6.5. A CONCERN FOR STEADFASTNESS (Hebrews 6:9-20)

Hebrews 6:9 "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, ..." (KJV)

Confidence expressed by spiritual leaders has a strengthening effect. The encouragement was based on the evidence of their faith bearing fruit - "things that accompany salvation" (Hebrews 6:9 ). Their regeneration was evident by their changed lives. Works of love towards the saints in the Lord's name, conclusively marks them as the Lord's people.

Hebrews 6:10 "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (KJV)

God will remember and will faithfully reward. Love ministers constantly, not spasmodically. Love for His people makes our discipleship apparent. (John 13:34-35 ).

	Urged to persevere so that there will be a continued evidence of their faith "to the very end" (Hebrews 6:11 NIV).
	Avoid spiritual listlessness by being spiritually earnest carrying out the Lord's work with diligence (Hebrews 6:11-12 )
	Imitate those who have persevered through faith.

Hebrews 6:12 "... imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (NKJV)

Imitation of victorious role models develops victors.

Hebrews 6:13 "For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, " (KJV)

God's Word is absolutely reliable. By giving an oath and that by Himself, makes His Word doubly dependable. Our response should be steadfast faith.

Hebrews 6:15 "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise." (KJV)

Abraham proved God keeps His promises and rewards the believer (Hebrews 6:13-14 ).

What God guaranteed He will not and cannot change (Hebrews 6:6-18 ).

Hebrews 6:17 "Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:" (KJV)

Salvation of both Jew and Gentile by faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ the Lord, is certain and true - because of two immutable (unchangeable) things (Hebrews 6:18 ). God's promise is absolutely trustworthy and so is His guarantee confirming that promise. "In which it was impossible for God to lie" (Hebrews 6:18 KJV). To lie is incompatible with Him being God, and with His being supreme, absolute truth. Here is the ground of "strong consolation" and steadfastness of faith, having fled to Christ for refuge (Hebrews 6:18 KJV).

Hebrews 6:19 "Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, ..." (KJV)

Steadfastness of faith and progress to maturity comes by being firmly centred in Christ.

"Consider" Him in whom promise and oath are embodied and vivified for ever; in whom rests - nay, in whom consists - our anchor of an eternal hope (Hebrews 6:19 ) Jesus, our man of men, our High Priest of everlasting order, now entered within the veil" into the place of covenant and the glory and "as forerunner on our behalf" (Hebrews 6:20 ). To follow Him in there, in "consideration" of faith and of worshipping love - this is the secret to the end, for "bearing onwards to perfection". Handley C.G. Moule D.D. Messages from Hebrews, Jan 1930. Thyne and Jarvis Ltd.

Jesus our eternal High Priest is our secure anchorage - He is the source and fulfilment of His own desire within us for steadfastness and maturity.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Can you relate how the encouragement of a leader has a strengthening effect on you (Hebrews 6:9 )?

2. What do your works of love demonstrate to the world (Hebrews 6:10; John 13:34-35 )?

3. What two unchangeable things give you strong consolation (Hebrews 6:18 )?

4. Is your faith firmly centred in Christ, bringing you the steadfastness of one who is anchored in Him (Hebrews 6:19 )?