A Better Estimate

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Revelation 2:1-5

I. Background of Hebrews 6:9-20

A. In the middle of a discussion about the high priesthood of Jesus, the Hebrew writer interrupts his argument to express concern for their spiritual health.

B. At a time they should be teachers, they needed teachers. At a time they should eat meat, they needed milk, not solid food. He warned that those whose spiritual health continued to decline could reach a point where they cannot be moved to repent.

C. Though the writer expressed concern for their immaturity, he trusted that they would grow in the faith

II. Church growth

A. They had been active and God would not forget it.

B. Revelation 2:1-5 – The Ephesus church needed to remain active Revelation 3:1-3 – At Sardis God remembered their works but would punish them if they did not return to the good works.

C. They had ministered to the needs of the saints and continued to do so

III. Individual growth

A. Each one must show the same diligence—cannot rest on what others are doing or what the church does congregationally

B. They must not become sluggish or lazy

C. In the first eight verses he addressed the danger of turning back.

D. In this first he addressed the danger of becoming lazy.

E. They could rest on past work and success. Christians must not become complacent; it matters little what you have done in the past if you are not doing anything now.

F. They must persevere with confidence until the end.

G. They must not lose heart or let their faith weaken.

H. They should follow the example of those who have persevered and lived by faith so they could inherit the promises.

I. God promised Abraham that he would receive a son through whom god would make a great nation. Abraham believed God (faith) and patiently endured (patience) and received God’s promise though he had to wait 25 years from the promise of descendants to Isaac’s birth.

J. We can endure for we have a hope set before us that is as real as anything we can see on this earth.

K. God gave His word that we would receive His blessings if we endure. God cannot lie therefore He will fulfill His promise.

IV. Our hope

A. Sure and steadfast

B. God promised it and He cannot lie therefore we can have all confidence. We trust the bank to make our money available when we need it; how much more should we trust God who will never fail us.

C. Provides consolation

D. When we endure trials and suffering on earth it is comforting to know that God’s promise of a rest is certain. We flee sin to find refuge in God and He will protect us; the devil cannot remove us by force.

E. Is before us as a goal

F. It is our target to which we aim. Hebrews 11:6 – must have faith in God and His promises It anchors us to God and if we continue to put our trust in God, we will not drift from His presence.

V. Conclusion: We can drift away from God eventually reaching a point where no one can appeal to us to return to Him. However, if we continue active and persevere in hope, we will not fall but will ensure our salvation.