Hebrews 6:9-20

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Encouragement and Exhortation About Our Salvation

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Christian love and service give evidence of salvation.

  2. Endurance and perseverance bring assurance of salvation.

  3. God's promise and oath are a guarantee of salvation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Imitate the right people.

QUESTIONS

  1. Why would the return to Judaism from Christianity be appealing to some of the First Century readers of this epistle?

  2. Why was the author concerned that the readers would return to the Old Testament sacrifices and temple worship?

  3. How were the mere professors referred to in Hebrews 6:4-6? How were the true believers referred to in Hebrews 6:9?

  4. What was the good news in Hebrews 6:9?

  5. Why was the author convinced that most of his audience were true believers?

  6. Can good works save a person?

  7. Read Hebrews 6:18-20. List four figures that are used to emphasize the security of the believer and God’s guarantee of salvation.

ANSWERS

  1. There was more grandeur in the ritualism of Judaism than there was in the simple Christian faith. There was more safety in Judaism, for the Roman persecution of Christians was beginning in the mid 60s when this epistle was written.

  2. It would mean that they did not believe that the work of Christ was sufficient and finished. They would align themselves with those who crucified Christ and put Him to an open shame. To abandon the Christian faith at this point would prove that they were never true Christians, but only professors of the Christian faith.

  3. Professors of the Christian faith were referred to as “they”, whereas the true believers were referred to as “you”.

  4. The author is convinced that most of his readers are true believers and would not turn back to Judaism.

  5. Because of what they were doing as believers– the better things that accompany salvation. See Hebrews 6:10.

  6. No. Read Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5.

  7. a. the city of refuge b. an anchor c. a forerunner d. a High Priest

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. If people say they are Christians but there is not proof in the way they live, maybe it’s only a profession of faith. Christian love and service give evidence of salvation. Are there those within your spheres of life that say they are Christians, but do not show it by their lives? How is it in your life? Remember James 2:26.

  2. God has confirmed His promise of salvation to believers by His promise and by His oath. He did this that we might be encouraged with an absolute guarantee of salvation. Consider the four figures used to emphasize the security of the believer and God’s guarantee of salvation in Hebrews 6:18-20.

CHALLENGE

  1. Our culture tends to imitate sports heroes, entertainment stars, and people who are financially successful. To whom are you looking as a model for your life? The challenge from God Himself is to imitate those who patiently endure and persevere in the faith. Make sure you choose the right role models.

KEY VERSES

  • “Beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you; yes, things that accompany salvation.” Hebrews 6:9-10

  • “…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

  • “God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath.” Hebrews 6:16-17



Hebrews, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsHebrews 6:9-20