LESSON: The Faith Chapter

Why is Faith Important?

By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

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. 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. Hebrews 11:4-6 NIV

Q: Why is faith important?

A: In verse 6 above it says "without faith it is impossible to please Him (God)"

Abel and Enoch are mentioned briefly in the Old Testament. Their faith was so impressive that the writer of Hebrews included them as the first two entries in the "Hall of Faith" chapter. Both of these men pleased God. Let's see what we can learn from their stories.

ABEL
(Genesis 4:1-8; Hebrews 11:4)

One day Abel and his brother Cain brought sacrifices to God. Cain brought some of his crops, and Abel brought the fat portions from some of his firstborn. The Lord was very pleased with Abel's sacrifice. People probably have read this familiar story and often wondered what was so special about Abel's sacrifice. Abel simply offered God the BEST of what he had and he offered it in FAITH.

Sometimes we are guilty like Cain, by not offering God our best. We may say the same familiar prayer out of routine. During bible study, we read the same biblical passages or we simply read without asking the Holy Spirit for understanding. We do a lot of work in the church, but sometimes we get caught up in our positions instead of REAL kingdom-building, witnessing work for God. On Sunday we give our tithes and offering, not as a cheerful giver, but just because we have it. We don't truly worship God in spirit and in truth during church service because our minds is elsewhere (the lady wearing the dress that's too tight, Sunday dinner, football game, last night's fight with hubby, etc). We probably miss out on a lot blessings because we lose sight of our faith or the passion that brought us to God in the first place.

ENOCH
(Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5)

"Enoch walked with God." What does this mean? This man was in good-standing with God. As a matter of fact, his relationship with God was so special and pleasing that God took him away and Enoch never had to experience the physical death that all of us will have to one day.

What is your relationship with God? Do you put your faith into practice on a daily basis? In the epistle of James, it states, "faith without work is dead." Is your faith dead or dying? It needs to be revitalized because without it we sure can't please God.

PRAYER: Lord, I pray that each and every person who may be going through something or who has lost touch with their faith will reach out to you and that your Holy Spirit will revitalize them. All things are possible with you God. Help us to not forget to give our very best, for Jesus paid it all and all to him we owe. Jesus Name, Amen.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

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