1. What is faith? (1)

Faith is being sure of what we hope for. To have faith means to have hope. Our hope is not in the world, but in the kingdom of God (1Pe 1:3,4). By faith we walk toward this goal (Php 3:4). We must walk with Jesus, whom we cannot see (Mt 28:20), for faith is 'being certain of what we cannot see.' No one saw God create the heavens and the earth out of nothing. But this fundamental fact is the foundation of all truth; it can only be grasped by faith.

2. The ancients who were commended for faith (2-7)

Abel unintentionally died a martyr's death because of his faith. He came to God humbly, bringing his best, believing that God would accept him even though he was unworthy. God saw his faith and commended him as a righteous man. Enoch lived in godless times, but by faith, he walked with God. He had faith that pleased God. Noah believed God's word and obeyed him and was saved.

Application: Lord, help me to learn faith that pleases you from the men of old. Help me to live by faith, not by feeling or common sense.
One Word: Faith that pleases God