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Sermon Outline

Growing in a Relationship With God

Having Faith

Lesson #8 for May 23, 2026 

Scriptures:Mark 8:11-12; Matthew 15:21-28; Luke 7:1-10; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11;Revelation 14:12.

  1. What is faith? What does faith have to do with a relationship with God? Was Mark Twain correct when he said: “Faith is believing what you know ain’t so”?

[From the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide=BSG:] Someone once said, “Faith is like WiFi. It’s invisible, but it has the power to connect you to what you need.” No doubt: without faith, there would be no relationship with God.—BSG* for Sabbath Afternoon, May 16.‡

  1. How does one measure their own faith? Or, someone else’s faith?

Ephesians 2:8-9: 8–9For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.—American Bible Society. (©1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation®* [GNT] (Today’s English Version) [TEV], Second Edition (Ephesians 2:8-9). Philadelphia: American Bible Society [abbreviated as Good News Bible-TEV* or GNB-TEV*].†‡ [SeeJeremiah 9:23-24.]‡

  1. What is the relationship between faith and doubt? Or, even unbelief? Do we have examples in the Bible of what real faith means? Here is a very good definition of faith.

[A. Graham Maxwell:] Faith is [just] a word we use to denote a relationship with God as with a Person well known. The better we know Him, the better this relationship may be. [We cannot say will be; think of the story of Lucifer.]

[See (1SM 346.3): https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p98.2000&index=0]‡

Faith implies an attitude toward God of love, trust, and deep admiration. It means having enough confidence in Him, based upon the more than adequate evidence revealed, to be willing to believe whatever He says [as soon as we are sure that He is the One who has said it], to accept whatever He offers [as soon as we are sure that He is the One who is offering it], and to do whatever He wishes [as soon as we are sure He is the One who wishes it]─without reservation─for the rest of eternity.

Anyone who has such faith is perfectly safe to save. This is why faith is the only requirement for heaven. [SeeActs 16:31.]

[Faith also means that like Abraham, Job, and Moses, God’s friends, we know God well enough to reverently ask Him, “Why?”]―A. Graham Maxwell, You Can Trust the Bible 81.†‡ [Sections in brackets are added based on frequent statements by Dr. Maxwell in his classes.]‡

[From the Adult Teachers Sabbath School Bible Study Guide=T-BSG:] The Definition of Faith (Heb. 11:1).Hebrews 11:1 is the only biblical text that defines what faith is (Heb. 11:1). For Paul, the author of Hebrews, faith is made of two components. The first component, “the substance of things hoped for” (Heb. 11:1), refers to the last event of human history, the “Advent,” or the coming of God’s kingdom at the end of time, which is also “the promise” that the “elders” of the Old Testament “did not receive” (Heb. 11:39, NKJV).—T-BSG* 107.†‡§

[T-BSG:] The second component of faith is “the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). This aspect refers to the first event in human history, the Creation of the world. Note that the word “seen,” blepomenon ofHebrews 11:1, points to the “seen,” blepomenon ofHebrews 11:3, which refers to the Creation of the world. In other words, the foundation of faith concerns two events that are fully under divine control: God’s Creation of the world and the Second Coming. Faith calls us to believe in the nonvisible process of Creation and to hope in the nonvisible, not-yet event of Christ’s second coming. Thus, the fundamental understanding of faith is based upon these two events: Creation and the hope of the Second Advent.—T-BSG* 107.†‡§

  1. Our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is based on things that we cannot see, or hear, or touch in person, i.e., our belief that God is the Creator of everything, and our belief that those three Beings will finally bring to completion the great controversy. People who develop a trusting relationship with Them based on all the evidence that They have provided will join Them in the everlasting kingdom that They will provide.

[T-BSG:] It is worth noting that this structural pattern [creation and the second advent] is attested to elsewhere in Scripture, as shown in the following examples. (1) The book of Genesis begins with Creation and ends with the perspective of the Promised Land (Gen. 50:24–26). (2) Likewise, the Pentateuch [sic] begins with Creation and ends with the same perspective of the Promised Land and the hope of the resurrection (Deut. 34:4–6). (3) The book of Isaiah begins with God’s call to the heavens and the earth to witness His grievance against His people and ends with the creation of new heavens and a new earth and with the prospect of redeemed humanity’s eternal worship of the Lord from Sabbath to Sabbath (Isa. 66:22, 23). (4) The book of Ecclesiastes begins with Creation (Eccles. 1:1–11) and ends with eschatological judgment (Eccles. 12:14). (5) The book of Daniel begins with the food test, which alludes to the dietary principles given at Creation (Dan. 1:12; compare withGen. 1:29) and ends with the Second Coming, the day of resurrection “at the end of the days” (Dan. 12:13). (6) The Gospel of John begins with Creation (John 1:1–10) and ends with the promise of the Second Coming (John 21:22, 23).—T-BSG* 107-108.†‡§

