November 27, 2013
GOD'S PROMISES ARE CERTAIN!
Hebrews 6:9-20
Robin Howard
Central Truth
The writer of Hebrews is exhorting us, as believers, to grow in faith and take hold of the promises God has for us in this life and about the life to come.
Key Verse | Hebrews 6:11–12
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)
Hebrews 6:9-20
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
The Certainty of God's Promise
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, 1 6:15 Greek he having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 6:9-20
Go for the gold!
As I read today's passage, I thought about how easy it is to forget how kind and loving God has been to me. As a new Christian, I was content with spiritual milk because I wasn't yet aware of the feast He had placed before me.
Through His Word and a community of believers, God has been faithful not to leave me in that complacent and comfortable place. He has gently stretched and challenged me through His Spirit, the study of His Word, circumstances, and other believers to become a woman who brings honor and glory to Jesus Christ, my Savior.
This life offers so many false hopes (money, pleasure, status, accomplishments, and so on) to distract us from remembering why we are here -- to bring honor and glory to God and to experience His best here in this life and the life to come. I am reminded as I read Hebrews 6 that God has an inheritance, the gold medal, for believers who walk by faith and live in obedience.
I have received the hope of eternal life, and now I am to walk by faith because of the hope I have in this life and for all eternity. I don't want to miss out on the rewards and blessing God has for me and all who long for His glorious appearing.
Be encouraged by the hope we have in Christ, and walk in a manner worthy of your calling that you might experience all of God's best in this life and the life to come. Go for the gold!
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas are you remaining "comfortable" or just remaining in the status quo?
2. How is God challenging or stretching you out of a place that is comfortable?
3. Are you praying expectantly for the Lord to show you His next steps for you and your life?
4. Have you considered leading a Bible study in your neighborhood or starting a prayer group at your child's school? Have you considered saying "yes" to an opportunity to disciple or shepherd someone?
5. How are you doing with your time, talent, and treasure, and how does that reflect your relationship with the Lord?