The nature of faith shapes the life of faith.
Hebrews 11:1-3
SERMON OUTLINE
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith and the future – “what we hope for” (Hebrews 11:1a)
Faith and the present – “what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1b)
The ancients’ faith (Hebrews 11:2)
Faith and the past – creation (Hebrews 11:3)
Key things to remember about increasing our faith
- Some faith is better than no faith at all.
- We’re not called to have faith in faith; we’re called to have faith in Jesus Christ.
- We need to encourage one another in our faith.
Singing our faith – How Firm a Foundation
Remember: True Christian faith is taking God at His word and building your life on it.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Discuss this statement: “We’re not called to have faith in faith; we’re called to have faith in Jesus Christ.” Do you ever fall into the trap of having faith in faith?
- What is something that God has revealed in His Word about the future that gives you comfort? Is there something He has revealed about the future that gives you courage? See these verses to get started: Rev 21:1-5, Isaiah 25:8, Phil 3:20-21, Rev 21:23-24, Rev 20:10, Rev 7:9-10, 1 Cor 15: 51-58
- It has been said that our eyes are the organ that helps us see material things, but that our faith is the “organ” that helps us see spiritual things. How can this help you when you fall into fear?
- What does Hebrews 10:24-25 teach us about the role of the Christian community in strengthening our faith?
- The Apostle Paul says in 2 Cor 5:7: We live by faith, not by sight. (NIV) Talk about what this means in your daily life as well as in your big decisions.
- Read Mark 9:17-27 and see how the man was honest with Jesus about his doubts. Think about a time in your life when you have had doubts about your Christian faith, and maybe that time is even now. How can you take your doubts to Jesus?
DIG DEEPER
- Read Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
- Watch the 2005 film, End of the Spear
- Explore the podcasts at Unbelievable or the many resources at Reasonable Faith.