December 13, 2011 (Hebrews 9-11)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Patient endurance is what you will need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.” Hebrews 10:36 NLT
Observation: Hebrews encourages believers to persevere in their Christian faith and conduct when facing persecution and pressure. The race that we run is not a sprint, but rather a marathon. The race must be run with patience and endurance. We must overcome sin and the power of wickedness in our lives by the Holy Spirit of Christ that lives within us. Patient endurance is what we need to continue to do God’s will. We must continue to fight for the faith and defend the gospel message of Jesus Christ even when we are surrounded by sin and wickedness. We must remain steadfast and confident that if we hold on to Christ until the very end, we will receive all the He has promised.
Application: There is much talk of eternal security in our world today. Salvation is presented by many as a “free” gift that cost you nothing. A gift you receive now, and can never be lost. Yet that representation of the gift of salvation is not necessarily true. For if we receive the gift of salvation now, and it can never be lost, why is there a need for patient endurance? The truth is, the free gift of salvation comes with great responsibility. Notice the scripture above inserts that patient endurance is needed to continue to do God’s will. Also notice, the promises are received after one has patiently endured and been found faithful to the end. We can only trust that our eternity is secure as long as we are faithful and obedient to Christ to the very end.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for Your word that warns me, and reminds me, to remain faithful. Grant me the patient endurance that I need to continue to do Your will. I eagerly look forward to the promises You have made to all that are faithful until the end. Give me wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard. In Jesus name, Amen!