Hebrews 10:32–39 “Assurance, Boldness, and Endurance”

Hebrews 10:32-39 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Still – Hillsong Chapel
• Do It Again – Elevation Worship
• Even If – MercyMe

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Don’t Worry (Matthew 6:25-34) by Saddleback Kids – Lesson for Kids
• Not Afraid – Song for Kids
• Be Strong and Courageous Song – Joshua 1:9 – Song for Kids
• Your Power Will Pull Us Through | Rocky Railway VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After warning of the danger of apostasy and the dreadful consequences that follow, the author reminds them that they have already endured a “great contest in the face of suffering” (v. 32). At that time, they were “publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times [they] stood side by side with those who were so treated” (v. 33). The phrase “publicly exposed” means that the persecution of believers took place in public settings. The phrase “stood side by side with those who were so treated” means that they gathered as a community to share in the suffering of the persecuted and to pray for them (v. 34). They “joyfully accepted” these things because they knew they had “better and lasting possessions” than the possessions of this world.

In verse 35, the word translated as “confidence” (“You must not throw away your confidence”) is the Greek word parrēsia, which is better translated as “boldness.” It means not to be intimidated in the face of insult and hardship. In other words, it can also be expressed as “endurance” (v. 36). According to Hebrews 11:1, faith is believing in God (“what is not seen”) and doing His will with perseverance until His promise is fulfilled (“what is hoped for”).

At this point, the author quotes Habakkuk 2:3–4 (vv. 37–38). This passage was also very important to Paul (see Romans 1:17). By quoting this scripture, the author emphasizes two things: 1) God’s salvation is not far off, and 2) God does not take pleasure in those who shrink back from the path of faith. He exhorts the readers not to become “those who shrink back and are destroyed,” but instead to be “those who have faith and are saved” (v. 39).

Meditation:

It’s not uncommon for believers to face opposition from their own families because of their faith. Sometimes, people are ignored or mocked simply because they believe. Especially these days on college campuses, it’s common to hear remarks like, “You still go to church?”—as if treating someone like they’re from the Stone Age. There are also times when holding on to one’s faith and refusing to take part in wrongdoing leads to personal loss. However, in countries where religious freedom is protected, it’s rare to face severe tribulation or persecution solely because of one’s faith.

Even in such situations, in order to keep the faith, we must have the assurance that what is promised to us far outweighs anything we might lose because of our faith. That kind of assurance gives us the boldness to speak and act even in the midst of suffering and persecution. Even if hardship increases as a result, such people do not waver—because they trust in God’s promises.

From this perspective, our faith is still an “unproven faith”—a faith that has yet to be tested. Just as a person’s character is revealed in times of hardship, faith is also proven through trials, insults, and persecution. It is still unclear whether our faith exists to receive more blessings through God’s power, or whether we truly believe in God’s promises to the point that we are willing to give up everything in this world. It is uncertain whether we truly have the spiritual maturity to joyfully endure suffering because we believe we have been promised “better and lasting possessions” (v. 34).

Before this truth, we bow our heads in fear and trembling. We acknowledge that great tribulation or persecution could come in our journey of faith, and we are unsure whether we will be able to stand firm in such times. That is why we pray all the more earnestly.

Prayer:

Lord, you know well the true condition of our faith, don’t you? While we are still in a place of safety, please refine and correct our faith. When trials, insults, and persecution come, let our faith be proven genuine—with assurance, boldness, and endurance. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when it’s hard to believe in Jesus, when people make fun of us or don’t understand, we can stay strong because God has promised us something much better that will last forever.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Has anyone ever laughed at you for attending church or believing in Jesus? How did it make you feel?
  • What does it mean to have “boldness” or “courage” because of Jesus? 
• For Youth
  • Have you ever stayed quiet about your faith because you feared someone might judge you?
  • What helps you stay steady in your faith even when others don’t understand or agree?