Perseverance and Faith: Embracing God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we delved into the book of Hebrews, focusing on the importance of perseverance and faith in our Christian journey. We began by acknowledging the challenges and sufferings that come our way, emphasizing that these trials are opportunities for growth and deeper empathy towards others. Hebrews 6:11-12 reminds us to show diligence and not be lazy in our faith, urging us to follow the examples of those who have patiently endured and inherited God's promises. We explored the steadfastness of God's promises, particularly through the story of Abraham, who received God's blessings through unwavering faith and patience.
We also discussed the significance of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, which is superior to the old covenant. This new covenant is not based on the law but on the grace and sacrifice of Jesus, who entered the holy place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us. This act of ultimate sacrifice purifies our conscience from dead works, enabling us to serve the living God with a clear and pure heart.
Moreover, we reflected on the necessity of patience and endurance, especially after doing the will of God, to receive His promises. The journey of faith is not about immediate gratification but about trusting God's timing and His perfect plan. We are encouraged to live by faith, not drawing back, but pressing forward with the assurance that God is faithful to His promises.
Finally, we were reminded of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, cheering us on in our race of faith. These witnesses, including our loved ones and spiritual ancestors, inspire us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us, running with perseverance the race marked out for us. As we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we are empowered to endure and remain steadfast until the end.
### Key Takeaways
1. Perseverance in Faith: Hebrews 6:11-12 calls us to show diligence and not be lazy in our faith. We are encouraged to follow the examples of those who have patiently endured and inherited God's promises. This perseverance is crucial in our journey, as it leads to the full assurance of hope until the end. [15:42]
2. The New Covenant: The new covenant established through Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant. It is based on grace and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who entered the holy place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us. This covenant purifies our conscience from dead works, enabling us to serve the living God with a clear and pure heart. [24:31]
3. Patience and Endurance: We are reminded of the necessity of patience and endurance, especially after doing the will of God, to receive His promises. The journey of faith is not about immediate gratification but about trusting God's timing and His perfect plan. [46:01]
4. Living by Faith: Hebrews 10:38-39 emphasizes that the just shall live by faith. We are called to commit ourselves to live by faith, not drawing back, but pressing forward with the assurance that God is faithful to His promises. This steadfastness in faith is essential for our spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. [47:30]
5. Encouragement from the Cloud of Witnesses: The great cloud of witnesses, including our loved ones and spiritual ancestors, inspire us to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders us, running with perseverance the race marked out for us. As we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we are empowered to endure and remain steadfast until the end. [52:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:10] - Opening Prayer
[13:55] - Introduction to Hebrews
[14:53] - Clarification on Luncheon Location
[15:42] - Diligence in Faith
[18:03] - Example of Abraham's Faith
[19:19] - Learning Through Suffering
[21:42] - God's Immutable Promise
[23:34] - The Hope in Jesus Christ
[24:31] - The New Covenant
[25:28] - The Better Covenant
[27:01] - The Faultless First Covenant
[28:16] - The New Covenant with Israel and Judah
[29:20] - God's Desire to Know Us
[31:13] - Personal Relationship with God
[32:20] - Overcoming Temptation
[33:18] - No Excuses for Sin
[34:21] - The Old Covenant Decayed
[36:20] - Eternal Redemption Through Christ
[38:13] - Clear Conscience Through Christ
[40:30] - Mediator of the New Testament
[42:04] - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All
[43:17] - Appointed Once to Die, Then Judgment
[43:54] - Looking for Christ's Return
[44:46] - Sins Remembered No More
[46:01] - Need for Patience
[47:30] - Living by Faith
[49:01] - Faithful Men and Women
[50:51] - Suffering Without Receiving the Promise
[52:47] - Great Cloud of Witnesses
[54:23] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 6:11-12: "And we desire that every one of you do show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
2. Hebrews 10:38-39: "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."
3. Hebrews 12:1-2: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 6:11-12, what are believers encouraged to show in their faith journey? ([15:42])
2. What does Hebrews 10:38-39 say about living by faith and drawing back? ([47:30])
3. Who are the "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned in Hebrews 12:1-2, and what are they doing? ([52:47])
4. What does the sermon say about the significance of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ? ([24:31])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the example of Abraham's faith and patience in Hebrews 6:11-12 inspire believers to persevere in their own faith journey? ([18:03])
2. What does it mean to live by faith according to Hebrews 10:38-39, and how does this impact a believer's daily life? ([47:30])
3. In what ways does the "great cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1-2 provide encouragement and motivation for believers today? ([52:47])
4. How does the new covenant through Jesus Christ, as discussed in the sermon, change the way believers approach their relationship with God? ([24:31])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge in your faith. How did you show diligence and perseverance during that period? ([15:42])
2. Hebrews 10:38-39 emphasizes living by faith and not drawing back. Are there areas in your life where you feel tempted to draw back? How can you commit to pressing forward in faith? ([47:30])
3. The sermon mentions the importance of patience and endurance after doing the will of God. Can you identify a situation where you need to trust God's timing and plan rather than seeking immediate gratification? ([46:01])
4. The "great cloud of witnesses" is cheering us on in our race of faith. Who in your life has been a spiritual mentor or encourager, and how can you honor their influence by persevering in your own faith journey? ([52:47])
5. The new covenant through Jesus Christ purifies our conscience from dead works. Are there any "dead works" or past mistakes that you need to let go of to serve God with a clear and pure heart? ([24:31])
6. How can you practically lay aside every weight and sin that hinders you, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:1-2, to run your race with perseverance? ([52:47])
7. Think of a specific way you can demonstrate faith and patience in your current circumstances. What steps will you take this week to follow the examples of those who have inherited God's promises? ([18:03])
Devotional
Day 1: Diligence in Faith
Perseverance in faith is essential for spiritual growth and inheriting God's promises. Hebrews 6:11-12 calls believers to show diligence and avoid laziness in their faith journey. By following the examples of those who have patiently endured, Christians can achieve the full assurance of hope until the end. This perseverance is not just about enduring hardships but actively engaging in faith practices that strengthen one's relationship with God. The story of Abraham serves as a powerful reminder of how unwavering faith and patience can lead to receiving God's blessings. [15:42]
Hebrews 6:11-12 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have been spiritually lazy. What steps can you take today to show more diligence in your faith?
