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The Hebrew brethren needed encouragement because of their dismal circumstances. In light of the admonitions and warnings (Heb. 6 – 10), the threat of these brethren casting aside their faith and returning to an “easier” state of life was very real.
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The Hebrew brethren needed encouragement because of their dismal circumstances. • In light of the admonitions and warnings (Heb. 6 – 10), the threat of these brethren casting aside their faith and returning to an “easier” state of life was very real. • However, the consequences were enormous and eternally devastating if this was the choice made (Heb. 3:16-4:1). • Thus, Paul directs much of his effort toward reminding these brethren of the certainty of God’s promises and encouraging them toward steadfastness in their choice. • We will consider a few thoughts in light of this text that can be very helpful today in moving us toward greater diligence in our service to God. Yesterday’s Obedience
Is not forgotten by God. • Some want to make God out to be uncaring and mean – A God who only see’s and remembers sin. • This text proves the opposite – “God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name…”(Heb. 6:10). • “God is not unjust, He will not forget” (NIV). • This is not to say that Christians cannot be lost if they cast aside their faith – Certainly they can (Heb. 10:38-39 CF. Ezek. 18:24) . • However, God remembers the past faithfulness of those who strive to continue in their faithfulness (Heb. 6:11-12) Yesterday’s Obedience
Is not forgotten by God. • Rev. 2:2,3 • Rev. 2:9 • Rev. 2:19 • Rev. 3:3,4 • Rev. 3:8 • Rev. 14:13 Yesterday’s Obedience
Can be used to set the bar for today. • “we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end” (Heb. 6:11). • These brethren showed great diligence “Yesterday”. (Heb. 6:10 & 10:32-34) • Their past diligence was a good starting point to set the bar for continued faithfulness. • The same can be true of our faithfulness today (2 Cor. 13:5 CF. Luke 9:23 & 2 Pet. 1:5-11) Yesterday’s Obedience
Is not sufficient to save us if we become sluggish. • “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”. (Heb. 6:12) • Sluggish – Slow, lazy, or lacking vitality; It is the absence of zeal and enthusiasm in service. Yesterday’s Obedience
Is not sufficient to save us if we become sluggish. • “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.”1 Cor. 15:58 • “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Rm. 12:11 • “forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind.” Php. 3:13-15 Yesterday’s Obedience