Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. —Hebrews 11:1 (NCV)

Faith is giving God my best.

Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead! —James 2:26 (CEV)

Do your best to improve your faith. You can do this by adding goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, devotion to God, concern for others, and love. If you keep growing in this way, it will show that what you know about our Lord Jesus Christ has made your lives useful and meaningful. —2 Peter 1:5-8 (CEV)

In a race everyone runs, but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. An athlete goes to all this trouble just to win a blue ribbon or a silver cup, but we do it for a heavenly reward that never disappears. So I run straight to the goal with purpose in every step. I fight to win. I’m not just shadow-boxing or playing around. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. Otherwise…I myself might be declared unfit and ordered to stand aside. —1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (TLB)

1. I must intend to win.

Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses. —1 Timothy 6:12 (GNT)

2. I must discipline myself.

Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. —2 Timothy 2:5 (NASB)

To win the contest you must deny yourselves many things that would keep you from doing your best. Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. —1 Corinthians 9:25 & 27 (TLB)

3. I must stay focused on my reward.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. —Hebrews 12:2 (MSG)

Discussion Questions

1. What does giving God your best mean to you?

2. What are some of your biggest distractions in giving God your best?

3. Why is self-discipline so important to faith?

4. What can you do this week to ensure running God’s race for you is top priority?

5. What are some of the things you’d like God to reward you for when you get to heaven?