Faith Allows Us to Please God

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Faith Allows Us to Please God

Date: Jul. 17, 2022

Passage

Hebrews 11:1-6 (ESV)

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of 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 the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith 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 must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

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: 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: One Word: By faith, live to please God

A Good King is Humbled

2 Kings 18:1-16

Key Verse: 18:5

He trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him.

Today's Question

What does the first commandment forbid?

See answer and references