The Treasures of HebrewsSample

“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.” (Hebrews 6:11-12 ESV)

How often do you get warnings? The occasional fine from the HM Courts & Tribunal Service (collection of traffic fines in the UK)? A verbal warning from a municipal enforcement officer? What is it like in the church when the Word is opened? Will we let the message confront us—or are we done facing uncomfortable truths?

The warnings in this letter are loud and clear. In chapter 3, the author earnestly urges us to persevere in faith, a theme that is further elaborated on in chapters 5 and 6. It is imperative that we remain faithful. The author warns that if we abandon our faith, the chances of us ever returning are very slim indeed. The author even argues that this is impossible. This is how we should interpret words and how we should listen to them. Perhaps you are considering quitting. The trials and tribulations are becoming too much for you. You feel darkness in your heart, and you have lost all hope for a bright future.

Remember God's promises. Open the Bible and read about Abraham and the promise that God made to him. Did that promise come true? Yes, very clearly. Abraham had a son, who had another son, and so a great nation was born. And that people still live in the land God promised to Abraham. The promise made to every Christian is that they will be welcomed by God into heaven. There, we will live with Jesus forever. Does that prospect give you new hope?