10 Faith is? Hebrews 11:1-6 This Week s Focus The term faith is an important word in the Bible, appearing 243 times in the New Testament. The writer of Hebrews used the word often in his letter to struggling Christians. In fact, he used the word 24 times in Hebrews 11. When he used the word, he had in mind a believer s complete trust in the Lord and firm reliance on Him alone. What he said then can help Christians now to keep on trusting Him as we struggle with uncertainties and difficulties of our own. 58 Explore the Bible Students
Hebrews 11:1-6 Begin by reading the passage through two times. 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Write down your definition of faith without looking at the verses. After reading the verses, how does your definition of faith differ from the definition of faith found in the Scriptures? Session 10 59
e ed by name, h Hall of Fam Hebrews 11: Fait ment individuals are mention y died. e a Many Old Test just mentioned by the way th by the ed but several are red, flogged, stoned, or kill epskins and e Some were tortu amed the known world in sh destitute re ro sword. Others in holes and caves. T hey we was not g goatskins, livin and verse 38 says the world and persecuted,. worthy of them Verse 1 The writer uses two main points in verse 1 to define faith. Write down those 2 points. How would you explain faith to someone who is not a Christian? If you are still unsure of your own faith, ask a minister at your church to discuss this with you. Verses 2-3 Why do you th as the startin ink the writer uses the il lu g point for d escribing wha stration of creation by faith? t it means to live How does cre a def inition of tion serve as a great illu stration for faith? the 60 Explore the Bible Students
Verses 4-5 How does Abel s faith still speak from the grave? What information did Enoch have in his life to base his understanding of who God was? Do you think we have more or less information than Enoch had? Verse 6 Why do you think it is impossible to please God without faith? What two things must we believe if we are going to draw near to God? Session 10 61
Central Truth It is impossible to please God without faith. Now What? Go back to the definition of faith that you wrote down at the beginning of the session. How has your definition of faith changed based on what you have learned today? In what area of your life do you struggle to believe that Jesus is enough? What do you regularly find yourself doing that sabotages living a life of faith? What do you need to do today to have faith that Jesus is all you need in every area of your life? 62 Explore the Bible Students
Personal Challenge Dwell: Having faith in Jesus is not limited to salvation. So many times we believe that Jesus is enough for salvation, but we fail to believe that Jesus is enough for our struggle for identity. We tend to struggle and do not believe that Jesus is enough when we have a horrible relationship with our mom or dad. The truth is that faith in Jesus is the answer to all of those issues and more. Memorize: Hebrews 11:6 Pray: Let your prayer focus around trusting in who Jesus says He is. Faith is about having a growing your understanding of who He is. Ask Jesus to show you more of Him than He ever has before. Ask Him to give you a revelation of His glory that will cause you to become a person of great faith. Not because you are a great person, but because He is a great Savior. Keep on Digging The remainder of Hebrews 11 speaks of many other faithful ones who have gone on before us. In your spare time this week, choose several of the following examples of faith to read about in the Old Testament. Abraham and Sarah Genesis 12:1-9; 17:1-27; 22:1-10 Isaac Genesis 27:1-45 Jacob Genesis 48:8-22; 49:1-27 Moses Exodus 2:11-14; 3:1-4:17; 12:1-32 Rahab Joshua 2:9-11 Joseph Genesis 50:24-25 Session 10 63