A Despicable Quitter
Most people regard a quitter is one of the most despicable characters on earth.
We admire a person who, against all odds, keeps on struggling till the contest is ended; who keeps on running till he finishes the race, even if he or she has no chance of winning.
We applaud the one who crawls across the finish line dead last - but finishes the race! The book of Hebrews is filled with admonitions to discouraged Christians, but in Hebrews 10, the writer particularly focuses on the needs of despondent and weary disciples.
The Hebrew writer develops three central thoughts that are designed to stir the brethren up to renewed efforts.
First, call to your remembrance the former days (Hebrews 10:32).
Remember the zeal and excitement you possessed when you first became a Christian? Do you remember the reasons why you became a Christian? Time can erode our original zeal and focus of the mission; remember that YOU are God's messenger, and His light into a dark, lost world.
Second, cast not away therefore your confidence (Hebrews 10:35).
This thought is best illustrated by the soldier who, in the heat of battle, throws away his shield in fear and flees.
Christian soldiers need reminded that our trust has a great recompense, but the only way we'll receive that reward is by enduring (Revelation 2:10).
The hope for relief is in sight, for the Lord will not tarry in His coming in judgment against the oppressive powers (Hebrews 10:37).
Third, don't draw back (Hebrews 10:38).
The just will survive by His faithfulness, but God has no pleasure in quitters.
The picture here is of one who stealthily sneaks back away from the conflict, hoping that his withdrawal will be inconspicuous.
While Jesus offers the Christian peace in the midst of an anxious world (John 14:27), He does not offer freedom from conflict and adversity with the world (John 15:18-20; cf.
2 Timothy 3:12).
Let us remember that only the coward shrinks from the heat of the battle.
What's the "take home message"? Don't quit; don't ever quit; don't ever give up! If you quit, you lose it all (Matthew 16:25).
God loathes a quitter (Hebrews 10:38).
Hit your knees in prayer, count 10 blessings in your life, remember that God has a plan for you, identify a sin in your life and make the decision to repent of it, ask God for renewed hope and spiritual vitality, and find one person that you can do something for - do anything for someone, even the smallest thing.
Give yourself away, and see what God does in your life!
We admire a person who, against all odds, keeps on struggling till the contest is ended; who keeps on running till he finishes the race, even if he or she has no chance of winning.
We applaud the one who crawls across the finish line dead last - but finishes the race! The book of Hebrews is filled with admonitions to discouraged Christians, but in Hebrews 10, the writer particularly focuses on the needs of despondent and weary disciples.
The Hebrew writer develops three central thoughts that are designed to stir the brethren up to renewed efforts.
First, call to your remembrance the former days (Hebrews 10:32).
Remember the zeal and excitement you possessed when you first became a Christian? Do you remember the reasons why you became a Christian? Time can erode our original zeal and focus of the mission; remember that YOU are God's messenger, and His light into a dark, lost world.
Second, cast not away therefore your confidence (Hebrews 10:35).
This thought is best illustrated by the soldier who, in the heat of battle, throws away his shield in fear and flees.
Christian soldiers need reminded that our trust has a great recompense, but the only way we'll receive that reward is by enduring (Revelation 2:10).
The hope for relief is in sight, for the Lord will not tarry in His coming in judgment against the oppressive powers (Hebrews 10:37).
Third, don't draw back (Hebrews 10:38).
The just will survive by His faithfulness, but God has no pleasure in quitters.
The picture here is of one who stealthily sneaks back away from the conflict, hoping that his withdrawal will be inconspicuous.
While Jesus offers the Christian peace in the midst of an anxious world (John 14:27), He does not offer freedom from conflict and adversity with the world (John 15:18-20; cf.
2 Timothy 3:12).
Let us remember that only the coward shrinks from the heat of the battle.
What's the "take home message"? Don't quit; don't ever quit; don't ever give up! If you quit, you lose it all (Matthew 16:25).
God loathes a quitter (Hebrews 10:38).
Hit your knees in prayer, count 10 blessings in your life, remember that God has a plan for you, identify a sin in your life and make the decision to repent of it, ask God for renewed hope and spiritual vitality, and find one person that you can do something for - do anything for someone, even the smallest thing.
Give yourself away, and see what God does in your life!