Learning to Walk

Growth Group Notes

Learning to Walk by Faith

Hebrews 11:1-6

Icebreaker

Describe a time when you had to trust someone or something even though you could not see the outcome. What made that trust difficult or easier?

Introduction

Florence Chadwick was swimming from Catalina Island to the California mainland when dense fog surrounded her. After fifteen hours in the water, exhausted and discouraged, she quit—only to discover she was less than half a mile from shore. Later she reflected, "If I could have seen the shore, I would have made it."

Life often feels like swimming through fog. Circumstances, suffering, disappointment, uncertainty, and fear can make us question whether we should keep going. Hebrews 11 reminds us that God's people are called to walk by faith and not by sight. Faith enables us to see beyond the fog and trust the God who is always faithful.

Read Together

Hebrews 11:1-6

Big Idea

Faith is confident trust in God's character and promises that leads to Word obedient living, regardless of circumstances or consequences.

Discuss

1. What Is Faith?

According to Hebrews 11:1, faith has two key characteristics:

• The assurance of things hoped for.
• The conviction of things not seen.

What stands out to you about this definition?

How is biblical hope different from the way our culture typically uses the word "hope"?

What promises of God are most encouraging to you right now?

Why is it important that faith is grounded in God's promises rather than our feelings or circumstances?

2. Why Does Faith Matter?

Read Hebrews 11:6.

What does this verse teach us about our relationship with God?

Why do you think people naturally tend to trust in their own goodness rather than God's grace?

How does the Gospel help us understand what it means to please God?

What is the difference between trying to earn God's approval and living in response to God's grace?

3. What Does Walking by Faith Look Like?

The sermon emphasized that real faith is more than agreeing with truth, it changes how we live.

Discuss the tightrope illustration. What is the difference between believing something intellectually and actually trusting it with your life?

Where are you most tempted to walk by sight rather than by faith?

How does faith affect:

• Decisions?
• Finances?
• Relationships?
• Anxiety and fear?
• Future plans?

What area of your life currently requires the greatest trust in God?

Digging Deeper

Read Hebrews 10:32-34.

What amazes you about the faith of these believers?

Why were they able to endure suffering with joy?

What does their example teach us about eternal perspective?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:7.

What does it practically mean to "walk by faith and not by sight" this week?

Application

Take a few moments to identify one area where the "fog" of life is making it difficult to trust God.

Ask yourself:  

• What truth about God do I need to believe?
• What promise from God's Word do I need to remember?
• What step of obedience is God calling me to take?
• How can I respond in faith rather than fear?

How can I consistently walk by faith?

Prayer Time

Spend time praying for one another.

Pray:

• For greater faith in God's character and promises.
• For strength to persevere through trials.
• For courage to obey God even when circumstances are difficult.
• For those struggling with fear, uncertainty, anxiety, or discouragement.
• For CBC to be a church that walks by faith and not by sight.
• For opportunities to share the hope of Christ with others.
• For a great, FAITH FILLED summer.

Memory Verse

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
— Hebrews 11:1....Also 11:6

Challenge This Week

Each day this week, identify one circumstance where you are tempted to walk by sight. Write down a promise from God's Word that speaks to that situation and choose one practical step of obedience that demonstrates trust in God.

Let's together learn to walk by faith and not by sight.