Why Jesus? Faith Gives Courage

Introduction:

Courageous Faith... (Hebrews 11:32-40)

1. Gloriously conquers What Seems Unconquerable . (Heb 11:32-35a)

   Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.

2. Steadfastly endures Pain and Persecution . (Heb 11:35b-38)
3. Patiently waits for God’s Deliverance . (Heb 11:39-40)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:32-40

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What fears and doubts has the Lord helped you to overcome in the past? What fears/doubts do you currently struggle with?
   

3. What is God calling you to do right now that seems impossible?
   

4. What does it mean/look like to live as a person “the world is not worthy of”? (Hebrews 11:38)

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Faith Makes My Choices

Introduction:

Three Choices Faith Makes (Hebrews 11:23-31):

1. “I Fear God , not Man .” (Heb 11:23)
2. “What God offers me is Better than what the world offers me.” (Heb 11:24-27)
3. “I obey God even when it doesn't make Sense .” (Heb 11:28-31)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:23-31

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. The Bible says we should submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). But in this passage, we see 2 instances where people did NOT submit to the government (Hebrews 11:23,27). How do you know when and how to disobey the government?
   

3. What specifically motivated Moses to walk away from being royalty to identifying with his people Israel? How can you allow these things to motivate you?
   

4. Tell of a time you obeyed God when it didn’t make sense to you, and you saw Him do something only He could do.

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Faith Blesses Others.

Introduction:

Real faith shows up not only in how you Live , but how you Die .

Three Things That Don't Have to Keep You from Finishing Faithful (Hebrews 11:20-22):

1. What your Parents have done. (Heb 11:20)
2. What You've done. (Heb 11:21)
3. What's Been Done to you. (Heb 11:22)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:20-22

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What sticks out to you about the stories of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph? Why do you think the Hebrews writer didn’t mention any of the volumes of details about the lives of Isaac, Jacob, or Joseph?
   

3. What can you be doing today to ensure you will finish your race strong? Be specific!

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Faith Obeys God.

Introduction:

Romans 4:1-3 - What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

When I Believe God's Promises (Hebrews 11:8-19):

1. I don't need all the Details . (Heb 11:8)

   John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

2. I'm willing to Wait . (Heb 11:9-10)
3. I'm focused on God's Ability , not mine. (Heb 11:11-12)
4. I take the Long view. (Heb 11:13-16)
5. I Obey even when it's hard. (Heb 11:17-19)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:8-19

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why doesn’t God give us His whole plan for our lives up front (Heb 11:8)? What are the benefits of “not knowing where we are going”?
   

3. What does it mean to “wait on the Lord”? Why do you think we struggle with that? What should we actually be doing while we wait?
   

4. Tell of a time you’ve obeyed God when obeying was extremely difficult. What motivated you to obey God?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Faith Pleases God.

Introduction:

Real Faith Worships / Walks with / and Works for Christ (Hebrews 11:4-7):

1. Real faith worships God's Way . (Heb 11:4)

   Genesis 4:3-7 - In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it."

   Hebrews 9:22 - ...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

2. Real faith walks With God . (Heb 11:5-6)

   Genesis 5:21-24 - When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

3. Real faith works Because of God . (Heb 11:7)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:4-7

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why was Abel’s sacrifice accepted and Cain’s wasn’t? What does this tell you about faith?
   

3. What, exactly, does it mean to “walk with God”? How can you tell if you have a real walk with God?
   

4. Tell of a time you were called to obey God when it didn’t make sense.

Breakout
Pray for one another. Is there something God is calling you to do right now that seems kind of crazy? Pray for the faith to obey!