35 and others were tortured , not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned , they were sawn asunder , were tempted , were slain with the sword : they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins ; being destitute , afflicted , tormented ; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS:
1) Why were some heroes of the faith tortured (v.35b)?
2) What eight horrific trials did other heroes endure (v.36-37a)?
3) What were the lifestyles of those heroes of the faith who suffered in their lives (v.37b)?
4) What was special about those believers who suffered (v.38a)?
5) Where did these heroes live (v.38b)?
6) Despite obtaining “a good testimony through faith”, what didn’t these heroes receive (v.39)?
7) What awaits every believer after Christ establishes His kingdom on earth (v. 40)?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1) How do you handle trials when they happen? Do you avoid, abort or endure them?
2) Has the Lord ever allowed you to go through an unexpected season of suffering? What happened?
3) Have you ever refused comfort in the midst of a trial with the hope of receiving greater eternal rewards?
LIFE LESSONS:
1) The Lord allows His children the option of living a comfortable, but powerless life; or, an uncomfortable, but power filled life.
2) The more struggles we endure in this life, the greater our eternal reward in the here-after.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! TRUST JESUS NOW
Read more articles by Roxie Rogiers or search for articles on the same topic or others.
