In this passage, we see faith defined through the actions of our ancestors and the model of faith that they have set for us. As humans, we often rely on our senses to explain the tangible world, but God calls us to use our spirit to have a confident step in full faith, rather than a “blind leap”, in Him and to earnestly seek Him. Through that same faith, we please God and He will reward us. I pray that together, we are able to fully rely on God as our forefathers have.
Josh
The following guide is a resource for your personal time of abiding with the Lord and for your Community Group when you meet. It can also be used for times with family or friends around the table.
DISCOVER [ Hebrews 11:1-7 ]
WHAT is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that I/we learn?
(Use the questions interspersed through the passage to help make additional observations to clarify the main point)
1 Now faith is the confidence of what is hoped for, the assurance of what is not seen. 2 For our ancestors won God’s approval by it. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by God’s command, so that what is seen has been made from things that are not visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. 5 By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God. 6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
+ In vs. 2, how did our ancestors win the approval of God?
+ Referencing Genesis, how was creation formed? What “invisible things” does vs. 3 mention?
+ What does the word mean by “Abel’s faith continues” in vs. 4?
+ In vs. 6, what crucial step is mentioned in order to please God? What does God call us to do and how does he respond?
+ God calls us to faith in many different ways. How did he call Noah to faith in vs. 7? + At the end of vs. 7, Noah also had to condemn the world, but as the word mentions in vs. 6, God rewards his faithful. How did he reward Noah?
HOW is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
(Below are a couple of ideas to help prompt responses if needed)
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ How am I called into faith? Have I taken ahold of the confidence in things hoped for or the evidence of what I do not see?
+ Have I earnestly sought after the God of creation? Through faith, what have I been called to offer up?
WHO am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
(e.g., spend time with them, set-up an intentional time to share your story, begin a discovery study on the teachings of Jesus with them)
+ What is my next step?