6 9-11

Hebrews Series- Fellowship Baptist Church

Passage:           Hebrews 5:11-6:12 (6:9-12)

Theme: The State of the Dull and the Diligent

Proposition:      It’s worth it, keep going

Introduction:

We have seen two truths that the author wants us to understand as he warns his audience:

First, that true believers do not abandoned their faith and that those who walk away from professed faith, never were believers in the first place.

The second truth before us is that true believers will evidence their belief by the spiritual fruit produced in their lives.

To this point the tone has been what some refer to as dark.  The words have been those of warning and the truths may have been difficult to hear and to accept.

With this next section, the tone changes.  It is now assuring, confident, and affirming.  Why the change?

The author has moved from warning professors to encouraging possessors.  He wants the true believers to be able to identify evidences of belief that he has observed in their lives.  He reminds them of God’s view and he wants them to continue in the footsteps of believers who have gone on before.

So what is his point?  Because of Christ, endure!

1.  A Confident Assurance

            -that the believers will evidence the fruit of salvation

                  “confident of the things that accompany salvation”

Addressed to the “beloved”

This statement is a reference to the fruit that he has observed in their lives.

Deeds that have been done for other saints

Deeds that are borne out of love for God and His glory (contrasted with pre-salvation works)

This is parallel to the good ground which has produced a crop of value.

2.  A Trustworthy Record Keeper

            -that God will remember the works done for His glory

                  “God is not unjust”

Sometimes in the Christian walk when things are difficult or discouraging, it is easy to look at those who are unfaithful or rebellious and wonder if obedience is worth it all.

Sometimes we forget how God has used us in the past—all the ways He has worked through us as flawed human instruments to accomplish His purposes.

Well, God never forgets!  Even when we forget He remembers.  He is so different from us!

We constantly allow ourselves to be dogged by past sin and mistakes that have been forgiven and forget all of the good that He has accomplished through us!  We become discouraged and wonder if our lives have had any purpose or usefulness.

That’s why this is such a precious truth.  Even though we may forget, God never does.  I have a tendency to think that He is very excited to show us all the impact our lives have had for Him.  Some live in fear that God will bring up sin when they see Him.  How can He when He has said that He remembers them no more?

Why not choose to live with the thought that God is working in us in ways that the scope will only be known in eternity.  You and me, with all of our flaws, are accomplishing His work and goals in the lives of others!