2008 Summer Special Bible Study��������������������������������������� Lesson 1

FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD

Hebrews 11:1-7

Key Verse: 11:6

�� "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."

1. According to verse 1, what is faith? Why can it not be seen? How is hope related to faith? For what were the ancients commended? (Gen12:2,3) What was God's hope for this fallen world? What can we learn here about the character of faith?

2. Read verses 2-3. What is the foundation of faith in God? How can we know that God created the heavens and the earth by his word? (See Ge 1:1) What can we learn from the ancients? What difference does it make to have creation faith?� What is the alternative?

3. Read verse 4. Why was Abel's sacrifice better than Cain's? Why did God commend Abel as righteous? How does he still speak to us even though he is dead?

4. Read verses 5-6. Compare Genesis 5:24. How is Enoch's faith described? What difficulties might he have encountered in his life of faith? How did he please God?

5. Read verse 7. What warning did Noah receive? How did he show his faith in God and his word? (See Ge 6:1-13) In what respect did Noah's faith condemn the world? What does it mean to become an heir of righteousness?

6. Read verse 6 once more. How can we have faith that pleases God? What does it mean to believe that God exists? What does it mean to believe that he rewards those who seek him? How can we earnestly seek God?