Beyond the Visible

超越眼见

Hebrews 11:1-7

希伯来书（11：1-7，和合本）

1Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

【来11:1】信就是所望之事的实底，是未见之事的确据。

2This is what the ancients were commended for.

【来11:2】古人在这信上得了美好的证据。

3By 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.

【来11:3】我们因着信，就知道诸世界是藉　神的话造成的，这样，所看见的，并不是从显然之物造出来的。

4By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.

【来11:4】亚伯因着信，献祭与　神，比该隐所献的更美，因此便得了称义的见证，就是　神指他礼物作的见证。他虽然死了，却因这信，仍旧说话。

5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

【来11:5】以诺因着信，被接去，不至于见死，人也找不着他，因为　神已经把他接去了。只是他被接去以先，已经得了　神喜悦他的明证。

6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

【来11:6】人非有信，就不能得　神的喜悦；因为到　神面前来的人，必须信有　神，且信他赏赐那寻求他的人。

7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

【来11:7】挪亚因着信，既蒙　神指示他未见的事，动了敬畏的心，预备了一只方舟，使他全家得救。因此就定了那世代的罪，自己也承受了那从信而来的义。

Reflection

经文默想

Assurance of God’s Promises (11:1–3)

神应许的保证（11:1-3）

The author is addressing the believers who are tempted to turn away from God because of the intense persecution they are facing and encourages them to remain faithful to God who called them. 

作者是对那些因面临极大迫害而被引诱离弃上帝的信徒们讲话，并鼓励他们对呼召他们的上帝保持忠诚。

Faith is confident hope in what they do not see. This hope is more than mere optimism; it is rooted in God. Though the believers see injustice, suffering, and death on a daily basis, the author exhorts them to have faith and assurance in what they do not see, just as many of their ancestors did.

信念是对未见之物的确切希望。这种希望不仅仅只是一种乐观的态度，它是根植于上帝里面的。虽然信徒们每天都看到不公平、痛苦和死亡，但作者告诫他们，要像他们的许多祖先一样，对他们看不到的东西有信心和确信。

Even when we cannot see how God is working in our circumstances, we can trust in His promises. During our times of difficulty or persecution, let us firmly hold onto this assurance and hope.

即使我们看不见神如何在我们的环境中工作，我们仍然可以相信他的应许。在我们遇到困难或遭受迫害的时候，让我们坚定地把握这一确信和希望。

Q

What circumstances in your life have challenged your faith in God? How can you trust in God’s promises instead of focusing on the hardships and difficulties that you can see now?

你生活中的什么情况挑战了你对上帝的信心？你是如何相信上帝的应许，而不只是专注于你现在所能看到的艰难和困苦呢？

Faith in Action (11:4–7)

行动中的信（11:4-7）

Three men who demonstrated their faith in unique ways are described. Abel brought a better offering than his brother, Cain. Enoch walked with God until He took him to heaven alive. Noah obeyed God’s instructions to build an ark.

经文中描述了以三个独特方式展示他们信心的人。亚伯所献的供物比他兄弟该隐所献的更好。以诺与上帝同行，直到上帝把活着的他带到天上。挪亚听从上帝的指示建造方舟。

All three men expressed their faith through their radical obedience to God’s call and their steadfast commitment to do His will. Their deepest satisfaction was found in God. Rather than pursuing their own interests, they gave Him the best of their possessions, time, and strength. Because of their faith, they were able to please God.

这三个人都表达了他们的信心，他们完全顺服神的呼召，坚定地顺服神的旨意。他们最深切的满足来自于上帝。他们没有追求自己的利益，而是把他们最好的财产、时间和力量给了上帝。因着他们的信心，他们能讨神的喜悦。

Likewise, the only way that we can please God is by trusting Him and expressing our faith through obedience.

同样，我们能讨神喜悦的唯一方法，就是信靠他，并藉著顺服来表达我们的信心。

Q

How is the Lord calling you to deeper faith in Him? How can you express your faith through obedience today?

主怎样呼召你对祂有更深的信心？今天你如何藉著顺服来表达你的信心呢？