We are studying teachings and warnings, gleaned from the Book of Hebrews, that compel people to examine their faith and their walk with God. Some may need to realize that they do not have a true relationship with Christ (not born again - John 3:6-7; II Corinthians 13:5). Some may be alerted to their need to revive, repent, and get back on track with the Lord (Ephesians 5:1-21; Hebrews 6:7-12; 10:35-39). Continuing to look at the book of Hebrews, let's examine some dangerous things people do and the gospel-driven call to correct or protect our situation. We have already noted the dangers of…

• Hebrews 2:1,3 - People let things "slip / drift away."


• Hebrews 3:6,14 - People do not "hold fast / firmly to our confidence" in Christ.


• Hebrews 3:8-13 - People harden their hearts.

Now, we will consider …

Hebrews 4:1-2 - People gain unprofitable knowledge of God's word.
The knowledge they gain is not profitable because faith has not been applied to it. No application means no transformation / no real profit. The faith that is meant here is not a mere intellectual understanding and superficial agreement. It is a belief that produces decision, change, and action. See Addendum - "By Faith We Serve / Minister - Hebrews 11. We are not saved by faith that merely knows or believes things. We are saved by faith that produces good works based on a relationship with Christ and develops Christlikeness. See Matthew 7:21-23; Galatians 5:6; Romans 2:13; Galatians 2:20; James 2:14-18; I John 5:4-5.

• Unprofitable knowledge of God's word is the result…


• of pride, foolishness, and carelessness - a lack of fearing God and a lack of desiring to please God - See Hebrews 4:1-2; 11:6; 12:28-29; James 1:18-25; John 7:16-18; Romans 11:20; II Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12-13; I Timothy 6:3-5; I Peter 1:13-17; II Peter 3:10-14 cp. Psalm 111:10.


• of having false confidence in the flesh - See Philippians 3:1-10 cp. Romans 10:1-4.


• of desiring earthly comfort and prosperity, rather than eternal treasure in heaven. See Matthew 6:19-33; 16:21-27; Colossians 3:1-4; I Timothy 6:3-14; I John 4:5-6.



• It is dangerous to accumulate Scriptural knowledge if you do not mix it with faith and submission. See John 13:17; II Peter 1:2-11; 2:20-22. Note how God laments the unprofitable knowledge of Israel in Isaiah 48:17-18. See Isaiah 30:15-21; Romans 10:1-4.

Hebrews 11:4

• By faith Able offered the acceptable sacrifice. His testimony endured.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's will.

Hebrews 11:5-6

• By faith Enoch was taken out of this world without dying because he pleased God.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's friendship.

Hebrews 11:7

• By faith Noah moved with fear.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's Word, power, wisdom, justice, and grace.

Hebrews 11:8

• By faith Abraham obeyed.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's direction / leadership.

Hebrews 11:9

• By faith Abraham sojourned / traveled as a stranger.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's provision.

Hebrews 11:10

• By faith Abraham looked for a city that has foundations - designed and built by God.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's future plan and preparation. See Hebrews 11:13-16

Hebrews 11:11-12

• By faith Sarah received strength to conceive. See I Peter 3:6. Sarah was responsive and loving towards her husband.


• The object of that faith was faith to deny the natural odds and faith to wait for God - even though this took time to learn.

Hebrews 11:17-19

• By faith Abraham offered Isaac. Note - Isaac showed some faith, too!


• The object of that faith was faith in God's promises and in His power to raise the dead.

Hebrews 11:20

• By faith Isaac blessed Jacob. See Genesis 27:1-33.


• The object of that faith was faith in the sovereignty of God.

Hebrews 11:21

• By faith Jacob blessed both sons of Joseph. See Genesis 48:17-19. It was done in a different order than the normal / traditional way.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's free and unpredictable Spirit. He had faith to follow God's Spirit.

Hebrews 11:22

• By faith Joseph mentioned the departing of the children of Israel and gave commandment about the burial of his bones.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's kingdom plan - not the plans of earthly kingdoms.

Hebrews 11:23

• By faith Moses' parents (family) hid Moses three months. They were not afraid of the king's commandment.


• The object of that faith was faith in the sanctity of life.

Hebrews 11:24

• By faith Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to suffer affliction. He rejected the temporal pleasures of sin. See Hebrews 11:25-26.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's holiness and faith in God's eternal destiny for His people.

Hebrews 11:27

• By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king when he returned to deliver Israel.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's presence and preeminence.

Hebrews 11:28

• By faith Moses kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's promises and faith in God's mercy through the shedding of blood.

Hebrews 11:29

• By faith they (Israel with Moses) passed through the Red Sea. Note that when the Egyptians tried to do this they died. Why?


• The object of that faith was faith in God's leadership and faith that God would win the fight. See Exodus 14:13-14.

Hebrews 11:30

• By faith Israel with Joshua circled Jericho seven times and brought the walls down. That was a lot of trumpet playing by faith!


• The object of that faith was faith in God's mysterious ways and power. They were obedient and had the patience to wait.

Hebrews 11:31

• By faith Rahab perished not with the unbelievers in Jericho. She received the spies with peace. She took sides with God's people.


• The object of that faith was faith in God's war: that it was a just war and that it was the way of victory. See Gospel of John 16:33; I John 5:4-5.

Hebrews 11:32-40

• By faith many others from the Bible narrative were able to endure terrible things, to do great things, and to receive great things.


• The object of that faith was faith that God satisfies the soul more than anything else in this world / in this life. See Matthew 16:24-27.