Laurna Berg and Gwynne Johnson co-authored this material with Vickie and have graciously given their permission to share this resource with you.

Acknowledgements

This study is designed around the principles of inductive Bible study—observation, interpretation, and application. Your private preparation of the questions will be the most valuable portion of your work. Dr. Howard Hendricks states, “There is no jewel more precious than that which you have mined yourself.” Your small-group time provides an opportunity to share, learn, and connect with other women. Our fellowship week allows even greater development of community within your group. The lecture portion of our session wraps up the week’s lesson with the aim of personal encouragement and specific application.

This session’s study in the book of Hebrews is the cooperative effort of Laurna Berg, Gwynne Johnson, and Vickie Kraft. A special thanks goes to Mary Dean and Karen Hawkins for proofing and editing help. We are grateful to our Communications team of Mary Stark, Matt Zellner, Kenny Courtenay, Ashley Fritchie and David Montejano, who faithfully provided the final proofreading and editing for our Bible study.

Introduction

The footsteps of obedience taken today by faith, leave footprints in history for those who come behind us. In this series, Footsteps of Faith: Following the Call, we examine footprints left for our example by believers of the past. These were given to provide encouragement to us today to take footsteps of present obedience.

“The path of the godly person has never been easy. It is a way beset with trials, tests, difficulties and opposition. Saints in the Old Testament found this to be true. Old Testament believers such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, David, Jeremiah and Daniel were all called to suffer for the sake of righteousness. The Lord Himself warned, ‘In the world you will have tribulation’ (John 16:33). He promised that those who belong to Him would experience the same opposition and rejection that he Himself endured (John 15:18).”¹

As we study those who followed God in past ages, we learn from their example, gain hope for ourselves, appreciate more about faith, and discover much more about God. These insights only enhance our love and appreciation of God’s perfect revelation in Jesus.

Written by an unknown author, Hebrews was written especially to

Jewish believers in the early church who were undergoing severe persecution. This letter is written to reveal the superiority of Jesus over all that was known by them from the Old Testament, fulfilling the promises given and establishing a new covenant between people and God.

“We need encouragement to fight the good fight of faith, to continue to walk by faith in patient endurance, to manifest patient endurance in every trial or test, to live in light of the hope set before us rather than in light of present circumstances.”²

Footsteps Of Faith: Following The Call
Schedule

Lesson	Hebrews	Date	Topic
Introduction	Overview	January 12	Overview and Context
#1	Hebrews 11:4	January 19	Cain and Abel
#2	Hebrews 11:7	January 26	Noah
#3	Hebrews 11:8–18	February 2	Abraham and Sarah
#4	Hebrews 11:23–28	February 9	Moses
Fellowship Week		February 16	Groups meet individually
#5	Hebrews 11:31	February 23	Rahab
#6	Hebrews 11:32	March 2	Deborah and Barak
#7	Hebrews 11:32–33	March 9	Daniel
#8	Hebrews 11:32–34	March 16	Jehoshaphat
Spring Break		March 23	No meeting this week
#9	Hebrews 11:5,32–40	March 30	Perseverance & Promise of Faith
Fellowship Week		April 6	Groups meet individually
#10	Romans 12:1–2	April 13	Called to Commitment
#11	Romans 12:3–16	April 20	Called to Serve
#12	Hebrews 11:6	April 27	Rewards of the Call

Study Suggestions and Format

Bible study provides an opportunity for you to develop in your relationship with Christ, grow in your understanding of His Word, and connect with other women as you share the insights you have gained from your personal preparation. The Bible study has three parts: Home Study, Discussion Groups, and Wrap-Up Message.

Home Study

• Prayer is often the key to real insight into the Scriptures. Before beginning, pray and ask the Holy Spirit, our ultimate teacher, to guide your thoughts and to reveal to you what He wants you to learn from His Word. If you encounter a confusing or difficult question, stop again and pray.
• Each week you have a set of questions designed to help you explore the Scripture. Jot down answers as you read and record them as concisely as possible. Note the reference number of the verse(s) that support your response.
• Feel free to use modern English translations of the Bible and study helps, such as Bible handbooks and Bible dictionaries. We would prefer that you not use commentaries until after class day, so that you may have the delight of personal discovery before reading what others have written.

Discussion Groups

• The first 40 minutes of class time is spent in small-group discussions. We meet with the same women each week to share insights gained from personal study at home. As we hear each other’s responses, we discover practical things about walking with Christ and grow in deeper connection with each other.
• Each small group has a discussion facilitator who meets with the Teaching Leader prior to class in preparation for leading your group. She is there to keep the conversation and exchange of ideas moving. Your participation in the discussion will be most beneficial when you have taken the time to complete the questions at home.

Wrap-Up Message

• In the last 30 minutes of class, a teaching leader will offer fresh perspectives on the lesson and relevant applications for daily living. She will also clarify difficulties from the passages.

It is our prayer that you will enjoy our study of Footsteps of Faith: Following the Call, that you will be refreshed and challenged in your relationship with the Lord, and that you will deepen your relationships with other women.

Guidelines for Discussion

1. Please be prompt. In order to have enough time to cover the lesson and share with one another, we need to begin on time.

2. Please be sensitive to the length and frequency of your participation so we have time for everyone to join in.

3. Visitors are welcome! If you have a friend you would like to invite, please bring her along.

4. We want to grow in the knowledge of the Lord together by discerning truth from the Bible. Since women in our groups are coming from varied backgrounds, please refrain from referring to any particular denominations, religious groups, or religious leaders.

5. Preparation will enhance the discussions and accelerate spiritual growth, so please complete the questions for each lesson.

6. The leadership team will be praying for you. If you have individual needs and prayer requests, please fill out a Prayer Request Form and give it to your discussion leader.

7. Nametags can be taken home or left in your group’s box. If you forget your permanent nametag, please use the temporary ones provided by your discussion leader.

8. Out of respect for one another, please assume that EVERYTHING shared within your group should be kept CONFIDENTIAL.

9. In the interest of protecting our discussion-group time from interruptions, please turn off all electronic items (cell phones, pagers, etc.).

10. Please do not talk about politics or use the class for sales purposes.

Discovering God’s Word for Yourself
An Introduction to Inductive Bible Study Methods

Why use the inductive method of Bible study? As you use this thorough method of study, you will discover God’s truth yourself, without leaning on the opinions and commentary of others. This sense of personal discovery develops your confidence in understanding God’s message of love to you. You will experience the joy of seeing your own observations affirmed when you do read the commentaries of others.

Inductive Bible study begins by carefully examining the biblical text. The first step, observation, is key to all the others. Accurate observation leads to correct interpretation and provides the foundation for personal application. Always begin with prayer for the Lord to open your eyes and reveal His truth through His Spirit to your heart and mind. God provides each believer with a personal teacher in the person of the Holy Spirit who enlightens our minds. The discussion below takes you through each of the three steps in the inductive study process: observation, interpretation, and application. Enjoy!

Observation—What does it say?

Accurate observation requires spending time reading the text in order to determine exactly what it is saying. It is often helpful to read the passage in several English translations.

Methods of enhancing observation include:

• Answering questions such as: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
• Identifying information about the author and recipients

Who are they?

What are their circumstances?

What are their concerns?

• Examining the immediate context

Read the passage preceding and following the text

Identify key words or phrases

Identify lists

Note comparisons, contrasts, conclusions

Note time expressions

Identify instructions or commands

Outline or structure the text

Why is the author writing? (What is the author’s purpose?)

What is the main theme of the book or passage?

Interpretation—What does it mean?

