A call to persevere - O se valaau ia tūtūmau

Scripture Focus: Eperu 10:19-39

Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having a great priest over God’s house, let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water, let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries. A man who disregards Moses’ law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will he be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance belongs to me,” says the Lord, “I will repay.” Again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise. “In a very little while, he who comes will come, and will not wait. But the righteous will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.
- Hebrews 10:19-39 (WEB)

Study:

This passage encourages believers to persevere in faith and community despite hardships. It highlights the confidence we have to enter God's presence through Jesus’ sacrifice, described as a "new and living way." The writer exhorts us to hold fast to our hope without wavering, support one another in love and good works, and to not neglect gathering together as the Day of the Lord approaches. It warns against willful sin after knowing the truth, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting Christ’s sacrifice. Yet, it also reminds us of the faithfulness of God’s promises and the reward awaiting those who endure. The call is clear: live by faith, stand firm, and encourage one another in love.

Application:

In today’s world, it is easy to become discouraged or isolated in our faith. This passage reminds us to boldly approach God, trusting in Jesus’ sacrifice, and to intentionally gather with and encourage fellow believers. Our endurance in faith requires mutual support and steadfast hope, especially when facing trials or persecution. We must be vigilant in holding to our confession of faith and resist the temptation to shrink back. This passage challenges us to live by faith daily and reminds us that God’s promises are sure, encouraging us to keep persevering until Christ returns.

Reflection Questions:

• How does the ‘new and living way’ Jesus opened affect your confidence to approach God?
• In what ways can you encourage and provoke others to love and good works?
• Are there any areas in your life where you feel tempted to shrink back from faith?
• How can you hold fast to your hope when facing trials or discouragement?
• What does endurance in faith look like in your daily walk with God?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for opening a new and living way for us to come boldly into Your presence by the blood of Jesus. Help us to hold firmly to our hope and to encourage one another in love and good works. Give us the strength to persevere through trials and to live by faith until You come again. Keep our hearts focused on Your promises and enable us to stand firm in the truth of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: perseverance, faith, Hebrews, Jesus sacrifice, Christian endurance, encouragement, hope, boldness in faith, daily devotion, Bible study