torture?

b) Yes, but sometimes it was the will of God that through the suffering of the faithful many would be encouraged to remain steadfast.

2. Not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection

a) This phrase suggests that some were tortured to death.

b) These heroes of faith became martyrs because of their refusal to deny their faith.

c) Their faith enabled them to see beyond this life.

d) Their faith enabled them to hope for a better resurrection in the next life.

To be a martyr was another outstanding way of demonstrating faith in God!