FAITH ALLOWS US TO PLEASE GOD

Passage: Hebrews 11:1-6

Key verse: 6

NIV

Faith in Action

11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for(A) and assurance about what we do not see.(B) 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.(C)

3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command,(D) so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended(E) as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.(F) And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.(G)

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.”[a](H) For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him(I) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

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Footnotes
  1. Hebrews 11:5 Gen. 5:24
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

By Faith

11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of (A)things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by (B)the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of (C)things that are visible.

4 By faith (D)Abel offered to God (E)a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And (F)through his faith, though he died, he (G)still speaks. 5 By faith (H)Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God (I)must believe that he exists and (J)that he rewards those who seek him.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

As Jesus gave up his life and freed us from being bound by the law (Ro 7:6), we have a new relationship with God. Faith is confidence in our hope, such as growing in Jesus' image and living eternally in God's presence in heaven. Faith also allows us to see what we do not see, such as the love of the Father and forgiveness of sins (1). By faith, we come to God and live according to his will.

Abel brought a better offering than Cain before God (4). Even though not much is known about his life, God's acceptance of his offering is evidence of his relationship with God and teaches us the importance of a right attitude as we come to God.

Enoch walked with God, in contrast to the people of his generation, and his life attitude pleased God (5). God is pleased when we seek him, believing that God exists and controls all things. What takes your attention away from God? The worries of the world or the pain in your life? Are you distracted by the comfort and pleasure the world can give? Remember, God created you with a good purpose. Come to Him by faith and enjoy the blessed fellowship with him.

Prayer: Father, thank you for allowing me to come to you by faith. Thank you for the hope and assurance we receive through Jesus' sacrifice. Help me to live by faith, overcoming the worldly pressure so I may please you.

One Word: By faith, live to please God