Once you have carefully observed a passage, and accurate observation is foundational to interpretation, you can move to the next step, interpretation. One effective way to discover the meaning of a passage is by examining key words and consulting related cross-references.

In this study, “Footsteps of Faith: Following the Call,” personal enrichment studies of key words and cross-references are included for each lesson. By using a dictionary, a concordance, and other tools, you will gain a greater understanding of the author’s intent and the message of the passage for you.

Word Studies—Examine the meaning of the word used. A description and example of a word study follows:

1. Simple word studies can be performed by consulting an English dictionary to clarify terms.

2. More advanced word studies can be performed by consulting an exhaustive concordance [for example, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible]. The concordance will provide the English transliteration of the original Greek or Hebrew word, the definition, and an exhaustive listing of each use of the word in the Bible.

3. Finally, an expository dictionary [for example, Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary] may be consulted for a more complete definition.

For Example: Anger (wrath, KJV) [James 1:19] “Anger” is used in James 1:19, but it is translated “wrath” in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Most concordances are keyed to the KJV.

Strong’s—(3709) orge (or-gay’) — desire, reaching forth, violent passion, punishment, anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath. Strong’s provides the Greek word, its pronunciation, the definition, and a list of every location it is used in the Bible.

Vine’s—natural impulse, or disposition to anger, vengeance, wrath. Vine’s also contrasts orge (settled abiding condition of the mind, less active but longer lasting) with thumes (agitated outburst, quickly blazes up and quickly subsides). Vine’s provides an expanded definition. In this example, Vine’s additionally contrasts two different Greek words for “anger”.

Cross-References—Consult other biblical references where the word or concept occurs.

1. Basic cross-references may be listed in the margin of the text or in the concordance in the back of the Bible.

2. An exhaustive list of cross-references is included in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

For Example: Other references using Anger (wrath, KJV) include: Eph. 4:26; Gal. 5:20; Prov. 16:32; Eccl. 7:9

Application—What does it mean to me?

Having observed and interpreted the text, the final step is to specifically apply the Word to your personal life in order to reflect the Lord (Rom 12:1–2). Ask yourself these questions:

Is there…

• a command to be obeyed?
• a principle to be applied?
• a warning to be heeded?
• an illustration to be considered?
• a consequence to be avoided?

Tools that enhance application include:

• Identification of specific principles, commands, instructions, or illustrations
• Memorization of verses (Ps. 119:11)
• Prayerful evaluation of the text

The questions in this study are designed for group discussion and cover each of the steps above: observation, interpretation, and application. In addition, we have included with each lesson a page entitled “Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment.” For those who would like to discover even more about the text being studied, we encourage you to spend time in the word studies, provided by consulting a dictionary or by acquiring one of the study tools such as Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance or Vine’s Expository Dictionary. You will also benefit in your understanding of each concept by examining the suggested cross-references.

Several symbols have been employed to visually identify unique features in our curriculum.

Memory Verse: God encourages believers to treasure His Word in their heart so that they might not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11). One memory verse question has been provided in each lesson to enable you to personalize in your own life and circumstances the instructions, warnings, and principles demonstrated in the lives of those who have faithfully followed the call of God.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment: God encourages believers to study in order to show themselves approved to God as excellent workmen able to carefully understand the truth of the Word (2 Tim. 2:15). An optional section has been provided following each lesson to enable you to delve deeper into the incredible wealth of information contained on each topic in the awesome Word of God.

My Footsteps of Faith: Lessons Along the Way: God desires that believers be transformed by renewing their minds in the truth of the Word in order to serve Him as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God (Rom. 12:1–2). A journal page entitled Lessons Along the Way is located in the back of your study guide following the lessons. By choosing one principle or application that you learned or hope to remember from each lesson, you will have a personal, treasured reminder of your journey through the footsteps of faith within the lives of the heroes of Hebrews 11 as they followed the call of God, as well as a composite picture of the call of God in your own life to personally reflect the Footsteps of Faith: Following the Call.

Word Pictures in Hebrews: Selected words from each lesson have been provided which “paint a word picture” of a key concept and are followed by a specific personal application.³ The Word of God is beautiful, delightful, desirable, and profitable, and the time you devote toward studying the Word of God will profit you eternally (Ps. 119).

¹ Pentecost, J. Dwight. Faith that Endures: A Practical Commentary on the Book of Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregal Publications, 1992, Page 5.

² ibid. Page 6.

³ The “Word Pictures” contain information obtained from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible and from Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary.

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin this lesson by praying for wisdom in your relationships. Cain and Abel provide a dramatic picture of broken relationships and contrasting lives. They illustrate both the blessings of faithful worship and the danger of self-willed worship. Their lives stand as an encouragement and a warning these thousands of years later.

Witness

To witness [Gk martureo—to witness, testify, give evidence] is to proclaim what has been seen, heard, or known. It is the basis of the English word martyr, which is one who bears witness by his death. The Bible describes the witness of God, of Christ, of those who testify of their faith in Christ by their words and actions, and of martyrs who proclaim their faith in Christ by their death.

Hebrews 12:1 pictures a great cloud of witnesses whose lives proclaim the responses and rewards of faith, providing motivation for future generations to run the race of life with endurance by fixing their eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

A righteous life testifies to present and future generations!

Read Hebrews 11:4–5 and Genesis 4.

1. In what ways were Cain and Abel the same? How were they different? How did their worship differ? Organize your observations on the following chart.

Similarities	Differences

2. List Cain’s downward progression. Why did he kill Abel? (Matt. 23:35; 1 John 3:12)

3. Was Cain a believer who sinned or an unbeliever? (1 John 3:12) What evidence is there that Cain belonged to the evil one? (John 8:44)

4. How many times is the word “brother” used in Gen. 4 and in 1 John 3:12? Why is this emphasized?

5. What do we learn of the character of God in His dealings with Cain?

6. What two basic approaches to God do the two offerings represent?

7. What is implied by the statement in Heb. 11 that by faith Abel offered a better sacrifice?

A. What is necessary for faith? (Rom. 10:17)

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on sacrificial worship in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

8. What did the offering of animals teach the offerer about God, man, sin, and salvation? (Heb. 12:24)

A. What did the blood of Abel speak out for?

B. What is the “better word” that the blood of Christ speaks? (1 John l:7; John 1:29; Heb. 9:12, 14, 22; 10:19)

9. In light of Romans 5:12–21, what is the significance of the first man born murdering the second?

A. How would you describe the way of Cain? (Jude 11)

B. What additional insights do you gain from the cross-references on the testimony of a faithful life in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. What does 1 John 3:12 tell us about the attitude of unbelievers toward believers?

A. Why is it important to understand this basic fact to have a proper worldview?

B. Does this help you to understand a difficult relationship you may be experiencing now?

2. What are some of the reasons that can cause us to begin to hate other believers?

A. If we have a “just” cause and there is no repentance or desire for forgiveness, are we justified in harboring resentment?

B. What must we do? (Matt. l8:15–17; Eph. 4:32)

C. Why is it necessary? (Heb. 12:15)

D. Who gets the advantage when we don't forgive?

E. Is there someone in your life now that you are bitter towards? What will you do about it on the basis of this lesson?

F. If the situation doesn't change, how can you change? (l Thess. 5:18; 4:1; Phil.4:8)

G. How can forgiving be done by faith?

3. How does a person today attain a right relationship with God?

A. What works does she have to do?

B. How can anyone know that she will continue in that relationship?

C. What does one have to do to stay there? (Eph. 2:8–10; John 10:27–29; John 6:28, 29; John 5:24)

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the blessings of faithful worship and the danger of self-willed worship? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Cain and Abel—Hebrews 11:4

Abel’s sacrifice pleased God, and it endures as a positive testimony of his faith to future generations. Cain also brought a sacrifice, but his legacy remains a serious warning. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and list the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in sacrificial worship and the reward of faith of a righteous testimony that speaks to others?

