SMALL GROUP GUIDE
One Thing: “The One Thing that Pleases God”
Scripture Focus: Hebrews 11
ICEBREAKER
What is something you had to trust someone else with recently (a decision, a trip, a project, etc.)?
OR
When you think about your relationship with God, do you naturally focus more on God loving you or God being pleased with you? Why?
INTRODUCTION
The Bible makes a clear statement about our aim as followers of Jesus: “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). Pleasing God does not come through perfection, religious activity, or personal achievement. Scripture says the one thing that pleases God is faith.
INTO THE WORD
1. Faith trusts God’s reality over visible circumstances
Read Hebrews 11:1–7, 2 Corinthians 5:7, and Romans 10:17. According to Hebrews 11:1–7, what does biblical faith look like? What makes it difficult for us to trust God when we cannot see what He is doing?
2. Faith trusts God with the future
Read Hebrews 11:8–22, Proverbs 3:5–6, and Genesis 15:6. What stands out to you about Abraham’s willingness to follow God without knowing the outcome? Where in life do people most struggle to trust God with the future?
3. Faith chooses God over compromise
Read Hebrews 11:23–31, Joshua 24:14-15, and James 2:17. What examples in this passage show people choosing faith instead of comfort or safety? What are some ways Christians today may be tempted to compromise their faith?
4. Faith endures whatever comes
Read Hebrews 11:32–40, James 1:2-4, and Romans 8:18, 28. What do these verses teach us about faith during suffering or hardship? Why is endurance an important part of faith?
EMBRACE AND EMBODY
Faith is trusting God so deeply that we obey Him, follow Him, and endure for Him—even when we cannot see the outcome.
Discuss the following:
Which aspect of faith from Hebrews 11 challenges you the most right now: trusting God with the future, choosing obedience, or enduring hardship? Why?
TAKE YOUR NEXT RIGHT STEP
(Prayerfully consider one of the following next steps)
• Seek God Daily: Set aside intentional time this week to read Hebrews 11 again and ask God to strengthen your faith.
• Serve Others: Faith expresses itself through action. Look for one opportunity this week to serve someone in a practical way as an expression of your trust in God.
• Make God Known: Faith naturally leads us to share what God has done. Ask God to give you an opportunity this week to tell someone about how He has been faithful in your life.
• Worship God: Faith deepens when we remember who God is. Spend time this week thanking God for His faithfulness in your life.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us with a love that never changes. Grow our faith so that we would trust You more deeply in every circumstance, even when we cannot see what You are doing. Help us to follow You with obedience, courage, and endurance this week. May our lives reflect a faith that truly pleases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