Day 2: The New Covenant
The new covenant established through Jesus Christ is superior to the old covenant, as it is based on grace and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. Unlike the old covenant, which was based on the law, the new covenant purifies our conscience from dead works, enabling us to serve the living God with a clear and pure heart. Jesus entered the holy place once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption for us. This act of ultimate sacrifice allows believers to live in the freedom and grace that comes from a purified conscience. [24:31]
Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of the new covenant in your life. How does understanding Jesus' ultimate sacrifice change the way you approach your daily walk with God?
Day 3: Trusting God's Timing
Patience and endurance are crucial, especially after doing the will of God, to receive His promises. The journey of faith is not about immediate gratification but about trusting God's timing and His perfect plan. Believers are encouraged to live by faith, pressing forward with the assurance that God is faithful to His promises. This steadfastness in faith is essential for spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. Trusting in God's timing requires a deep sense of surrender and confidence in His perfect plan for our lives. [46:01]
Hebrews 10:36 (ESV): "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: Identify a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you practice patience and trust in His timing today?
Day 4: Living by Faith
Hebrews 10:38-39 emphasizes that the just shall live by faith. Believers are called to commit themselves to live by faith, not drawing back, but pressing forward with the assurance that God is faithful to His promises. This steadfastness in faith is essential for spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. Living by faith means trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem challenging. It involves a daily commitment to walk in obedience and trust, knowing that God is always faithful. [47:30]
Habakkuk 2:4 (ESV): "Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully trusting God? What steps can you take today to live more faithfully in that area?
Day 5: Encouragement from the Cloud of Witnesses
The great cloud of witnesses, including our loved ones and spiritual ancestors, inspire believers to lay aside every weight and sin that hinders them, running with perseverance the race marked out for them. As Christians look to Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, they are empowered to endure and remain steadfast until the end. These witnesses serve as a source of encouragement and motivation, reminding believers that they are not alone in their journey of faith. [52:47]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: Think of a spiritual ancestor or loved one who has inspired your faith journey. How can their example encourage you to lay aside any hindrances and run your race with perseverance today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We want to finish this out. The Bible says for us not to be discouraged in our well doing. But that we will reap in due season if we don't quit. If we don't faint. So God wants us to endure to the end. And he'll give us the grace to do that." [17:11] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Think about that. One of the things that I feel like I'm learning. Is that it gives me a sense of empathy for other people who are suffering. You know you kind of maybe take for granted your ability to walk and to move. And I told somebody the other day that my part. All of the parts that aren't hurting are not working." [20:16] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "How great is the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Verse 19 says, Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. For which entereth into that within the veil. And so the hope we have is sure. The hope we have is steadfast. And we need to be quite aware of that. Always mindful of the things that God has provided for us there." [23:34] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe God can help us to overcome temptation. If you want to overcome temptation, you can overcome temptation. I believe God will help us to over. Have I said that enough yet? I believe God will help us to overcome temptation. So don't use as an excuse. I'm just human. No, you're not just human. You're a child of God." [32:20] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many. And unto them that look for him. Praise God. Shall he appear the second time. Without sin unto salvation. Praise the Lord. So look for Jesus. Lift up your head. These are the times that ought to cause us to be so ready. So waiting for Christ to come until those who look for him. The Bible says those are the ones that he is coming after." [43:17] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to be caring about what other people are going through. And not just what we are enduring ourselves. So then look to. Let's see. Let's go down to verse 17. Wherein God willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise. So who is the first heir of promise that have been discussed here? That's Abraham. Abraham is the father of the faith." [21:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are some things we've got to leave. You've got to let go of some things before you can reach for another. And somebody said that's what faith is. It's not holding on. It's not Tarzan holding on to one vine until he gets another one. It's recognizing that this has to be released in order for you to grasp something else." [23:34] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now, I know there's a lot of people out there. There's a parenthetical in there. You might lose some of the power of that verse, but how much more shall, uh, the blood of Jesus Christ purge our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. What about that? I'm so thankful because we can have our conscience clear. We can have a clear and pure conscience." [38:13] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't want to be those who just keep starting and stopping. We want to be those who continue faithfully and don't draw back and renounce all the things that you know are true, but just continue faithfully in faith unto the Lord." [49:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Wherefore, seeing since we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin with us so easily beset us and let us run with patience, the race that is set before us. And let us run with patience, the race that is set before us." [52:47] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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