  1. Have you ever wished that you could have a special sign or indication of God’s will? Would you like to see the Red Sea part? Or, the manna given from heaven? Or, Jesus healing a blind man? In modern times, there have been some remarkable miracles that we can read about. However, we should not need all those things to be reenacted because we have at least 6000 years of history in the Bible to review.
  2. It is important to realize that very, very few of the Israelites even knew how to read! And if they did, it might have been the Egyptian hieroglyphic language. They had no Bible, no church to attend, no prophet except their human leader, Moses. Their records were in human memory, transmitted orally from generation to generation!
  3. It is not like we do not have any signs. Read Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Many signs are mentioned on which we can look back in recent times and look forward to in times which are coming. We have been warned of good and bad signs coming! Do you think we will recognize them when they happen?
  4. The scribes and Pharisees—and sometimes the Sadducees—were constantly monitoring Jesus, trying to find some way in which they could accuse Him of wrong. On more than one occasion, they asked Jesus to give them a sign.

Matthew 12:38-40: 38Then some teachers of the Law and some Pharisees spoke up. “Teacher,” they said, “we want to see you perform a miracle.”

39 “How evil and godless are the people of this day!” Jesus exclaimed. “You ask me for a miracle? No! The only miracle you will be given is the miracle of the prophet Jonah. 40In the same way that Jonah spent three days and nights in the big fish, so will the Son of Man spend three days and nights in the depths of the earth.”—GNB-TEV.*† [CompareLuke 11:29-32.]‡

[From the writings of Ellen G. White=EGW:] Now the Pharisees and Sadducees came to Christ, asking for a sign from heaven. When in the days of Joshua Israel went out to battle with the Canaanites at Bethhoron, the sun had stood still at the leader’s command until victory was gained; and many similar wonders had been manifest in their history. Some such sign was demanded of Jesus. But these signs were not what the Jews needed. No mere external evidence could benefit them. What they needed was not intellectual enlightenment, but spiritual renovation. [Did they knew that He could read their thoughts?]

[Events near Christ’s second coming were foretold inDaniel 9:24-27.]…. Christ’s own words, spoken with the power of the Holy Spirit that convicted them of sin, were the sign that God had given for their salvation. And signs direct from heaven had been given to attest the mission of Christ. The song of the angels to the shepherds, the star that guided the wise men, the dove and the voice from heaven at His baptism, were witnesses for Him.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages* 406.1-2.†‡

[https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.1968&index=0]‡

[EGW:] The priests, in putting Christ to death, had made themselves the tools of Satan. Now they were entirely in his power. They were entangled in a snare from which they saw no escape but in continuing their warfare against Christ. When they heard the report of His resurrection, they feared the wrath of the people. They felt that their own lives were in danger. The only hope for them was to prove Christ an impostor by denying that He had risen. They bribed the soldiers, and secured Pilate’s silence. They spread their lying reports far and near. But there were witnesses whom they could not silence. Many had heard of the soldiers’ testimony to Christ’s resurrection. And certain of the dead who came forth with Christ appeared to many, and declared that He had risen. Reports were brought to the priests of persons who had seen these risen ones, and heard their testimony. The priests and rulers were in continual dread, lest in walking the streets, or within the privacy of their own homes, they should come face to face with Christ. They felt that there was no safety for them…. Nevermore would the memory of that scene fade from their minds. Nevermore would peaceful sleep come to their pillows.

When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ’s tomb, saying, Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour [sic-British spelling] came forth from the grave by the life that was in Himself. Now was proved the truth of His words, “I lay down My life, that I might take it again. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.” Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to the priests and rulers, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”John 10:17, 18; 2:19.

Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, “I am the resurrection, and the life.” These words could be spoken only by the Deity. [That was proof of His authority!] All created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all are replenished from the Source of life.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages* 785.1-3.†‡

[https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.3865&index=0]‡

  1. Jonah felt that he was as good as dead for “three days” in the belly of the “big fish” (maybe a whale). Then, his life was “restored” by being vomited up on the shore. Jesus was dead for “three days” in the tomb at Golgotha. However, He arose in His own power and came forth from the grave, despite the efforts of 100 Roman soldiers and the entire force of Satan and his angels who were determined to keep Jesus in that tomb! Many witnesses saw Jesus in Jerusalem and in Galilee after that. No one could legitimately question His Deity!
  2. Do you think we need even more help with our faith? Don’t we have enough evidence? How would you describe your faith? Could you define what faith means?
  3. Notice a couple of passages in which Jesus talks about people’s faith.

