A Call to Persevere
June 18, 2019
Commentary
Hebrews encourages believers to persevere in their Christian faith and conduct when facing persecution and pressure. There had been a time when those to whom this letter was written had known persecution; and they had learned what it was to become involved with those under suspicion (vv. 32-34). They had met that situation with gallantry and with honor.
The Christians were encouraged to remember the sufferings they had endured right after they were saved. They had been willing to suffer reproach, even to the point of losing all their earthly possessions. They had cheerfully and compassionately accepted the persecution and hardships that came their way. People can only do this when they live by faith (v. 38). “Now the just shall live by faith” is taken from Habakuk 2:4 and also quoted in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. We don’t usually think of suffering as good for us, but it can build our character and our patience.
A believer who does not walk by faith often goes back into his old ways and wastes his life. A good way to fortify people against future trials is to remind them of the courage they displayed in the past. That seems to be what the author is doing in these verses. As long as they had their eyes fixed on the Lord who never changes, nothing could move them or divert them from following Him. They would be able to face all the pressures and all of the problems of life steadfastly and unmovable, just like they had in the past. The writer’s call to them was to continue with determination and perseverance.
Application
Christianity does not demand the impossible; but if I am always as honest, as kind, as courageous, as courteous as I can be, my life will be much more profitable.
Hebrews 10:32– 39 (NET)
32 But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened. 33 At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way. 34 For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession. 35 So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward. 36 For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised. 37 For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.