Response of Faith: Sacrificial Worship

Sacrifice [Heb. 11:4]

Rom. 12:1

Phil. 4:8

Heb. 13:15

Heb. 13:16

1 Peter 2:5

Heb. 9:23

Rev. 2:10

Matt. 5:21–24

Reward of Faith: Testimony of a Faithful Life

Testimony (witness, KJV) [Heb. 11:4]

Heb. 2:4

Rev. 1:5

Heb. 10:15

Acts 22:20

Heb. 12:1

John 5:36

Prov. 14:5

2 Tim. 4:7–8

What testimony or witness does your life proclaim to others? Why are our relationships so very important?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Noah was warned by God about things never before seen. Noah’s obedient faith is recorded, and he is remembered by God as an heir of righteousness. Pray for the Lord to enable you to emulate the faith of Noah in your circumstances this week.

Obedience

Obedience is pictured with two different words. First, [Gk hupokoe—–a compound word meaning “under” and “to hear”] obedience is a prompt response to hearing an instruction or command. Second, [Gk hupotasso— a compound word meaning “under” and “to order”] obedience is submission to authority, as is evidenced in the military. Faith dwells in the inner heart, but obedience is the multifaceted observable external manifestation of faith. Steadfast obedience over time within difficult and incomprehensible circumstances, despite the opposition and rejection of others, follows the example of Christ and will ultimately result in incredible blessings from God.

True faith steadfastly obeys God!

Read Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 6–9.

1. Describe the moral conditions of the world at the time of the flood (Gen. 6:1, 5, 11, 12).

Why did Noah find favor with God? (Gen. 5:22; 6:9)

 

2. What word would you use to explain walk with God?

A. Use a concordance to look up the word walk, especially in the NT. Make a list of what is required to walk with God.

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on steadfast obedience in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

3. What were some of the things not yet seen (Heb.11:7) that Noah believed? (See Gen. 2:5)

4. How did Noah demonstrate that he believed God? (Gen. 6:22; 7:5) If living by faith leads to perseverance, use your imagination to describe what Noah must have endured while building the ark (2 Pet. 2:5). How do you think he was affected socially, emotionally and materially because of his obedience?

5. Note how literally God’s Word came true regarding judgment for sin and the adequacy of His provision for Noah’s deliverance. Does this cast any light on the literalness of verses like John 3:36?

6. Jesus Christ used the days of Noah to describe the time of His second coming (Matt. 24:36–42, Luke 17:26–27). What similarities do you see in our world today? How does Christ’s mention of Noah validate the flood?

7. Romans 1:16, 17 describe the righteousness that comes by faith.

A. What was the content of Noah's faith?

 

What is the content of ours? (l Cor. l5:3, 4)

 

Is there any similarity?

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on becoming an heir of righteousness in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

8. What do you learn about God’s character from reading Genesis 6–9?

 

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Can you think of one area in your life where you are not walking with God by faith?

A. Can you find a verse of Scripture to help you?

B. What will you do to get on track?

C. Why not start by memorizing the verse!

2. Do you suffer socially in your family, friendships, or work relationships because you are a believer? Does this sometimes make you want to “cool it”?

3. How can Noah’s example encourage us to persevere when we seem to be standing alone? Write down specific observations and apply them personally.

4. When you see a rainbow, do you remember what it represents (Gen. 9:l4–16)? How would remembering this strengthen your faith?

A. What kinds of things can we have and do as memorials to God's faithfulness to us in the past?

B. How would this help us in teaching our children about God? (See Exodus l3:3–10)

 

5. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Noah’s obedient faith? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Noah—Hebrews 11:7

Noah obeyed God faithfully for 120 years—building an ark many miles from the nearest body of water, warning others about a worldwide flood—and his steadfast obedience was rewarded by being proclaimed an heir of righteousness. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and list the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in steadfast obedience and the reward of faith of being an heir of righteousness?

Response of Faith: Steadfast Obedience

Prepared [Heb. 11:7]

2 Tim. 2:21

Eph. 2:8–10

1 Cor. 2:9

Heb. 11:16

Condemned [Heb. 11:7]

John 3:17

John 16:8

1 John 3:20–21

Rom. 8:1

Reward of Faith: Heir of Righteousness

Heir [Heb. 11:7]

Heb. 1:2

Heb. 1:14

Rom. 8:16–17

Gal. 3:29

Gal. 4:7

Righteous [Heb. 11:7]

Matt. 5:10

Matt. 5:20

Matt. 6:33

2 Cor. 5:21

How are you seeking His righteousness?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin your study in prayer and remain faithful in those “long-term” prayers. God’s delays are not denials. Abraham and Sarah demonstrated their faith by following God’s call with patient endurance for more than 100 years. Their heavenly focus revealed confident assurance that their true treasures were in a heavenly city.

Called

The call of God [Gk kaleo—– to call, invite, summon; the root kal is the source for the English word “call”] signifies 1) a personal invitation by name to participate in the blessings of salvation, 2) an identification as one who has been called by Christ, 3) a vocation as one walks in faithful obedience to the call, and 4) a destination toward which one is traveling.

The call of God demands a lifelong commitment, produces a purified life of faith and maturity, and promises abundant blessings in the present and future.

Be worthy of your heavenly calling!

Read Hebrews 11:8–19; Genesis 12–18; 20–23.

1. What did God promise Abraham in Genesis 12:1–3?

A. Abraham left a highly developed city to live in tents the rest of his life. How does this relate to Hebrews 11:1?

B. Did he ever own personally any of the land of Canaan? How did he get it? (Gen. 23)

2. Abraham lived about 2100 B.C., and the conquest of Canaan by Israel took place about 1400 B.C. How many years elapsed before God’s promise came literally true?

A. Compare Heb. 11:11b with Rom. 4:17, 21 and list specifically what Abraham believed about God.

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the calling of God in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

3. Exactly how much of what he was promised in Genesis 12:1–3 had Abraham received when he died?

4. Hebrews 11 reveals motives not developed in the Genesis record. What do verses 10, 14, and 16 refer to? (See also Rev. 21).

5. What was Abraham's attitude toward material possessions? (Gen. 12:1, 4; 13:5–12; 14:18–24)

A. Does this mean having wealth is wrong?

 

B. What can we learn from Abraham regarding our possessions?

C. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on heavenly rewards in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

6. What is implied by the phrase in Hebrews 11:13, “they admitted they were strangers and aliens on earth”?

A. Compare with 1 Peter 2:11, 12 and explain the reasons that this should be true of us also.

 

B. What does Peter say our conduct should be like in view of this fact?

7. The final test for Abraham is recorded in Genesis 22. Read Hebrews 11:17–19 and list the steps in Abraham’s reasoning.

What in his life previously encouraged his astonishing conclusion?

8. Sarah is the first woman mentioned in Hebrews 11. How does the Genesis record support what is said about her in Heb. 11 and 1 Peter 3:1–7? Organize your observations on the following chart.

SARAH
Genesis	Hebrews 11	1 Peter 3

Note what is not said in the New Testament passages about Sarah.

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Why did Abraham’s faith grow as he walked with God?

A. Can you identify ways in which your faith has grown in the past year or two?

B. What experiences have you had that should have strengthened your faith?

2. What is your attitude toward money, things, clothes, house, cars, etc.? See 1 Chronicles 29:13–16 for David's perspective on possessions.

