Walk by Faith Not by Sight

West Coast Chinese
Christian Conference 2016
“Walk by Faith Not by Sight”
Bible Study Leader’s Guide

1
Table of Content
Welcome Letter........................................................................................................................... 2
How to use this guide ............................................................................................................... 4
Top 10 List ............................................................................................................................... 5
Day 1 – Ephesians 2:1-10 “By grace you have been saved” ......................................... 6
Beginner Level Guide ........................................................................................................... 6
Passage Theme .................................................................................................................. 6
Key Questions..................................................................................................................... 6
Discussion Topics ............................................................................................................. 6
Advance Level Guide............................................................................................................ 7
Textual Analysis................................................................................................................. 7
Question Set........................................................................................................................ 8
Study Notes ......................................................................................................................... 9
Day 2 – Hebrews 11:1-16 “My righteous one shall live by faith” ................................ 12
Beginner Level Guide ......................................................................................................... 12
Passage Theme ................................................................................................................ 12
Key Questions................................................................................................................... 13
Discussion Topics ........................................................................................................... 13
Advance Level Guide.......................................................................................................... 14
Textual Analysis............................................................................................................... 14
Question Set...................................................................................................................... 16
Study Notes ....................................................................................................................... 19
Day 3 – 2 Corithians 4:16-5:10 “We Walk By Faith, Not By Sight” ............................. 22
Beginner Level Guide ......................................................................................................... 22
Passage Theme ................................................................................................................ 22
Key Questions................................................................................................................... 23
Discussion Topics ........................................................................................................... 23
Advance Level Guide.......................................................................................................... 24
Textual Analysis............................................................................................................... 24
Question Set...................................................................................................................... 25
Study Notes ....................................................................................................................... 26
Summary Table......................................................................................................................... 29

2
Welcome Letter
Dear Bible Study Leader,
Thank you for your willingness to serve as a Bible Study Leader (BSL) at the 2016 West
Coast Chinese Christian Conference. This year’s theme is “Walk by Faith, Not by Sight.”
As a BSL, you will help facilitate the group discussions around the Scriptures to help
each conferee reflect on this theme. The “faith as a journey” image that walk suggests
entails a starting point, a long walking phase, and a destination.
In Day 1, you and your group will read and discuss Ephesians 2:1-10. There are
common misconceptions regarding what faith is. One is that it is about believing in
something that isn’t true. Another is that faith is believing very strongly and sincerely but
it doesn’t matter what it is you believe just as long as one believes. As followers of
Jesus, we do not hold to those two misunderstandings of faith. Rather, faith is based on
reality. Ephesians 2:1-10 describes the reality of our dire situation (vv. 1-3) and the
reality of what God and Christ have done about it (vv. 4-10). This is the starting point of
our walk of faith.
In Day 2, you will lead an examination of Hebrews 11:1-16. How do people reveal in
their day-to-day life that they have faith? In the passage, several characters in the Old
Testament (Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah) are spotlighted in regards to how
they lived their very real lives with real faith. What were their circumstances? What was
the choices in front of them? As you ask those questions about the text, we will reflect
on how faith should affect our lives and our walk, in similar ways.
In Day 3, a study of 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 concludes the series of Bible studies. The
Apostle Paul faced a variety of challenges and difficulties. What sustained him? What
allowed him to write (5:6-9), “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing
that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord -- for we walk by
faith, not by sight -- we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from
the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore, we also have as our ambition,
whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him”? God doesn’t reveal everything
about the future to Paul. However, what was given to Paul in this passage is given to us
and we can take it to heart. God revealed to Paul some important aspects of what the
destination looked like. Enough so we too can be of good courage as we walk by faith
not by sight.
In His service,
Bible Study Materials Team
Erik Lui, elcidlui@gmail.com

3
Alein Chun, chunatw4caa@gmail.com
Rene Chun, rfchun@hotmail.com

4
How to use this guide
Ezra 7:10, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of
the LORD, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and
ordinances in Israel.”
As a BSL, the starting point is to set our heart to study the Scriptures. Before we can lead
others, we need to be the first student. Read and re-read the text for each Bible study several
times. Take advantage of online resources to read the text in a couple of different translations.
Understanding Scriptures begins with observing what is there and asking who, what, when,
where, why, and how questions of the verses. Proceed to interpreting the meaning of the key
ideas in the passage. Finally, identify a few application points. Applications call for changes
within us. It could be changes in behaviors but it could also be a change in attitude or in our
value system.
One valuable process in helping us to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible is to do a textual
analysis. This approach helps us see the relationship of the ideas in the passage. This guide
has a textual analysis of the Bible studies for each day. However, we strongly encourage you to
attempt to do one on your own.
From the textual analysis, you can develop questions for your group. With your questions
you help your group members to understand the passage and to facilitate sharing of personal
perspectives on what is being studied. In this guide there are sample question sets. Again, we
strongly encourage you to prepare your own. You will want to mark time points on the question
set so that you can cover the material in the allotted time. You will also want to mark certain
questions as ones you want to spend more time on as they dwell upon key verses in the
passages. We have also indicated the question types with O (observation), I (interpretation),
and A (application). We have included study notes to provide background material and
information about parts of the passages that may need some additional explanation.
Finally, use the techniques of group dynamics to direct the discussion and encourage
participation. A thorough question set will have more questions than will likely be used. It serves
as a roadmap to working through the key points of the text as you lead your group.
For bible study leaders with different level of skills, this guide has two different levels: the
Beginner Level for new bible study leaders who need guide in understanding the passage; the
Advance Level are for bible study leaders who have experience with studying the bible and want
to discover the passages himself/herself.
Beginner Level Guide
The beginner level guide is aim to provide an easy to understand guide for new bible study
leaders who is not familiar with summarizing the theme of the text. Although the guide gave

