The epistle’s purpose was twofold—the to encourage believers in an assembly of Hebrew-Christians in crisis to mature in Christ and to warn of the danger of disowning Christ and defecting back to Judaism. Throughout the epistle there are 5 warning passages. This passage is part of warning #4 in Hebrews (v26—39) to have faith in Christ rather than faith in the old system of sacrifices.

In verse 32, the “former days” are ones where these Hebrew Christians evidenced their faith through sufferings. The suffering was severe enough to include “afflictions” (v33), imprisonment (v34), and the “plundering of their property” (v35). This is why they need endurance (v36). Seeing things to the end is critical because we will be judged by living by faith (v38). We are all saved (justified), but will be judged on our how well we lived by faith at the Judgement Seat of Christi. Habakkuk 2:3-4, “the righteous will walk by faith”, is quoted in Hebrews 10:37-38.

This provides us with hope. We are saved and being sanctified (becoming more and more like Christ). So, we are not perfect and will make mistakes. We will be judged on our walk, but we are still saved. God loves us regardless. The Judgment Seat of Christ is not something be crushed-by in fear. It is something we should use to motivate righteous living through faith.

Steve

The following guide is a resource for your personal time of abiding with the Lord and for your Community Group when you meet. It can also be used for times with family or friends around the table.

DISCOVER [ Hebrews 10:32-39 ]

WHAT is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that I/we learn?

(Use the questions to help make additional observations about the passage to clarify the main point)

32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

+ What happened in the former days to this Hebrew Christians? (v32—34)

+ Have you experienced such things? (v32—34)

+ What is their “great confidence”? (v35)

+ Do you share this great confidence? If so, how? (v35)

+ What do they have need of and why? (v36)

+ Are you in need of the same thing? If so, what for? (v36)

+ The righteous live by what? (v38)

+ What does this mean to you in our daily walk? (v38)

+ What does faith preserve? (v39)

+ What else could faith preserve in your life? (v39)

HOW is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

(Below are a couple of ideas to help prompt responses if needed)

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

WHO am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

(e.g., spend time with them, set-up an intentional time to share your story, begin a discovery study on the teachings of Jesus with them)

+ What is my next step?