By Faith Part 1. Hebrews 11:1-22

Transcription

1 By Faith Part 1 Hebrews 11:1-22 Lesson 17 All year long, we have been talking about walking in faith. Once again in Hebrews 11, we will see that all believers are called to walk this way. How important is faith? Well, as we shall soon discover, the word faith is mentioned 15 times in the verses we are studying this week! It s mentioned so frequently because it is essential for us to live by faith if we are to please God. How does this faith work? God speaks, we hear Him and then we obey Him. It s that simple. Notice that we didn t say it is an easy process. Obeying God is not confusing, but it can be difficult, especially when the outcome of obedience seems unknown. But, this is where we learn to trust Him and believe what He promises at all costs. Keep in mind that the phrase things not seen (v. 1) literally means things not yet seen. In other words, faith is not a hope-so feeling, nor is it wishful thinking. True faith stands firm upon what the Word of God says. It is absolute confidence in God. If He said it in His Word, then we can believe it despite our feelings, experiences or personal circumstances. Just as a house needs a strong foundation to withstand the storms of this life, so too does the Christian woman need a strong foundation of faith to live and stand firm in this world as a child of God. Faith teaches us to focus on God and not on our circumstances. Looking at our circumstances or at people will cause us to waiver in faith and weaken us. When this happens, we begin to think that our situation is impossible. But, Luke 1:37 declares that nothing is impossible with God. A major aspect of faith is trusting that nothing is too big for God to handle not you, but God. The key to walking by faith is not the amount of faith you have, but rather your willingness to trust God with all things. 1

2 Open your Bible and begin with a word of prayer This Week s Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-22 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him ; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, In Isaac your seed shall be called, 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. NKJV 2

3 This Week s Memory Verse: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NKJV Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 NLT Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIRV Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 NASB 1. After reading the above versions of Hebrews 11:1, put what faith means to you into your own words. a. What further insight does Hebrews 11:3 give us about faith? 2. Verse 6a of this week s scripture states that without faith it is impossible to please Him (God). According to verse 6b, why is that and what is the outcome of that faith? a. Luke 17:6 describes how much faith is needed to do great things. How much is required? b. If you can, research the size of a mustard seed. Does its small size encourage you? Note your thoughts. 3

4 This is not a definition of faith but a description of what faith does and how it works. True Bible faith is not blind optimism or a manufactured hope-so feeling. Neither is it an intellectual assent to a doctrine. It is certainly not believing in spite of evidence! That would be superstition. Warren Wiersbe 3. We are now going to further explore this important subject of faith. Look up the following verses and note what they say about faith. a. 1 Corinthians 13:2: b. 2 Corinthians 5:6-7: c. Ephesians 6:16: d. Romans 1:16-17: 4. George Mueller says, To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings. Think back to a difficult time in your life. Do you find this statement to be true? Why or why not? 4

5 Reflect What has touched your heart during this week s study? Respond How has this study encouraged your spiritual growth? Result In what practical ways can you apply what you have learned this week? 5

6 Thoughts & Prayers 6