July 18, 2010 Lesson 7 of Hebrews 6:9-20

V9-12. What gives the writer confidence concerning his readers’ final salvation? In what ways does he desire to see improvement in their Christian living? Examine yourself to see in which of these characteristics you are strong or weak. Answer: The confidence comes from knowing that God is just and doesn’t forget the good works they have done for God’s people. In other words if God makes a promise He is going to keep it. He judges without favor. The author wants to see diligence in the Christian lives of these believers. He does not want them to “become lazy.” He wants their faith and patients to grow.


V 13-20. If we have made Christ our refuge, what three unshakable grounds of assurance have we that our confidence and hope will not disappoint us? In what ways is Jesus himself like an anchor? What benefits does he guarantee? Answer: 1) God keeps His promises, 2) It is impossible for Him to lie, 3) He is all powerful. Really 1 is the only thing to hold onto. The other 2 things and rest of this passage only seek to prove 1 as I see it. I may be wrong, but it makes sense to me. Jesus is that anchor by what He guarantees; salvation through His sacrifice.


Notes:
V10-12. Note the mention of love, hope and faith. Cf 1 Thess 1:3; 5:8.
V 12. ‘Lazy’: in 5:11 the same Greek adjective is translated ‘dull’. Other renderings are ‘sluggish’ or ‘slothful’.
V 11, 12. ‘To the very end’, ‘… and patient’. This is an emphasis typical of this letter. Cf. 3:14; 6:15; 10:35, 36.