Sunday School Lesson February 5, 2023

Subject: Does It Call You to Trust God?

The Point: Discerning and obeying God’s voice calls for faith in Him.

Scriptures: Hebrews 11:1-6,13-16

Study The Bible: Hebrews 11:1-3

1). Faith leads us to believe and rely on God.

1. Not faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.
2. For by this our ancestors were approved.
3. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Lasting truths from: Hebrews 11:1-3                             

*  Faith gives certainty for what it supports.

* God commends those who live by faith.

* Faith recognizes that the universe came into being through God’s unseen word.

2). Faith responds with obedience that pleases God.

Hebrews 11:4-6

4. By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice that 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, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God.
6. No without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Lasting truths from: Hebrews 11:4-6  

* Faith is demonstrated through obedience to God.

* No one can please God without faith.

* God rewards those who wholeheartedly seek Him.

3). Faith stays focused on God’s Word and promises.

Hebrews 11:13-16

13. These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.
14. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
15. If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return.
16. But they now desire a better place – a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Lasting truth from: Hebrews 11:13-16

* The rewards of faith may not come until the future, ever after we are dead.

*  There is more to life than this life, and it is visible only through the eyes of faith.

* God has prepared an extraordinary place for those who live by faith

Live It Out

As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:

1. As a person of faith, how is your life different from that of an unbelieving neighbor, coworker, or family member?
2. How does your life reflect a focus on what is unseen and eternal rather than on what is visible and temporary?
3. Since faith is not static, how does your life show trust and obedience to God’s Word?
4. Why would God not be ashamed to be called your God?

Closing Prayer:

“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”