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LIVING BY FAITH. Hebrews 10:32-39. 02/04/2024. #34.
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
1. Confidence
a. After issuing many warnings to his readers, Hebrews gives them some encouragement
a1. Chapters 11-12 deal with faith
a2. The writer expresses confidence in their faith and lists evidence for his confidence
b. Heb. is confident in their faith
a1. They held true to the faith when they first believed and were under severe persecution
a2. They identified with those under persecution
a3. They suffered for their faith
c. They were made a spectacle (gawked at; English word, theater)
a1. Put on display before the world
a2. Used of gladiators in the arena
a3. As a Roman conquering general displaying his war prisoners in a triumph parade, so Christ will make a spectacle of His enemies (Colossians 2:15)
a4. Used of the apostles being made a spectacle for Christ before the world (I Corinthians 4:9)
d. Since they withstood reproaches and threats for Christ, Heb. is confident in their salvation
e. The Hebrews joyfully allowed their possessions to be plundered for the sake of Christ
2. A better promise
a. Even though their earthly goods were plundered, God promises far better possessions for eternity
b. Hebrews warns his readers not to back away from faith
a1. Gal. 6:9 don’t wear out and lose your reward
a2. Endure (stand under) trials
a3. God has great rewards for those who endure to the end
b1. Don’t give up right before the end
b2. To endure briefly is to endure for all eternity
c. A call for endurance (hupomeno, ”to remain under”)
a1. Perseverance is choosing to be faithful even in the midst of trials and obstacles
a2. Testing of one’s faith reveals what your true core values are (RM. 5:1-5)
a3. God gives strength to endure to faithful
3. Pressing on to the end
a. Hebrews quotes Habakkuk 2:3-4
a1. The Lord is coming quickly
b1. James 4:14-16 life is quite short
b2. Romans 9:28 God will make a short work of the earth (Psalm 90)
a2. We are given power to endure (I Corinthians 10:13)
b. To back away from Lord is to forfeit rewards
c. The just will live by faith
a1. Not only believe and trust by faith, but live it!
a2. The just (righteous, spiritual) will live daily for the Lord (no hypocritical lifestyle)
a3. Daily life must be an exercise in living by trust, conviction, and purpose for the Lord
d. Job 1 endurance in a tested faith speaks louder than a testimony during periods of tranquility
e. Hebrews expresses a final conviction that his readers will indeed endure and gain the promises
Key Passage: Romans 5:1-5
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, [a]we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces [b]perseverance; 4 and perseverance, [c]character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.