5
summary of the text, please read try to read and prepare the passage and try your best to
understand the advance level guide
Advance Level Guide
The advance level guide is aim to encourage bible study leaders to discover the theme of the
text and potential discussion topic for the passage themselves. If you have any trouble
understanding the idea in the advance level guide, please look at the beginner level guide.
Top 10 List
10. Pray for the Spirit to give you a humble heart and thoughtful mind as you prepare and lead.
9. Observe what is in the text by reading the text … carefully.
8. Thou shalt do a textual analysis of the passage. (Please see the textual analysis in Advance
Level Guide for reference)
7. Interpret the Biblical material in light of its context.
6. Read the Bible passage again.
5. Prepare questions for the group that need more than a “yes” or “no” answer.
4. Save the application until the group have good understanding of the theme of the passage.
3. Use the tools of group dynamics to keep the group on track.
2. Did we say you should read the Bible passage again yet?
1. Stick to the text and pray that the Spirit speaks to the group through the text.

6
Day 1 – Ephesians 2:1-10 “By grace you have been saved”
Icebreaking Question
1. The BSL can ask the group member how they became a Christian (ask before
studying)
Passage Theme
Please read Ephesians 2:1-10
The logic of the passage goes as follow:
1. Our situation before we are saved (vv. 1-3):
a. being dead in the trespasses and sins, (vv. 1)
b. following the prince of the power of the air (being slaves) (vv. 2)
2. Our situation after we are saved (vv. 4-7):
a. Raised and made alive with Christ (vv. 5-6)
b. Seated in heavenly place with Christ (being kings) (vv. 6)
3. What are we being saved by and why we are being saved (vv. 8-10):
a. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone (vv. 8-9)
b. We are saved because God created us for doing good works (vv. 10)
Key Questions
1. What is the reality of our situation in vv. 1-3?
2. What is the result of all of the above?
3. What did God do in vv. 4-7?
4. Why is vv. 8-10 significant?
5. What is the relationship of faith and works?
Discussion Topics
There are few topic the group can discuss:
1. The group can discuss what they have changed after becoming Christian
2. If there are extra time, the group can discuss what kind of “good works” God had
put into their heart to do to serve God

7
Advance Level Guide
Textual Analysis
1A (* the reality of where we were *) And you
1B were dead in the trespasses and sins
1C 2 in which you once walked,
1D following the course of this world,
2D following
1E the prince of the power of the air,
2E the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience –
2C 3 among whom we all once lived
1D in the passions of our flesh,
2D carrying out the desires of
1E the body
2E and the mind,
2B and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
2A (* the grace of God *) 4 But God,
1B being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
1C 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses,
2C made us alive together with Christ –
2B by grace you have been saved –
1C 6 and raised us up with him
2C and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
3B 7 so that in the coming ages he might show
1C the immeasurable riches of his grace
2C in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
3A (* summary of our new reality *)
1B 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith.
1C And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
2C 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
2B 10 For we are his workmanship,
1C created in Christ Jesus for good works,
2C which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
English Standard Version (ESV)

8
Question Set
1A What is the reality of our situation in vv. 1-3? (O)
1B In what way were we “dead?” (I)
1C What does “trespasses and sins” mean? (I)
1D What is “the course of this world?” (I)
2D What is “the prince of the power of the air?” (I)
3D What is “the spirit that is now at work?” (I)
4D What are some current examples of these? (A)
2C Why is does Paul go into such detail in v. 3 here? (I)
1D How many times does Paul mention “flesh?” (O)
2D What does flesh mean? (I)
2D How does body and mind differ? (I)
3D How are they similar? (I)
4D What forces are driving us away from God? Examples? (A)
External: the world and Satan/spiritual forces
Internal: our selfishness
2B What is the result of all of the above? (O)
1C What does the phrase “children of wrath” mean? (I)
2C Why is a clear understanding of vv. 1-3 essential? (I)
Our rebellion against God is total and thus, we need God to rescue us
3C How does the world try to explain why things are the way they are? (A)
A non-religious (atheist/agnostic) explanations are worldviews
Religious (Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc.) explanations are worldviews
A Christian explanation is a worldview
2A What did God do in vv. 4-7? (O)
1B What character traits of God are revealed by God’s actions? (O)
1C How is mercy defined? (I)
2C How is love defined? (I)
3C How is grace defined? (I)
4C How is kindness defined? (I)
5C What does “in the coming ages” mean? (I)
2B Where do we now stand because of Christ? (O)
1C What does “alive together with Christ” mean? (I)
2C What does “raised us up with him” mean? (I)
3C What does “seated us with him in the heavenly places” mean? (I)
4C How did Christ accomplish all this? (I)
3A Why is vv. 8-10 significant? (I)
1B How does the theme of “Walk by faith, not by sight” relate to this passage? (A)
1C Who is responsible for salvation? (O)
2C What does “faith” mean? (I)
2B What is the relationship of faith and works? (I)
1C What is your story of receiving the grace of God? (A)
2C How has your life changed? (A)

