It's Always Too Soon to Quit!
Don't Stop Now!
A study of the NT book of Hebrews
by Pastor Frank Rice
Hebrews 10:26-39
Almost everyone who has ever committed to a cause has been tempted to back-off from that commitment. Discouragement, disillusionment, perceived failure, lack of encouragement or appreciation all seek to get us out from under the pressure. Weariness of task and trials can drain our energies. Even the lure of something better can draw us away from what we know is the right course of action. Our commitment to Christ also faces challenges. The author provides dreadfully stern warnings and positive incentives to continue the race!
I. Beware of the Consequences of Spiritual Defection (Vv. 26-31)!
v This severe warning passage is for the benefit of believers, not at all like a previous warning passage (6:4-8). (This is vital.)
1. The initial “for” indicates that the author is still addressing the “brethren” of verses 19-25!
2. He includes himself (a believer) in the warning (v. 26).
3. He refers to those who have received “the knowledge of the truth,” a sure indicator of salvation (v. 26).
4. He contrasts God’s people with God’s adversaries (v. 27).
5. He refers to temporal physical punishment and death, not to eternal torment (vv. 27-28).
6. He speaks of those who have been sanctified, a customary Biblical term for salvation (v. 29).
7. He makes mention of the Lord judging His people (v. 30).
v This sober warning is directed toward any believer who engages in a pattern of defiant and deviant behavior!
1. For those participating in persistent, intentional, informed sinful activity, there is no remaining sacrifice (v. 26).
2. For those guilty of such, they should expect the same kind of punishment for which His enemies are destined. Believers aren’t exempt from disaster and divine discipline (v. 27).
3. For those guilty of such, their punishment will be far more deserved and severe than the OT defector’s (vv. 28-29a).
4. The guilty one profanes the Son of God; she walks all over Him; she treats Him like dirt (v. 29)!
5. The guilty one displays contempt for the sacrificial death of Christ; he fails to grasp the sacredness of His blood (v. 29).
6. The guilty one insults the Holy Spirit, who promises needed grace, guides us into truth, and guards us from error (v. 29). “This person has treated the Holy Spirit, the very presence and power of God in the believer’s life, the gracious administrator of God’s grace, with arrogant insolence.” (Cockerill)
v This stern warning is backed by God’s promise (vv. 30-31)!
1. Believers are aware of (we know) the One who promised divine discipline (v. 30; 1 Cor 11:30-31, 1 John 5:16)!
2. The consequences of willful sin are intentionally terrifying! Every believer should have a healthy fear of the Lord! God is concerned about the sins of His children.
(a) Sin disgraces and degrades the one who sins.
(b) Sin defiles and debilitates the sinner. It makes him feel dirty and robs him of an ability to think right.
(c) Sin desensitizes the one who sins, making it easier to sin.
(d) Sin destroys the sinner, physically, spiritually, mentally, and relationally.
(e) Sin dishonors the Father and brings reproach to His family – the Church.
II. Be Aware of the Incentives Promised to the Faithful (Vv. 32-39)!
v Recall some of your major faith-forming events (vv. 32-34).
1. Recall the day when the light came on - conversion (v. 32a).
2. Recall the struggles and sufferings you’ve endured and the grace given to endure (v. 32b).
3. Recall the public humiliation, verbal and physical abuse, to which you were subjected (v. 33a). “Their enemies overran the houses now left empty and began to loot them, dividing up the contents like spoils of war. Looting was accompanied by other acts of public outrage and violence.”
4. Recall the hardships encountered because you identified with incarcerated followers of Christ (vv. 33b-34a).
Deprived of legal protection, Christians became targets for abuse. They were ridiculed, harassed, taunted, hounded, and humiliated. Derogatory remarks and disparaging comments were hurled at them and their loved ones. It was open season on Christians They had "endured a great conflict of sufferings" and stood firm as good “athletes” of Christ.
Those not personally exposed to suffering showed their solidarity with those who were directly attacked, and so shared the public scorn. When some were imprisoned, others did not abandon them, but ran the risk of being imprisoned. Prisoners could starve unless friends brought food and supplies. Throughout the whole age of imperial persecution of the Church, visiting friends in prison was a regular, yet dangerous, duty of Christian love.
5. Recall the loss of possessions (v. 34b). Rioting, eviction, and looting resulted from the introduction of Christianity.
v Determine to continue to press on in spite of trials (vv. 35-39)!
1. Maintain your confidence (v. 35)! Never consider boldness in Christ as something useless or unprofitable (cast away)! It has great reward. Don’t lose hope or throw in the towel!
“A believer who does not walk by faith goes back into the old ways and wastes his life.” (Wiersbe)
2. Maintain your endurance so that you get to enjoy the “finish-line” experience (v. 36)! Awards are given at the finish line!
3. Maintain your perspective (vv. 37-39)!
(a) We’re saved by faith and we live by faith! It’s only a matter of time until God “comes” and makes things right!
(b) Those who retreat spiritually will not experience and enjoy God’s approval. This is not speaking of salvation.
(c) Believers aren’t like unbelievers (we, those) who follow their own path to perdition. We’ll enjoy deliverance!
v Let’s revisit the prophet Habakkuk, especially3:17-19.
(1) He lived in a violent & godless culture.
(2) He prayed fervently that God would do something.
(3) He felt powerless against the forces of evil!
(4) He was perplexed with God’s handling of the situation.
(5) He was committed to live, not by sight, but by faith!
(6) He was committed to rejoicing, not in circumstances, but in the Lord.
(7) He was committed to contentment in the Lord.