Living Faithfully: Draw Near, Hold Fast, Endure Together

Devotional

Day 1: Confidence in Divine Access

Description: The book of Hebrews emphasizes the privilege believers have to draw near to God with confidence. This access is made possible through the sacrifice of Christ, who opened the way for us to enter God's presence with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. This invitation is not just a theological concept but a practical call to deepen our relationship with God through prayer and communion. It reminds us that we are not distant from the divine but are welcomed into an intimate relationship with our Creator. As we approach God, we are encouraged to do so with authenticity and trust, knowing that our faith is grounded in the finished work of Christ. [02:18]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally cultivate a deeper relationship with God this week, knowing you have confident access to His presence?

Day 2: Anchored in Hope

Description: The hope we have in Christ is not a fleeting or uncertain hope but one that is anchored in the faithfulness of God. Hebrews encourages believers to hold fast to this hope without wavering, trusting that God will never let us go. This assurance provides security and strength, enabling us to persevere through life's challenges. In a world where circumstances can often feel unstable, the unchanging nature of God's promises offers a steadfast anchor for our souls. As we navigate our spiritual journeys, we are reminded that our hope is not in our own abilities but in the unwavering faithfulness of God. [03:47]

Hebrews 6:18-19 (ESV): "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. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."

Reflection: What specific promises of God can you hold onto today to strengthen your hope in Him?

Day 3: The Power of Community

Description: Christianity is not meant to be a solitary journey but a communal one. The book of Hebrews calls believers to consider how to stir one another to love and good works, highlighting the importance of community and fellowship. Being part of a local church community allows us to grow together in faith, support one another, and hold each other accountable. This communal aspect of faith is vital for spiritual growth and resilience, especially in times of trial. As we engage with our community, we are reminded that we are not alone in our journey and that together, we can accomplish more for the Kingdom of God. [04:55]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to your church community this week to encourage others in their faith journey?

Day 4: The Call to Repentance

Description: The author of Hebrews warns against the dangers of willful sin and rebellion, emphasizing the severe discipline that may follow. This serves as a reminder to regularly repent and submit to God's will, avoiding the consequences of living like unbelievers. Repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning back to God, acknowledging our shortcomings, and seeking His grace. It is an essential part of our spiritual journey, helping us to realign our lives with God's purposes and experience His transformative power. As we repent, we are reminded of the seriousness of sin and the incredible grace available to us through Christ. [06:23]

Hebrews 12:5-6 (ESV): "And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.'"

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and realign with His will today?

Day 5: Perseverance in Trials

Description: The Hebrew Christians faced persecution and pressure to abandon their faith, yet they were encouraged to endure and remain faithful. This message is relevant today as we face our own spiritual battles and pressures. The call to perseverance is a reminder that our current struggles are not the end of our story. We are encouraged to keep trusting the Lord, living by faith, and looking forward to the reward that is coming. This perspective helps us to endure hardships with hope, knowing that Christ will return and make everything right. As we persevere, we are reminded of the eternal perspective that shapes our present actions and attitudes. [09:06]

James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to strengthen your faith and perseverance in the face of current challenges?

Sermon Summary

In the book of Hebrews, we find a profound shift from deep theological truths to practical applications for our daily lives. The author, after establishing the supremacy of Christ, invites us to live out our faith with three personal invitations. First, we are encouraged to draw near to God with a sincere heart, fully assured of our faith. This is possible because Christ has opened the way for us through His sacrifice, allowing us to enter God's presence confidently. Second, we are urged to hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, trusting in the faithfulness of God who has promised to never let us go. This assurance provides us with security in our spiritual journey. Third, we are called to consider how to stir one another to love and good works, emphasizing the importance of community and fellowship in our Christian walk. Christianity is not a solo journey; it is a community project where we grow together in faith.

