Today’s passage: Hebrews 10:32-39
Helpful thoughts:
- The original recipients of this letter had already shown evidence of faith in enduring persecution after their conversion.
- There will be difficulties and hardships in this life. Christ is coming, and then our time here will have seemed so short. Live with eternity in mind!
- “We (Meaning, true Christians) are not of those who shrink back.” The writer of Hebrews encourages perseverance in the faith and also acknowledges the truth of all those who are in Christ. Christians persevere.
Questions to consider:
- This passage from Habakkuk 2 is also quoted in Romans 1:16-17. What does, “the righteous shall live by faith” mean? How does faith serve as the means to living righteously? (Think conversion, then sanctification, and perseverance)
- Why is it hard for Christians in the west to understand the meaning of enduring suffering as a believer? Persecution served as a testing ground for these believers in this passage. What are some potential testing grounds for Christians in our society? Where is the fruit of our faith displayed?
- If a Christian is not one who “shrinks back,” then what does it mean to shrink back and who does that? How is the perception of the “church” different from God’s perspective than from ours? Is everyone who goes to church somewhere actually part of the Church? What is the difference?