² Those who are part of Satan’s world also have some sort of hope, but they may doubt whether theirs will ever be realized. For example, millions of gamblers may hope to win a lottery, but they could hardly feel sure about that. Real faith, on the other hand, is “the assured expectation” of our Christian hope. (Heb. 11:1) You may wonder, though, how can your expectation become more sure? And what are the benefits of having a strong faith in what you hope for?

3. True Christian faith is based on what fact?

³ Faith is not a quality that sinful humans are born with; nor does it develop naturally. Christian faith is the result of God’s holy spirit working on a receptive heart. (Gal. 5:22) The Bible does not say that Jehovah has or needs faith. Because Jehovah is almighty and all-wise, nothing can stop him from fulfilling his purpose. Our heavenly Father is so certain about the fulfillment of his promised blessings that to him they are already a reality. Therefore, he says: “They have come to pass!” (Read Revelation 21:3-6.) Christian faith stems from the fact that Jehovah is “the faithful God,” who always does what he promises.​—Deut. 7:9.

LEARNING FROM ANCIENT EXAMPLES OF FAITH

4. What hope did faithful men and women of pre-Christian times cherish?

⁴ Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews lists the names of 16 men and women of faith. The inspired writer referred to them and many others who “received a favorable witness because of their faith.” (Heb. 11:39) All of them had an “assured expectation” that God would raise up the promised “offspring” to crush Satan’s rebellion and to fulfill Jehovah’s original purpose. (Gen. 3:15) Those faithful ones died before the promised “offspring,” Jesus Christ, opened the way to heavenly life. (Gal. 3:16) Nevertheless, thanks to Jehovah’s unfailing promises, they will be resurrected to perfect human life in an earthly paradise.​—Ps. 37:11; Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14.

7. What provisions has Jehovah kindly made for us to develop a strong faith, and what must we do with those provisions?

⁷ To keep our faith strong, Jehovah has kindly provided us with his complete Word, the Bible. To be “happy” and to “succeed,” we must regularly read God’s Word, daily if possible. (Ps. 1:1-3; read Acts 17:11.) Then, like pre-Christian worshippers of Jehovah, we need to keep meditating on God’s promises and be obedient to his requirements. Jehovah has also blessed us with an abundant supply of spiritual food provided through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) Thus, by cherishing what we learn from the spiritual provisions that Jehovah has made available, we will be like the ancient examples of faith who had an “assured expectation” of their Kingdom hope.