Teaching 3: Faith and the Word - Believing what God said over what you see

Bible Reading:Hebrews 11:1-6, Romans 8:24-25, 2 Corinthians 5:7

Memory Verse: Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Faith is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). But what does it mean to have faith? Faith is not about having all the answers or seeing the outcome. Faith is about trusting God’s promises and sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain.

The Bible tells us that faith is the “evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This means that faith gives us confidence in things that are not visible to our physical eyes. It’s trusting God’s Word over our feelings, emotions, or circumstances.

In Romans 8:24-25, Paul writes, “For in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what he sees?” Faith is about holding onto God’s promises, even when we can’t see the outcome.

Examples of Faith

The Bible is full of examples of people who demonstrated faith despite what they saw. Abraham, for instance, believed God’s promise that he would have a son, even when it seemed impossible (Genesis 15:1-6, 18:1-15, 21:1-8). David trusted God’s protection, even when he was surrounded by enemies (1 Samuel 23:16-18, Psalm 23). Daniel trusted God’s sovereignty, even when he was thrown into the lions’ den (Daniel 6:16-23).

These examples show us that faith is not about being blind to reality, but about trusting God’s reality. It’s about believing that God’s Word is true, even when circumstances seem to contradict it.

Applying Faith in Daily Life

So, how can we apply faith in our daily lives? Here are a few practical tips:

  • Meditate on God’s Word: The more we focus on God’s Word, the more our faith will grow. Take time to read, study, and meditate on scripture.
  • Pray in faith: When we pray, we should pray in faith, believing that God will answer our prayers according to His will.
  • Surround yourself with faith-building influences: Spend time with people who encourage and build up your faith.
  • Take small steps: Start with small acts of faith, trusting God in small things, and watch your faith grow.

Conclusion

Faith is not about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does. It’s about believing God’s Word over what we see. As we trust God’s promises and sovereignty, we’ll find that our faith will grow, and we’ll experience the power of God in our lives.

Reflection Questions:

  • What are some areas in your life where it’s hard to trust God’s promises?
  • How can you practically apply faith in your daily life?

Prayer Points:

  • Ask God to strengthen your faith and trust in His promises.
  • Pray for wisdom to discern between what God is saying and what circumstances may suggest.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that gives us hope and confidence. Help us to trust in Your sovereignty and promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Strengthen our faith and give us the courage to step out in faith, believing that You are who You say You are and that You will do what You say You will do. Guide us by Your Spirit, and help us to walk in faith, not by sight. Give us the strength to hold onto Your promises, even when it seems like the world is against us. We thank You for Your love and mercy, and we pray that You will continue to work in our lives, building our faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.