Faith Bible Study #1 – Foundations of Faith: Understanding Hebrews 11:1

Introduction

Faith is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It is the foundation upon which we build our relationship with God and the lens through which we view the world. In this Bible study, we will explore the concept of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1, as well as other biblical perspectives on faith. We will also discuss how faith should impact our daily lives and how we can grow in our faith.

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” as it highlights the lives of various individuals who demonstrated remarkable faith in God. By examining their stories and the principles they embodied, we can gain a deeper understanding of what faith is and how it can transform our lives.

Main Text: Hebrews 11:1

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (NKJV)

Breaking down the verse:

1. “Substance of things hoped for”

The Greek word translated as “substance” is “hupostasis,” which can also be understood as “assurance,” “confidence,” or “reality.” Faith gives tangible reality to our hopes. It is the firm foundation upon which we base our expectations and desires.

Our hopes as Christians are grounded in God’s promises. When we place our faith in Him, we can be assured that He will fulfill His word. For example, in Romans 4:18-21, we read about Abraham’s faith:

“[Abraham] who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” (Romans 4:18-21, NKJV)

Abraham’s faith gave substance to his hope for a son, even when the circumstances seemed impossible. Similarly, as Christians, our hope for eternal life is made real through our faith in Christ’s atoning work on the cross (Titus 1:2).

The Bible is filled with promises that God has made to His children. These promises are not just empty words, but they are backed by the faithfulness and power of God. When we place our faith in these promises, they become the substance of our hopes. We can have confidence that God will do what He has said, even if we cannot see the fulfillment yet.

For example, Jesus promised His disciples, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14:3, NKJV) This promise gives us hope for a future eternal home with Christ. By faith, we can have assurance that this promise will come to pass, even though we have not yet seen it fulfilled.

Another promise that gives substance to our hope is found in Philippians 4:19, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (NKJV) When we face financial challenges, health issues, or other difficulties, we can have faith that God will provide for our needs. Our hope is not in our own abilities or resources, but in the riches of God’s glory.

Reflective Questions:

1. What hopes do you have that are grounded in God’s promises?

2. How does your faith give substance to these hopes?

3. In what areas of your life do you need to strengthen your faith in God’s promises?

2. “Evidence of things not seen”

Faith provides conviction about unseen realities. It allows us to trust in God’s character and His Word, even when we can’t see the outcome. The Greek word translated as “evidence” is “elegchos,” which can also be understood as “proof” or “conviction.” Faith is the proof that the unseen realities we believe in are true.

One example of faith in unseen realities is found in Hebrews 11:29, which recounts the Israelites crossing the Red Sea:

“By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:29, NKJV)

The Israelites had to trust in God’s deliverance, even though they could not see the path through the sea until they stepped out in faith. Another example is Jesus’ resurrection. In John 20:29, Jesus says to Thomas, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29, NKJV)

Faith allows us to believe in the unseen realities of God’s character, His love for us, and His plan for our lives. We may not see the full picture or understand everything that is happening, but faith gives us the conviction that God is in control and that He is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

One of the most significant unseen realities that we hold onto by faith is the existence of God Himself. “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3, NKJV) Even though we cannot see God with our physical eyes, faith gives us the assurance that He is real and that He created the universe.

Another unseen reality that we believe by faith is the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus promised His disciples, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26, NKJV) We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but by faith, we believe that He is at work in us, guiding, teaching, and empowering us to live for Christ.

Reflective Questions:

1. What unseen realities do you hold onto by faith?

2. How has your faith been strengthened by seeing God work in your life or the lives of others?

3. In what situations do you find it challenging to have faith in unseen realities?

Other Biblical Perspectives on Faith

1. Faith as trust and reliance on God

Throughout the Bible, faith is often described as trusting and relying on God. In Proverbs 3:5-6, we are instructed:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV)

Trusting in God means placing our faith in His wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty. It involves acknowledging Him in all aspects of our lives and seeking His guidance. When we trust in God, we can have confidence that He will direct our paths and work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

One of the most beautiful examples of trust and reliance on God is found in the life of David. Throughout the Psalms, David pours out his heart to God, expressing his trust and dependence on Him. In Psalm 56:3-4, David writes, “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?” (NKJV) Despite facing numerous challenges and enemies, David chose to place his trust in God, knowing that He was his strength and refuge.

Another example of trust and reliance on God is found in the life of Daniel. When faced with the decree that prohibited prayer to anyone but the king, Daniel remained faithful to God and continued to pray, even at the risk of his own life. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.” (Daniel 6:10, NKJV) Daniel’s trust in God was unshakable, and God honored his faith by delivering him from the lion’s den.

