Without Faith it is Impossible to Know or Please God
Author: Stephen Weller
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 ESV)
This verse is found in a well-known chapter in Hebrews on faith. In chapter 11, we find the words “by faith” used 20 times. It is by faith that people understood, believed, did things, obeyed, received things, went places and kept things. Faith is the connection people have with God; to know him and how to have a relationship with him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him.” If you don’t know a person how would you know how or what to do to please that one? You would not know their likes or their expectations. The same it true with God. You must know him if you are going to please him, and the only way you are going to know God and to understand him is through faith.
To know someone, you must draw near to them as you cannot really get to know them without being with them. The disciples lived with Jesus for several years and got to know him somewhat, but that understanding exploded when the Holy Spirit came and gave them faith to understand. Without faith you are only a natural person and “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV).
In order to draw near to God, who you cannot see, you “must believe that he exists.” By faith people create all kinds of gods that they believe in and come to with request, sacrifice to and worship, but they are not God and any response from them may be a response from the powers of darkness. If by faith we believe that God does exist, based upon the authority of the Scriptures, we can draw near to him and he will reward us by having the Holy Spirit come and dwell within us as evidence that we are saved and that he is real.
Those who draw near to their “gods” are not rewarded with spiritual blessings of love, joy and peace and they do not experience the fruit of the Spirit in the midst of fiery trials. Through faith we come to know God and experience the kindness of his grace, and we learn how to please him. We enjoy the kindness of his grace, but do we return his favor to us by seeking to please him?
Father, without faith we know it is impossible to please you, but I wonder how important an aspect of our faith that really is. Have mercy on us, for I fear the focus of our faith is what we can receive from you and not what we can do to please you.
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Summary Theme
Faith that seeks God is essential for a relationship with Him and is rewarded by His presence and approval.
Summary Paragraph
Hebrews 11:6 declares that faith is the indispensable foundation of a life that pleases God. The verse teaches that approaching God requires believing two essential truths: first, that He exists, and second, that He actively rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Faith is not merely intellectual agreement but a confident trust that moves a person to pursue God with sincerity and devotion. Throughout Hebrews 11, the author illustrates how the faithful trusted God’s character and promises even when they could not see the outcome. This verse therefore establishes the principle that genuine faith recognizes God’s reality, trusts His goodness, and diligently pursues a relationship with Him.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers
1. Why is faith necessary to please God?
Answer:
Faith is necessary because it is the means by which humans relate to God. Since God is invisible and transcendent, a person cannot approach Him through physical sight or human effort alone. Faith expresses trust in God’s character, His promises, and His revealed word. Without faith, a person either doubts God’s existence or distrusts His goodness, which prevents genuine relationship with Him. Scripture consistently shows that God responds to those who trust Him; Abraham believed God’s promise, Noah obeyed God’s warning, and Moses trusted God’s deliverance. Faith honors God because it acknowledges His authority, truthfulness, and sovereignty.
2. What two beliefs does Hebrews 11:6 say are required for those who come to God?
Answer:
The verse identifies two foundational convictions: believing that God exists and believing that He rewards those who seek Him. The first belief affirms God’s reality and presence. Faith begins with the acknowledgment that God is real, personal, and worthy of worship. The second belief affirms God’s character, that He is good and responsive to those who pursue Him. God is not distant or indifferent; He graciously reveals Himself and blesses those who sincerely seek Him. Together, these two beliefs form the core of biblical faith: recognizing God’s existence and trusting His goodness.
3. What does it mean to “seek” God diligently?
Answer:
Seeking God diligently involves an intentional pursuit of Him through worship, prayer, obedience, and study of His word. It reflects a heart that desires to know God personally and to align one’s life with His will. Diligent seeking is not occasional or superficial; it involves persistence, humility, and devotion. Scripture encourages believers to seek God with their whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13) and to draw near to Him with confidence (James 4:8). This pursuit includes repentance, faith, and a continual desire to grow in understanding of God’s truth and character.
4. What does the “reward” from God refer to in this verse?
Answer:
The reward mentioned in Hebrews 11:6 primarily refers to the blessings that come from knowing and walking with God. While God may provide tangible blessings, the greatest reward is the relationship with Him, the assurance of His promises, and the hope of eternal life. Throughout Hebrews 11, the faithful looked forward to promises that were often spiritual and eternal rather than immediate earthly gain. Ultimately, the reward is God Himself—His presence, His approval, and the fulfillment of His redemptive promises.
5. How does Hebrews 11:6 connect to the examples of faith found in the rest of Hebrews 11?
Answer:
Hebrews 11:6 serves as a foundational statement that explains why the individuals in the chapter acted as they did. Abel offered a better sacrifice because he trusted God. Noah built the ark because he believed God’s warning. Abraham left his homeland because he trusted God’s promise. Each example demonstrates the principle that faith motivates obedience and perseverance. These individuals believed that God existed and that His promises were trustworthy, even when the fulfillment was not immediately visible. Their lives illustrate the reality that faith in God leads to action and steadfast trust in His purposes.
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