9
Study Notes
Context
Paul was the author (1:1, 3:1) writing from prison (3:1, 6:20). As such, it was likely
written AD 60-62 during his first Roman imprisonment described in Acts 28. He had a
close relationship to the church as seen in Acts 19-20. However, this letter doesn’t
make specific references to individuals in the church suggesting that this letter may
have been meant to be circulated to the broader community in the region. Ephesus was
a city on the west coast of modern day Turkey. It was a Roman provincial capital city of
Asia Minor. The most famous feature of the city was the Temple to the Goddess Diana
that was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Thus, the
Christians in the region were probably mostly Gentile coming out of pagan religious
backgrounds.
In chapters 1-3 Paul painted in sweeping terms the content of our faith. Paul ended this
section with a prayer (3:14-21) for his readers to comprehend and know these great
truths. Paul then proceeded to provide practical teachings in chapters 4-6.
Chapter 1 explains in grand and cosmic terms how God “has blessed us in Christ with
every spiritual blessing” (1:3). Chapter 2 follows up to describe the implications of this
relationship in Christ at an individual level (2:1-10) and in a corporate basis (2:11-22).
Content
I. Our dire state, vv. 1-3
a. Dead in sins
b. Living under directions other than God
II. The grace of God, vv. 4-7
a. The character of God revealed
b. What was accomplished in Christ
III. Summary, vv. 8-10
a. Not saved by good works
b. Saved to do good works
“dead in the trespasses and sins” (v. 1) is a description of our spiritual and moral
condition separated from God. Sin is described as “to miss the mark” and trespass has
a similar image of “to fall beside or to lapse.” While in this dead state, we were living by
following “the course of this world” (v. 2). World has three meanings: the physical world
(e.g. Matthew 13:35), the people of the world (e.g. John 3:16), the ways of the world
which are in opposition to God (e.g. James 1:27). Obviously, the third sense is meant
here. We were also following “the prince of the power of the air” and “the spirit that is

10
now at work.” These are references to Satan as a specific spiritual entity described here
and elsewhere (see John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11) in similar terms. While in the past we
followed, now, in Christ, we are opposed by these spiritual forces (see Ephesians 6:11-
12).
Verse 3 describes how the totality of our being is in rebellion against God in very
specific terms. Human beings have distinct aspects to our existence which are
translated in slightly different ways depending on the English translation (see table
below). There are few details to consider. NIV’s “cravings of flesh and following its
(flesh) desire” seems redundant. However, if one recognizes that flesh (sarx) has two
meanings in the Greek, it makes sense. One meaning of flesh is the physical nature
of human life which ESV translates as body. The other meaning of flesh is the
human nature that is opposed to God. This concept is explored in greater detail in
Romans 8 and Galatians 5-6 where Spirit (a life motivated by the Holy Spirit) and flesh
(a life motivated by the self) are described in opposition. One should note that desires
(thelema) is often translated as will (e.g. Matt. 6:10). Thus, both our body and mind
within us have desires that impact our will.
Greek Word NIV ESV NASB
Strong’s 1939
epithymia
cravings passions lusts
Strong’s 4561
sarx
flesh flesh flesh
Strong’s 2307
thelema
desires desires desires
Strong’s 4561
sarx
its (flesh) body flesh
Strong’s 1271
dianoia
thoughts mind mind
Thus, Paul is saying (if one were to paraphrase), we yield to the cravings (epithymia) of
the sinful nature (sarx) such that we follow the will (thelema) of our bodies (sarx) and
minds/thoughts/intellect (dianoia). Our rebellion is not only due to external forces (the
world and Satan/spiritual powers) but also within ourselves in our selfish nature
opposed and indifferent to God. The outcome of all this is that we are “children of wrath”
or “children headed for punishment” (CEB) or “subject to God’s anger” (NLT).
“love … mercy … grace … kindness …” (vv. 4-7) describe the incredible generosity of a
holy God toward us who are “dead in our trespasses” (as described in detail in vv. 1-3)
made possible through the work of Christ (“alive together with Christ” see Rom. 6:1-10).
What Christ has done has “raised us up with him” and “seated us with him in the

11
heavenly places.” Interestingly, these phrases are in the past tense. This is perhaps
best understand as how God has transferred us from belonging to the kingdoms of this
world into His kingdom. This is accomplished by Him and some aspects of this new
standing in the “heavenly realm” is powerfully described in Eph. 1:3-14 of which there
are aspects to be fully realized in the future (Eph. 1:13-14). For instance, the fulfillment
of our bodily resurrection awaits the future (1 Corinthians 15 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-10
(Day 3 Bible study). All of this gracious work of God results “in the coming ages he
might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ
Jesus.” The meaning of “in the coming ages” is disputed in that it could refer exclusively
to the future similar to Eph. 1:21 or perhaps is meant as now and forever. Regardless,
what is clear is that God’s work upon us reveals and proves His character of generosity,
grace, and kindness.
relationship of faith and works (vv. 8-10) can be explained as “good works cannot
produce salvation but are subsequent and resultant God-empowered fruits and
evidence of it” (MacArthur Study Bible, p. 1774), “the new life in fellowship with God
must be God’s creation and cannot be man’s work. But nevertheless the essential
quality of the new life is good works.” (Foulkes, Tyndale NT Commentaries 1956, p. 77),
or “salvation is not by works. If it were, then those who are saved would get the glory.
created … for good works. Salvation is not based on works, but the good works
Christians do are the result and consequence of God’s new creation work. (ESV Study
Bible note on Eph. 2:9-10).
Challenge
The beginning of faith is based on the reality of the amazing grace of God transforming
the reality of our dire situation. Walking by faith not by sight does not mean that faith is a
blind faith ignoring reality. Rather it recognizes the spiritual reality of our state and how
God’s grace changes everything. Have we trusted in Jesus?
Final version by ???
Rene Chun rfchun@hotmail.com

