In this weeks study Bro. Leo continues our study of the Biblical definition of faith by looking at the difference between making a decision based on circumstances and making a decision based on faith.

In Hebrews 11:1-3 the Greek word translated “substance” is “hupostasis” and it means a basis for a foundation.  The Greek word translated “evidence” is “elegchos” and it means an inward mental conviction concerning a specific truth.
So, the Hebrew writer is telling us that faith is the foundation of our life that allows us to believe every word in the Bible even though we did not physically see any of the events of the Bible.

In 2Cor.4:13-14, 16-18 we are told not to focus on our physical circumstances, but to focus on our spirit of faith(Holy Spirit).  Rom.4:19-22 gives an example of focusing on 1)God’s power, 2) God’s ability, 3) God’s faithfulness and 4) God’s promises concerning how He will handle the situation.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
Heb 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
2Co 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

1Co 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.