Faith That Lasts: A Mother's Day Reflection

 

Summary

On this special Mother's Day, we delve into Hebrews Chapter 6, exploring the theme of "faith that lasts." Many parents, especially mothers, yearn for their children to return to faith in Jesus Christ. This day often sees sons and daughters attending church with their families, making it a poignant moment to address those who have drifted from their faith. The Old Testament underscores our need for Jesus, highlighting that our best efforts are insufficient, our sins defile us, and our lives are eternal, necessitating a Savior. These foundational truths should be clear in every believer's heart, leading to a lasting faith.

Hebrews 6:4-6 warns of a faith that does not endure, describing individuals who once professed faith but later renounced it. Jesus assures us in John 10 that His sheep will never perish, meaning those who truly belong to Him will return, as exemplified by Peter's restoration after his denial. Conversely, those who do not return were never truly His sheep. This passage teaches that spiritual experiences do not equate to saving faith, placing those who turn away in grave spiritual danger.

The privileges described in Hebrews 6—being enlightened, tasting the heavenly gift, sharing in the Holy Spirit, and experiencing God's power—are not guarantees of salvation. Examples from the Bible, such as the people of Bethsaida and Capernaum, the disciples who turned back, and Judas Iscariot, illustrate that one can have profound spiritual experiences yet not be saved. This serves as a warning to those raised in Christian homes who have drifted from faith, emphasizing the peril of their position.

The passage challenges us to recognize the danger of turning away from the light and privileges we've received. It is impossible to restore those who continue to reject Jesus, as they are crucifying Him anew. However, there is hope if one stops rejecting Christ and seeks His mercy. The call is urgent: if you hear His voice today, do not harden your heart. Embrace the faith that lasts, for the sake of your soul and the prayers of those who love you.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Necessity of Jesus: Our best efforts are insufficient for salvation, and our sins separate us from God. We need Jesus because our lives are eternal, and we will face judgment. Understanding these truths is foundational for a faith that lasts. [03:01]

2. True Faith Endures: Jesus promises that His sheep will never perish. Those who truly belong to Him will return, even if they stray. This assurance is a comfort and a call to examine the authenticity of our faith. [05:20]

3. Spiritual Experience vs. Saving Faith: It is possible to have profound spiritual experiences without genuine faith. This distinction is crucial, as relying on experiences without true commitment to Christ places one in spiritual danger. [09:09]

4. The Danger of Turning Away: Those who have received spiritual privileges and then turn away are in the most perilous position. The Bible warns that such a state is akin to crucifying Christ anew, highlighting the seriousness of apostasy. [26:33]

5. Hope in Repentance: While it is impossible to restore those who persist in rejecting Christ, there is hope if one ceases to reject Him and seeks His mercy. This call to repentance is urgent and vital for those who have strayed. [35:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Introduction and Purpose
- [00:38] - Faith That Lasts
- [01:23] - Mother's Day Significance
- [02:17] - Old Testament Foundations
- [03:01] - The Necessity of Jesus
- [04:20] - Milk to Solid Food
- [04:41] - Faith That Does Not Last
- [05:20] - Assurance of Jesus' Promise
- [06:22] - Example of Peter
- [07:20] - Interpretation of Scripture
- [09:09] - Spiritual Experience vs. Saving Faith
- [14:25] - False Assumptions
- [19:31] - Examples from Scripture
- [25:46] - Application and Warning
- [29:45] - The Impossibility of Restoration
- [35:35] - Hope in Repentance
- [37:30] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith That Lasts

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 6:4-6
- John 10:27-28
- Matthew 11:20-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the privileges mentioned in Hebrews 6:4-6 that some people experience without having saving faith? [09:33]

2. According to John 10:27-28, what assurance does Jesus give about His sheep?

3. In Matthew 11:20-24, what does Jesus say about the cities where most of His miracles were performed, and what was their response?

4. How does the sermon describe the difference between tasting and eating in the context of spiritual experiences? [10:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean when the sermon states that "true faith endures," and how does this relate to the example of Peter? [06:22]

2. How does the sermon explain the concept of spiritual experiences not equating to saving faith, and what examples from the Bible support this idea? [24:24]

3. What is the significance of the warning in Hebrews 6:6 about crucifying the Son of God again, and how does this relate to those who have turned away from faith? [26:33]

4. How does the sermon interpret the impossibility of restoring those who have fallen away, and what hope is offered for repentance? [35:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own faith journey. Have there been times when you felt you were merely "tasting" rather than fully "eating" the spiritual truths of Christianity? How can you move towards a deeper commitment? [10:57]

2. Consider the assurance Jesus gives in John 10:27-28. How does this promise impact your understanding of your own faith and the faith of those you care about who may have strayed?

3. The sermon warns about the danger of turning away from spiritual privileges. Are there areas in your life where you might be taking your spiritual privileges for granted? How can you address this? [26:33]

4. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to repent and seek His mercy? What steps can you take to respond to this call? [35:35]

5. Think about someone in your life who has drifted from faith. How can you be a source of encouragement and prayer for them, especially in light of the sermon’s message? [31:09]

6. The sermon discusses the importance of not hardening your heart when you hear God's voice. How can you remain open and responsive to God's leading in your daily life? [37:05]

7. Reflect on the examples of Bethsaida and Capernaum. How can you ensure that you are not merely witnessing God's work but actively responding to it in your life? [19:31]

Devotional

Day 1: The Insufficiency of Human Effort
Our best efforts are insufficient for salvation, and our sins separate us from God. The Old Testament highlights our need for Jesus, emphasizing that our lives are eternal and we will face judgment. Understanding these truths is foundational for a faith that lasts. This realization should lead us to a deeper reliance on Jesus, recognizing that only through Him can we find true salvation and eternal life. The call is to embrace this truth wholeheartedly, acknowledging our need for a Savior. [03:01]

"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own efforts rather than trusting in Jesus for salvation? How can you shift your focus to depend more on Him today?


