But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

 Hebrews 10:19-39

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:39

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 10:19-39  - the author of Hebrews encourages believers to see how they have full assurance of faith as Jesus allows us to enter the most holy of places and share fellowship with God.  This encouragement also seeks to have us endure through suffering we will endure and to hold fast until the end so that we don't fall away.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is described as faithful to all of His promises. He is also described as a jealous God who will punish those who do not submit to Him.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Building on previous chapters where Jesus is described as offering a better covenant, vv19-21 emphasize how this new covenant with Jesus allows us to enter the most holy of places and interact directly with God. V22 then exhorts us to "draw near" to God with a full assurance of faith that He has given us victory over sin and death. Vv23-25: A full assurance of faith allows us to hold fast to the rich inheritances of Jesus lest we fall away.  Our brothers and sisters in Christ are key to how we are to hold fast - corporate worship, group bible studies, praying and fellowship together, etc. as we encourage one another.  Vv26-28 describe how one falls away and how a "fearful expectation of judgement" preserves us and allows us to hold fast and endure.  Vv29-31 describes how God's judgement is something we should all avoid. Vv32-35 provides another exhortation for us persevere through suffering and difficulties by focusing on how we have Jesus Christ as our most treasured possession. This gives us confidence to endure as God is faithful. Vv37-38 refers to Habakkuk 2:3-4 for Old Testament prophecies of judgement day and how the faithful will overcome.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid neglecting spiritual disciples that may cause us to fall away.  Claim the promise that eternal rewards await those who abide and hold fast to the end. Abide in Him, do not shrink bank. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who allows us to directly share fellowship with You through a better covenant.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 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. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Hebrews 6

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 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. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:9-12

I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 6:9-20, as I lean on my commentary, and explore reflections it provides both for the entire text of Hebrews 6:9-20, as well as specifically for the first division "God's Certain Promise," which refers to Hebrews 6:9-12.  The commentary reiterates my thoughts as posted yesterday, as the author of Hebrews pivots from an admonishment against spiritual sluggishness to "a word of assurance and comfort." To highlight this assurance and comfort, the author of Hebrews points to how, although there are some among the original recipients of this letter who are spiritually sluggish, there are others who are growing spiritually and showing "fruit" of their faith.  Assistance and service to brothers and sisters in Christ demonstrates such fruit as these early "Christians were showing their love for God by serving fellow brothers and sisters in practical ways. This love for other Christians solidified the author’s confidence in them.  One of the most important catalysts of spiritual confidence is spiritual fruitfulness. Our faithful activity as Christians fuels our assurance. This is why the author longs for these Christians to show the same earnestness for the faith that they demonstrated when they first believed." The text for this morning looks forward to tomorrow where the author of Hebrews encourages the faithful to imitate the saints from the Old Testament - starting with Abraham. 

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You ARE an anchor for my soul as You give me full assurance and hope to carry me through to the end...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You bless me and carry me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.