Steadfast Confidence

Background Scripture: Hebrews 3-4
Lesson Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-14

Introduction

For the most part, our little corner of habitation may be calm and serene, but overall the world is dominated by insecurity with the "distress of nations,... the sea and the waves roaring" (Luke 21:25). It is a world of tribulation and anxiety, where frequent violence and indiscriminate acts of terror sow chaos and fear. It is a world where many people seek for answers, but too often they look in the wrong places.

The charge and challenge of the Christian is to maintain steadfast confidence in God who keeps the soul. Confidence in God leads to confidence in the church, being the brotherhood of saints who "have obtained like precious faith" (2 Pet. 1:1). Paul aptly said of his brethren, "I have confidence in you through the Lord" (Gal. 5:10),

Direction to live a dedicated, balanced life with guidance for my family, livelihood, and leisure time is promised to me if I trust God. To face the truth about myself and have the grace to identify and correct my shortcomings is the fruit of my loyalty to the Lord,

Key Verse

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised (Heb. 10:23).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

This lesson emphasizes a foundational principle of the New Testament: Christ is the Son of God, He is our Savior, and He is our High Priest. He took upon Himself my humanity and knows "my down-sitting and mine uprising" (Ps. 139:2). He is worthy of my steadfast confidence. By obedience to His Father, Jesus suffered in the flesh and became the atonement and perfect example. He is the worthy Master Shepherd, leading the wandering people of God to their eternal rest.

The epistle to the Hebrews is believed to have been written to instruct and edify the first-century Jewish Christians. These believers were coming out of the shadows of legalism and into the light of the gospel, out of a belief that rigorously upheld the primacy of Moses and the Law. Moses had been a faithful leader in delivering the Hebrew people from the bondage of Egypt, but he was only a servant in the Father's house. The Law, with the blood and fire of burnt offerings and all of its associated rituals, pointed to the Redeemer. Jesus Christ, as the perfect Lamb of God, is our justification and has become the Mediator between God and man. We are justified through faith in Him and His sacrifice for our sins.

Establishing the supremacy of Jesus Christ was an epochal event for these believers. The transformation of the heart by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ is the work of God. In our continued sanctification, it may mean changing something in our lives of which we have previously been ignorant. Or we may have been unwilling to change. The call for changes like these may bring resistance and the question, Is this really necessary?

The early Christians were given clear direction that to believe in Christ is the only way to be saved. If they failed to believe, they would find themselves in the same perilous position as their fathers in the Sinai desert. Claims to be sons of Abraham and obedient to Moses would not avail. The preeminence of Christ is paramount to the gospel.

The Hebrews, traversing the burning desert to the Promised Land, felt they had reasons for their lack of faith and confidence. Though we may think we live above their complaining and unbelief, we are likewise prone to justify our spiritual weaknesses by blaming others. Let us accept responsibility for our life and destiny—the solemn admonition stands that if we harden our hearts, we too will perish in the "wilderness " and forego the promised eternal rest.

Practical Truths for Today

Many people have learned how to maintain their composure in trying times; however, if we have not had our sins forgiven and are not reconciled with God, we are insecure. Insecurity is the native state of mind for the unconverted person. While some people try to cover their insecurities with a show of confidence, others deal with their insecurity by withdrawing from any situation begging their attention and effort. To be forward and overly talkative, giving the impression of knowing the answers to life, may belie an internal lack of confidence.

A relationship with Christ is the only means by which we can come to a restful security. Faith in God is the way to this relationship. By faith we are redeemed, and by faith we walk with our redeemer. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him" (Col. 2:6). Our relationship with Christ is the fertile ground in which the seed of confidence germinates and emerges to grow into a strong, healthy, durable plant, gracing our spiritual lives. Jeremiah gives a beautiful description of steadfast confidence: "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit" (Jer. 17:7-8).

Christ's sacrifice inspires all true believers with complete confidence as we acknowledge that we are unworthy creatures, undeserving of His immaculate love. As we discover the efficacy of His work and experience the security of His love, we can come to God and pray with confidence. Spiritual cowardice is a mark of unbelief. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb 4:16). This boldness does not allow me to be arrogant or proud, but fills me with hope and expectation. It has a calming influence on my soul like the ballast in a ship on the ocean. Nevertheless, at times we find ourselves as the disciple Thomas, who needed reassurance from the risen Lord.

The life we live between our new birth and our demise is the proving ground of our faith, and we cannot expect life to be free from trouble. The initial confidence we received when our sins were forgiven, and we found power to deny the flesh, will be tested. Disappointments are very much a part of Christian life, and Satan will use them to accuse God to us, saying God does not keep His promises. When we are assailed by our spiritual enemy, humility is our defense. Humbly accepting the afflictions of life as opportunities for God to sanctify us as He sees best will strengthen our confidence. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward" (Heb. 10:35).

May the language of our heart testify that we are in love with the Lord and with His people. There will be hardships, but by loving the Lord with all our heart we refuse to get offended, and with faith and courage we can endure until the end.

Hospitality and fellowship are old-fashioned virtues, though never outdated or out of style. May we not be exclusive in encouraging others and sharing our resources, but let us willingly give to whoever has a need. In doing this, our confidence in God, in each other, and in His church deepens. The Lord God of heaven will someday extend to His unworthy subjects the supreme hospitality: the invitation to surround His throne, partake at His table, walk the streets of gold, and take possession of the promised land.

Questions

1. When does confidence become steadfast confidence?
2. How can we project confidence in our approach to others about our belief, yet not be assertive?
3. What are some tips to keep the virtues of hospitality and fellowship alive in our hearts, homes, and congregations?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).