Day 2: Assurance in Jesus' Promise
True faith endures because Jesus promises that His sheep will never perish. Those who truly belong to Him will return, even if they stray. This assurance is both a comfort and a call to examine the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to reflect on whether our faith is genuine and encourages us to trust in Jesus' promise that He will never let us go. This enduring faith is a testament to the transformative power of a relationship with Christ. [05:20]

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you find your way back to Him, and what does this reveal about the authenticity of your faith?


Day 3: Distinguishing Spiritual Experience from Saving Faith
It is possible to have profound spiritual experiences without genuine faith. This distinction is crucial, as relying on experiences without true commitment to Christ places one in spiritual danger. The privileges described in Hebrews 6—being enlightened, tasting the heavenly gift, sharing in the Holy Spirit, and experiencing God's power—are not guarantees of salvation. This serves as a warning to those raised in Christian homes who have drifted from faith, emphasizing the peril of their position. [09:09]

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a spiritual experience you've had. How can you ensure that your faith is rooted in a genuine relationship with Christ rather than just the experience itself?


Day 4: The Peril of Apostasy
Those who have received spiritual privileges and then turn away are in the most perilous position. The Bible warns that such a state is akin to crucifying Christ anew, highlighting the seriousness of apostasy. This passage challenges us to recognize the danger of turning away from the light and privileges we've received. It is a sobering reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith and not taking our spiritual journey for granted. [26:33]

"For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance." (Hebrews 6:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to turn away from your faith? What steps can you take to remain steadfast and committed to Christ?


Day 5: Hope in Repentance
While it is impossible to restore those who persist in rejecting Christ, there is hope if one ceases to reject Him and seeks His mercy. This call to repentance is urgent and vital for those who have strayed. It is a reminder that no matter how far one has drifted, there is always a path back to God through repentance and seeking His forgiveness. Embrace the opportunity to return to Him, knowing that His mercy is abundant and His love is unfailing. [35:35]

"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to seek God's mercy and forgiveness? How can you take a step towards repentance and restoration today?

Quotes


Now today we're going to look specifically at verses 4 through 6 of Hebrews chapter 6 where we read about a faith that does not last. Here is a person who professes faith and then falls away. He or she renounces faith that the ones seemed to embrace. They may renounce it inward they may renounce it indeed but they move away from the faith that they once professed. [00:04:38]

My sheep shall never perish. That's what Jesus said. My sheep shall never perish. They'll have a faith that lasts. Here's what that means. It means two things. Number one it means that those who are truly Christ's sheep and turn away will come back. If you really belong to Jesus Christ and you have turned away from him you will come back. [00:05:22]

It is possible to have spiritual experience that is not saving experience and to be in this position is to be in the position of the greatest possible spiritual danger. Now let me then draw out from you from for you from these verses that are before us today a profile of very privileged people and I think all who have grown up in a Christian home ought to be able to relate to this. [00:09:09]

The people of Bethsaida and Capernaum. Here's the word of Jesus from Matthew and xi he began to denounce the cities where notice this most of his mighty works had been done because the people there did not repent and this is what he said woe to you Bethsaida because if the mighty works that's the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. [00:15:46]

The hardest people in the world to reach are those to whom the light has come who have tasted the things of Jesus Christ and then have turned away. Some of you know how much my own heart is burdened for sons and daughters who grew up in this church and have turned away from faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:30:45]

The scripture makes very clear that God who begins a good work in his people will bring it to completion and so Hebrews chapter six cannot mean that in some cases God will start and then abandoned what has begun and not bring it to completion. So I want to suggest you that these verses in Hebrews chapter 6 teach to us a principle a very important principle that actually runs right the way through the New Testament. [00:08:03]

The privileges described in Hebrews 6—being enlightened, tasting the heavenly gift, sharing in the Holy Spirit, and experiencing God's power—are not guarantees of salvation. Examples from the Bible, such as the people of Bethsaida and Capernaum, the disciples who turned back, and Judas Iscariot, illustrate that one can have profound spiritual experiences yet not be saved. [00:14:25]

The Bible makes it very clear that God will hold all of us accountable for the privileges that we enjoy and for the lights that we have received from the one to whom much is given much will be expected as principles applied in many ways in the Bible. Let me speak personally about it I feel the weight of this principle for this reason. [00:27:45]

The scripture tells us that nothing can separate the Lord's own people from his love, therefore Hebrews in Chapter six cannot that mean that some things will separate God's own people from his love. The scripture makes very clear that God who begins a good work in his people will bring it to completion. [00:08:10]

The call is urgent: if you hear His voice today, do not harden your heart. Embrace the faith that lasts, for the sake of your soul and the prayers of those who love you. [00:37:30]

The hardest people in the world to reach are not those who have never heard the gospel. The people who are most deeply resistant towards God are not those who are living in flagrant outright rebellion against him. The hardest people in the world to reach are those to whom the light has come who have tasted the things of Jesus Christ and then have turned away. [00:30:45]

While it is impossible to restore those who persist in rejecting Christ, there is hope if one ceases to reject Him and seeks His mercy. This call to repentance is urgent and vital for those who have strayed. [00:35:35]

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Transcript
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