A. What does God expect you to do with your material possessions? (2 Cor. 8:1–7; 2 Cor. 9:6–11; Rom.12:8, 13; 1 Tim. 5:3–4)

B. What warning and antidote do we find in 1 Tim. 6:6–10?

C. Do you need to make an adjustment in this area?

3. Abraham believed God was faithful and had the power to keep His promises. Is there something you are not believing God will or can do for you? Are you willing to step out and live by faith in this area?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the faith and endurance of Sarah and Abraham? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Abraham and Sarah—Hebrews 11:8–18

Abraham and Sarah obeyed God by leaving Ur and living as pilgrims and aliens in tents, believing in a promise that would be fulfilled in future generations, and maintaining a steadfast heavenly focus. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and then list the insights you observe from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in immediate obedience and the heavenly rewards of faith?

Response of Faith: Obeyed When Called

Called [Heb. 11:8]

Acts 2:39

Rom. 11:29

1 Cor. 1:26

2 Thess. 1:11

2 Tim. 1:9–9

Heb. 3:1

Eph. 4:1–4

Reward of Faith: Heavenly City

Heavenly [Heb. 11:16]

2 Thess. 1:7–8

Phil. 3:20

Matt. 5:12

Matt. 6:20

Col. 1:5

I Cor. 15:35–58

2 Tim. 4:18

Rev. 21:1

Have you ever responded immediately to God’s call in your life while it was still “ringing in your ears”? Which heavenly promise motivates you to persevere faithfully?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Moses demonstrated his faith by making a decision that changed the entire course of his life. By choosing to follow God and to reject the pleasures of sin, Moses was dramatically involved in a series of incredible miracles of God. Begin your study in prayer by asking the Lord to open your eyes to any entanglement of sin in your life and to enable you to choose God and reject sin.

Sin

To sin [Gk hamartia—“to miss the mark” – variations of this word are used in Hebrews 29 times] is to fall short of God’s standard. Sin is an inner nature, inherited by every person from Adam, which produces specific acts through the physical body. Sin is evidenced by opposition against God, against Christ, against other individuals, against the Law, against one’s own body (1 Cor. 6:18), and against authority.

Sin initially appears to be attractive, offering an enticing allurement to those who choose its path, yet the end of sin is invariably bondage, misery, unanswered prayer, separation from God, and death. Believers should choose instead to be perfecting holiness in the fear of God in order to be found blameless at His coming (1 Thess. 3:13).

Flee sin, and pursue holiness!

Read Hebrews 11:23–29 and Exodus 1 and 2.

1. Hebrews 11:23 describes Moses’ parents and what they did by faith.

A. What did this act of faith make it possible for them to do? (Ex. 2:7–9)

B. What influence did these few years have on Moses?

2. Study Moses’ value system.

A. What does Moses value?

B. Is there a connection between Heb. 11:27 and Heb. 10:35–36? If so, what is it?

C. Write one sentence explaining why Moses’ life could encourage you to persevere through difficult times.

3. Read Acts 7:20–27. How old was Moses when he made the choice mentioned in Heb. 11:24?

A. Why did he make that choice? (Heb. 11:26b, 27b)

B. What was he leaving behind realistically?

C. What was he getting?

D. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on choosing God, rejecting sin, and being delivered from bondage in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

4. When you realize that the Egyptian empire was the mightiest kingdom on the earth at that time, it will give you perspective on what it meant not to be afraid (Heb. 11:23, 27). What is the alternative to fear for us? (Ps. 56:3–4; John 14:1, 27)

5. Why did it take faith to keep the Passover?

A. Read Ex. 12:1–13 and write down briefly what they had to do.

B. What would have happened if they had done everything except apply the blood to the doorposts?

C. In what way is the Passover lamb a picture of Jesus Christ? Organize your observations on the following chart. Consult 1 Cor. 5:7 and your concordance.

PASSOVER LAMB	JESUS CHRIST

6. Hebrews 11:29 says that the people passed through the sea, but read Ex. 14:10–31 and comment on Moses’ influence and example.

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Have you adopted the world’s value system or the Lord’s? (See 1 John 2:15–17)

A. What choices do you need to make to get on track with God’s values regarding morals, relationships, money, activities, etc.?

B. What will your first step be?

2. If you have young children, what responsibility do you take for their spiritual instruction?

A. What age do you think they should be when you start? (Deut. 6:4-7, Eph. 6:4)

B. Do you need help with material or ideas?

3. Does your faith have an impact on anyone else? Moses’ parents’ faith influenced him. Moses’ faith influenced 3 million frightened slaves and welded them into a nation. What can you do to visibly demonstrate your faith to someone?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Moses? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Moses—Hebrews 11:23–28

Moses’ faith demonstrates that personal decisions determine temporal and eternal destiny. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and list the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in choosing God and rejecting the pleasures of sin, and the reward of being delivered from bondage to sin?

Response of Faith: Choose God and Reject Sin

Sin [Heb. 11:25]

Heb. 3:13

Heb. 4:15

Heb. 10:26

Heb. 12:1

John 1:29

John 8:11

John 8:34

Rom. 6:12

Rom. 14:23

James 4:17

1 John 1:8–9

Reward of Faith: Delivered From Bondage to Sin

Deliver [Heb. 2:15]

Heb. 2:14–15

Matt. 6:13

Gal. 1:4

Col. 1:13

1 Thess. 1:10

2 Thess. 3:2

2 Tim. 3:11

2 Tim. 4:18

Moses was 40 years old when he chose to reject the pleasures of sin and follow God. It is not too late to make the same choice. Choose freedom from bondage today!

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Rahab lived in Jericho, a strategically located fortress city surrounded with a massive wall, representing an overwhelming obstacle to the children of Israel as they entered the land of promise. Rahab’s response of faith is an illustration of how God uses obedient faithfulness to break down obstacles facing His children. Pray that God will reveal to you how significant your faithful obedience might be to someone else this week, even another woman in your discussion group.

Hospitality

Biblical hospitality [Gk philoxenia – from philos “loving” and xenos “strangers”] is to welcome and gladly receive the servants of God, providing sustenance, shelter, and fellowship. Philadelphia [philos “loving” and adelphos “brother”] is brotherly love, yet philoxenia extends that love to strangers. God’s love has been revealed in His Son, and believers are His instruments of love to one another.

Hospitality is demonstrated in both testaments, from Abraham, who entertained angels unawares and received the revelation and blessing of God, to Jesus and Paul, who regularly experienced the hospitality of other believers. Hospitality is a recognized trait of leadership, is expected of believers, demonstrates maturity in the faith, and brings God glory.

Be hospitable to one another without complaint!

Read Hebrews 11:30, 31 and Joshua 2 and 6.

1. Why was God giving Israel the land of Canaan? (Gen. 12:l; 15:12–20; 28:13–15; Ex. 3:7, 8, 16, 17) What did God want to teach these people by doing this? Remember they had lived for 400 years in a nation that was grossly idolatrous. (Deut. 4:32–40)

2. What did the king’s orders in Joshua 2:2–3 indicate about the knowledge of the people of Jericho concerning Israel and her future? (See also Josh. 9:9–11,24).

3. How do you reconcile Rahab disobeying and lying to her king when compared to the principle stated in Romans 13:1–5? (See also 2 Sam. l9:11–17; Ex. l:l5–20; Acts 4:19; 5:29.)

4. What was the emotional state of the people in Jericho? (Josh. 2:9, 11; 6:1)

How did this confirm God’s promises in Deut. l:21, 29–31?

