Resting in God's Justice and Mercy for Assurance

In our journey through Hebrews 6:9-12, we explore the profound relationship between God's justice and mercy, and how these divine attributes provide a foundation for our assurance of salvation. The early Christians faced severe trials, including imprisonment and the loss of property, yet they rejoiced in their sufferings because they cherished God as their ultimate treasure. This love for God was not about earning salvation through merit but about demonstrating a heart fully satisfied in Him. The justice of God, therefore, is not about rewarding human merit but about upholding His glory and the work He accomplishes in us.

Justice, in its broader biblical sense, involves God upholding His own glory and the value of His name. When we love God and serve others out of this love, it is not our merit that God sees, but His own work in us. This is why God's justice supports and sustains those who rely on His mercy. Our assurance of salvation is rooted in this divine justice that honors those who cherish God's mercy. This assurance is not about our performance but about God's faithfulness to His own character and promises.

The call is to rest in the dual boulders of God's mercy and justice. We are encouraged to cast ourselves wholly on God's mercy, which draws attention to His trustworthiness and glory. In doing so, we find security and assurance, knowing that God's justice will uphold us because it honors His own work in us. This understanding should embolden us to live lives of humble service, confident in the security provided by God's mercy and justice.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Christian life is not about earning salvation through merit but about trusting in God's mercy and justice. Our assurance comes from God's faithfulness to His own character, not our performance. [04:13]
• 2. God's justice is broader than mere retribution; it involves upholding His glory and the value of His name. When we love God and serve others, it is His work in us that justice honors. [06:50]
• 3. Assurance of salvation is rooted in God's justice, which supports those who cherish His mercy. This divine justice honors God's work in us, providing a foundation for our faith. [12:21]
• 4. We are called to rest on the boulders of God's mercy and justice, finding security in His trustworthiness and glory. This assurance empowers us to live lives of humble service. [14:27]
• 5. The battle for assurance is not about our merit but about relying on God's mercy and justice. By casting ourselves on His mercy, we direct attention to His sufficiency and trustworthiness. [18:54]
  ** [18:54]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:17] - Enduring Hardship with Joy
• [01:00] - Justice and Mercy: Two Boulders
• [02:13] - Misinterpretation of Justice
• [03:00] - Living by Faith and Patience
• [04:38] - Broadened Definition of Justice
• [05:34] - The Supreme Value of God
• [06:50] - God's Justice and Our Assurance
• [08:28] - Ministry and Love for God's Name
• [10:18] - Justice Upholding God's Glory
• [12:21] - God's Work in Us
• [13:14] - Assurance Through Justice
• [15:09] - Security in Mercy and Justice
• [16:54] - Prayer for Assurance
• [19:29] - Closing Benediction

1. What were some of the hardships faced by the early Christians as mentioned in the sermon, and how did they respond to these challenges? [00:17]
2. According to the sermon, what is the broader biblical definition of justice, and how does it differ from the common understanding of justice as retribution? [04:38]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between God's justice and the assurance of salvation? [12:21]
4. What role does God's work in us play in the context of justice and assurance, as explained in the sermon? [12:54]

1. How does the sermon suggest that the early Christians' love for God influenced their response to persecution and loss? What does this imply about the nature of true faith? [09:00]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the idea that salvation can be earned through human merit? How does this perspective align with the broader message of the New Testament? [02:26]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of God's justice upholding His glory and name? What implications does this have for how believers should live their lives? [06:50]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between God's mercy and justice, and how should this understanding impact a believer's sense of security in their faith? [14:27]

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or loss. How did your faith influence your response, and what can you learn from the early Christians' example of rejoicing in suffering? [00:17]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of resting in God's mercy and justice rather than relying on personal merit. How can you shift your focus from performance to trust in God's character this week? [04:13]
3. Consider the broader definition of justice presented in the sermon. How can you apply this understanding to your interactions with others, especially in situations where you might be tempted to seek retribution? [04:38]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of God's work in us. Identify an area of your life where you see God's work and consider how you can cooperate with His efforts to grow in that area. [12:54]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper love for God's glory and name in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect this love? [08:06]
6. The sermon calls believers to live lives of humble service. What specific acts of service can you commit to this week that demonstrate your reliance on God's mercy and justice? [14:27]
7. Reflect on your current level of assurance in your faith. What steps can you take to strengthen your confidence in God's promises and character, especially during times of doubt or insecurity? [16:54]