May 23, 2025 | Be God's Family
Pursuing the Things of God
Scripture: Hebrews 6: 9-12(NIV)
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Devotional
In chapter six of Hebrews, the writer begins by addressing the “Beloved,” the word which is always used in the Bible to address Christians, not the unsaved. Because several followers were starting to leave “the doctrines of Christ” (6:1) and “fall away” from Christ’s teachings (6:6), he addresses their lack of understanding. Many were returning to their former way of life before following Christ. In fact, many were “in danger of abandoning their faith altogether” (Zondervan, Handbook to the Bible, 1999).
However, in verses 9-12, the writer’s tone shifts from frustration to encouragement as he exhorts these Christians to continue in their faith. He writes that “God is not unrighteous to forget” their “work and labor of love” which they did in His name and their ministry to fellow believers. Here we see that the love we display in serving other believers shows “the reality” of our love for Christ. God will remember “your work and the love you have shown him.” That is what motivates us for service. “What is done to any in the name of God shall not go unrewarded. What is done to the saints, as such, God takes as done to Himself” (Matthew Henry Commentary).
Jesus tells us that the world will know we are His if we love one another (John 13:35). The song “We are One in the Spirit” reminds us of this love we should show one another:
We are One in The Spirit,
We are One in The Lord…
And they'll know we are Christians by our love…
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love. (Peter Scholte)
In Hebrews 6:11, the writer admonishes us to show diligence in serving others: “diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” Finally, in verse 12, the writer warns against sluggishness and encourages us to imitate those who have faith and patience. He writes, “be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (i.e. eternal salvation). Scripture admonishes us not to be weary in well-doing. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:7-10, KJV).
Are you serving God today from an intense love and gratitude towards Him, or for the sake of appearance or duty?
Prayer: Search me, Oh God, and cleanse me from any selfish motives as I serve others. May all I do for You show my Love for You. Amen.
Poem
Instruction
Psalm 82
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4
Do not grow weary
Become not faint
With hands on plow
Go furrowing---
Do not look back
Learn full restraint
Lean into God’s call
Not worrying
Love Gospel true
Speak lovingly
Your focus on
The other---
Proclaim the Year
God’s jubilee
To sister and
To brother