The author also warns against the dangers of willful sin and rebellion, highlighting the severe discipline that may follow. This serves as a reminder to repent regularly and submit to God's will, avoiding the consequences of living like unbelievers. The Hebrew Christians faced persecution and pressure to return to their old ways, but they are encouraged to endure and remain faithful, knowing that their reward is coming. This message resonates with us today as we face spiritual battles and pressures in our own lives. We are reminded to keep trusting the Lord, living by faith, and walking obediently, knowing that this life is not the final chapter in our story. We are called to stand firm, press on, and look forward to the day when Christ will return and make everything right.

Key Takeaways

1. Draw Near to God with Confidence: Because of Christ's sacrifice, we have the privilege to enter God's presence with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith. This invitation to draw near to God in prayer is a profound reminder of the access we have to the divine, encouraging us to cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. [02:18]
2. Hold Fast to Hope: Our hope in Christ is anchored in the faithfulness of God, who promises to never let us go. This unwavering hope provides us with security and strength, enabling us to persevere through life's challenges, knowing that God is always faithful to His promises. [03:47]
3. Community and Fellowship: Christianity is a communal journey, not a solo endeavor. We are called to stir one another to love and good works, emphasizing the importance of being part of a local church community where we can grow together in faith and support one another. [04:55]
4. Warning Against Willful Sin: The author warns of the severe discipline that may follow willful sin and rebellion. This serves as a reminder to repent regularly and submit to God's will, avoiding the consequences of living like unbelievers and cherishing sin. [06:23]
5. Endurance in Persecution: The Hebrew Christians faced persecution and pressure to abandon their faith, yet they are encouraged to endure and remain faithful. This message is relevant today as we face our own spiritual battles, reminding us to keep trusting the Lord and living by faith, knowing that our reward is coming. [09:06]
** [09:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:18] - Confidence in Christ's Sacrifice
[03:47] - Holding Fast to Hope
[04:55] - The Importance of Community
[06:23] - Warning Against Willful Sin
[07:41] - Repentance and Submission
[09:06] - Endurance in Persecution
[09:50] - Encouragement to Stay Faithful
[11:09] - Looking Forward to Christ's Return

Sermon Clips

1) "Now, because Christ has opened the way for us, we're invited to draw near to him in prayer. The very presence of God is available to us. Well, here's the second bite. Verse 23, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. In other words, we're encouraged to hang on, so to speak, but we're promised that he will never let us go. And that's our security." [03:47] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Now, let me tell you, beloved, no New Testament author would have conceived of the idea that a Christian would be separated from a local assembly. Unless separated from the church due to discipline for unrepentant sin, the Christian's life was never considered a solo journey. Christianity happens to be a community project, a fellowship of family members in Christ. I've personally watched this over and over again in my own pastorate. The first step in walking away from God was when someone walked away from the people of God." [04:55] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "Find a church that's faithful to the Word of God, and then you become faithful to the people of God in that church family. Now, the writer interrupts these invitations to give another warning, perhaps driven by the thought of a believer abandoning the church. He writes here in verses 26 and 27, if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment." [06:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "Well, the question that comes to my mind immediately and probably to yours is the author writing to pretend Christians or to genuine Christians? Well, there is certainly application to both, but I believe this passage, in fact, all of Hebrews is written, is directed toward Jewish believers. He's warning them here of the possibility of falling into willful sin and rebellion to the point that they can hardly be distinguished from unbelievers. Here's the warning. For a Christian to live like an unbeliever is to face God's discipline." [07:41] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "So the author is encouraging them here in verse 35 as he writes, Do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. He's saying, I know you might be weary. I know you might be fearful, but don't grow so fearful and weary that you give up or give in. Your reward is coming one day. Maybe this is where you are today. The spiritual battles in your life are heating up. The pressure in your family or maybe at the job is bearing down on you because of your testimony and you're facing a temptation to give in or to give up on your public commitment to Christ." [09:06] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Like the Jewish Christians addressed here in verse 36, you have need of endurance. Now, the author tells his readers and you today to stay faithful to Christ. And that's because this life is not the final chapter in your story. And that's his encouragement. Keep trusting the Lord. Keep living by faith. Keep walking obediently. And he writes here in verse 38, my righteous one shall live by faith. And when you live by faith, which is another way of saying trusting God, he writes here in verse 39. you won't shrink back." [09:50] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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