Hebrews 11:1-7

11 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

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.

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.”[a] 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 must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

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The book of Hebrews defines faith as the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see. Those who believe have not seen God create the world, yet they understand it. They comprehend it through faith. Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain. By faith, Enoch pleased God and was taken to heaven without experiencing death. To please God, one must have faith in the existence of God and in His reward for those who seek Him. Faith is trusting in the unseen God and His promises. When having faith is not easy, when the world may ridicule our faith, remember that faith is a gift from God.

히브리서 기자는 믿음은 바라는 것에 대한 확신이고 보지 못하는 것에 대한 보증이라고 정의합니다. 믿는자들은 하나님이 세상을 만드신 것을 보지는 못했지만, 그것을 압니다. 믿음으로 압니다. 아벨은 가인보다 더 나은 제사를 드렸습니다. 에녹의 믿음은 하나님을 기쁘시게 해서 죽음을 경험하지 않고 하늘로 올라갔습니다. 누구든지 하나님을 기쁘시게 하려면 하나님이 계시다는 것과, 하나님을 찾는 자들에게 상을 주신다는 믿음이 있어야 합니다. 믿음은 보이지 않는 하나님과 하나님의 약속을 신뢰하는 것입니다. 믿음을 갖는 것이 쉽지 않을 때, 세상이 우리의 믿음을 바보처럼 여길 때도 믿음은 하나님이 주신 선물임을 기억해야 합니다. 

What is faith? Which two persons does the author give as examples of faith? (vv.1-5)

Why is it sometimes hard to exercise faith?

What happens when we are without faith? What happens when we have faith?

How should faith be excercised?

In what ways can you seek God's help when you find yourself struggling in your faith?