It is good to be an encourager!

The writer of Hebrews gave a blistering warning to the readers in Hebrews 6:4-8. It seems like it would never end but then come verses 9-12. It is a wise person who knows when to make a point but not beat up the person in the process. The writer believed there was hope for those who were falling away. He believed better things were in store for them. This is the only time in the letter that he called the readers, beloved. It was probably intended to demonstrate his sincere concern for them as brothers and sisters in Christ. William Barclay, It is precisely after the sternest passage of all that he uses the address of love. It is as if he said to them: ‘If I did not love you so much, I would not speak with such severity.’

We should learn from his wise method of counsel. When a person had a history of faithful service, remind them of what they had done. For the readers it was probably what he mentioned in Hebrews 10:32-34, But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. What they were is what they still can be through Christ. I am in agreement with Douglas Mangum, This reminder not only encourages them for their past faithfulness but also serves as motivation to continue in these good works of love.

The writer identified the source of their motivation which was to glorify God for the sake of His name. Raymond Brown, That was the leading ambition of Christ's life, and it must be ours also if we are to be acceptable servants. Work for Christ which is done entirely for the glory of God cannot possibly be overlooked by God. It is always appropriate to be reminded that our service must be a response of thanksgiving and not an attempt to gain God’s favor. Charles Spurgeon, Our faith does not cause salvation, nor our hope, nor our love, nor our good works; they are things that attend it as its guard of honor. The origin of salvation lies alone in the sovereign will of God the Father, in the infinite efficacy of the blood of Jesus—God the Son, and in the divine influence of God the Holy Spirit.

This section includes the importance of being diligent in faithful service to the end. One commentator speaks of the writer’s desire that the readers will have the ability to translate Christian conviction into action. That is a hope we all should pursue until the end when Christ returns and hope is fully realized. R. Kent Hughes, Today’s culture has come very near to making a religion of sloth. Carried to the ultimate, it separates us from God because it erases caring. . . A lazy life can be an indication of a graceless life.

Finally, the readers are encouraged to imitate those who by faith and patience have inherited the promises. Conformity to the image of Christ is a road less traveled but traveled by many since the resurrection of Christ. William Barclay, Christians are not treading an untrodden pathway; they are treading where the saints have trod. Such a path demands faith and patience with assurance based on the faithfulness of our triune God.

I encourage you to join the study of Hebrews 6:9-12 under the Books of the Bible tab. It is a privilege to participate with the Holy Spirit in becoming more like Christ. May we receive encouragement along the way as well as giving it to others.