Reflective Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you find it easy to trust God? In what areas is it more challenging?

2. How has trusting in God impacted your decision-making process?

3. What steps can you take to deepen your trust in God?

2. Faith as belief in God’s Word

Faith is closely tied to our belief in God’s Word. Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17, NKJV)

As we read, study, and meditate on Scripture, our faith is built and strengthened. God’s Word provides the foundation for our faith, as it reveals His character, promises, and plan for our lives. When we encounter challenges or doubts, we can turn to the Bible for guidance, encouragement, and truth.

One example of faith in God’s Word is found in the life of Joshua. As Joshua prepared to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, God gave him this command and promise: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, NKJV) Joshua’s faith and obedience to God’s Word enabled him to lead the Israelites to victory and claim the land that God had promised them.

Another example of faith in God’s Word is found in the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would conceive and give birth to the Son of God, Mary responded with faith and submission to God’s Word. “Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38, NKJV) Mary’s faith in God’s Word allowed her to embrace the unique and challenging role that God had called her to fulfill.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has reading and studying the Bible impacted your faith?

2. What specific scriptures have been particularly meaningful to you in your faith journey?

3. How can you make studying God’s Word a more consistent part of your daily routine?

3. Faith as a gift from God

It is important to recognize that faith is ultimately a gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV)

We cannot earn or merit faith through our own efforts. It is a gracious gift that God bestows upon us. This understanding should lead us to a place of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our faith is not a result of our own goodness or strength, but rather a testament to God’s grace and mercy.

The apostle Paul is a powerful example of someone who received faith as a gift from God. Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) was a zealous persecutor of the church. But on the road to Damascus, Jesus appeared to Paul and transformed his life. Paul later wrote, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NKJV) Paul recognized that his faith and his ministry were the result of God’s gracious work in his life.

Another example of faith as a gift from God is found in the story of the centurion whose servant was healed by Jesus. When Jesus offered to come and heal the servant, the centurion responded with remarkable faith: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8, NKJV) Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith and declared, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matthew 8:10, NKJV) The centurion’s faith was a gift from God, and it allowed him to recognize and trust in Jesus’ authority and power.

Reflective Questions:

1. How does viewing faith as a gift from God change your perspective on your spiritual journey?

2. In what ways can you express gratitude to God for the gift of faith?

3. How can you cultivate a posture of humility in your faith, recognizing that it is not a result of your own efforts?

4. Faith as a lifestyle

While faith is a gift from God, it is not meant to be passive. James 2:17 states, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17, NKJV)

Genuine faith should impact our daily lives and actions. It should lead us to obedience, service, and a desire to live in a way that honors God. When our faith is alive and active, it will bear fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

The book of James emphasizes the importance of living out our faith through practical actions. James writes, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, NKJV) True faith will be evidenced by a lifestyle of love and service to others.

One example of faith as a lifestyle is found in the life of Abraham. When God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would show him, Abraham obeyed by faith. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, NKJV) Abraham’s faith was not just a mental assent, but it was a lifestyle of obedience and trust in God.

Another example of faith as a lifestyle is found in the early church. The believers in the early church demonstrated their faith through their actions, caring for one another’s needs and sharing the gospel with others. “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” (Acts 2:44-45, NKJV) Their faith was not just a personal belief, but it impacted the way they lived and interacted with others.

Reflective Questions:

1. How has your faith impacted your daily life and actions?

2. In what areas of your life do you feel challenged to live out your faith more fully?

3. What specific steps can you take to cultivate a lifestyle of faith?

Conclusion

Throughout this Bible study, we have explored the concept of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1 and other biblical passages. We have seen that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It is trusting and relying on God, believing in His Word, recognizing it as a gift from God, and living it out in our daily lives.

As we seek to grow in our faith, let us remember to:

1. Trust in God’s promises and character, even when we cannot see the outcome.

2. Study and meditate on God’s Word, allowing it to strengthen and guide our faith.

3. Cultivate a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing that faith is a gift from God.

4. Live out our faith through obedience, service, and a desire to honor God in all aspects of our lives.

May we be encouraged to follow the examples of the faithful individuals mentioned in Hebrews 11 and throughout Scripture. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and press on in our journey of faith, knowing that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23).

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How Does the Canaanite Woman’s Persistent Faith Relate to the Foundations of Faith in Hebrews 11:1?

The persistent faith canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28 reflects the essence of faith described in Hebrews 11:1—”faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Her unwavering trust in Jesus despite obstacles mirrors the foundational belief that true faith perseveres despite challenges.