Hebrews: A Book Study – Wk 8
Hebrews 11:1-6 (NLT)
1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.
4 It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.
5 It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. 6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Faith is trusting God’s wisdom even when you can’t see his plan or don’t fully understand his timing.
1. Reframe uncertainty as having limited understanding.
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NLT)
8 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
9 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
2. Reframe certainty as confidence that God speaks in nature and scripture.
Psalms 19:1-2 (NLT)
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
Psalms 19:6-11 (NLT)
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
3. Live to please God while you’re trusting his timing.
Hebrews 13:14-16 (NLT)
14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE
Where your faith intersects with real life!
Reconnect:
Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.
Explore:
Review the message notes.
Big Idea: Faith is trusting God’s wisdom, even when you can’t see his plan or don’t fully understand his timing.
Consider:
Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.
▶ Read Hebrews 11:1-6. What does faith look like even when you can’t see God’s plan or don’t fully understand his timing?
▶ Read Isaiah 55:8-9. Does it make you feel more safe/hopeful or more frustrated/confused to know that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours? What does that say about your faith?
▶ Read Psalm 19:7-11. Do you tend to see the instructions of the Lord more as a warning to make you alert to danger or a reward to make you aware of incentives? What does it give you to interact with God’s word that way?
Activate:
Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.
Read Hebrews 13:14-16. Ask God to highlight one area of your life that you can offer to him as a sacrifice.
Prayer:
Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.
Ask God to help us feel the safety we can have when we trust him fully in faith with everything in our lives.