Lesson 4: A Walk of Faith, Part II
Foundation: Hebrews 11:6
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
A. By Faith We Understand
Without faith, it is impossible to please God. “And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief. For verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, “Remove hence to yonder place,” and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Matthew 17:20, 21). If your faith is greater in Christ, you will go where He leads you and follow His rules and commands. God is orchestrating His people to obedience. Remember, obedience is better than sacrifice. If you do not allow the Lord to use you, He will find someone else willing to be used. You must be willing to be an obedient, humble, and faithful servant of God. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:5, 6). If He tells you to go, tell Him to send you; “For I am your faithful servant, I will go.” “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” (Titus 2:9, 10). When trials fall on either side, just remain focused on God and know that it is a testing of your faith. To whom much is given, much is required. “But He that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more” (Luke 12:48).
B. Seek God’s Instructions
If He leads you to the wilderness, go and ask Him to meet you there. The Lord spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun, saying, “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Joshua 1:5). At a time like this, you need to be as gentle as a dove and as wise as a serpent. “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Keep your eyes and ears open at all times to seek instructions from God. “And now, Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy word, by stretching forth Thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Thy holy Child, Jesus” (Acts 4:29, 30). We must keep in mind that humility, meekness, longsuffering, and joy are our portions. If we continue to lay prostrate, fasting and praying and seeking God, He will lead us to our divine place in His Kingdom. God is getting us ready to have dominion over the earth. “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just” (Proverbs 13:22). The just are about to reap the benefits of God. If we would just take the time to focus on the many plans, strategies, and key points God has in store for us, and if we would just keep our minds stayed on Jesus, then we would see the promises of God. “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea and from the river unto the ends of the earth” (Psalm 72:8).
C. Wait on the Lord
We must have the faith of Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jacob, Joseph, Enoch, and Noah. These were the many facets of God’s glory in the kingdom. They all had faith in the promises of God. They did not let go until it came to pass. Their reward was greater because of their patience and longsuffering. “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12). It will come in due time. Wait on the Lord, and He shall renew your strength. Wait on the Lord, and He will give you guidance and better understanding. Wait on the Lord, and He will make your gloomy nights turn into victorious days. Wait, I say, on the Lord. Just wait. He will direct your path. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you. “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).
Discussion Questions:
1. What is “mustard seed” faith, and how does it relate to you?
2. Do you believe God can do anything but fail? What proof do you have?
3. Do you truly seek instructions from God and adhere to His every command?
4. Do you desire to have a closer relationship in which you are able to hear more clearly from God? Do you believe it’s possible?
5. Is it worth it to wait on the Lord? How do you know?
Points to Discuss: After reading the lesson, go back and answer the questions in the lesson for an in-depth discussion.