Recall, Endure, Have Faith
Hebrews 10:32-39
I. Vs 32-35 The author is returning to the similar theme of 6:9-12. There he was persuaded, here he is seeking to persuade them! 10:26-31 is strikingly similar to 6:1-8. A. "Recall the former days". Test your soil! Remember the times: being a follower of Jesus wasn't a popular thing. Remember Stephen? It could even be fatal! 1. He is reminding them of the brotherly love that they evidenced in sever trial, persecution, & affliction.
a. Vs 31-33 Real faith faces and endures affliction. Romans 5:3-5, II Cor 12:9-10, Phil 1:29, James 1:2, 3, 12
Recall Jesus' words in Matthew 5:10-12
Matthew 13:12 In the parable of the sower, the implication is that tribulation and persecution will arise, and not just on the stony ground. Trial and trouble grow up around the Word of God in this fallen world. It is inevitable! b. Vs 33b Real faith doesn't "play it safe" around other brethrens troubles & persecutions! (Raju in India trying to be a mediator for Prem with crooked & hateful people.)
Companions-#2844 koinonos Having in common, partnering with, being in union with!
c. Vs 34 Real faith has its anchor in the heavenlies. Remember 6:19-20? Therefore it holds onto earthly things very, very lightly! Take note of the word "JOYFULLY".
The faith of the Blood & Body of Jesus Christ counts its real possessions in the heavenlies, in eternity, not in this fallen world. Matthew 6:19-21
"A man who has no troubles, doubts, and fears, has no faith." Thomas Adam
II. Vs 35-39 The exhortation: persevere, endure—Remember, the justified live by faith, not by sight!
A. Vs 35 "Casting away your confidence" is a determined, willful act, forsaking the promised eternal reward, turning away from He Who has promised. This is not a temporary season of doubt in the midst of a trial. But beware, a little leaven can leaven the whole lump.
B. Vs 36 Doing the Will of God most often flies in the face of "conventional wisdom" and will not be received by "worldlings". Matthew 10:33-39
1. Real faith activates obedience and receives the promise!
C. Vs 37-38 Faith is built on the surety of the Promise
1. He will return very soon. II Peter 3 Carefully read the whole chapter.
2. The Justified live by faith in the Promise of an invisible God! His Word trumps everything!
There is no promise that everything will work out to please us on this fallen and decaying earth. Death is the only sure promise on this earth! (Genesis 2:17) The Promise the faithful count upon is a better and enduring possession for ourselves in heaven. Vs 34 See Hebrews 11:13-16
D. It's all about believing! Belief in our Covenant God and the surety of His Word is the very existence of the new creatures in Christ! To draw back, in the face of overwhelming revelation, is to draw back to perdition, become companions with Judas!(John 17:12) Remember John 6:29
1. Remember 10:23-25 Beloved, we are companions in this "faith thing"! Exhort one another to hold fast the confession, the Promise, the belief, and so much more as you see the day approaching! Pay attention to one another, particularly when trial is at the door!
Hebrews 10:32-39
I. Vs 32-35 The author is returning to the similar theme of 6:9-12. There he was persuaded, here he is seeking to persuade them! 10:26-31 is strikingly similar to 6:1-8. A. "Recall the former days". Test your soil! Remember the times: being a follower of Jesus wasn't a popular thing. Remember Stephen? It could even be fatal! 1. He is reminding them of the brotherly love that they evidenced in sever trial, persecution, & affliction.
a. Vs 31-33 Real faith faces and endures affliction. Romans 5:3-5, II Cor 12:9-10, Phil 1:29, James 1:2, 3, 12
Recall Jesus' words in Matthew 5:10-12
Matthew 13:12 In the parable of the sower, the implication is that tribulation and persecution will arise, and not just on the stony ground. Trial and trouble grow up around the Word of God in this fallen world. It is inevitable! b. Vs 33b Real faith doesn't "play it safe" around other brethrens troubles & persecutions! (Raju in India trying to be a mediator for Prem with crooked & hateful people.)
Companions-#2844 koinonos Having in common, partnering with, being in union with!
c. Vs 34 Real faith has its anchor in the heavenlies. Remember 6:19-20? Therefore it holds onto earthly things very, very lightly! Take note of the word "JOYFULLY".
The faith of the Blood & Body of Jesus Christ counts its real possessions in the heavenlies, in eternity, not in this fallen world. Matthew 6:19-21
"A man who has no troubles, doubts, and fears, has no faith." Thomas Adam
II. Vs 35-39 The exhortation: persevere, endure—Remember, the justified live by faith, not by sight!
A. Vs 35 "Casting away your confidence" is a determined, willful act, forsaking the promised eternal reward, turning away from He Who has promised. This is not a temporary season of doubt in the midst of a trial. But beware, a little leaven can leaven the whole lump.
B. Vs 36 Doing the Will of God most often flies in the face of "conventional wisdom" and will not be received by "worldlings". Matthew 10:33-39
1. Real faith activates obedience and receives the promise!
C. Vs 37-38 Faith is built on the surety of the Promise
1. He will return very soon. II Peter 3 Carefully read the whole chapter.
2. The Justified live by faith in the Promise of an invisible God! His Word trumps everything!
There is no promise that everything will work out to please us on this fallen and decaying earth. Death is the only sure promise on this earth! (Genesis 2:17) The Promise the faithful count upon is a better and enduring possession for ourselves in heaven. Vs 34 See Hebrews 11:13-16
D. It's all about believing! Belief in our Covenant God and the surety of His Word is the very existence of the new creatures in Christ! To draw back, in the face of overwhelming revelation, is to draw back to perdition, become companions with Judas!(John 17:12) Remember John 6:29
1. Remember 10:23-25 Beloved, we are companions in this "faith thing"! Exhort one another to hold fast the confession, the Promise, the belief, and so much more as you see the day approaching! Pay attention to one another, particularly when trial is at the door!