NT Fire Starters – Day 315: Hebrews 11:1-16
READ: Hebrews 11:1-16
THINK: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “seeing is believing.” Perhaps you’ve even said, “I’ll believe it when I see it!” Either way, God doesn’t want His people to take that posture when it comes to faith in Him. It’s one thing to have cautious reservations when dealing with people, but God expects you to trust Him completely, regardless of what you see or don’t see. He’s not asking for blind, baseless trust, since His Word has proven totally reliable. Not one of His prophecies, principles or promises has ever failed, which means that authentic faith in God always rests on a sure foundation.
RESPOND: At the opening of chapter 11, how is faith defined, and what does this mean to you? (See 11:1 note.) What is authentic Christian faith based on? What will true faith inspire you to do? In what kinds of circumstances is faith best demonstrated? How does faith enable you to understand God’s creative work? (See 11:3 note.) Why was Abel’s sacrifice better than Cain’s? (See 11:4-7 note.) How was faith involved in Abel’s actions? Why do you think it’s impossible to please God without faith (v. 6)? What must a person who comes to God for help or salvation believe? (See 11:6 note.) What do you think it means that Noah “condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith”? (See 11:4-7 note.) In what ways did Abraham demonstrate faith in God (vv. 8-11)? How are faith and obedience related? (See 11:8 note.) What was Abraham ultimately looking for? (See 11:10 note.) What is significant about the fact that the people in this passage “did not receive the things promised” (v. 13), but “they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance”? (See 11:13 note.) What does this reveal about their faith? What perspective did these people have regarding their life on earth (v. 13, 16)? What was their ultimate hope and destination? As a result of their faith, what is God’s attitude toward these people, and what has He done for them? (See 11:16 note.)
PRAY: Ask God to help you grow stronger in faith and to trust Him through all circumstances, regardless of how things appear. Pray that you live with an eternal perspective that looks forward to your home with Christ.
ACT: Demonstrate faith in God by obeying what you know He’s told you, by trusting Him to help you with every task and challenge, and by boldly aiming to influence others for Him. Read the article on Faith and Grace, p. 1590.