Hebrews 10:35-36 Christian Standard Bible
35 So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.
Where do you base your confidence? What is your life built on? The word confidence here is the Greek word parrēsia and it means confidence; boldness; plainly the trait of being willing to undertake activities that involve risk or danger; especially that involve being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech.[1] Our confidence is found in Jesus Christ alone. Because of His finished work we can live without fear and know beyond a shadow of a doubt when this life is over our reward is found in Him.
The word reward is the Greek word misthapodosia and it means recompense. This noun refers to a reward paid for deeds.[2] What reward awaits us in His kingdom? The Lord spoke many parables concerning faithful stewardship on this earth and the rewards that would follow (Matt 5:5, 5:12, 5:19, 6:2-4, 6:18, 6:20, 10:41-42). There will indeed be rewards that await us in God’s kingdom. The apostle Paul even spoke of the judgement seat of Christ and the crown of righteousness that awaits those who have faithfully walked with Christ (2 Cor 5:10, 2 Tim 4:7-8). But the greatest reward that we will receive is to spend eternity with the Lord. To see Him face to face. To walk with Him and to hear His voice. To know Him for all eternity.
The writer of Hebrews speaks of needing endurance. The word endurance is the Greek word hypomonē and it means steadfastness — the power to withstand hardship or stress; especially the inward fortitude necessary. [3] The ability to endure is only found in Jesus Christ. Why are we called to endure? So that we can accomplish the will of Almighty God. God has a specific and unique will for every life. But ultimately the will of God for every disciple is to know Him and to live for Him. Those the writer of Hebrews was writing to were considering abandoning Jesus because of suffering and persecution. In this world we will indeed have trouble, but Jesus told us to fear not, He has overcome the world.
Our ability to endure is found in Him. It is found in growing in Him, abiding in Him. Our eyes must be fixed on Jesus. Our minds and hearts must be immersed in the word of God. May we be people of deep prayer who desire to grow in maturity and intimacy each day. The more we grow in the Lord, the greater understanding and revelation we will receive from the Holy Spirit.
The word promise is the Greek word epangelia and it means promise. A pledge to do something that obligates the pledger to follow through.[4] Jesus has promised to go and prepare a place for us. He has paid our ransom. His blood has washed away our sin. May we walk with Him daily. May we grow in our relationship with Him. This life is but a breath and great and mighty things await those who fully commit their hearts and lives to Christ daily.
Prayer
Father thank you for your promises. Thank you for your strength and endurance. Help me to keep my heart and mind fixed upon you. Help me to be the son or daughter you have called me to be. Remove from my life anything that would grieve you or hinder your will in my life. May my heart be surrendered to you. May my life glorify you in all things. Father thank you for your love and all you have done for me. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
[1] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[2] Joshua A. Crutchfield, “Reward,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[3] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[4] Michael R. Jones, “Covenant,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
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