Delivery Day
The letter to the Hebrew Christians is structured around five exhortations. These exhortations are encouraging warnings written to Jewish Christians who were tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus Christ and return to their old religious traditions. The tenth chapter ends with the fourth exhortation of the letter, don’t deliberately disobey God’s Word. The previous warnings are expose failures that lead to this destructive rebellion. This warning urges us to hold onto our faith in Jesus as the perfect sacrifice for our sin. The author gives three reasons: avoid the wrath of God, don’t waste all your precious previous suffering and finally remember that He is returning soon to deliver us. Delivery day could be at any time. Perhaps you know the excitement of waiting for a delivery, anything from a gift or online purchase to a precious infant birth? Remember that the delivery day we’re being reminded of is far more precious and infinitely more worth waiting for.
Scripture
Hebrews 10:32-39 ESV But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, [33] sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. [34] For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. [35] Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. [36] For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. [37] For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; [38] but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” [39] But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Bible Study Questions
What is the first part of this fourth warning against falling away from faith in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ? (Hebrews 10:26-27)
What does the author mean when in the beginning of our reading when he writes “after you were enlightened” (2 Timothy 1:8-12)
What is the second reason given for us to persevere in our faith even in the face of persecution? (Hebrews 10:32-35)
What quality to we need in order to do the will of God and receive His promised delivery? (Hebrews 10:36)
What precious promise provides the third reason to hold onto our faith no matter what? (Hebrews 10:37)
What does Jesus expect from us when He returns in all His power and Glory (Luke 18:7-8)
What are some of God’s promise to those who persevere in faith until the very end? (James 1:12, 1 John 3:2, John 14:2-3, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 3:21, Revelation 21:4)
Prayer
Dear Father God, Thank You that You have planned every day of our existence, from the first sunrise until the last time it sets. Thank You that time is Your servant and not Your master. Thank You that Your Word is trustworthy and true, and that You deliver on all Your promises. Thank You that Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ proved that by His death and resurrection. Thank You for delivering us from evil, sin and eternal separation from Your loving mercy. We praise You Lord that we can celebrate Your faithful promises at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please bless our bread and the fruit of the vine, remind us of the precious value of the body and blood of our Master and Saviour, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Father, please forgive us our sin, and help us to minister Your grace through the Gospel, to all who we know and love, In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven's perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great, I Am
Service
The best way to persevere in faith is to support each other in faith. The Hebrew Christians stood by and supported each other through their terrible trials. How can you reach out to those who are enduring great trials today? Standing with them and for them will also strengthen our faith. Let’s ask the Lord Jesus to give us the courage and perseverance to do this in Jesus Name.