TEXT:

‘We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved’ (Hebrews 10:39 GNT).

Our text is the last verse before the great chapter on faith’s exploits (Hebrews chapter 11). We all want the accolade of having great faith, but usually we want to avoid the difficulties we would have to go through to receive such praise.

If every person who made a decision for Christ were faithful and in church regularly, how different our churches would be.

1. Everyone faces the temptation to turn back from following Christ – ‘If they had wanted to, they could have gone back to the good things of this world’ (Hebrews 11:15 TLB).

When Jesus said, ‘Many are called but few are chosen’ (Matthew 22:14), He was not implying God would only choose a select few. God wants everyone to respond to His call, but not everyone responds in a way that makes them suitable. One minute they are on fire with enthusiasm, the next minute they are heading back into the world.

Whatever God has called us out from, whether a country, lifestyle, crisis or the consequences of bad choices, there will always be the temptation to turn back to it. ‘A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud’ (2 Peter 2:22 GNT).

The devil tempts us with suggestions like, “You’re a fool to deny yourself. God’s a killjoy. Go on, please yourself”. When Abraham sent his servant to Mesopotamia to find a bride for Isaac, he gave him this warning, ‘And the servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?” But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there”’ (Genesis 24:5-6). God had brought him to Canaan to stay.

Jesus said, ‘Remember Lot’s wife’ (Luke 17:32). On the road to safety, she turned back and perished, although God had provided a means to escape the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The Children of Israel complained continually during their wilderness wandering. They pined for Egypt but were looking back through rose-tinted glasses. They had forgotten the misery of slavery. They didn’t believe God’s promise that Canaan would be a safer and much better place to live in.

‘You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you!’ (Hebrews 10:34-35 NLT).

‘My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with them’ (Hebrews 10:38 GNT).

Paul warned the Galatians, ‘I am amazed that you are turning away so soon from God who, in his love and mercy, invited you to share the eternal life he gives through Christ; you are already following a different “way to heaven,” which really doesn’t go to heaven at all’ (Galatians 1:6 TLB).

Jesus experienced the pain of seeing many disciples walking away from Him (See John 6:66). The Bible says, ‘Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life’ (John 6:67-68 NLT).

That truth is still true today!

2. Every Christian should be excited that there is something better ahead of this life – ‘Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them’ (Hebrews 11:16 NIV).

‘Because God had us in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us’ (Hebrews 11:40).

Abraham with all his wealth and influence, would not settle down in one place. ‘Abraham did this because he was confidently waiting for God to bring him to that strong heavenly city whose designer and builder is God’ (Hebrews 11:10 TLB). One day that city will descend from heaven to earth, the New Jerusalem (See Revelation 21:10).

When you are facing tests, trials and tragedies, remember what lies ahead and keep the faith. One day there will be no more pain, suffering or death.

Moses made the right choice to leave the palace, although in many people’s eyes he threw all the wealth and influence away (See Hebrews 11:24-26). Pharoah is long gone but Moses lives on! This is why Paul could say, ’To die is gain’ and ‘I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better’ (See Philippians 1:21, 23).

‘You suffered with those thrown into jail, and you were actually joyful when all you owned was taken from you, knowing that better things were awaiting you in heaven, things that would be yours forever’ (Hebrews 10:34 TLB). While it’s not wrong to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of this world, always remember they are on the way out, but we are on the way to something much better!

3. It’s only by faith we can believe and anticipate what God has prepared for those who love Him

‘By faith’ occurs eighteen times in Hebrews Chapter 11. When it doesn’t make sense to our natural faculties, we can still believe God and obey His will. It’s one thing to start off in faith, but the goal is, ‘To die in faith’ (Hebrews 11:13).

Paul, when he was old, wrote, ‘I have kept the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:7).

When we keep the faith, that same faith will keep us! As the song goes, “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back!”