Mark 4:40: [After calming the storm:] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you frightened? Do you still have no faith?”—Good News Bible-TEV.*‡

  1. Jesus described this Roman officer’s faith as remarkable! Why do you think that was?

Luke 7:1-10: 1When Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people, he went to Capernaum. 2A Roman officer there had a servant who was very dear to him; the man was sick and about to die. 3When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his servant. 4They [the Jewish religious leaders] came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, “This man really deserves your help. 5He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us.”

6So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, “Sir, don’t trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house, 7neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 8I, too, am a man placed under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; I order that one, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and I order my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”

9Jesus was surprised when he heard this; he turned around and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, I have never found faith like this, not even in Israel!”

10 The messengers went back to the officer’s house and found his servant well.—Good News Bible-TEV.*†‡

  1. On another occasion, a man brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples when Jesus was up on the mount of transfiguration. The disciples could not heal him. After coming down the mountain, Jesus healed the boy after his father begged for more faith.

Mark 9:24: The father at once cried out, “I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more!”—Good News Bible-TEV.* [Is that a good prayer for us?]‡

  1. Consider also the encounter of Jesus with the Canaanite woman as recorded in Matthew 15:21-28 as in Item #28 below.
  2. Let us remember that the great controversy is taking place right now. It is taking place in the minds of every person who tries to do what is right.
  3. As we have noted above and elsewhere, faith is based on evidence. God has provided more than enough evidence for us to have faith/belief/trust.

[EGW:] God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to our reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith.—Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ* 105.2.†‡ [God does not overwhelm us with evidence; we are to have a “live option” to not believe Him.]‡

[https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p108.424&index=0]‡

  1. Many Christians, especially pastors, talk about taking a “leap of faith.” God does not ask us to leap in the dark. That would be very dangerous!
  2. Jesus said that if we had faith even like a mustard seed, we would be fine. The main characteristic of a mustard seed is its phenomenal ability to grow! Is our faith like that?

Matthew 17:20: “It was because you do not have enough faith,” answered Jesus. “I assure you that if you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to there!’ and it will go. You could do anything!”—Good News Bible-TEV.*

  1. But isn’t faith a gift from God?

Romans 12:3: And because of God’s gracious gift to me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you should. Instead, be modest in your thinking, and judge yourself according to the amount of faith that God has given you.—Good News Bible-TEV.*†

  1. Each of us has the capacity to open our lives to the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit which will result in growing of faith. Could a person honestly claim that the reason s/he does not have much faith is because God has not given it to her/him? Faith is a response to our interaction with God or Scripture. So, if we do not have enough faith, we need more of that interaction with God and Scripture.

Faith is Not a Feeling

[EGW:] I have frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret prayer, altogether too much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith; the two are distinct. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is in our power to exercise.—Ellen G. White, Early Writings* 72.1.†‡

[https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p28.468&index=0]‡

[BSG:] Some people might feel as though they don’t have faith because they don’t feel close to God or are not what they should be as a Christian. But faith is about believing and trusting God, not only in the good times but in darkness or in a storm, or even when you can’t fully understand what is going on in your life. [Is there ever a time when God is not trustworthy?]

Feelings should never dominate our religious experience or our relationship with God. It’s precisely when we think we’re distant from God that we need to exercise our faith and call on Him (as did the [boy’s] father inMark 9:24).—BSG* for Tuesday, May 19.†‡

  1. Our faith is based largely on our understanding of what God has done, especially in the life of Christ on this earth.

Romans 3:23-26: 23Everyone has sinned and is far away from God’s saving presence. 24But by the free gift of God’s grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free. 25–26God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people’s sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus.—GNB-TEV.*†

  1. Paul said three times that the purpose of the life and death of Jesus was to demonstrate the righteousness of God. After those three times, he talked about putting us right!

The Bible Gives Examples of Faith

Hebrews 12:1-2: 1As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us [those mentioned in Hebrews 11]. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God’s throne.—Good News Bible-TEV.*†‡ [Don’t look back at your previous mistakes!]‡

  1. Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter. Think about the people who are mentioned there and what kind of faith they exhibited.

