Reading: Hebrews 6:11-20
"I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day" (2 Tim 1:12)
Casualness in Christian life is the primary cause of backsliding. Christian life is a race, a fight, a warfare. We can't make it without diligence and watchfulness. The Bible has to say so much on diligence because that is the antidote for backsliding. The sixth Chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews gives atleast three important lessons on diligence.
a) Diligence means holding the "full assurance of hope" (v11). We must be persuaded "that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,... nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God" (Rom 8:38,39). This is not self-confidence but confidence on the Lord. Has He chosen us to lose us? Certainly not. When Jesus told His disciples, "Let's go over to the other side," His plan for Him and the team was to reach the other side safe and sound and not to sink in the middle. Apparent imperfections in our life should not discourage us or disturb our confidence. Be "confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6).
b) Diligence means imitating the forefathers of faith and patience (v12). For example, Abraham, "after he had patiently endured, obtained the promise" (v15). And the cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. The cloud of witnesses around us provides us an encouraging and motivating atmosphere to finish the race victoriously. Also we are to learn from the faithful leaders God has placed over us (Heb 13:7). Missionary biographies and those of God's dear saints of the past must be frequently read. They strengthen our faith and kindle fire in us.
c) Diligence also means taking refuge in the presence of God (vv18-20). We have "strong consolation" in Him. He is the "anchor of our soul." In His presence we have the "surety and steadfastness." When the enemy chases you, run to the Name of the Lord which is a strong tower (Prov 18-10). How can the enemy touch you when you hide in Christ? The Lord is our Refuge and our Fortress.
Rock of ages cleft of me;
let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
from Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure,
cleanse from wrath and make me pure!
"I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day" (2 Tim 1:12)
Casualness in Christian life is the primary cause of backsliding. Christian life is a race, a fight, a warfare. We can't make it without diligence and watchfulness. The Bible has to say so much on diligence because that is the antidote for backsliding. The sixth Chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews gives atleast three important lessons on diligence.
a) Diligence means holding the "full assurance of hope" (v11). We must be persuaded "that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,... nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God" (Rom 8:38,39). This is not self-confidence but confidence on the Lord. Has He chosen us to lose us? Certainly not. When Jesus told His disciples, "Let's go over to the other side," His plan for Him and the team was to reach the other side safe and sound and not to sink in the middle. Apparent imperfections in our life should not discourage us or disturb our confidence. Be "confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:6).
b) Diligence means imitating the forefathers of faith and patience (v12). For example, Abraham, "after he had patiently endured, obtained the promise" (v15). And the cloud of witnesses in Hebrews 11. The cloud of witnesses around us provides us an encouraging and motivating atmosphere to finish the race victoriously. Also we are to learn from the faithful leaders God has placed over us (Heb 13:7). Missionary biographies and those of God's dear saints of the past must be frequently read. They strengthen our faith and kindle fire in us.
c) Diligence also means taking refuge in the presence of God (vv18-20). We have "strong consolation" in Him. He is the "anchor of our soul." In His presence we have the "surety and steadfastness." When the enemy chases you, run to the Name of the Lord which is a strong tower (Prov 18-10). How can the enemy touch you when you hide in Christ? The Lord is our Refuge and our Fortress.
Rock of ages cleft of me;
let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
from Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure,
cleanse from wrath and make me pure!
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