12
Day 2 – Hebrews 11:1-16 “My righteous one shall live by
faith”
1. The BSL can ask the group member if any of them are waiting for a promise from
someone else that is yet to be fulfill, ask them to share how the feeling was in the
time waiting
Passage Theme
Please read Hebrews 11:1-16
1. Contrasting what can be seen and what cannot be seen (vv. 1-12)
a. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not
seen. (vv. 1-2)
b. We believe the world, things that can be seen, is created by the word of
God, things that cannot be seen (vv. 3)
c. Abel offer a better offering to God, who is invisible to human eyes, and
even when he is dead, can no longer be seen now, his testament still
speaks to us (vv. 4)
d. Enoch believed God, who is invisible to human eyes exists, and believe
he will reward those who seek him, which cannot be seen in the
present. (vv. 5-6)
e. Noah built an ark because he believe the flood is coming. The flood was
yet to be seen when he built the ark. (vv. 7)
f. Abraham being called to a land he have not seen. (vv. 8)
g. Abraham wait for the city of God to come (yet to be seen) in the
promised land (vv. 9-10)
h. Sarah gain the ability to conceive a child even when she had past the
proper time of life because she believe in God (vv. 11-12)
2. Those who died in faith have not get what was promised in this lifetime, because
they did not settle with the things in this life (things can be seen), but the city of
God that is yet to come (vv.13-16)
Therefore a faithful person are those who don’t seek settle in things in this life, but
put their goal in the promise that God had yet to fulfill.

13
Key Questions
1. What is faith in vv. 1?
2. What is the common theme in the examples in vv. 3-12 (Not in advance level
guide)
3. Did any of the people in these stories get to see the fulfillment of what they were
promised?
4. If God promised you something you will never see in your lifetime, do you believe
God will fulfill his promise? Why or why not? What is the difficulties?
5. Do we put our hopes in things in this world or the world to come? Why or why
not? What are the challenges? What can we do to overcome?
Discussion Topics
1. If you are a stranger and exile to this world, what will be your attitude towards this
life?
2. What would you do to remind yourself that you are a stranger and exile to this
world?

14
Advance Level Guide
Textual Analysis
1. Now faith is
a. the assurance of things hoped for,
b. the conviction of things not seen.
c. 2 For by it the men of old gained approval.
2. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God,
a. so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.
3. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain,
a. through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous,
i. God testifying about his gifts,
b. and through faith,
i. though he is dead, he still speaks.
4. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up
a. so that he would not see death;
b. and he was not found because God took him up;
i. for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was
pleasing to God.
1. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him,
a. for he who comes to God must believe that He is
b. and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
5. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen,
a. in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household,
i. by which he condemned the world,
ii. and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to
faith.
6. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called,
a. obeyed by going out to a place
i. which he was to receive for an inheritance;
b. and he went out,
i. not knowing where he was going.
7. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise,
a. as in a foreign land,
i. dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob,
1. fellow heirs of the same promise;
b. 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations,
i. whose architect and builder is God.
8. 11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive,
a. even beyond the proper time of life,
i. since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
b. 12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at
that,
i. as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number,
ii. and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

15
9. 13 All these died in faith,
a. without receiving the promises,
i. but having seen them
ii. and having welcomed them from a distance,
b. and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
i. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are
seeking a country of their own.
1. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from
which they went out, they would have had opportunity to
return.
2. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly
one.
3. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God;
a. for He has prepared a city for them.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

16
Question Set
1. Hebrews 11:1-2
a. What is faith? (O)
b. What is the reward of “the men of old” who have faith? (O)
2. Hebrews 11:3
a. How was the world prepared? (O)
b. Is the word of God visible? (O)
c. Which one is more important? The visible world or the invisible word of
God that created the world? Why? (I)
d. Are our actions driven by the visible world or the invisible word of God?
Why? (A)
e. How can we put our trust in the word of God instead of the visible world?
(A)
3. Hebrews 11:4
a. Who offered a better offering? Cain or Abel? (O)
b. How does Abel obtain the testimony that he was righteous? (O)
c. How does God testify of Abel’s gifts/offerings? (O)
d. How and why did Abel die? (O, I)
e. What was the cost to Abel for offering a better sacrifice through faith? (I)
f. Put ourselves in Abel’s place, if we know that offering a better offering
through faith will obtain the testimony that we were righteous and result in
our death, would we still do it? Why or why not? (A)
g. How can we encourage ourselves to offer a better offering through faith
despite the cost of our life? (A)
4. Hebrews 11:5-6
a. What happened to Enoch? (O)
b. Why was Enoch taken up by God? (O)
c. How did Enoch please God? (O)
d. Why would the author addressed the reader by saying “he who comes to
God must believe that He is (exists)”? (I)
e. Why would some “Christian” not believe that God exists? (I)
i. If they don’t believe God exists, why would they become a
“Christian”?(I)
f. Why would some “Christian” not believe God is a rewarder of those who
seek Him?
i. If they don’t believe that, why would they become a “Christian”? (I)
g. How can we protect ourselves from being a “Christian” who doesn’t
believe God exists / a “Christian” who doesn’t believe God rewards those
who seek him? (A)
5. Hebrews 11:7
a. What did God warn Noah about? (O)
b. How did Noah respond to God’s warning? (O)
c. What motivated Noah to build an Ark? (O)
i. What is “reverence”? (I)
d. How did Noah condemn the world? (I)

