Hebrews_6

Scripture

 

Hebrews 6:12

 

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

The writer of Hebrews had observed those who came before him and what they did to inherit what God had promised them, and he encourages his readers to imitate their example. 

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

We inherit what God has promised, specifically speaking of the promise of salvation, through faith and patience.

 

What I find interesting is that the posture of faith and patience is contrasted with laziness. Our faith and patience must be active, not passive sitting around waiting to die or for Jesus to come again. He explains what this active faith and patience looks like a few verses prior:

Hebrews 6:10-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.

 

If we want to inherit what God has promised, we must be faithful to work, to demonstrate our love for God by helping other believers. And not just having stories of helping them in the past, but continuing to help them until the very end. 

 

Life Application 

 

Consider how I can demonstrate my love for God today by helping others. 

 

God, I long to inherit all you have promised me. I don’t want to forfeit it because I become lazy or self focused. By your grace, give me strength to endure and fill my heart with your love. May I never settle where I am but continually pursue you for more! Amen.

 

-Levi Thompson