Hebrews: Confident Assurance

Hebrews 11:1-3

May 22, 2022

Sunday’s Scripture

1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 

 The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Heb 11:1–3.

Sermon Summary

Cross Referenced Verses

2 Corinthians 3:15-18 | Romans 1:20

Pastor’s Main Points

• Faith is an unveiling of our eyes allowing us to see what we, otherwise, cannot.
• All of creation is a visible acknowledgement of the connection between the spiritual and the physical
• A genuine faith transforms us, bringing actions which assure us of the sweetness of the gift of Christ 

Pastor’s Closing Questions

• Have you turned to the Lord so you can see what you cannot see?
• Are you blessed with the sweet assurance of faith in Christ?

Pointed Questions from the Sermon

Read Hebrews 11:3 and Romans 1:20.  How do we see God’s invisible qualities in creation?

• How do these qualities, and the things we see around us inform our faith?

Read Hebrews 11:1.  Pastor Adam talked about the paradox of having faith & confidence in what we hope for, and having conviction & assurance in what we can’t see, ultimately pointing toward the understanding that we can’t have faith before turning to Christ.  How have you personally wrestled with this paradox?

• How would you explain this to a non-believer when sharing the hope you have in Christ?
• How would you explain that it is God who gives us faith, and not us who work to achieve it?

Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18.  If we don’t believe that Jesus is enough, and try to add to His work and go back to works-based righteousness, how are we living as though the veil has not been removed, and why is this type of living hopeless?

• Why do you think the veil is only removed in Christ, and what do you think that means?
• How does our faith in Christ and in His work give us the assurance of the hope we have?

How should understanding Christ’s work for us and in us cause a change within us, and change our responses to every situation in life?

• Read James 2:14, 18, & 26.  If there’s no change within us, and if there is no fruit or action from our faith, is this a problem, and why?
• What are some areas of your life that you don’t see the fruit & action that reflect the faith you have in Christ, and why?
• What do you think the Spirit is telling you that needs to change?