Week 2: The Role of Faith in Overcoming Fear and Doubt
Title: “Faith: The Antidote to Fear and Doubt”
Hebrews 11:1-6 provides a foundational definition of faith and highlights its importance in our relationship with God. Here is the passage (NIV):
1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
- Definition of Faith: Verse 1 offers a beautiful and concise definition of faith. It is the confidence in our hopes and the assurance about things we do not see. This underscores the nature of faith as trust in God, even when we can’t physically see Him or know the future.
2 This is what the ancients were commended for.
- Faith is Commended: The passage explains that “the ancients” or the Old Testament heroes were commended for their faith. Faith, then, is not just a New Testament idea, but a timeless and essential part of a relationship with God.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
- Faith and Creation: Verse 3 discusses faith in the context of creation, reminding us that the visible world was created by the invisible God. This verse invites us to see the world around us as a testament to God’s power and faithfulness.
4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.
- Examples of Faith: The passage then gives examples of Abel and Enoch, who lived their lives in faith. Abel offered a better sacrifice to God because of his faith, and Enoch was taken directly to heaven, bypassing death, because of his faith. These examples demonstrate the power and reward of living by faith.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
- Necessity of Faith: Finally, verse 6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” This verse underscores the vital importance of faith in our relationship with God. It also reveals that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, an encouragement for us to pursue God with sincere hearts.
This passage, therefore, not only defines faith but also shows us its practical application and its absolute necessity in our lives.