Preparing for the Lord's Day
Jesus is Better
The Danger of Drifting & the Power of Hearing
Several weeks ago, we considered the word of reproof found in Hebrews 5:11 that this community of Christians had grown “dull of hearing”. As the author brings this portion of exhortation (5:11-6:12) to a close, he returns, once again, to the topic of dullness. Using the same word in the original language, he communicates his earnest desire that these Christians not “be sluggish,” but rather “imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (6:12)
It seems that the pastoral fear of the inspired author is that the Hebrew Christian community’s dullness would progress in its severity from a sluggishness of hearing to a sluggishness of the soul. His plea is that they not continue to “drift away”, but rather “pay much closer attention to what [they] had heard.” (2:1) Many of us have likely experienced the reality that spiritual drift can happen so slowly and progressively that it can almost be difficult to notice. While slow and progressive, the eventual consequences can be catastrophic. The safeguard against drifting is listening. We must listen to the Word of God and pay close attention to the Word of God made flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ.
In our text this week, the author seeks to encourage the Hebrew Christians to stay the course of faith by communicating a sense of assurance that they are, indeed, blessed by God in Christ. May God use the truths of this passage to grant us blessed assurance and lifelong perseverance, to the glory of Jesus Christ.
To come prepared for worship, please remain in prayer for God to open the eyes of our hearts and minds. While meditating on Hebrews 6:9-12, please also meditate on the certain security we have when united with Christ: John 6:38-40, John 10:28-30, Romans 8:37-39, and 1 John 2:1. The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 17 on The Perseverance of the Saints and Chapter 18 on The Assurance of Grace and Salvationprovide Biblical foundation and encouragement for the soul.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts and voices in singing the Hymn of Praise “To God be the Glory,” the Acclamation of Praise “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” and the Hymn of Response “Blessed Assurance.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Hebrews 6:9-12
Title: Blessed Assurance
Outline:
Assurance is…
- Possible (verse 9)
- Theological (verse 10)
- Experiential (verse 11)
- Essential (verses 11-12)