Study Desk

Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

For our ancestors won God's approval by it.

By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God.

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

By faith, after Moses was born, he was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn't fear the king's edict.

For he considered the reproach because of the Messiah to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since his attention was on the reward.

By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king's anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees Him who is invisible.

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after being encircled by the Israelites for seven days.

And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,

since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.

keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God's throne.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won't grow weary and lose heart.

for the Lord disciplines the one He loves and punishes every son He receives.

Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?

For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but He does it for our benefit, so that we can share His holiness.

and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed instead.

And make sure that there isn't any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal.

For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn't find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it with tears.