Faith, Hope, and Vision

Hebrews 11:1-3

Key Verse 11:1

1. 1. Read verse 1. What does "faith" (as used in the book of Hebrews) refer to? (1:1-3; 4:2,14; 6:1,12; 10:39)

2. Read verse 1 again. Consider the "hope" referred to in the book of Hebrews (3:6; 6:11; 6:16-20; 7:18-19; 10:15-23). What is this hope all about? In what respect is it difficult for anyone to be "sure of" this hope? Yet, why is it important for us (who believe in the Lord) to be "sure" of what we hope for? (2:1; 6:19; Acts 28:20; 1Co 15:19) 

3. Verse 1 says that it is "by faith" that we can be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Compare this statement with the discussions in Chapters 1-10, and EXPLAIN in your own words how faith works and produces such a result.

4. Read verse 2 and think about the expression "commended for".  What does "commend" mean? Why is it important for one to be "commended" (by God)? (11:4,5,39; Ecc 11:9; 12:14; 1Co 4:5) The ancients were commended for their "faith" (rather than other qualities). What does this indicate about the significance of "faith" (in the Lord)? 

5.  Read verse 3 and compare (1) the first part ("By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command") and (2) the second part ("so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible"). How are the two statements related to each other? (Think about the logical" connection between the two.) Can you think of any examples in real life, of anything in the visible realm coming out of the realm of the invisible? Why is it important to understand that the universe was formed "at God's command"? 

6. Verse 3 says that it is "by faith" that we can understand that the universe (and everything in it) was formed at God's command. Explain the way it (faith) produces the result (understanding).