Untitled Sermon (3)

Confidence

Hebrews 10:19–39 NLT

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins. There is only the terrible expectation of God’s judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies. For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s mercy to us. For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.” It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. “For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.” But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.

The Message of Hebrews b. An Encouragement—Remember Those Who Endured (10:32–35)

Our writer is far too gifted and devoted a pastor to concentrate for too long on negative, though necessary, warnings. His earlier warnings are always followed by compassionate encouragement and he does the same here. He invites his readers to look not only at the impenitent opposition of others, but also at their own firm reliance and perseverance. Fierce persecution had hit their community some time past when their faith in Christ was young and immature, just after their conversion and baptism (10:32 enlightened). Even their homes were invaded by vandals and robbers, determined to expose them to every possible discomfort and insult. Yet in all these cruel circumstances they had certainly held fast to their confession ‘without wavering’ (10:23). Only good had come out of their troubles. What had been gained in the earlier persecution?

It had deepened their fellowship. Even if they had not suffered personally themselves, they had become partners with those so treated. The word partners is a familiar one (koinōnoi). Those who share by partnership with Christ in his sufferings also share inevitably and gladly in the sufferings of Christ’s people. Such people will also be partners in Christ’s coming glory.21

It had increased their compassion. During these troubles some appear to have been thrust into prisons, but fellow Christians, as their partners, pitied and cared for them (10:34), though it may well have been dangerous to identify themselves so openly with the trouble-makers. Prison visiting, as an act of practical Christian compassion, is mentioned later in this letter (13:3), once again in the context of partnership in suffering.

It had demonstrated their resilience. They joyfully accepted this plundering, looting and violence (10:34). No unbeliever could possibly have responded in that way to such dire trouble. A non-Christian may tolerate his troubles, but he cannot rejoice in them. Only Christ can enable a believer to do that. Jesus taught his followers to rejoice when persecution comes: ‘Blessed are you when men revile you … rejoice and be glad.’22

It had sharpened their priorities. When bands of marauders broke into their homes, these persecuted Christians soon realized that the thieves could not steal the things which were of the greatest value to them. That is why they were joyful. They believed the word of Jesus that their reward was great in heaven. Such treasure23 was a great reward. They must not throw away confidence of that kind as though it were useless. Our writer urges his readers to remember the lasting things. Christians need to remember that adversity is rarely a vicious enemy; it is often a valuable ally. It reminds us of the imperishable things which matter most of all.