5. Read carefully Josh. 2:9–13. What did Rahab know about Israel's history?

A. How long before had the Red Sea been crossed? (Ex. l4)

B. How long before had Sihon and Og been conquered? (Deut. 2:26-3:ll)

6. What did Rahab specifically say she believed about the God of Israel?

A. What is impressive about her faith?

B. Could anyone else in Jericho have come to the same conclusions?

7. How did she demonstrate her faith? What risk was she taking? (Josh. 2:4–7, 12–13, 21; James 2:25) How was her faith rewarded? (Josh.2:12–13, 17–21; 6:22–24; Matt. 1:5) Organize your observations on the following chart.

RAHAB’S FAITH
Demonstrations	Risks	Rewards

8. Joshua 3 happened between the episode of the spies and the conquest of Jericho. With this evidence, when the people of Jericho saw the army marching around their walls for seven days, what could they have done? (Josh. 2:9–14. See also Josh. 9:9–11, 24)

9. What conclusions do you draw from Rahab’s inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ? (Matt. 1:5)

A. What does the mention of this woman three times in the New Testament tell us about the grace of God?

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on God’s view on the importance of hospitality and the household in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Do you feel that some sins in your past or present are so terrible that they can’t be forgiven or that you are unworthy to serve God? How does Rahab’s story encourage you?

2. Acts 26:17, 18 and 1 Thess. 1:9 reveal that a drastic change took place in the lives of early believers as it did with Rahab. Has your life changed substantially since you trusted Christ, or do you have a foot in both worlds?

A. What do you need to stop?

B. What do you need to start doing?

3. Read Josh. 2:8–14. Notice how the total person was involved in Rahab’s faith: her mind had facts, her emotions reacted, her will made a decision, and she acted. This is always involved in true faith. Have you, with the facts you know about Jesus Christ, trusted Him as your Lord and Savior with an act of your will?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Rahab? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Rahab—Hebrews 11:31

Rahab had heard of God’s mighty works, and when the opportunity arrived she displayed courage and willingness to risk her life for the servants of God. Rahab reveals that God’s grace can redeem any sinner. Utilize your word study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and list the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in practicing hospitality, and the reward of faith that blesses the entire household?

Response of Faith: Faith Practices Hospitality

Welcomed (received, KJV) [Heb. 11:31]

Lk. 8:40

Lk. 9:11

Acts 28:7

Rom. 12:13

1 Tim. 3:2

Titus 1:8

Heb. 13:2

1 Peter 4:9

Reward of Faith: Household Is Preserved

Household [Josh. 6:25]

Ps. 127:1

Matt. 7:25

Matt. 12:25

John 14:1–3

Gal. 6:10

Eph. 2:19

1 Tim. 3:4

Prov. 31:27

What is remembered and commended about Rahab? What is forgiven and forgotten about Rahab? How can this provide encouragement in your own life and in your ministry to others?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin your study in prayer for wisdom and courage to faithfully follow the Lord in your life this week. Deborah and Barak demonstrated faith by courageously following God and fighting a formidable enemy. Their weakness became strength as God worked on their behalf to achieve victory.

Overcomers

To subdue [Gk katagonizomai — from kata “against” and agon “a contest” (the root of the English words “agony” and “agonize”), to struggle against, to subdue, to conquer] is to persevere courageously in faithfully following God despite difficult battles and overwhelming opposition.

Believers have been enlisted in the cosmic battle between God and Satan, and are encouraged to overcome [Gk nikao — to overcome, prevail, conquer, achieve victory] evil, sin, the devil, and the corruption of the world by obedient faithful submission to the leadership of Christ, to the marching orders of the Word, and the filling of the Spirit. We are promised that we are more than conquerors [Gk hupernikao — huper “over” and nikao “conquer” — pre-eminently victorious, to gain a surpassing victory] through Christ who loves us.

Be of good courage, for Christ has already won the victory!

Read Hebrews 11:32–34, Judges 4 and 5, and Deuteronomy 28.

1. What were God’s instructions to Israel concerning life when they possessed their land? What were His conditions for blessing? What were His consequences for disobedience? Organize your observations on the following chart.

INSTRUCTIONS TO ISRAEL	CONDITIONS FOR BLESSING	CONSEQUENCES FOR DISOBEDIENCE

2. What happened to the Israelites after Joshua died?

A. How did God discipline them? (Judges 2:10–15)

B. The pattern of the book of Judges is described in 2:16–19. What were the five cycles that kept repeating?

C. What does God’s response tell us about Him?

3. What is significant about Deborah being a judge in Israel?

A. What other women were in leadership roles in the OT? (See Ex. 15:20 and 2 Kings 22:14)

B. What insight does this give you about God’s use of women in leadership?

4. What methods did God use to call the deliverers he used?

A. How did he call Barak (Judges 4:4–7)?

B. Gideon (Judges 6:11–12)?

C. Jephthah (Judges 11:4–11)?

D. Samson (Judges 13:2–3)?

What does this tell us?

5. What does Barak’s response indicate about him?

A. About Deborah?

B. Why does Hebrews 11 commend Barak for his faith?

C. How did he demonstrate it?

D. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on faith courageously following God or on the reward of faith in victory over enemies in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

6. Why was Sisera such a terrifying enemy? (Judges 4:3,13; 5:8)

A. Why did Sisera feel safe in Jael’s tent?

B. What does this suggest about Jael’s loyalties?

C. What is the significance of the weapon Jael used?

7. What does Deborah’s song tell us about how God defeated Sisera’s armies? (Judges 5:4–5, 20–22)

 

What do we learn about God’s love, patience, and forgiveness in Judges?

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. How do Deborah and Jael encourage you as a woman?

A. Think about how God used them in their roles as wives and mothers. (Judges 5:7, 24–27)

B. Do you feel frustrated by your responsibilities and feel they keep you from meaningful service?

2. What does this book teach us about the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience?

Is there some area in which you need to obey the Lord?

3. Can you think of some movements started by women that have changed our world or have had an impact on their society?

4. What can you do to be involved in corrective action against injustice or oppression in our community or world?

5. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Deborah and Barak? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Deborah and Barak—Hebrews 11:32

Deborah and Barak courageously demonstrated faith by following God against a threatening enemy. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words, and list the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in courageously following God regardless of the circumstances and possible consequences, and the reward of faith of achieving a decisive victory?

Response of Faith: Faith Courageously Follows God

Conquered (Subdued, KJV) [Heb. 11:33]

Gen. 1:28

2 Sam. 8:1

Ps. 81:13–14

Phil. 3:21

Overcome [John 16:33]

John 16:33

Rom. 12:21

2 Peter 2:19–20

1 John 2:13–14

1 John 4:4

Rom. 8:37

Reward of Faith: Victory Over Enemies

Overcomes (overcometh, KJV) [1 John 5:4]

1 John 5:4-5

Rev. 2:7

Rev. 2:11

Rev. 2:17

Rev. 2:26–28

Rev. 3:5

Rev. 3:12

Rev. 3:21

Rev. 21:7

For additional insight on becoming a valiant soldier of the Lord, read 2 Tim. 2:3–4 and Eph. 6:10–20. How can you demonstrate courage and valor in your life?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin your study by sitting and quieting your heart and mind. This week we see Daniel facing many difficult circumstances and remaining faithful. Ask God to encourage you through Daniel to remain faithful under challenging circumstances in your own life.

Servant

A servant [Gk doulos—– servant, slave, one under bondage] faithfully serves, obeys, acts on behalf of, and represents his master. Christ exemplified the perfect servant by being faithful to His Father, regardless of the consequences and circumstances, unto death.

