Maturity to Patiently Anticipate the Promise

Read Hebrews 5:7-12


Title in NIV: Maturity in Christ is stressed.



Jesus told many parables to help the people understand. The writer of Hebrews also uses a story to help the readers apply their knowledge to works/actions. Spiritual maturity in Christ is action in the physical body. Maturity = action. Maturity cannot be present without action toward the people God loves.



The story in verse 7 is: Land that drinks in rain and that produces a crop that is useful to those who farm it are blessed of God. Said another way: People who gain knowledge and apply it to their lives by living it (action) are beneficial to those who are searching. The ones acting on their knowledge and the ones searching are blessed of God.



The opposite is also true. Verse 8 paraphrased says, people who, no matter how much knowledge of the bible they posses, do not use what they know are stagnant, scared, in denial, and shrink back. Their knowledge is worthless because it is not being used for His glory and they are in danger of being cursed. Decide today if you will be the people described in verse 7 or 8.



Verse 10 says God will not forget your work. What work do you do? He will not forget the love you have shown him as you have helped his people. When have you helped his people?



Show diligence in showing your love through action to the end “to make your hope sure.” There are many things to hope for. Material things: hope for a new car, hope for a new house, hope for a new bed spread, hope for a new tech toy. But the hope here is a spiritual hope: hope in God, hope in Christ, hope in his Word, hope of glory, hope in heaven, hope that we are children of God, hope for mercy, hope for grace. Hope anchors us (Heb 6:19). The only down side is that we have to wait. We will not see these things until we die or Christ returns. Keep your anticipation fresh and new every morning.



Go a step farther with God. Know you will see these things because you have faith that God keeps his promises. Verse 12 says, do not become lazy but imitate those who through fait and patience inherit what has been promised. When do people get their inheritance? After the person has died. Anything you get before death is a gift.



I waited to find out the sex of both my kids until the day they were born. It drove my husband crazy so he knew the whole time. (Thanks for not ruining my surprise.) I pray that you do not give up your hope because you cannot touch the promise. I pray you do not give up your faith because you cannot see the promise.



Keep your anticipation alive. God will not disappoint!!