July: Heroes of Faith
Hebrews 11, Great Lives — 4 Weekly Lessons
Week 1: What Is Faith?
The writer of Hebrews defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we cannot see. It was by faith that the ancients received God's approval. By faith we understand that the universe was created by God's command. Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone coming to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. This opening sets the stage for the great 'hall of faith' that follows, establishing that every hero's story began with trust in God.
Discussion Questions
- How would you explain faith to someone who has never heard of it?
- Why is faith described as both confidence and assurance?
- What role does faith play in your relationship with God?
Activity
Create a 'Faith Hall of Fame' wall display with each student nominating someone they know who models faith.
The definitive statement of what faith is
Week 2: Abraham: Father of Faith
Abraham's faith journey included leaving his homeland without knowing the destination, waiting decades for the promised son, and then facing the most extreme test — being asked to sacrifice Isaac. At each step, Abraham chose obedience over understanding. When told to offer Isaac, Abraham believed God could raise the dead if necessary. At the last moment, God provided a ram as a substitute, and Abraham named the place 'The Lord Will Provide.' His story teaches that faith grows through tested obedience, not comfortable circumstances.
Discussion Questions
- What aspect of Abraham's faith do you find most challenging or inspiring?
- How do you respond when God asks something that does not make sense?
- What does 'The Lord Will Provide' mean in your current situation?
Activity
Draw or list your own 'faith journey' milestones — moments where trusting God was difficult but rewarding.
By faith Abraham obeyed and went without knowing where
Week 3: Moses: Choosing God's People
Moses's parents hid him by faith when he was born, defying Pharaoh's edict. When grown, Moses made a stunning choice: he refused the privileges of being called Pharaoh's grandson, choosing to share the suffering of God's people rather than enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than Egypt's treasures. By faith he led the Israelites through the Red Sea. Moses teaches that faith sometimes means giving up what the world considers success to align with God's purposes.
Discussion Questions
- What did Moses give up by choosing to identify with the Israelites?
- When has your faith required you to give up something the world values?
- How does Moses's choice challenge our modern definition of success?
Activity
Debate: 'Moses was foolish to leave the palace' vs. 'Moses was wise.' Explore both sides, then discuss what motivated his choice.
Choosing to suffer with God's people over temporary pleasure
Week 4: David: A Heart After God
David's faith shone when as a young shepherd he faced the giant Goliath armed only with stones and trust in God. He declared that the battle belongs to the Lord. Yet David's life also included devastating failure — adultery, murder, and deception. Psalm 51, his prayer of repentance after his sin with Bathsheba, shows the other side of faith: honest brokenness before God. David is called a man after God's own heart not because he was perfect but because he always returned to God with genuine repentance.
Discussion Questions
- What gave David courage to face Goliath when trained soldiers were afraid?
- How does David's failure and repentance encourage you?
- What does it mean to be 'a person after God's own heart' despite mistakes?
Activity
Write your own Psalm 51 — a personal prayer of honest repentance and renewal. Share voluntarily.
Create in me a clean heart — the cry of genuine repentance