Perseverance By Remembering and Responding

The importance of perseverance.

Remembering the Past (v. 32-34)

In the midst of difficult times, we must remember past difficulty. Even in moments where the sufferings we are facing seems far greater than anything we’ve ever experienced, we can look back and see the pattern of deliverance from God.

One specific word here that helps with a timeline of the specific timing of the past is ‘enlightened’. This is the same word used in Hebrews 6:4 when the warning of apostasy is given. In understanding that context, we must remember that the difficulty that is being described is after a person has seen the light and has come to a point of salvation rather than difficulties that were faced prior to conversion.

The author of Hebrews describes public affliction or even moments where we might have been alongside others who were mistreated. Beyond that, there is a situation described where these Hebrew believers visited other believers who had been imprisoned. The compassion that is described is important in this situation because prisoners during these days had no other means of receiving supplies such as food during their incarceration unless it was delivered to them. In making these prison visits, there was likely mistreatment that likely came with it.

Outside of being publicly exposed to affliction and making personal sacrifices to visit the imprisoned, many of these early believers lived in this way knowing that their property would be taken or destroyed.

What a testimony! But why is it important to meditate on these previous difficulties while we are in the midst of trial in the present? We are reminded that the Lord, through His salvation, sustained us even then. We are still alive and living for Him because we were bold in our faith! Much of the motivating factor for them and us now, though it ought not be the only factor, is found at the end of verse 34. It is because these believers knew that they would someday possess presence with Christ that they persevered. “It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus!”

But remembering is not the only thing. It is still important to our faith in how we respond to trial.

Responding in the Present

There are three ways that we must respond found in verses 35 through 39. First we

Respond in Confidence

What is this confidence that is being mentioned? It is the same confidence that is mentioned in verse 19 of chapter 10. Because we are firmly assured in our salvation, and have every reason to be, we can walk with confidence. It makes sense that such a command is made because trials have a way of destroying confidence. May it be not so! If your confession that Jesus Christ is Lord was sufficient to save you from the first moment it was uttered, it is still as strong to sustain you through this trial, whatever it might be. It must not be abandoned just because there is difficulty from the Evil One. Next we

Respond in Perseverance

It is vital that we endure so that our heavenly reward that has been promised will be received. Just think with me about how much sweeter it will be when we arrive in heaven and consider the trial and difficulty that came prior to being there. To persevere through no matter what comes our way is to continue to do the will of God as if nothing is going on. The final point here is that we must

Respond in Persevering Faith

We can see that there is a quotation from Habakkuk 2 which we heard from this morning. You may notice that the order is different from how we read it this morning. This is because the author of Hebrews is utilizing the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, as his reference point.

But this quotation from the prophet has a bit of a different meaning from how Habakkuk heard it from the Lord.

Jesus is coming again! As opposed to an answer from the Lord, now we await His ultimate answer, Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Those who are saved will persevere by faith. Faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Faith in our heavenly home.

Those who are not saved will be exposed because they will shrink back when difficulty comes about.

The use of this Old Testament prophecy centers on the importance of faith. Our faith in the Lord is our everything and is the key to perseverance.

The concluding statement is that we must stand firm on our confession and remain faithful. When we do, the Lord will preserve our souls!

Now, it is possible that none of us here are suffering tonight. This is still an important passage because we are able to tuck it away and use it when needed. But for the one who is struggling today, Remember where the Lord brought you from and and remain faithful and persevere to the end!