Day5
Week 10
Hebrews 10
”It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Remember the former days, after you were enlightened, in which you endured a great struggle of afflictions. In part you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions. And in part you became companions of those who were so abused. For you had compassion on me in my chains and joyfully endured the confiscation of your property, knowing that you have in heaven a better and an enduring possession for yourselves. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which will be greatly rewarded. For you need patience, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive the promise. For, “In yet a little while, He who is to come will come, and will not wait. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.“
Hebrews 10:31-39 MEV
Cross references
Isaiah 33:14; Luke 12:5; Hebrews 6:4; Philippians 1:29-30; 1 Corinthians 4:9;
Philippians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:16; Hebrews 11:26; Luke 21:19;
Hebrews 12:1; Revelation 22:20; Isaiah 26:20; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11
Remember And Endure
Do you remember the change you experienced when you first believed?
A CHANGE FROM VALUING WHAT OTHERS THINK OF YOU TO VALUING MORE WHAT GOD THINKS OF YOU.
These new believers suffered “by being made a public spectacle through reproaches.”
Why put up with that?
Why not just blend in with the crowd?
Why not laugh at the same dirty jokes?
Why not be one of the guys?
These things pale in comparison to real persecution.
The early church and Christians in other parts of the world today suffered and are suffering beatings, imprisonment, loss of jobs, homes, torture and death.
So why endure these things?
They remember and endure because their new focus was and is not on pleasing people, but God, who examines the heart.
Worldly people live for the acclaim of others. They want people to like them, and so their focus is on making a good impression.
But those who have been rescued from sin by the crucified and risen Savior live to please Him.
The writer is cheering us on to live by faith.
Remember and endure to the end receiving the promises in the next life.
Remember the joy of your salvation and focus on the promises.
This enables us to become spiritual grown ups.
Action Step
Have you fallen asleep in your faith?
Are you seeking approval and acceptance from others or from God?
Take a deep breath and relax.
Think about how you felt in the beginning when you first received Jesus.
Leave a comment that expresses how you felt and then praise God for renewing your first love.
Comments