STEADFAST INCHRIST

February 23, 2021

  1. Starting point: 1 Tim. 2:1-6

 

  1. Praying from: HEBREWS 5

 

EXHORTATION TO SPIRITUAL PROGRESS

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,

2     Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3     And this will we do, if God permit.

THE PERIL OF APOSTASY

        4     For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

5     And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

6     If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

7     For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

8     But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

EXHORTATION TO CONTINUED FAITHFULNESS

        9     But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.

10     For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

11     And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

12     That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

GOD’S PROMISES SURE

13     For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

14     Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.

15     And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

 

THE CERTAINTY OF ETERNAL HOPE

      16     For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife.

17     Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18     That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19     Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;

20     Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

 

  1. THE SERIOUSNESS—vv. 1–8

EXHORTATION TO SPIRITUAL PROGRESS

  1. Childish—vv. 1–2. No need to repeat the same teachings. You know them. This is “baby food.”
  2. Continuance—v. 3. Let us go on to deeper things. Let us leave the baby food and go on to strong food, which is for mature people.

THE PERIL OF APOSTASY

  1. Carelessness—vv. 4–6. The experiences given here were those of Christians—not sinners. Verse 6 speaks of “falling away.” How can one “fall away” if he has never been saved?
  2. Compensation—vv. 7–8. If Christians do not produce fruit, they are of no value to Christ’s kingdom. Compare with John 15:6.
  3. THE STEADFASTNESS—vv. 9–12

EXHORTATION TO CONTINUED FAITHFULNESS

  1. Persuasion—v. 9. The writer had faith that the people would not be like those spoken of in verses 1–8.
  2. Promise—v. 10. God rewards those who are faithful to Him and His work. He may not pay you on earth, but He will remember you in heaven.
  3. Plan—vv. 11–12. Continue on loving others. By doing this, you will get a full reward. By doing this, the Christian life will never be dull.

III.   THE SURETY—vv. 13–20

GOD’S PROMISES SURE

  1. Promise—vv. 13–14. God’s promise to Abraham. He was the father of a great nation. God made a promise and kept that promise.

THE CERTAINTY OF ETERNAL HOPE

  1. Patience—vv. 15–18. Abraham was very patient, waiting for a son. He waited almost 100 years, knowing God would keep his promise.
  2. Picture—vv. 19–20. Melchizedek a type of Christ. Christ the anchor to the soul.

 

  1.   THE A-MEN OF ROMANS 16:20, 24, 27

16:20   “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. A-men.”

16:24   “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. A-men.”

16:27   “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. A-men.”