Believers have been redeemed [Gk exagorazo — to purchase out of the marketplace for a price] as bond slaves to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, to voluntarily submit to human authority, and to be His representatives. Believers are warned against the enslaving character of sin, the world, and idols, and against the divided allegiances that can result from serving two masters.

Be careful whom you serve!

You have been bought with a price to serve God with courage and wisdom, and to serve one another in love!

Read Hebrews 11:33 and Daniel 1–6.

Daniel was carried away to Babylon in 605 B.C. in the first of three invasions Nebuchadnezzar made on Judah. He lived until about 530 B.C. He was in his 80s when thrown into the den of lions. We need to review his whole life to examine his faith.

1. What truth about God is emphasized in Daniel? (Dan. 2:21a, 37b, 44–45; 4:3, 17, 25, 26, 32b, 34–35; 5:18, 21; 6:26) Why was this important to stress when Judah was in captivity in Babylon?

2. Describe Daniel and his friends from information in Daniel 1.

A. What is the significance of changing their names?

B. What had Daniel predecided? What would have been wrong with him eating the king's food?

3. What was Daniel, by faith, expecting God to do for him and his three friends? (Dan.1:12–14)

A. What do you observe about his attitude toward authority?

B. What else did God do for these men? What was His plan for them? (Dan. 1:9, 17– 21)

4. How did Daniel exercise faith when included under a death sentence? (Dan. 2:12–18)

How did Daniel prove God’s sovereignty and power in his own life? (Dan. 2:19–20)

5. Trace Nebuchadnezzar’s growing enlightenment concerning Daniel’s God.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR AND GOD
Daniel 2:47
Daniel 3:28–29
Daniel 4:2–3
Daniel 17
Daniel 34–37

6. How did Daniel demonstrate his faith in Chapter 4? (Dan. 4:24–27) Discuss what is unusual about verse 27.

7. Notice Daniel’s fearless rebuke of Belshazzar (Dan. 5:l8-23). What qualities did he demonstrate?

What connection does his courage have with his view of God?

8. The kingdom of Babylon was conquered by the Persians. Notice Daniel’s position with his new king. What motivated the satraps and administrators to plot against him? (Dan. 6:1–5)

A. What do we learn about Daniel's personal conduct and spiritual life in his 80s (Dan. 6:4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 20–24)

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the response of faithful service and the reward of life in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

9. What consistency do we see in Daniel from his teens to old age? (Dan. 6:11)

How do we know that Daniel won God’s approval? (Dan. 9:23; 10:10, 18; 12:13)

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. Daniel resolved that he would not compromise his faith in God. Are you a compromiser?

A. Do you avoid being too different if you are in the minority?

B. Where should you to stop compromising?

2. What attitude do you display when you disagree with authority on a matter of principle?

What can you learn from Daniel? (Dan.1:8, 12, 13; 6:10)

3. Daniel was fearless in his faith in a pagan society. Look at the impact of his testimony. (Dan. 4:34–37; 6:25–28)

A. Do your friends, fellow workers, and family know your life is lived by faith in Jesus Christ?

B. Are you willing to tell someone about Him? Has God put someone specific in your mind?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Daniel? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Daniel—Hebrews 11:32–33

Daniel demonstrated a lifetime of faithful service under the pagan dominion of Babylon and Medo-Persia. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in service, and the reward of faith of abundant and eternal life?

Response of Faith: Faith Serves

Serve [Heb. 9:14]

Heb. 9:14

Heb. 12:28–29

Phil. 2:5–11

Eph. 6:6

Rom. 6:18–22

2 Peter 2:19

Titus 3:3

Luke 16:13

1 Cor. 6:19–20

Reward of Faith: Life Was Preserved

Life [Hebrews 7:16]

Heb. 7:16

Heb. 11:35

John 3:16

John 6:63

John 10:10

John 11:25–26

Eph. 4:17–18

Col. 3:4

1 Tim. 6:13

Life is a gift from God in which to serve Him. What did you learn about King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

King Jehoshaphat encountered an overwhelmingly formidable enemy, yet his response of faith was to worship God, resulting in answered prayer and another miraculous victory. Begin your study in prayer for the wisdom and heart of God to be reflected in your life. Pray specifically for your family, friends, church, nation, and world.

Worship

Several words are used to communicate the biblical concept of worship [Gk proskuneo—from pros “towards” and kuneo “to kiss,” to make obeisance, do reverence to; sebomai—to revere with the feeling of awe and devotion; latreuo — to serve, to render religious service or homage; eusebeo—to act piously]. Worship is the individual heartfelt acknowledgement of God’s worth, character, attributes, and activities, demonstrated in praise, worship and thanksgiving, as well as in deeds of worship and service.

Satan, demons, idols, and humans seek to usurp and corrupt the worship that is to be rendered exclusively to the sovereign Creator and Savior.

Worship glorifies God!

Read Hebrews 11:32–34 and 2 Chronicles 17–20.

1. From 2 Chronicles, list the things that Jehoshaphat did to demonstrate his devotion to God.

A. What were Jehoshaphat’s weaknesses?

B. What were the results of his efforts, both personally and nationally? (2 Chron. 17:10–14)

2. What kind of king was Ahab? (1 Kings 16:30–33)

3. How do we know Jehoshaphat had spiritual discernment? (2 Chron. 18:6)

A. In spite of Jehoshaphat’s foolishness, how did God protect him? (2 Chron. 18:30–32)

B. How did God rebuke and punish him? (2 Chron. 19:2–3, 20:1)

4. What was the size of Jehoshaphat's standing army? (2 Chron. 17:14–19)

A. Why was he so alarmed at the enemies approaching them?

B. Do you see any difference in his attitude in 2 Chron. 18:4–6 and 20:3–4?

C. What had he learned from his experience with Ahab?

5. Study his prayer in 2 Chron. 20:6–12. On what basis did he ask for God’s help? What does 2 Chron. 20:12 indicate?

6. If God promised to fight the battle for them, why did He want them to go out and face the enemy in battle position? (2 Chron. 20:17) How does this apply to us in our spiritual battles? (See Eph. 6:10–18, James 4:7)

7. What is the significance of sending a choir out to lead the army? (2 Chron. 20:21)

A. Have you ever experienced personally what praising God by faith can accomplish?

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the response of faith in worship and the reward of faith in answered prayer in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

8. What was the evidence that this was an overwhelming victory? (2 Chron. 20:24–26)

A. How does this apply to us in our spiritual warfare? Read Rom. 8:31–39.

B. How did Jesus demonstrate His overwhelming victory over Satan?

C. What did He accomplish by His death and resurrection? D. What does that mean for us? (Read Heb. 2:14, 15; 1 John 3:8, 4:4)

Application Questions for Class Discussion

1. What does 2 Chron. 20:35–37 tell us about Jehoshaphat?

A. Have you ever forgotten a spiritual lesson that you learned at great cost?

B. What can you do to guard against that behavior?

2. Do you think it’s okay to form alliances with unbelievers because it may be financially or socially profitable?

A. What does God think of believers doing that? (Read 2 Cor. 6:14 and Amos 3:3)

B. What does it reveal about the level of our faith?

3. What does 2 Chron. 20:13 tell us about family involvement in worship? Notice how the children were not shielded from knowing the danger.

A. List the characteristics of God revealed in his treatment of Jehoshaphat.

B. How can we apply this example in a practical way as we train our children to know God and to trust Him?

4. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of Jehoshaphat? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Jehoshaphat—Hebrews 11:32–34

Jehoshaphat sought the Lord in prayer and demonstrated faith in praise and worship. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in worship, and the reward of faith of answered prayer?

