“ A Cool Cup of

Encouragemet ”Hebrews 6:9-12

Thirsty!•There is nothing better than a cup of cool, refreshing water after a hot work day outside in the summer•When even a mature believer is distressed with the pressure of life, it is not unusual for one to be discouraged•The situation might be self-inflicted or done by others intending harm

Thirsty!•Regardless of the reason, that person is now in a deep valley that can take them to very dark places without intervention of some kind•YOU might reverse the situation with a little encouragement • Even a little bit of affirmation or encouragement goes a long way in motivational mileage

Thirsty!•German writer of “Faust,” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, “Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after disapproval is as the sun after a heavy rain.”•From 5:12 to 6:8, the author is pounding Hebrew Christians for their sluggish attitude and potential exodus back to Judaism, because their lives had become difficult because they followed Christ•Vs 9-12 shine through the dark with encouragement

“9 But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. 10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Hebrews 6:9-12 (NASB)

A. Encouragement of Assurance…•Vs 9,

“But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way. ”

Hebrews 6:9 (NASB)

A. Encouragement of Assurance…•Vs 9, Blasting is often necessary before a new building can be built…•The “rubble” is now out of the way, and they need some Christ-life assurance •We all can admit that there were times when we doubted our own salvation while discouraged– down and out in our weakest moments wondering why God allowed this

A. Encouragement of Assurance…•Of course, the enemy is right there to put doubt in our hearts about God and our salvation•That is exactly why the Author is assuring Jewish believers hat he and others were confident of their salvation and their work for the Lord– obviously he knew them well•Affirm your husband, wife, kids, friends– anyone– speak kind words

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

Matthew 7:3 (NASB)

A. Encouragement of Assurance…•Some Christians who think of themselves highly believe that they should pull out Bible verses like a sword and start to slash other believers who are down and out, and tell them what to do•If you are one of those who like to criticize others, have you ever considered using Bible verses as a warming blanket to wrap around and comfort them?•The Bible clearly tells us to do this…

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Romans 12:15 (NASB)

B. God takes notes…•Vs 10,

“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”

Hebrews 6:10 (NASB)

B. God takes notes…•Vs 10, we rarely forget wrongs done against us, but easily forget nice things•People forget others’ kind words and deeds, but our Lord doesn’t•The Author puts total confidence in God’s Justice because he never forgets things done for him, nor our hearts’ motives•The Author was unashamed to show appreciation for the Hebrew Christians’ work for the Kingdom, and rightly so…

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.”

Proverbs 3:27 (NASB)

C. No slow, GO GO GO!•Vs 11-12,

“11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

Hebrews 6:11-12 (NASB)

C. No slow, GO GO GO!•Vs 11-12, the Author is pressing the Jewish Christian to press on– here are two ways to “press on” to spiritual maturity and reach our full potential as kingdom workers

1. Fight against spiritual laziness– don’t become sluggish

• It’s so easy to fall into this trap– daily prayer and study can become mundane; if we forget to make it specially separated time to spend with and hear from Him

“9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.”

2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NASB)

C. No slow, GO GO GO!1. Fight against spiritual laziness– don’t

become sluggish• It’s so easy to fall into this trap– daily prayer and study can become mundane; if we forget to make it specially separated time to spend with and hear from Him•When we Stand before the Lord, we will give account for every work after we were saved– don’t forget Adam

2. Imitate folks who inherit God’s promises through faith and patience

C. No slow, GO GO GO!1. Fight against spiritual laziness– don’t

become sluggish2. Imitate folks who inherit God’s

promises through faith and patience •Did you notice the word ‘inherit’? From whom?•From the Lord. We don’t earn God’s promises•We receive them by trusting Him and waiting on His time

D. Havin’ trouble? Here’s 3 suggestions…1. Don’t limit your comments to the

weaknesses of others•Yes, sometimes “demolition” is necessary, but learn from Paul– build up after!

2. Before you criticize a person, please take a moment to think about the reason that person might have done things that needed criticism

•Think what you might have done in the same circumstances…

D. Havin’ trouble? Here’s 3 suggestions…1. Don’t limit your comments to the

weaknesses of others2. Before you criticize a person, please take

a moment to think about the reason that person might have done things that needed criticism

3. Start focusing on the strengths of others•This is tough– especially of you don’t like them

Take Home!! •Christians should be imagined with outstretched arms, NOT pointing fingers…•Don’t save kind words for funerals; encourage folks now!!•Treat people how you want to be treated“Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” Luke 6:31 (NASB)