Subject: Faith!

Scripture Reading: Genesis 22: 1 – 19

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 5: 7

Objective: To emphasize that faith in God is more than hoping for a desired result, but also having firm confidence in God despite all outcomes.

Introduction: Have you ever wished you knew the plans God has for your life? Or have you snooped over on the daily horoscope to find out what they may have predicted about future events and expectations regarding your life? While some may believe that they have the ability to envision or foresee what will happen in the future, we do not know the exact plans God has for our life, and so as believers, we are placed in a position to trust in the unseen and the unknown with firm confidence in God! Scripture reminds us that with faith, we hope for things not seen, anticipating results (Hebrews 11: 1), as we should walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5: 7).

1. According to Hebrews 11: 1, what is said about faith, and how do we obtain faith? Romans 10: 17

2. What accomplishment can be made through faith? Mark 11: 22 – 23

3. Astrologers use scientific knowledge to forecast events of an individual’s life. On the contrary, what does the author and giver of our faith say about our future? Jeremiah 29: 11

Note: We sometimes think that we would trust God more if He showed us part of His plans or if we could figure out for ourselves how things might work out. As believers, we should avoid conjecturing about how it will play out, trust God, and lessen the outcome of disappointment. Exemplary faith throughout the scriptures shows how much believers took God at His words, despite not having any tangible indication that what He promised was even possible.

4. Abraham’s faith was tested twice by God. Trusting in the unseen, how was this illustrated according to Genesis 12: 1 – 4; Genesis 22: 1 – 3; and what compelled Abraham to move at the command of God? Genesis 15: 6; Romans 4: 20 – 21

5. What timely reminder comes to us from Mark 9: 23, and what is said of those who find it difficult to exercise faith in God? Hebrews 11: 6

6. What is said of those who put their confidence in things seen rather than the unseen? Matthew 17: 20 (first part); and what is said of the things that are seen? 2 Corinthians 4: 18

Note: ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is’ (Jeremiah 17: 7). The man who trusts in the Lord simply believes Him in ALL THINGS - believing His Word, trusting His promises, and not allowing himself to be shaken by his circumstance, sight, emotions, or feelings. There is no predicting what God will do next, and so we are encouraged to TRUST HIM with the plans He has for our lives.

7. Has anyone who put their faith in God experienced disappointment? Romans 10: 11; 1 Peter 2: 6 (last part); and in knowing this, what are we STRONGLY encouraged to do? Mark 11: 22

Encouragement: Whatever it is that you are looking to God for, FAITH it out and He will WORK it out!