The Message Of Hope Series

Series: Jesus Is Better- The Better Way [#1]

THE MESSAGE OF HOPE

Hebrews 10:32-39

Introduction:

I am honored to have Tharon with us here this morning to give his testimony. Most of us are aware of Tharon’s struggles and we admire what he has accomplished; but we can never forget that God is using Tharon to accomplish greater things than just winning medals. Tharon’s hope is found in Christ.

The first readers of the Book of Hebrews understood struggling. They were experiencing a great deal of persecution.

Hebrews 10:32-33 (NIV)

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.”

The message of hope is given to those…

1. Who are suffering.

This message of hope was given to those who were suffering severe persecution. They were not only being physically harmed; but were also having everything they owned taken from them. All of that because they claimed to be Christians. Whatever you may be going through, remember that the only person you need to please is God. People may be lying about you, trying to destroy you, and wanting to ruin your name; but it is God that you will stand before one day, not those people.

God can use your suffering and pain to minister to others. God can use your suffering and pain to grow you stronger in Him. You must choose whether you are going to allow your struggles to hold you down or grow you stronger in Christ.

Hebrews 10:33-34 (NIV)

“Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.”

The message of hope is given to those...

2. Who are suffering with others.

These Christians were suffering with one another. When Tharon lost his memory and his eyesight, it wasn’t just Tharon and his family that went through that tough time. There were many others that went through that with us. That’s what Christians are supposed to do for one another. When 1 Christian brother or sister suffers we all suffer and when they have a victory we celebrate with them.

Hebrews 10:35-39 (NIV)

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

The message of hope is given to those...

3. Who are waiting for Jesus’ return.

The writer says that we need to persevere. He says that it is just a very little while until Jesus returns. I have to say that 2000 years seems a little longer than just a very little while. We all know that God’s time table is different than ours. We are to continue moving forward for Christ and not shrink back into our old ways. We are to walk by faith.

Conclusion:

Let me remind you of the hope that we have in Jesus- He is there in the middle of your struggles and challenges. Just keep walking by faith knowing that He is coming again. Until then, may we continue serving Him, loving Him, and following Him together.