Sure Of Better Things Hebrews 6:9-20

What this episode covers

There is a growing body of research on the concept of hope. There is even scientific research suggesting that those who have hope are better off physically, psychologically, and socially. Researchers acknowledge that trauma can have a negative impact upon the capacity for some to experience hope. For instance, a fatal diagnosis from your doctor can deplete every ounce of will power to pursue every other goal in life. Chan Hellman, a professor at Oklahoma State University, studied the power and science of hope. He says, “Hope is the belief that your future will be better than today and that you have the power to make it so.” Now, other than seeing hope as more than wishful thinking, this definition falls far short of the goal of biblical hope. It offers nothing in regard to our eternal hope. Of course, optimistic people are generally more successful than pessimistic people, but the goal of this passage in Hebrews sets our goals much higher. The author of Hebrews has been making the case that Jesus is better/greater/superior than everything! If you turn away from him there is nothing better for you to turn to. Yet, due to the fact that at least some of his audience had grown “dull of hearing” (Heb 5:11), he is concerned that they will fall away if they do not repent (Heb 6:4-6). We have spent the last several weeks covering that warning, but we come to a shift in his argument this morning. He follows that stern warning with a lengthy reflection upon true hope. Pray and Read Hebrews 6:9-20. Our first vow of membership in the PCA states: Do you acknowledge yourself to be a sinner in the sight of God, justly deserving His displeasure, and without hopesave in His sovereign mercy? The first step to obtaining the hope of salvation is recognizing that we enter this life without it. On the other hand, The infallible assurance of our faith is founded upon the certainty of the promises of our salvation. Do You Desire the Assurance of Hope? (9-12) Sure of better things — things that belong to salvation (9). The description of experiences in the previous section are things that may not belong to salvation. They (the author and companions) are confident that this community will produce the fruit of repentance and that the threatened curse would not fall upon them (8). The warning given in the previous section does not negate their charitable esteem for their Christian brothers and sisters. They desire and hope for the best outcome. The author acknowledges the loving service this community has shown to the saints (10), which is consistent with the fruit expected from the field that has been blessed by God (7). These saints have a reputation of exemplary service toward one another, even in the midst of their own tribulation and persecution. This, in effect, is the recognition that God’s Spirit is at work among them. It is not to suggest that their love and works are perfect, but that they are done in sincerity through Jesus Christ (Heb 13:21). However, not everyone was united in their service. They desire to see them enjoying the same earnestness and full assurance of hope (11). They want to see this whole community persevere to the end. The author desires that their assurance not waver, but that it be full. He doesn’t merely want them to base their hope on a dream or a wish, but he wants them to have “an infallible assurance of faith” (WCF 18.2). A renewed interest in spiritual maturity would provide the hope of their perseverance. To the contrary, their sluggishness (same word translated “dull of hearing” in Heb 5:11) is not characteristic of those inheriting the promises of God through faith and patience (12). The antidote to a sluggish faith is one that is full of the assurance of hope. Which, as long as they are looking to Christ, will be victorious — though oftentimes it will be weakened and assailed through tribulation (WCF 14.3). This encouragement from the author is what all of us need from tim

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