Persevering in Faith: Holding On to God’s Promises
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT) – “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.”
Introduction
Today we are considering a passage that speaks directly to the core of our faith walk: perseverance. In Hebrews 10:35-36, the writer of Hebrews is speaking to a group of believers who are weary, who are tempted to throw in the towel, to give up their faith in the face of persecution and hardship. But instead of encouraging them to quit, the author urges them to press on, to hold tightly to their confidence in God’s promises.
In our own lives, we face similar temptations to give up, whether because of prolonged trials, unanswered prayers, or the weight of everyday struggles. But God’s Word today invites us to persevere, to stand firm, knowing that patient endurance will lead us to the fulfilment of God’s promises.
Let’s break this passage down, verse by verse, and draw out the truths that God has for us today.
1. Do Not Throw Away Your Confidence in the Lord
The writer begins by saying, “So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!” (Hebrews 10:35). The phrase “confident trust” in the Greek is "pa???s?a" (parresia), meaning boldness or freedom of speech. It’s a kind of bold confidence that allows us to come before God without fear. This confidence is rooted in our relationship with Christ and the assurance we have of His promises.
In the context of Hebrews, the believers were under immense pressure to abandon their faith. They had endured suffering, loss of property, and public ridicule for their faith (Hebrews 10:32-34). Yet, the writer exhorts them not to give up their bold confidence in Christ.
We, too, face trials that challenge our faith. Maybe it’s a health crisis, a financial burden, or a relational breakdown that causes us to question God’s faithfulness. Yet, Romans 8:28 (NLT) reminds us, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Our confidence is not in the absence of difficulty but in the God who works all things for our good.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” We must not let worry and fear cause us to throw away the confidence we have in God’s promises.
2. Patient Endurance: The Key to Doing God’s Will
Verse 36 tells us, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” The phrase “patient endurance” in Greek is "?p?µ???" (hypomone), meaning steadfastness or perseverance. It is the ability to remain under pressure without giving up.
The Christian life is often compared to a race, but not a sprint—a marathon. Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) encourages us, “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Endurance is not developed in the absence of challenges; it is strengthened through them. The very trials we face are the instruments God uses to build in us the endurance we need to keep walking in His will.
Think about a sculptor chiselling away at a block of marble. Each strike of the hammer might seem like it’s damaging the stone, but in reality, it’s shaping it into something beautiful. God allows trials not to break us, but to shape us, to build in us the strength and endurance needed to walk faithfully in His will.
James 1:3-4 (NLT) reinforces this truth: “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” Our endurance in trials brings us to maturity in Christ.
3. The Reward of Perseverance: Receiving the Promise
The final part of Hebrews 10:36 gives us hope: “Then you will receive all that he has promised.” The reward of perseverance is not just survival; it is the fulfilment of God’s promises. But what exactly are these promises?
The writer of Hebrews is referring to the ultimate promise of eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ. This life, with all its trials, is not the end of the story. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NLT) reminds us, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!” Our hope is not anchored in the temporary; it is anchored in eternity.
In the Bible, we see countless examples of people who received God’s promises after persevering through trials. Abraham waited 25 years for the birth of Isaac, the promised son (Genesis 21:5). Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment before becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt and fulfilling God’s plan to save his family from famine (Genesis 41:41). These stories remind us that God’s promises may take time, but they are sure.
As A.W. Tozer once said, “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” Perseverance in the midst of trials prepares us for the blessing and reward of God’s promises.
4. Application: How to Persevere
How do we practically apply this call to perseverance? What does it look like to endure in faith?
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus – In Hebrews 12:2 (NLT), we are told to “keep our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him. When we focus on Him, we gain strength to endure.
Encourage One Another – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT) says, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works... Let us not neglect our meeting together... but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” We need each other in this race of faith. Encouragement and fellowship are essential to endurance.
Hold On to God’s Word – In Psalm 119:105 (NLT), the psalmist says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” God’s Word gives us the direction and strength we need to keep going, especially when life feels overwhelming.
Call to Action: Don’t Give Up
So, church, today’s message is simple but profound: Don’t give up. Hold on to your confident trust in the Lord. Remember that the trials you face are not meaningless; they are shaping you, refining you, and preparing you to receive the fullness of God’s promises.
I urge you today to recommit yourself to trusting God, no matter the challenges you’re facing. Trust that He is working in your waiting, that He is faithful to His promises. Don’t throw away your confidence in Him, for “the great reward it brings” is worth it.
Invitation to Faith in Jesus
For those of you who have not yet placed your trust in Jesus, let me invite you to take that step today. Jesus is the ultimate source of endurance and hope. He endured the cross for you, and now He invites you into a relationship with Him—a relationship that will sustain you through every trial. Come to Him today, and experience the peace and hope that only He can give.