Hebrews 11:39-40: 39What a record all of these have won by their faith! Yet they did not receive what God had promised, 40because God had decided on an even better plan for us. His purpose was that only in company with us would they be made perfect.—Good News Bible-TEV.*†

  • [BSG:] Reread … [Hebrews 11:1]. What do you hope for today that you cannot yet see? (Think of immediate needs and eternal dreams.)
  • What role does faith play in your personal testimony and in your conversion?
  • Read verse 3 [of Hebrews 11] again, about God and Creation. Why, in many ways, should the existence of the Creator God be the easiest thing to accept on faith?—BSG* for Wednesday, May 20.‡
  1. James Tour, a nanochemist from Houston, has shown that evolution (abiogenesis or the development of life from inorganic materials) would be completely impossible without God! (https://youtube.com/shorts/E_UN_P07Evg?si=wo-h8mRDSwSK9U77)
  • [BSG:] Read verse 6 and write the message of this verse in your own words.
  • Verses 7–40 unpack the lives of various biblical personages. Why is faith the central factor that defines the strength of these people’s relationship with God?—BSG* for Wednesday, May 20.‡
  1. All through the Bible, Abram/Abraham is cited as a great example of faith. How did he develop that faith? What was it like? How did it impact his life?

[T-BSG:] The Faith of Abram. A Messianic vision of God inspires Abram with faith in his future. Having seen the stars in the sky as an illustration of the divine promise, Abram believed…. This use means that God “counted” (Ps. 106:31, ESV) Abram’s faith as having the same quality as righteousness.—T-BSG* 108.†‡§ [CompareJames 2:25!]‡

[T-BSG:] Human effort and works do not produce righteousness; instead, righteousness is a gift from God.Genesis 15:6 makes sense against the backdrop of the ancient Egyptian beliefs prevalent in Abram’s day…. In this system, divine righteousness was demanded of humans, and the possession, or lack thereof, was counted for or against them. By contrast, Abram’s righteousness is evaluated on the basis of the divine works for him. In the biblical perspective, “righteousness” (tsedaqah) is a specific divine quality (Isa. 45:24,Dan. 9:7), and, as such, righteousness can only be God’s gift to humanity (Deut. 6:25,Deut. 24:13,Isa. 45:24,Ps. 24:5). What makes Abram righteous is not the sum of his deeds but his willingness to rely on God’s deeds for him (Rom. 4:2–4).—T-BSG* 108.†‡§

Revelation 14:12: Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.—New King James Version.*§

[T-BSG:] The Faith of the Saints of the End…. In this verse, [Revelation 14:12] “the saints” are identified as “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (NKJV).—T-BSG* 108-109.‡§

  1. Knowing God and having a living, strong relationship with Him requires faith; but, it is also the way to grow our faith.
  2. If we trust God and give Him the time necessary by studying the Bible and praying, He will “grow” the faith that we need to have a saving relationship with Him.
  3. In prayer, we need to ask God to increase our faith. While we may exhibit faith at times, doubt can also exist. Do not give up on your faith; do not give up on God just because you have an episode of doubt. In your prayers, ask the Holy Spirit for more faith.

Faith Training

Matthew 15:21-28: 21Jesus left that place and went off to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. 22A Canaanite woman who lived in that region came to him. “Son of David!” she cried out. “Have mercy on me, sir! My daughter has a demon and is in a terrible condition.”

23But Jesus did not say a word to her. His disciples came to him and begged him, “Send her away! She is following us and making all this noise!”

24Then Jesus replied, “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel.”

25At this the woman came and fell at his feet. “Help me, sir!” she said.

26Jesus answered, “It isn’t right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.”

27 “That’s true, sir,” she answered, “but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their masters’ table.”

28So Jesus answered her, “You are a woman of great faith! What you want will be done for you.” And at that very moment her daughter was healed.—Good News Bible-TEV.*†

[T-BSG:] Principle 1: Pray and behave as if God has heard your prayer and has responded or will respond. [This is real trust!]

Principle 2: Stop worrying about the “status” of your faith or about your current situation. Just move forward, trusting in God.

