1 Nephi 11:4

4.  And the Spirit said unto me: ^aBelievest thou that thy father saw the ^btree of which he hath spoken?

            -the Spirit knows all things.  The Spirit knows Nephi’s heart and ultimately the answers to the questions he is asking before Nephi can even respond.  Why, then, this lineof questions? 

1.  so that Nephi can express/exercise his agency.  Even though God (and the Spirit) knows how we will respond in a situation –positively or negatively- that situation must play out so that we can own it.  God’s foreknowledge does not compel us to act a certain way.  Our actions are one hundred percent, ours.  We own them because we use our agency to make a choice.

2. as a teaching device both for Nephi and for those who are reading this account as third party participants.  What do we learn about the teaching and revealing process, about discovery of spiritual things, about acquisition of spiritual knowledge?  What does Nephi learn in the process of answering questions?

3.     as a model for us to follow when other’s are pursueing knowledge.  If this process is followed by a heavenly being, it is appropriate for us in a terrestrial world.  We can ascertain the amount of truth to unveal to others according as they are ready and receptive.

   “Believest thou…?”

-faith comes before the miracle.  We must show our acceptance of truths already known before we can receive more.  This is a safeguard of our agency.  We will not be given more than our state of obedience, maturity and acceptance allows.  In the "line upon line, precept upon precept" growth trajectory that we are all on, there is simply no skipping levels.  With each new truth, revelation or understanding comes a corresponding measure of responsibility to which we become accountable.  It would not be fair to us to give accountability beyond our current capacity or willingness.  We are the only force that limits our spiritual growth.  We often express a desire to have more of the personal revelations and insights available from God but the truth is we do not want the corresponding responsibility.  Nephi is willing and here expresses his permission in the form of faith:  Yes, I believe and yes, I am ready.