Response of Faith: Faith Worships

Worship [Matt. 4:10]

Matt. 4:10

Heb. 1:6

Phil. 3:3

Rev. 4:10

Rev. 9:20

Rev. 13:4

Ps. 29:2

Reward of Faith: Answered Prayer

Prayer (prayest, KJV) [Matt. 6:6]

Matt 6:6

John 14:13–14

John 15:7

Rom. 8:26

Rom. 8:34

Eph. 3:20

Heb. 4:16

James 5:16

2 Chron. 7:14

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks to God in everything!

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Begin your study in prayer. The author of the epistle to the Hebrews specifically mentions other individuals whose lives demonstrate the perseverance and promise of faith. Some of these achieved amazing victories, others are referred to as those “of whom the world was not worthy.” This lesson spans generations and gives us insight into the mystery of God’s ways.

Approval

All of these heroes gained God’s approval [Gk dokimazo— to prove or test with a view to approval] through their faith. This word is used in the process of refining metals, in which the ore is placed in a furnace and heated to very high temperatures to remove the dross and impurities, producing purified gold, silver, or other metal. God is the refiner, and trials and circumstances are the means chosen by Him to refine your faith, which is more precious than gold. He keeps His eyes on the timer and His hand on the thermostat, filtering every event in your life through His fingers of love, until He can see His Son’s image reflected clearly in your faith. The proof of your faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at His revelation (1 Peter1:6–7). Faith gains His approval.

Keep your eyes on the Refiner, not the fire! Study to show yourself approved to God!

Read Hebrews 11:32–35

1. This passage specifically names Gideon, Samson, and Jephthah. Using the corresponding references listed, review the life of one or two of these examples of faithfulness. Organize your observations on the following charts by briefly describing their circumstances, recording at least one act of faith and noting if there was any failure recorded. How does God remember them now? What can you learn from their example?

Gideon Judges 6–8

Samson Judges 13–16

Jephthah Judges 11–12

Name of Character:
Circumstances
Act(s) of Faith
Any Failures?
How does God remember Gideon?
What lesson do you observe from his faith?

Name of Character:
Circumstances
Act(s) of Faith
Any Failures?
How does God remember Samson?
What lesson do you observe from his faith?

2. Read Heb. 11:36–40. List as many kinds of difficulties as you can find in these verses experienced by faithful people in past ages.

3. How does the Scripture describe these people? (Heb. 11:38)

4. Read Matt. 5:10–12 and John 15:20. How did Jesus prepare His disciples to understand persecution and difficulty?

What does He promise to those who suffer?

5. Read 1 Thess. 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:11–12, and James 1:1.

A. What do you learn about difficulty and persecution from these verses?

B. How might you connect these verses with the verses from Hebrews 11:36–40?

C. How might you see these applying in your life or the lives of others?

D. Can you think of a time when you suffered for the sake of Christ?

E. While none of us seeks difficulty, how might these verses encourage you to endure when you face trials and persecutions?

6. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the perseverance and promise of faith in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

7. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the perseverance and promise of faith? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Each one of the individuals in Hebrews 11 is remembered by God and commended for his faith. Their faith, as well as the faith of all believers, is refined and developed within the unique circumstances designed by God, despite the personal failures, entangling encumbrances, discouragement, weariness, and the sin that so easily entangles us all. When you stumble and are overwhelmed with circumstances or sin, fix your eyes on Jesus, confess and repent, get up and resume the race by running with endurance. Your faithful finish and victory of faith as a child of the King is assured, and He sees you right now, as you are reading this sentence, seated with Christ in glory!

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Perseverance and Promise of Faith—Hebrews 11:5, 32–40

Faith is demonstrated in the lives of men and women, boys and girls. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith despite circumstances and possible consequences, and the reward of faith of gaining the approval of God?

Response of Faith: Faith Obeys God Despite Circumstances and Consequences

The list of heroes in Hebrews 11 is not exhaustive, and many other heroes of faith grace the pages of the Bible. What do you learn about faith refined within the circumstances of these individuals?

Paul—2 Cor. 6:4–10

Job—Job 1–2

Jesus—Phil. 2:5–8

Reward of Faith: Approval of God

Approval (a good report, KJV) [Heb. 11:39]

Heb. 11:2

Heb. 11:39

Prov. 17:3

Rom. 14:18

2 Cor. 10:18

1 Thess. 2:4

2 Tim. 2:15

Phil. 1:10

1 Peter 1:6–9

James 1:12

The Lord approves and refines the faith of His children. Believers are responsible to seek His approval, to approve the things that are excellent, and to study the Word to show themselves approved to God as excellent workmen. You, too, can become a hero of faith, refined and approved by the Lord. Persevere faithfully in obedience to Him within your circumstances, despite the consequences, keeping your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

“Calling is the truth that God calls us to Himself so decisively that everything we are, everything that we do, and everything we have is invested with a special devotion, dynamism and direction lived out as a response to His summons and service.”⁴ Begin your study in prayer seeking to respond in faith to His present call.

Commitment

Several words are utilized to express commitment. First, commitment communicates the entrusting of something valuable to another person [Gk tithemi— to commit, commend, assign; paradidomi— to give over, commit]. Second, commitment additionally includes the responsibility to practice specific activities [Gk poieo— to do, cause, commit; prasso— to do, practice, commit]. God has entrusted or committed a valuable deposit unto each believer that is to be guarded and protected, that is to be faithfully proclaimed, followed, or exercised, and that in turn is to be committed to others. Each believer is responsible to respond to God’s call by committing their heart, mind, body, and life to serve Him, to share the Gospel, and to be His ambassadors in this world.

Commit yourself to following His call!

1. Read John 10:1–10. List several things from this passage that you learn about Jesus and about those who follow Him. What promise do you find in verse 10?

2. Read Matthew 4:19; 9:9; Mark 2:14; and John 1:43. What consistent invitation did Jesus make to these persons? What interested or challenged you from these encounters?

3. What did the disciples have to “leave” in order to follow Jesus? What kind of “risks” were involved?

4. Have you ever responded to Jesus’ invitation on a personal level?

A. When and what has been the result in your life?

B. Can you think of a time when you did not respond?

5. Read John 15:15–17. List several things that you learn about those who follow Jesus from this passage? How does that deepen your love for Him?

6. Read Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; John 10:27. What do you think Jesus means by these admonitions?

7. Read Romans 12:1-2 and answer the following questions:

A. On what basis does Paul exhort the believers to respond to God? How have you experienced this in your own life? In what ways does this encourage you in your commitment to Christ?

B. Why do you think Paul asks the believers to “present their bodies” as living sacrifices? What do you understand this to mean? Why would this be an act of worship?

C. What do you think “conforming to the world” means? (See also James 4:4–5) Describe this in twenty-first century terms.

D. How do you think God transforms our minds? (See 2 Peter 1:3–4; Eph. 5:26; Rom. 12:1–2) What is most helpful or challenging to you in any of these verses?

E. Can you think of a time in your life when you surrendered your entire life and future into God’s hands as Paul is exhorting here in Rom. 12:1–2? If so, what was the result? If not, are you willing to do so today?

8. How might you connect this call to commitment with Eph. 4:20–31?

A. List the outward evidences of a life surrendered to the call of God based on this passage.

LAY ASIDE THE OLD SELF	PUT ON THE NEW SELF

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on faith’s call to commitment in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

9. How did the various persons from Hebrews 11 demonstrate their commitment to God’s call on their life by their actions? Note several and be specific.

10. Take a few quiet moments and reflect on this lesson. Is there a decision or commitment that God may be inviting you to make today in your personal journey? Are you willing to do so?

11. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the response of faith in following the call of God to commitment? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Called to Commitment

God has personally called each believer to follow His call in a lifetime of faithful service. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the response of faith in following the call of God?

Response of Faith: Called to Commitment

Commit [Lk. 23:46]

Lk. 23:46

1 Tim. 1:11

1 Tim. 1:18

1 Tim. 6:20–21

2 Tim. 1:12, 14

2 Tim. 2:2

Ps. 37:5

Prov. 16:3

Ex. 20:14

John 8:34

1 Peter 4:19

2 Cor. 5:18–20

Gal. 2:7

What has the Lord committed or entrusted to you? What have you committed to Him?

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

Having made a personal commitment to follow Christ, each believer is prepared for His purposes with spiritual gifts that equip them to serve Christ. Exercising those gifts benefits the entire family of God and brings personal blessing. Begin your study by praying to see the many existing opportunities to exercise your unique combination of spiritual gifts, natural abilities, and learned skills in His service.

Gift

The concept of “gift” is communicated utilizing two different Greek words. A gift [Gk doron] is used of gifts presented to one another, to the poor, or to God, of gifts given in support of the temple, and of the freely given gift of God of salvation. A spiritual gift [Gk charisma— from the root charis meaning grace] is a supernatural ability given by God’s grace to each believer to employ in building up the body of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. Believers are exhorted not to neglect their spiritual gift and to rekindle afresh their spiritual gift by taking advantage of opportunities available to serve the body of Christ.

Use your spiritual gift to serve one another!

Read Romans 12:3-16 and Ephesians 4:7-13 in at least two translations.

1. According to Rom. 12:3 and Eph. 4:7, who is the giver of spiritual gifts?

What does that teach us about our attitude toward those gifts?

2. Reread Eph. 4:12–13. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts according to these verses?

A. What will be the result of their exercise?

B. What will be the result if we fail to exercise those gifts?

3. According to Rom. 12:3–16, what do you learn from this analogy about how the Body of Christ is intended to function? What warnings can you glean from the passage?

4. How might you connect the idea of Eph. 2:10 with an understanding of spiritual gifts?

5. List the specific gifts mentioned in the Romans and Ephesians passages.

 

ROMANS	EPHESIANS

6. Do you know which of these spiritual gifts you have been given?

A. If so, how did you discover your gifting? Circle the ones you think you may have.

B. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on gifts in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

7. What danger does Paul warn of in Rom. 12:3 and how does his analogy of the body help put the various gifts in perspective? (See also 1 Cor. 12:12–27) What is Paul’s overriding concern that was also a concern of Jesus? (See Eph. 4:3 and John 17)

8. What can you learn about the danger of competition and comparison from these verses?

What is destroyed when we compare? (2 Cor. 10:12)

9. Where are you tempted to compare yourself with another?

A. How might you heed Paul’s warning?

B. What additional thoughts do you gain from 2 Cor. 10:17–18?

10. Summarize in one or two sentences your present understanding of the significance of spiritual gifts and their purpose for the church.

11. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the gifts of God and your call to service? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

How would you feel if a special costly gift you had given a dear friend was ignored and left unopened? Open His gift and experience the transcending joy of sharing His gifts with one another!

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Called to Serve

God has personally called, gifted, equipped, and empowered each believer to serve one another in building up the body of Christ to the glory of God. Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the following words. List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references. How do these insights enhance your personal understanding of the gifts of God and your responsibility to serve Him?

Gifted and Called to Serve

Gift [Matt. 2:11] doron

Matt. 2:11

Heb. 5:1

Eph. 2:8

Acts 2:38; 8:20; 10:45

James 1:17

Rom. 5:16–17

Rev. 11:10

Gift [Rom. 12:6] charisma

Rom. 1:11

Rom. 6:23

Rom. 12:6–8

1 Cor. 7:7

1 Cor. 12:31

1 Tim. 4:14

2 Tim. 1:6

1 Peter 4:10

Rom. 11:29

Gifts Ps. 127:3

Prov. 21:14

Ezek. 11:19

Is. 42:5

Life is a gift in which to serve Him!

Questions for Group Discussion

Reflection: What aspect or lesson from last week’s study or lecture most encouraged or challenged you? Why?

God has promised to reward faithfulness. Ask the Lord this week to reveal His wisdom to you, enabling you to remain faithful within your present circumstances as you persevere toward His rewards.

Faith

Biblical faith [Gk pistis— persuasion, assurance, belief, conviction based upon hearing—this word is used 32 times in Hebrews, and 24 times in Hebrews 11] is the confident conviction of, reliance upon, and assurance in the character, work, and Word of God. Faith includes firm conviction acknowledging God’s truth, personal surrender to Him, the conduct inspired by such surrender, and pleases God.

Faith enables believers to obey God, to take risks, to face obstacles, to endure suffering within difficult circumstances and despite unknown consequences. Faith gains God’s approval and will be rewarded.

Faith obeys God,
pleases God,
and will be rewarded!

1. Read Hebrews 11:6 and Colossians 3:23–24. What do you learn about rewards from these verses? How might your present attitude be different if you fully realized “we serve the Lord Christ”?

2. What is your present understanding of the Christian’s rewards?

3. Read Mark 10:28–31. What did Jesus teach in this passage regarding rewards for the one who followed Him?

4. Reread Hebrews 11. We have seen faith demonstrated within a variety of life circumstances. List the different circumstances included in this chapter where faith was demonstrated (record your verse reference).

Which circumstance most touched you? Why?

5. List as many rewards of faith as you can find mentioned in Hebrews 11 (record your verse reference).

Which reward is most meaningful to you today, and why?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 3:7–15. Paul is addressing conflicts in the church stemming from comparison and competition by reminding them that it is God who causes growth.

A. What do you learn about rewards from these verses?

B. Whose evaluation matters?

C. List what you learn about the quality of our service and rewards from this passage?

D. What do you think it means to be “God’s fellow workers?”

E. How will our works be evaluated and what will be the result?

F. How does that encourage you and how does it challenge you?

G. How might your present choices be affected by this understanding of rewards?

H. What additional insights do you gain from any of the cross-references on the response and reward of faith in the Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment?

7. What one insight or lesson do you hope to remember from your study of the rewards of faith in Hebrews 11? Write it below to share in class, and then write it on the journal page entitled “Lessons Along the Way” at the back of your study guide.

Choose one verse from this week’s lesson to memorize. Write it here and meditate on it.

Thank you for your faithful perseverance in completing this study of the Footsteps of Faith: Following the Call. The Lord has seen and will abundantly reward your time studying His Word and applying His principles in your life. Plan to join us in our next study and share the blessing by inviting a friend!

Optional Studies for Personal Enrichment

Rewards of the Call—Hebrews 11:1-40

Utilize your word-study tools to examine the meaning of the word “faith.” List the insights you learn from the related scriptural cross-references from the epistle to the Hebrews. How do these insights enhance your understanding of the author of Hebrews’ discussion of the believer’s response of faith (within difficult circumstances and despite uncertain consequences), and the Lord’s promise to reward faith (present and future)?

Faith [Heb. 11:1]

Heb. 4:2–3

Heb. 6:1

Heb. 6:12

Heb. 10:22

Heb. 10:23–25

Heb. 10:38

Heb. 11:1–2

Heb. 11:3

Heb. 11:6

Heb. 11:7

Heb. 11:13

Heb. 11:33–34

Heb. 11:39–40

Heb. 12:1–2

Heb. 13:7

How can you demonstrate your faith within your circumstances?