17
e. How did Noah become an heir of the righteousness? (O)
f. What will happen if Noah had no reverence to God? (I)
i. Will Noah believe the flood is coming if he had no reverence to
God? (I)
g. What makes the difference for us between being condemned with the
world and became an heir of the righteousness? (I)
h. What can encourage us to have faith and reverence in God, and act in
accordance to our faith to prepare an ark for the salvation of our
household? (A)
6. Hebrews 11:8
a. Where did God call Abraham to? (O)
b. Did Abraham know where God called him to go to? (O)
c. Did Abraham go out as God commanded him? (O, I)
d. If Abraham were to refuse to go to the promise land, what could be his
reason? (I)
i. Why is it a problem to not know where the destination of the
journey is? (I)
ii. Is it safe for us to start a journey even if we don’t know where the
destination is? (I)
e. If Abraham were to refuse to go to the Promised Land because of safety,
which one does he think is more valuable: the place to receive his
inheritance or his own safety? (I)
i. What would be the reason for Abraham to take the risk and go on
this journey?
f. What is “the place to receive our inheritance” as a Christian? (A)
i. If the journey to “the place to receive our inheritance” may be filled
with unknown dangers, are we still willing to go? Why or why not?
(A)
ii. How can we encourage ourselves to take the risk and go on to this
journey? (A)
7. Hebrews 11:9-10
a. Did Abraham reach the Promised Land? (O)
b. Why did Abraham live in the Promised Land as an alien? (I)
c. What is the city that has foundations, is architected and built by God? (I)
d. Is the promise land or the city of God the inheritance God had promised
Abraham? Are they the same? Or are they different stages of the same
thing? Why or why not? (I)
e. If you are Abraham, will you settle with living in the Promised Land as a
local rather than waiting for the city of God? Why or why not? (A)
f. How can we overcome our tendency of choosing the option that we can
see rather than the option we can’t see now yet we know it is far better?
(A)
8. Hebrews 11:11-12
a. When did Sarah receive the ability to conceive? (O)

18
b. How did Sarah receive the ability to conceive? (O)
c. Who did Sarah considered to be faithful? (I)
d. What was the promise Sarah believed in? (O, I)
e. Did Sarah expect she would receive the ability to conceive? (I)
f. When God had promised something seemingly impossible, would you
hold on to the promise and believe God is faithful? Why or why not? (A)
g. What can we do to hold on to believing that God is faithful to his promise,
even when it seems to be impossible? (A)
9. Hebrews 11:11-16
a. Did any of the people in these stories get to see the fulfillment of what they
were promised? (O)
i. If God promised you something you will never see in your lifetime,
do you believe God will fulfill his promise? (A)
b. Who did they consider themselves to be on the earth? (O)
i. What does it mean to be “strangers and exiles?” Do they belong to
that place? (I)
ii. Why would they see themselves as not belonging to the earth?
Where do they believe they belong to? (O, I)
iii. What would be the behavior of those who believe they don’t belong
to this world? (A)
iv. Do we put our hopes in things in this world or the world to come?
Why or why not? What are the challenges? (A)
v. What can we do to overcome our short-sightedness and focus on
the world to come? (A)

19
Study Notes
Historical Context
The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews is unknown. Although it has traditionally been
attributed to the apostle Paul, it was unlikely as the writing style of the Epistle to the
Hebrews does not match Paul’s writing style present in his many other books. While
Paul tends to quote the Old Testament implicitly, the author of Epistle to the Hebrews
quotes the Old Testament very explicitly. The writing style of the Epistle to the Hebrews
strongly suggests that the writer is a Messianic Jewish Rabbi (a Jewish Rabbi who
believed Jesus is the Messiah) as certain parts of the text draw on Jewish traditions that
cannot be found in the Old Testament (i.e. the comparison between Jesus and
Melchizedek in chapter 7 that draws on one of the traditions that sees Melchizedek as a
messianic figure. Ref. Dead Sea Scrolls 11Q13).
The original readers of the Epistle to the Hebrews is likely to be Jewish Christians, as
the book references many understandings of the Old Testament that only exists in the
Talmud, the rabbinic commentary on the Old Testament.
The Epistle to the Hebrews was likely written before 70 A.D. (destruction of the Temple
by the Romans) as it mentioned that the temple and the priestly system will go away
because of Jesus’ sacrifice, meaning that the temple was still standing at the time the
author wrote the epistle. Thus, the Epistle to the Hebrews is most likely written around
64-65 A.D., right before the outbreak of the first Jewish war. At that time Jewish
Christian were under great persecution. For Jewish Christian in Judea, as Jewish
nationalism was growing strong, many Jews believed God was returning soon and
would send his Messiah to defeat the Romans, therefore all who did not support fighting
against the Romans would be isolated by the society. Therefore, Jewish Christians were
being isolated from their fellow brothers because they do not support the movement. As
for the Jewish Christian in diaspora, they were caught within the Roman-Christian
tension as well as the Jewish-Christian tension. They were persecuted as Christian and
being forced out of their Jewish community. Therefore, the main theme of the Epistle to
the Hebrews is to encourage them to stay faithful under persecution and warn those
who wants to give up Jesus as their Messiah.
Literary Context
Right before Hebrew 11, the author completed his argument of Jesus as beyond
anything in Old Testament at the first half of chapter 10. Then in 10:19, the author turns
to the implication and application of his argument from chapters 1 to 10, encouraging
the readers to hold unwaveringly to the hope they confessed, encourage each other,
and maintain fellowship despite suffering.

