Where should we go for faith that sees the invisible?
(Isaiah 40:27-31; John 14:1-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5; Hebrews 11) Blog Aug. 14-20, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: God leads his children in paths of righteousness. At times they bring suffering on themselves and at times he allows their enemies to bring them suffering. But in all their suffering he does not abandon those who cling to him. Rather he comforts, feeds, cares for, and forgiveness them, always providing a way of escape. His desire is that his children come closer to him, increase their faith in him, and be transformed into the image of his Son. Jesus also learned obedience by the things which he suffered, and he gave us an example of enduring unto the end.
Its Nature and Necessity
1. How does the Apostle Paul define faith? Paul writes that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1).
2. What do we all hope for that Paul says comes by faith? We all hope for a good report card from God. The patriarchs received theirs by faith (Heb. 11:2).
3. What event do we believe in, that we did not see? We did not see this earth being created out of nothing by God, but by faith we believe that really took place (Rom. 1:20; Heb. 11:3).
4. How important is faith in coming to God? Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6).
5. What two things must we believe about God in order to come to God? In order to come to God, we must believe that he truly exists & that he loves to give good gifts to those who seek him (Heb. 11:6).
6. What believers does Paul in Hebrews 11 say received a good report card from God through faith? Paul especially mentions Abel & Enoch as receiving a good report card, but then goes on to say that all those mentioned in chapter 11 received a good report through faith (Heb. 11:4-5, 39).
7. What did Noah, Abraham, and Moses believe in, that was invisible to them? Noah believed in rain which he had never seen; Abraham believed in a good land & an eternal city which he had never seen; & Moses believed in a powerful, invisible God who he had not seen (Heb. 11:7-10, 24-27).
Its Viewpoint
8. What change in the experience of Christ’s disciples took place when he left them? After working with Jesus for 3 ½ years his disciples must continue working for him in his absence, which would require faith in his words & in an invisible Saviour (John 14:1-14; 2 Cor. 5:7).
9. Whom did Jesus bless when Thomas met him after the resurrection? Jeus said: “Bless are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” (John 20:29).
10. Who did Paul say was the author and finisher of our faith? Paul wrote that Jesus was the author & finisher of our faith & that we should look to him (Heb. 12:2).
11. If Jesus is no longer physically with us on earth where should we go for faith that sees the invisible? We must go to & hear the Word of God, for that produces faith (Rom. 10:17).
12. What two factors that lead to salvation does Peter place together? Peter combines the power of God & our faith as factors that lead to salvation (1 Pet. 1:5, 9).
13. Once we have faith in Jesus, is that enough to carry us through the trials of life? In order to meet life’s trials our faith must increase (Matt. 21:21; Luke 17:5-6; Rom. 1:17; 2 Thes. 1:3-5).
14. What means does Peter mention as contributing to an increase of faith? Peter says that when our faith is tried it prepares us for glory (1 Pet. 1:5-9).
Its Results
15. What did the Syrophoenician mother receive when she sought Jesus? She received the gift she asked Jesus for: the freedom of her daughter from devil possession (Matt. 17:22-28).
16. What did the Centurion receive in accord with his faith? His servant was healed (Luke 7:2-10).
17. How does Isaiah say that God will manifest himself to the faithful? Isaiah says that the all-powerful, all-knowing God will give power to the faint, renewing their strength (Isa. 40:27-31).
18. What accomplishments of faith does Paul list in Hebrews 11? By faith kingdoms were subdued; fires were extinguished; dead were raised to life; & people were enabled to endure scourging, imprisonment, stoning, destitution, & banishment (Heb. 11:33-38).