Principle 3: Learn to walk with God and obey His commandments, even (especially) if this obedience creates troubles (loss of position, friends, etc.).—T-BSG* 109.‡

The Faith of Jesus

[BSG:] As this world comes to a close, part of the three angels’ messages describes God’s people keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Jesus. [Revelation 14:12, as above.]—BSG* for Thursday.‡

[BSG:] If you study how Seventh-day Adventists have understood justification by faith, you’ll see that in the 1890s [after the 1888 General Conference session], an understanding of the faith of Jesus and the three angels’ messages was greatly emphasized in the church. Up until then, the church had put a great deal of emphasis on the law, and it needed more of a gospel emphasis. Ellen G. White summarized it well…. [Then, Ellen G. White is quoted; that is expanded below.]—BSG* for Thursday, May 21.‡

[EGW:] The third angel’s message is the proclamation of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. The commandments of God have been proclaimed, but the faith of Jesus Christ has not been proclaimed by Seventh-day Adventists as of equal importance, the law and the gospel going hand in hand. I cannot find language to express this subject in its fullness.—Ellen G. White, Manuscript 24, 1888* (5LtMs Ms 24, 1888,* par. 42; 12MR*193.3); Selected Messages,* Book 3, 172.2.†‡ [https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p14055.3927048&index=0]‡

  1. The greatest examples of faith/trusting in God occurred in the garden of Gethsemane and on Calvary.

Matthew 26:36-46: 36Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee….

39He went a little farther on, threw himself face downwards on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.”

40Then he returned to the three disciples and found them asleep; and he said to Peter, “How is it that you three were not able to keep watch with me for even one hour? 41Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”…

44 Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45Then he returned to the disciples and said, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners. 46Get up, let us go. Look, here is the man who is betraying me!”—Good News Bible-TEV.*†

[EGW:] [At Calvary:] Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father’s acceptance heretofore given Him. He was acquainted with the character of His Father; He understood His justice, His mercy, and His great love. By faith He rested in Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in submission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss of His Father’s favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was victor.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages* 756.3.†‡ [Underlining of text is added for emphasis.]‡

[https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.3735&index=0]‡

  1. It was His trust/faith in what He knew to be the truth about His Father and His Father’s love and character that made it possible for Jesus to survive Calvary and to die in faith!
  2. Remember that having Jesus as the center of our lives is the best way to maintain that relationship with Him that is described as faith. Humbly ask God to increase your faith.

Hebrews 11:6: No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.—Good News Bible-TEV.*

  1. If, as we suggested above, faith is a result of a relationship with God, we would have to fulfill the requirements ofHebrews 11:6.
  2. Some have become discouraged because of some temptations they have fallen into.

[EGW:] [Working for the intemperate:] Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour [sic-British spelling]. By prayer, by the study of His word, by faith in His abiding presence, the weakest of human beings may live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold them by a hand that will never let go.—Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing* 182.1.‡ [https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p135.868&index=0]‡

[EGW:] In order to succeed in such a conflict they must come to the work in a different spirit. Their faith must be strengthened by fervent prayer and fasting, and humiliation of heart. They must be emptied of self, and be filled with the Spirit and power of God. Earnest, persevering supplication to God in faith—faith that leads to entire dependence upon God, and unreserved consecration to His work—can alone avail to bring men the Holy Spirit’s aid in the battle against principalities and powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and wicked spirits in high places.—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages* 431.2.‡ [https://egwwritings.org/read?panels=p130.2098&index=0]‡

[BSG:] What five main points are highlighted in the [Ellen G. White] quote immediately above when it comes to collaborating with the Holy Spirit against the enemy?

What role does faith play in the battle against evil?

How do you see this battle right now in your own life?

ReadHebrews 10:23. Why is it important to hold fast to our confession of faith?—BSG* for Friday, May 22.‡

Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.—Good News Bible-TEV.*

[BSG:] How often do you consider this truth that when you feel helpless, it’s an opportunity for you to rely more wholly upon Jesus?—BSG* for Friday, May 22.‡

[BSG:] Summary: God gives each person a measure of faith as a foundation for a relationship with Him. As the Author and Finisher of our faith, Jesus modeled the power of faith for us all. When our faith is small, when we come with weeping and supplication and have a surrendered heart, God will work miracles in our lives (seeJer. 31:2–4, 9, 11, 12). He will lead us in His straight ways so that we do not stumble any longer, and we will have peace. Jesus is the perfect example in all things, and having His faith will identify us as His people in the end times.—BSG* for Friday.†‡§

©2026, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH. Permission is hereby granted for any noncommercial use of these materials. Free distribution of all or of a portion of this material such as to a Bible study class is encouraged. *Electronic version. †Bold type is added. ‡Brackets and content in brackets are added. §Italic type is in the source. 

Last Modified: April 20, 2026                                                                                            Email: [email protected]