Un/belief – “Faith, Suffering, and Heroes”

DEEP SIX STUDY

April 6^th, 2025

 Un/belief – “Faith, Suffering, and Heroes” 

MESSAGE HIGHLIGHTS  (You can view the full message online at capecodchurch.com)

Opening:  The heroes of storybooks have a certain look: swagger, accolades, and applause. But what about when life looks different–when it hurts, or we struggle? What does a ‘hero of faith’ look like then? And how does a growing faith answer pain? This week we look at the unlikely heroes of Hebrews 11; they may just be the group you relate to most.

1. Faith in suffering sees a bigger picture.  (Hebrews 11:32-37)

• Hebrews is a mysterious book. We don’t know who wrote it (some think Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, or Priscilla–but we just call the author ‘The Pastor’). We also don’t know to whom it was written! One thing we do know: it was written to people who were suffering. Some guess it may have been a Roman house church, suffering religious persecution.
• In order to encourage them, ‘The Pastor’ lists great heroes of faith. But then in verse 35b the list takes a dark turn: while some heroes saw great victories in this lifetime, others suffered incredible pain. It doesn’t seem like the most encouraging note. Why include this?
• When we suffer, we often ask “Why God?!” Behind this question is another, more sensitive question: “Do I deserve this?” If you answer yes, then life seems hopeless: we’re doomed to live out our punishments. If you answer no, then we become bitter: angry at the unfairness of the world.
• Faith gives us a third way to respond to pain. Although the world seems dark and it’s hard to see a way out, faith relies on a bigger picture: the hope of eternity. Much like a pilot at night relying on navigation instruments, when we are blind from our pain, our trust in God’s picture leads the way.

2. Faith in suffering obeys. (Hebrews 11:38-39a)

• We’ve learned that faith comes in three stages: understanding, conviction, and trust. When it comes to suffering, our act of ‘trust’ is standing firm in obedience. In suffering, faith obeys. 
• Oftentimes we are tempted to take sinful shortcuts to alleviate our pain. This is our human ‘default.’ It might look like alcohol, drugs, a person we know isn’t good for us, or a conversation we know is wrong. We convince ourselves that we ‘deserve’ or ‘need’ it because of our pain. But sin never solves our pain; it can only offer temporary relief. 
• Alongside obedience, we’re called to another act of trust: speaking about God’s faithfulness–even in our suffering. One of the most significant public ‘declarations’ of faith is baptism. In certain areas of the world and times in history, baptism itself led to persecution.  
• In baptism, we declare that we’ve 1) grown in understanding, 2) developed a conviction that Jesus is Lord, and 3) taken a step of faith to trust in Him. If that’s you… our next baptism is Sunday, April 27!

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE

These passages may provide additional insights related to the subject of this week’s message. All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted.

Jeremiah 20:2; 2 Chronicles 24:20-22; 1 Kings 18:4; John 11:7-11; John 19:1-30; Isaiah 53:5; Acts 7:54-60

Video of the Week: The Crucifixion of Jesus. Artwork of the Week: “I Thirst” (painting, music, poem)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

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1. This week’s topic is heavy, but it also honors people who faithfully walk through suffering. Hebrews 11:38 says: “They were too good for this world…” Who in your life do you respect because of how they’ve endured suffering?

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2. Have you ever had a time in life where you asked, “Why God?” or “Do I deserve this?” Share if you are willing. How did you feel–hopeless, angry, encouraged? How did God respond? 

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3. ‘The Pastor’ in Hebrews reminds us that the big picture–eternity–offers clarity in our suffering. How do you receive comfort or clarity from the resurrection of Jesus? If you’re unsure, share your hesitations.

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4. Our human ‘default’ is to find pain relief–even if the temporary fix isn’t good for us. Where do you reflexively turn for relief? It could be a substance, person, activity, habit, or mindset.

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5. Looking back on your life, how would you testify to God’s faithfulness in suffering? Where do you or did you see Him at work? How did He meet you in your pain?

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6. On Sunday we heard Olessia’s baptism story. If you’ve been baptized, what was your story leading to that moment? If you haven’t, how would you describe your spiritual journey so far? 

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