Is Your Faith Bigger Than Your Trouble?
Hebrews 10:32-39
Hebrews 10:32-39, (NLT)
Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. "For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
Mark 4:17, (NLT)
But since they don't have deep roots, they don't last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God's word.
It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies - whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer to His heart.
~Hudson Taylor
1. Remember yesterday’s problems
Hebrews 10:32, (NLT)
Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.
Hebrews 10:33a, (NLT)
Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten,
Hebrews 10:33b, (NIV)
...at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.
Hebrews 10:34a, (NIV)
You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property,
Hebrews 10:34b, (NLT)
You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
Psalm 77:11-12, (NKJV)
I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds.
2. Resolve today to be patient
Hebrews 10:35, (NLT)
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!
Hebrews 10:36, (NLT)
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
It is the spirit which can bear things not simply in resignation, but with blazing hope. It is not the spirit which sits statically, enduring in one place, but the spirit which bears things because it knows that these things are leading to a goal of glory. It is not patience which grimly waits for the end, but patience which radiantly hopes for the dawn.
- William Barclay
Galations 5:22, (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness...
Hebrews 10:36, (NLT)
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
3. Rest in tomorrow’s promise
Hebrews 10:37, (NLT)
"For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay.
Hebrews 10:38, (NLT)
And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away."
2 Corinthians 5:7, (NIV)
We live by faith, not by sight.
Hebrews 10:38-39,
And my righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away." But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved.
