Scripture Reading: James 1:12

Introduction

A. The OT teaches us that those who patiently endure are those who receive the promises of God.

B. If we wish to receive the promises that God has made to us, we must imitate the examples of the faithful.

Discussion

I. We must understand the ever-present danger of apostasy.

A. The letter to the Hebrews contains many warnings against departing from the true Gospel (2:1-4; 6:1-8; 3:12-13).

B. The apostle Paul had seen this happen too many times (Acts 15:1; Galatians 1:6-7; 2:3-5,4:8; 5:4).

C. He repeatedly urges his brethren to hold fast (Hebrews 3:6,14; 4:14; 10:23-25).

II. The generation that left Egypt did not receive the promise.

A. After talking about the faithfulness of Moses and of Jesus (Hebrews 3:1-6), Paul reminds us of the Israelites who were not faithful (vss. 7-11; cf. Psalm 95:7-11; Numbers 14:4,20-35).

B. He says that we will likewise fail to enter our rest if we are not faithful (Hebrews 4:1-13).

III. Abraham received God’s promises because he endured.

A. In spite of the odds against it, Abraham believed God’s promise to the last (Hebrews 6:13-15; 15:6; Romans 4:18-22).

B. Because of this Abraham obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:15).

C. From Abraham we also learn that faithfulness is not the same as perfection (Genesis 16:1-2; cf. Romans 4:9).

Conclusion

A. We can be sure of the promises made to us (Hebrews 6:16-20; 10:23).

B. Let us patiently endure that we may obtain (Hebrews 10:35-36; 12:1-2).