20
In 10:26ff, the author warned the readers not to give up laboring for God’s as there will
be eternal consequences. By the end of chapter 10 the author kick started his argument
on faith by quoting from Habakkuk 2:4, “But My righteous one shall live by faith; And if
he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” which strongly implied that 1) a
person is alive in the eyes of God depends on one’s faith; 2) a person who has faith will
not shrink back.
Content Summary
I. Faith defined, vv. 1-2
II. Faith exemplified, vv. 3-12
III. Faith recognized, vv. 13-16
The whole argument of faith begins with the author encouraging and warning his
readers to remain faithful to the Lord because he is faithful, at the second half of chapter
10. The beginning of chapter 11 continued from that by stating that faith is “the
assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1-2).
Then the author went through a list of examples showing what faith is by contrasting
things that can be seen and things that cannot be seen.
● The author started with the creation of the world, and made it clear that God
created the world by speaking it into existence. Since his words are not material;
therefore, they cannot be seen. But his word that can’t be seen created the
material world that can be seen, showing the power of God’s word (Heb 11:3).
● Although it is not clear in the Old Testament why God chosei Able’s offering over
Cain’s, Abel, though he no longer physically exists, his witness exists until today
(Heb 11:4).
● Enoch believed the invisible God exists and believed God will reward those who
seek him even before God rewarded him (Heb 11:5-6).
● Noah was warned about the flood that was coming in a hundred years. Even
though he did not see the flood, he built the ark ahead of time so that his family
could be saved (Heb 11:7).
● Abraham was called by God to go to a land he had never seen, yet he still
followed God. When he was physically in the Promised Land, he knew God had
i
Do not let the group become distracted over this uncertainty. However, you could briefly mention, “one way to
explain why God had regard for Abel and his offering, but not for Cain, is to posit that Abel’s offering, being of the
firstborn of his flock, is a more costly offering, expressing greater devotion […..] and Cain’s fundamentally bad
heart can be seen in his resentment toward his brother and in his uncooperative answers to God in the rest of the
passage. Several NT texts derive legitimate inferences from this narrative, namely, that Cain demonstrated an evil
heart by his evil deeds, while Abel demonstrated a pious heart by his righteous deeds (1 John 3:12); and that Abel
offered his sacrifice by faith and was commended as righteous for that reason (Heb. 11: 4)” (ESV Study Bible note
on Gen. 4:2-5).

21
not given the land to him yet (not until when Joshua lead the Israelites to enter
the land) but he had the first taste of the land. He knew that what he experienced
was not the complete fulfillment. He was waiting for the city of God that he did
not see but he knew was coming which the ultimate fulfillment is the renewal of
creation in the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 (Heb 11:8-10). .
● Although Sarah had obviously passed the age of conceiving a child, she held on
to the fact that God is faithful, therefore she gave birth to Isaac (Heb 11:11-12).
By contrasting the things that can be seen with the things that cannot, the author
showed us that what can be seen is not the whole picture of the truth for God’s promise
may find its fulfillment long after a person’s death. For example, Abraham’s
descendants claimed the Promised Land 440 years after Abraham’s death; thus,
Abraham never got to see God’s promise come true. Therefore, if a person is not driven
by God’s promise, which we may not see in this life, that person is shortsighted. In
chapter 11, after verse 16, the author goes on to show more examples of people who
were willing to put their lives at risk for the sake of God. The author ends his argument
in chapter 12 by encouraging the readers not to focus on the suffering and hardship
they are facing but rather they should look at the ultimate fulfillment through Jesus and
endure discipline (12:7-11) and strength each other (12:12ff).
Challenge
The journey of faith is based on “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen.” What we see with our eyes is not the complete picture of reality. God’s
Word and promises are unseen by physical eyes but are even more real and powerful
than anything we can perceive with our senses. The God-followers of old made the
choice to obey God even if the circumstances may have made it difficult. How has our
trust in God manifested itself in our lives?
Erik Lui elcidlui@gmail.com

22
Day 3 – 2 Corithians 4:16-5:10 “We Walk By Faith, Not By
Sight”
1. The BSL can ask the group member if there are anything so important to them
that they would die for that.
2. The BSL can ask the group member if they afraid of dying? Why or why not?
Passage Theme
1. Context before the passage:
a. The treasure(The life of Jesus) is in the earthen vessel (Our body) and
can only be reveal by breaking the vessel (Suffering and dying for the
Lord), but in the end of days, God will raise us from the dead(4:7-15)
2. Therefore we do not lose Heart (4:16-5:5)
a. Although our body decay every day, our character grows and mature
every day(vv. 16)
b. Because the suffering now is light compare to the glory in the coming age
(vv.17)
c. Because what we see now is temporary, what we do not see is eternal
(vv.18)
d. If our earthly tent (flesh) is dismantled, we would receive the heavenly
house (resurrected body) (vv. 1-4)
e. God is the one prepare us to receive the heavenly house, and give the
spirit as a pledge (that we will definitely receive it) (vv. 5)
3. Therefore being always of good courage (5:6-8)
a. We are of good courage (not afraid of suffering and dying), because we
know we are further away from God in our flesh than in our resurrected
body. (vv. 6, 8)
b. We walk by faith(looking forward to the heavenly house), not by
sight(make decision based on our earthly tent, i.e. avoiding suffering and
dying for the Lord)
4. Therefore we also have as our ambition (5:9-10)
a. Since we are no longer afraid of suffering and death we are able to serve
and please God freely. (vv.9)

