The Past, Future, And Present of Christian Living

The Past, Future and Present of Christian Living

 Hebrews 10:32-39

Introduction:    The inspired writer of the letter to the Hebrews understood that, in order to persevere unto the end, Christians needed to take advantage of every available help! Throughout the epistle, the writer has exhorted, commanded, and entreated the readers to “hold fast”, to “consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession,” to “take heed,” to “Lay hold on the hope set before us.”

In the passage before us, the writer points to the past, the future, and then comes back to the present, all for the purpose of encouraging them (and us) to live a life of humble service to God.

Let us consider the points one by one in order.

I.            The Past (vv. 32-34)

A.      “Call to remembrance the former days...

1.       Sometimes we are not to remember the past (Phil. 3:13).

2.       Sometimes we will remember things which will cause us pain (Luke 16:25).

3.       But, when discouragement begins to show its ugly head, we should remember “the former days.”

B.      What are these “former days?”

1.       “After that ye were illuminated...”

2.       See Heb. 6:4 - those who were “once enlightened”.

3.       This means more than just being taught the gospel.

4.       It refers, in this context, to the obedience to the gospel.

a.       Then is when we are “delivered from the power of darkness, and are translated into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13).

b.       Then is when we are no longer darkness, but “light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8).

c.       Then is when one begins to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7, 9).

C.      The “former days” here were not days of luxury and ease.

1.       He makes mention of afflictions.

2.       They were made “gazing stocks” (spectacles, or public show). See Paul’s description of the ridicule of the apostles in 1 Cor. 4:9.

3.       They were joyfully taking part, sharing, helping, being companions of the persecutions of their brethren (see Acts 5:41).

4.       They had had their goods “spoiled,” that is, taken from them.

a.       A common practice when a Jew became a Christian.

b.       Still, they had “joyfully” endured it!

II.          The Future

A.      Promised reward (34b).

1.       “A better and an enduring substance” (v. 34b, 36).

2.       Contrasted with the perishable, material properties acquired here (cf. Mt. 6:l9ff).

B.      Confidence (35)

1.       A favorite word of this author.

2.       Means boldness.

3.       See Heb 3:6, 14; 4:16; 10:19 also 1 John 3:21.

C.      Hope of Christ’s coming.

1.       He will come!

2.       Two-fold purpose for coming:

a.       Reward righteous. (Mt. 25:31ff).

b.       Judge and punish wicked. (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

III.         The Present

A.      Application of Christian principle.

1.       Quote from Habakkuk 2:4

2.       “The just shall live by faith.”

B.      Use of this passage in Habakkuk:

1.       This prophet lived in a period of great wickedness (probably during reign of Manasseh of Judah.)

2.       He knew that God would punish the people of Judah by the Chaldeans, i.e. the Babylonians.

3.       Of course, God always promised that a remnant would be saved (see Isa. 7:3 - “Shear-jashub” - “a remnant shall return.

4.       In other words, the righteous man, who lived by faith, would be spared, though he may be taken captive.

Examples: Daniel, Ezekiel, etc.

C.      Use of this passage in N.T.

1.       Rom. 1:17 - stresses “the just”- who is a just man, or one who is righteous in God’s sight?

2.       Gal. 3:11 - stresses “shall live” - not under the Law of Moses, but under the faith of Jesus Christ.

3.       Heb. 10:38 - stresses “by faith” - and is an introduction to chapter 11, which illustrates how men are made righteous “by faith”, and what kind of faith pleases the God of heaven!

Conclusion:  Read verse 39. Exhort to perseverance, patience. Do not be described as one who “draws back” (back slides!), is timid, lacks confidence and boldness!