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What is faith?

Connect trust with fear, discernment and practical response to neighbors.

1. 1. Read and discover - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Hebrews 11:1-6

   ¹ Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.

   ² For by this, the elders obtained approval.

   ³ By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.

   ⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks.

   ⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. For he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had been well pleasing to God.

   ⁶ Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   Hebrews introduces examples of trust before describing hardship and perseverance; faith does not mean avoiding every loss.

   Reflect

   • How do the examples in Hebrews help explain what trusting God means?

   Put it into practice

   Describe a faithful decision without promising easy results.

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2. 2. Trust beyond self-reliance - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Proverbs 3:5-6

   ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.

   ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   The proverb calls for acknowledging God in decisions; trust does not remove learning, counsel or responsibility.

   Reflect

   • How can you trust God without assuming you must work everything out alone?

   Put it into practice

   Seek reliable counsel about a decision you cannot see clearly.

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3. 3. Jesus in the storm - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   Mark 4:35-41

   ³⁵ On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.”

   ³⁶ Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him.

   ³⁷ A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.

   ³⁸ He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and asked him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”

   ³⁹ He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.

   ⁴⁰ He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”

   ⁴¹ They were greatly afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   The disciples face their fear and question Jesus’ identity; the account does not promise journeys without storms.

   Reflect

   • Which question remains after the sea becomes calm?

   Put it into practice

   Name a fear and seek companionship to face it responsibly.

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4. 4. Asking for wisdom - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   James 1:5

   ⁵ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   James addresses people facing trials; asking for wisdom concerns faithful living rather than controlling the future.

   Reflect

   • For which difficult decision might you ask God for wisdom?

   Put it into practice

   Frame a specific question and seek responsible counsel.

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5. 5. Faith that responds - Read lesson

   World English Bible

   James 2:14-18

   ¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him?

   ¹⁵ And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food,

   ¹⁶ and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?

   ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.

   ¹⁸ Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

   Read the full chapter

   Understanding the passage

   James challenges a claim of faith that leaves a needy brother or sister unaided; works make active trust visible.

   Reflect

   • Which concrete need tests the claim of faith?

   Put it into practice

   Respond to a material need with feasible agreed help.