23
b. Because God will judge us base on whether we live a life that pleases
him. (vv. 10)
In short: because we know we are going to be resurrected, we are free to live a life
to please God, without being afraid of dying or suffering.
Key Questions
1. What circumstances might cause Paul and his co-workers to lose hearts
(between vv.7-15)?
2. How does what he wrote in vv1-5 lead him to have this “good courage?”
3. What is the faith that Paul is walking in?
4. In 5:9-10, what is Paul’s singular ambition in life?
5. What are we each responsible for in our own life?
Discussion Topics
1. Ask them what did they learn and what would they like to challenge themselves
(can give out a card to ask them to write the challenge down) to live a life that
pleases God

24
Advance Level Guide
Textual Analysis
1A 16Therefore we do not lose heart,
1B but though our outer man is decaying,
2B yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
3B 17For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory
far beyond all comparison,
1C 18 while we look not at the things which are seen,
2C but at the things which are not seen;
3C for the things which are seen are temporal,
4C but the things which are not seen are eternal.
4B 1For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have
a building from God,
1C a house
1D not made with hands,
2D eternal in the heavens.
2C 2For indeed in this house we groan,
1D longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven,
2D 3inasmuch as we,
1E having put it on,
2E will not be found naked.
3C 4For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan,
1D being burdened,
2D because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed,
3D so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.
4C 5Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us
the Spirit as a pledge.
2A 6Therefore,
1B being always of good courage, and
2B knowing that
1C while we are at home in the body
2C we are absent from the Lord— 7for we walk by faith, not by sight—
3B 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather
1C to be absent from the body and
2C to be at home with the Lord.
3A 9Therefore we also have as our ambition,
1B whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him.
2B 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
1C so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body,
2C according to what he has done, whether
1D good or
2D bad.
New American Standard Bible (NASB)

25
Question Set
1A This passage is intensely personal and it reveals Paul inner drive and motivations. It
starts with Paul stating, “Therefore, we do not lose heart” in 4:1 and 16. What
circumstances might cause Paul and his co-workers to lose hearts?
1B What was happening to Paul and his fellow missionaries? (see 4:8-10)
2B What does “afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down” say about his
present life as a minister of the gospel?
3B Looking at vv16-18 closely, what two reasons does Paul give for “not losing
heart?”
1C What does it mean to have the inner man renewed day by day?
2C What is the “eternal weight of glory” that Paul is focusing on?
3C What are the things seen and things not seen?
4B In Chapter 5:1-5, Paul shares his eternal perspective with two illustrations,
how do they help Paul to look beyond his failing body and keep going?
1C What does the earthly tent versus a building from God illustrate?
2C What is the significance of “to be clothed” and ‘not be found naked?”
3C What is the purpose of his present “mortal” struggles in life?
1D What does “mortal” refer to? (see 4:11)
2D What does it mean to be “swallowed up by life?”
3D What life is Paul referring to?
4C What convinces Paul that his hope will come to pass?
1D What does he believe is the purpose of God for him?
2D How does having the Holy Spirit working in him keep him
going?
2A In 5:6-8, we come to another section where Paul begins with “Therefore.” How does
what he wrote in vv1-5 lead him to have this “good courage?”
1B How does having the assurance of walking in God’s purpose help Paul to
have “good courage despite his trying circumstances?
2B How does having this bold confidence in God lead him to further “walk by
faith, not by sight?
1C What is the faith that Paul is walking in? (see Heb 11:1)
2C What might be your present situation that requires you to live by faith?
3A In 5:9-10, what is Paul’s singular ambition in life?
1B The word “Pleasing” is translated as “acceptable or well-pleasing” in Rom
12:1-2, Phil 4:18, Col 3:20, Tit 2:9. What does this say about the fuller
meaning of Paul’s aim in life?
1C According to Rom 12:1-2, what is the context in the action of pleasing
God?
2C What does it take for us to live our life with this aim of “pleasing to
Him?”
2B Paul reminds the Corinthians about the judgment seat (i.e., bema) of Christ
by using a word that describes the judgment area in their city. What are they
each responsible for in their lives?
1C What will happen to the their works as believers? (see 1 Cor 3:14-15)
2C In the same way, what are we each responsible for in our own life?

