Endurance!

Hebrews 10:32–39 (ESV) 32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, note: Hebrews 6:4—“enlightened”—there is something that follows enlightenment1 you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, Note: affliction is often translated “tribulation” elsewhere and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, Note: Hebrews 4:15 is the only other place in NT using this word, and it is used of Christ. 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. Note on confidence: also translates “open, openly, boldness, etc.” See how Hebrews uses it.2 1 John 1:9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. Ephesians 1:18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 3:9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 2 Timothy 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, Hebrews 10:32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 2 Hebrews 3:6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:35 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.”3 Note: The passages quoted, conflated, are: Isaiah 26:20 (Haggai 2:6) Habakkuk 2:2-7—see Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11 See also Deut. 32:35–36 from Hebrews 10:30 above 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Primary teachings: 1. The supremacy of Christ’s sacrifice a. The confidence we have should not be tossed aside b. The warnings c. Remember the suffering as an antidote to giving up. 2. Suffering is normal 3. Suffering directs us toward confidence. Sometimes we don’t suffer and lose our confidence. “It is a truth of life that, in many ways, it is easier to stand adversity than to stand prosperity.”4 4. Patience Second, the author uses the quotation at 10:37–38, which focuses on the righteous living “by faith,” in anticipation of the great exempla (example list) that follows in chapter 11. There the term that we translate as “by faith” (pistei) is used, via anaphora, to drive the point home with relentless repetition: those who please God live by faith.-George H. Guthrie, “Hebrews,” in Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, UK: Baker Academic; Apollos, 2007), 982. 3 4 William Barclay, The Letter to the Hebrews, The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002), 150.