Embracing Faith: Becoming Kingdom Heroes in Today's World

 

Summary

In our Bible study today, we delve into the concept of "Kingdom Heroes" as illustrated in Hebrews 11. This chapter is a powerful testament to the faith of our spiritual ancestors, who, despite facing immense challenges, chose to trust in God. The passage begins with a profound definition of faith: "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This faith was the foundation upon which the heroes of old gained approval from God. In our current times, marked by a global pandemic, racial tensions, and social upheaval, the message of Hebrews is more relevant than ever. It calls us to persevere and not give up, to keep moving forward by faith.

The examples of Abel, Noah, Moses, and Rahab serve as reminders that faith is not passive but requires action. Noah, for instance, had to make a decision to obey God's word, even when it seemed irrational to the world around him. This decision-making process is something we all face. Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it means going against the prevailing culture? Too often, Christians are hesitant to identify themselves as such outside of their comfortable environments. However, God promises to reward those who boldly declare their allegiance to Him, those who choose to be Kingdom Heroes.

Being a Kingdom Hero means saying no to the culture and yes to following Jesus Christ. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's word over societal norms. This is not an easy path, but it is a rewarding one. As we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we find the strength and courage to persevere. Let us be inspired by the cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and strive to live lives that reflect our faith in God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Faith as Assurance and Conviction: Faith is described as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This means trusting in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. Faith requires us to look beyond our current circumstances and hold onto the hope that God is working for our good. [00:10]

2. Action-Oriented Faith: The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 demonstrate that true faith is not passive but requires action. Noah, for example, acted on God's command to build an ark despite the ridicule he faced. Our faith should compel us to act in obedience to God's word, even when it contradicts societal norms. [00:57]

3. Cultural Resistance: Being a Kingdom Hero involves resisting the pressure to conform to cultural norms that contradict God's word. It requires a willingness to stand firm in our faith and be identified as followers of Christ, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. [01:11]

4. God's Reward for Faithfulness: God promises to reward those who faithfully follow Him. This reward is not always immediate or visible, but it is assured. Our faithfulness in the face of adversity is a testament to our trust in God's promises. [01:28]

5. Looking to Jesus: As we strive to be Kingdom Heroes, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is our ultimate example and source of strength. By looking to Him, we find the courage to persevere in our faith journey. [00:40]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Kingdom Heroes
- [00:24] - Relevance of Faith Today
- [00:40] - Examples of Faith in Action
- [00:57] - Decision to Obey God
- [01:11] - Identifying as a Christian
- [01:28] - Challenge to Become a Kingdom Hero

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Kingdom Heroes

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 11:1-2 - "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval."
2. Hebrews 11:29-30 - "By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 11:1-2 tell us about the nature of faith? How is faith described in these verses?
2. According to the sermon, what challenges did the heroes of faith face, and how did they respond? [00:24]
3. How did Noah's decision to build the ark demonstrate action-oriented faith, as mentioned in the sermon? [00:57]
4. What examples from Hebrews 11 illustrate the concept of cultural resistance as discussed in the sermon? [01:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1-2 challenge or affirm your current understanding of faith?
2. In what ways do the actions of Abel, Noah, Moses, and Rahab serve as examples for modern believers facing societal pressures? [00:40]
3. What does it mean to be a "Kingdom Hero" in today's world, according to the sermon? How does this concept relate to the examples given in Hebrews 11? [01:28]
4. How can looking to Jesus as the "author and finisher of our faith" provide strength and courage in our faith journey? [00:40]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you had to choose between following societal norms and standing firm in your faith. How did you respond, and what would you do differently now? [01:11]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel called to take action in faith, similar to Noah's decision to build the ark. What steps can you take this week to act on that calling? [00:57]
3. Consider the cultural pressures you face that challenge your faith. How can you resist these pressures and remain true to your beliefs? [01:11]
4. Think of a time when you felt hesitant to identify as a Christian outside of a church setting. What practical steps can you take to boldly declare your faith in everyday situations? [01:11]
5. How can you keep your focus on Jesus amidst distractions and challenges? Identify one specific distraction and plan a strategy to minimize its impact on your spiritual life this week. [00:40]
6. What does it mean for you personally to be a "Kingdom Hero"? How can you embody this role in your community or workplace? [01:28]
7. Reflect on the promise of God's reward for faithfulness. How does this assurance motivate you to persevere in your faith journey, especially during difficult times? [01:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Faith as Assurance and Conviction
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. It requires us to trust in God's promises even when they are not immediately visible. In a world filled with uncertainty, faith calls us to look beyond our current circumstances and hold onto the hope that God is working for our good. This assurance and conviction are not based on what we can see or touch but on the steadfast promises of God. As we navigate through life's challenges, we are reminded that faith is the foundation upon which we build our relationship with God. [00:10]

Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV): "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to trust in right now? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness today?


Day 2: Action-Oriented Faith
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 demonstrate that true faith is not passive but requires action. Noah, for example, acted on God's command to build an ark despite the ridicule he faced. Our faith should compel us to act in obedience to God's word, even when it contradicts societal norms. This action-oriented faith is a testament to our trust in God's plan and His ability to guide us through life's storms. By taking steps of faith, we align ourselves with God's purposes and experience His transformative power in our lives. [00:57]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way?


Day 3: Cultural Resistance
Being a Kingdom Hero involves resisting the pressure to conform to cultural norms that contradict God's word. It requires a willingness to stand firm in our faith and be identified as followers of Christ, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular. This cultural resistance is not about rejecting the world but about choosing to prioritize God's truth over societal expectations. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we are called to be a light in the darkness, reflecting the values of God's kingdom in all that we do. [01:11]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel the most pressure to conform to societal norms? How can you stand firm in your faith in this area?


Day 4: God's Reward for Faithfulness
God promises to reward those who faithfully follow Him. This reward is not always immediate or visible, but it is assured. Our faithfulness in the face of adversity is a testament to our trust in God's promises. As we persevere in our faith journey, we are reminded that God's rewards are not measured by worldly standards but by His eternal purposes. By remaining steadfast in our commitment to Him, we experience the joy and peace that come from knowing we are living in alignment with His will. [01:28]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What is one area where you have been faithful but have not yet seen the reward? How can you continue to trust in God's timing?


Day 5: Looking to Jesus
As we strive to be Kingdom Heroes, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. He is our ultimate example and source of strength. By looking to Him, we find the courage to persevere in our faith journey. Jesus' life and teachings provide us with a model for how to live out our faith in a world that often opposes it. As we focus on Him, we are empowered to overcome obstacles and remain faithful to our calling as His followers. [00:40]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one distraction that keeps you from focusing on Jesus? How can you remove this distraction to better fix your eyes on Him?

Quotes


Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen for by it the men of all gained approval since we are surrounded by this cloud of witnesses. Welcome everybody to our Bible study, Kingdom Heroes. We're going to be looking at some of the great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 and we want to challenge you to become a Kingdom Hero. [00:02:00]

And you know times have been tough, the virus and racial tensions and social upheaval. The author of Hebrew says you don't give up and the way you keep moving is by faith. By faith Abel, by faith Noah, by faith Moses, by faith Rahab. 29 says by faith they passed through the Red Sea, the walls of Jericho fell down. [00:29:00]

We are to be looking unto Jesus, author and finisher of our faith. Noah had to make a decision like you and I have to make a decision. Are we going to believe enough to obey God's word or are we going to settle for the culture that has rejected it? Far too many Christians are unwilling to be identified as a Christian outside of their convenient Christian environment. [00:55:00]

God is going to reward those believers, Kingdom Heroes, who decide that they don't mind being identified with Him, saying no to the culture and saying I choose to follow Jesus Christ. I want to challenge you to become a Kingdom Hero. [01:21:00]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Sep 07, 2021. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?