26
Study Notes
Context of the book
The church at Corinth was found by Paul with the support of a Jewish couple named,
Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2). Paul and his apostolic team taught the church for 18
months (Acts 18:11), after which he returned to Jerusalem, thus concluding his second
missionary journey (Acts 18:22).
Written by Apostle Paul around A.D. 55-56, the two Corinthian epistles reveal the
ongoing painful and sorrowful relationship between a loving spiritual father and his
wayward children. Many church members had reverted to their pre-Christian lifestyle
that was characterized by the City’s infamous immoral and idolatrous living (1 Cor 5-10).
Moreover, the church had become factious in touting various leaders to the point of
even rejecting Paul’s apostolic authority (1 Cor 3-4). As a result, Paul wrote at least four
letters pleading for their correction and repentance with 2 Corinthians being the fourth (1
Cor 5:9; 2 Cor 2:4). As often true in life, the most difficult child, friend, or co-worker is
most demanding of our energy, emotion, time, mind, and heart. The good news for Paul
was that at the writing of this epistle, Paul had just received word from Titus that the
majority of the believers had repented and changed their attitude toward Paul (2 Cor
7:6-9).
Context of the passage
The passage is part of a larger section that runs from 2:14-7:4, where Paul describes
the various facets of being a minister of God. It starts with his calling to be an aroma for
Christ to those who are being saved and to those who are perishing (2:15). By Chapter
4, he shares the many spiritual battles and physical struggles that he has experienced
as a minister of the gospel. He calls the experience as treasure (gospel) in jars of clay
(in their bodies).
Content Summary
I. Do not lose heart, 4:16-5:5
II. Be of good courage, 5:6-8
III. Be pleasing to Him, 5:9-10
4:16-18, we do not lost heart - Paul does not lose heart or surrender despite his many
physical beatings and struggles that must have taken its toll on him physically. As a
result, his body is wasting away, probably much faster than the normal aging process.
However, he does not lose heart because he sees daily renewal in his inner man
occurring and he sees the glorious eternity that awaits him.

27
5:1-2, earthly tent, building from God - Paul further describes the glorious eternity by
drawing on two metaphors. First, he compares his current decaying body as a tent, a
temporary shelter that will be taken down with a permanent, eternal body made from
God. He looks forward to it because it will be perfect as all of God’s works are.
5:3-4, be clothed, found naked - Paul also uses a second metaphor (see 5:1-2 above) of
being clothed versus being found naked. Specifically, he sees his current mortal body
being clothed further with the life of Christ (see 4:11). To be clothed is an important truth
because pagans believe that physical matter such as the body is evil and that the spirit
or immaterial is good. Therefore, they live with bodily indulgence and without a care for
the physical body. In contrast, the Christian believer is called to display Christ through
our physical body in our life and conduct.
5:5, purpose, pledge - Paul lives with the full conviction that God purposed all things in
his life, including the trials and tribulations that he has suffered. Furthermore, he has
received the Holy Spirit who is a pledge, or a down-payment, that guarantees the future
and full delivery of his eternal hope in God.
5:6-8, good courage, faith - Knowing God’s purpose and having the Holy Spirit as a
pledge lead Paul to always live with good courage or bold confidence. He lives by faith
and not by sight, which is the theme of this year’s conference. Faith is defined in Heb
11:1 as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Having
both assurance and conviction in God’s promises are the ingredients of a purposeful
life. Our life experiences, in both good times and struggles, should point us to deeper
assurance and conviction in God’s promises.
5:9, pleasing God - Paul shares his singular aim in life. In Paul’s mind, pleasing God is
an act of worship as described in Rom 12:1-2, where Paul asks the Roman brethren to
present themselves as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable (pleasing) to God. He
goes to write that it involves the transforming or renewing of our mind. The best
example is Paul’s life where he went from the violent persecutor of the Church (1 Tim
1:13) to arguably the greatest apostle for Christ.
5:10, judgement seat of Christ – Paul reminds the Corinthians by calling on a familiar
place in their city where it has its own judgement seat. Specifically, they are reminded
that each person is responsible for his works as a believer in receiving rewards and
praise from God (see 1 Cor 3:14-15).
Challenge

28
The continuation of faith amidst difficulties is possible through an understanding of what
awaits at the conclusion of faith. Faith without works is dead. And an active living faith in
the present is sustained with an appreciation of what lays in the eternal that cannot be
seen with physical eyes. Our assurance of this comes through the completed work of
Christ and the continuing work of the Spirit. Will we trust the Lord in facing the
challenges before us in light of what God promises us in the future?
Alein Chun chunatw4caa@gmail.com

29
Summary Table
Date December 30 December 31 January 1
Text Ephesians 2:1-10 Hebrews 11:1-16 2 Corinthians 4:16-
5:10
Context Paul explaining the
cosmic scope of
God’s plan in
particular with
Gentiles in mind
Teachings and
encouragements
toward faithful
perseverance for a
community with
Jewish background
Paul sharing the
motivations and
priorities of his
calling to make
Christ known to
others
Content God’s grace, Christ’s
work, our new life
Examples of faith
from the Old
Testament
Future hope while
living in the “already
but not yet”
Challenge The beginning of
faith is based on the
reality of the
amazing grace of
God transforming
the realty of our dire
situation. Faith is not
blind faith ignoring
reality. Have we
trusted in Jesus?
The walk of faith is
moment by moment
decisions of
obedience to God in
our life. The
circumstances we
see may be unclear.
Yet, has our trust in
God resulted in a
changed life?
The assurance of
faith is that there is
something in the
future that is more
than what we can
see now. Will we
trust the Lord in
facing difficulties in
light of what God
promises us in the
future?

Walk by Faith Not by Sight

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (18)

Similar to Walk by Faith Not by Sight

Similar to Walk by Faith Not by Sight (20)

More from Jim Hsia

More from Jim Hsia (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Walk by Faith Not by Sight