FAITH AND PATIENCE
Wednesday – November 15, 2017
Boy, the years flash by all to quickly it seems. The featured picture was taken in October 2010, seems recent and at the same time like a lifetime of events have transpired. Through it all God has been very good. Now let’s review the primary text for this wonderful Bible Study from the Book of Hebrews.
Hebrews 6:11-15 (KJV)
11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:
12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,
14 Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee.
15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
Twelve is God’s number for government, looks like it requires faith and patience for the promises of the Kingdom to manifest. Recall that we are kings in this Kingdom and as we decree a thing our faith and our patience will be required for fulfillment. As we look further at this twelfth verse even if you don’t know the exact meaning of slothful you can guess it is not good. It is not a compliment or a trait to be encouraged. This exact Greek word is only used twice in the New Testament and both uses are in this same Book of Hebrews. Let’s take a look at the first usage.
Hebrews 5:11 (KJV)
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
Here the word is translated as “dull”, dullness is not good either and comes about from a lack of exercise, mental exercise. This verse, Hebrews 5:11 is not talking about a hearing problem requiring healing or a hearing aid but a choice to not hear and implement the Truth. It is akin to the hardening of the heart and a stiffening of the neck. Remember in another place what Jesus said?
Revelation 3:20-22 (KJV)
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Why is Jesus, the Word, outside? Because one has chosen another word, the doctrine of devils, the tradition of men. If we allow it, we can all develop a mental and physical lethargy, but we must overcome that temptation and not be slothful. Overcomers in all areas sit with Him on His Throne, but not the slothful, those that do not overcome. Jesus admonished those who were hearing the physical sounds of His voice to choose to hear them as spirit and Truth. As we look back at our Hebrews 6:12 text we can see clearly that the slothful do not have faith or patience and do not have the manifestation of the promises in their lives. This may be hard to hear but the time for patty cake is long over (really never was). Let’s review again what James has to say about this.
James 1:2-4 (KJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Let’s look at this passage in the Message Translation which is illuminating and convicting.
James 1:2-4 (MSG)
2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.
3 You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.
4 So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
We seldom if ever consider a test or trial a gift or something to encounter or look forward to with great joy. This goes to show us that we have no idea who we are in Christ Jesus. Being the victor is not in question if we will not step away from faith in God and are patient. We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. We tend to view tests and trials as a loss or in some way ending up to diminish us but Scripture says the opposite. We must endure each trial as a champion. The trial is an annoyance not a real threat, His Grace is sufficient. Our standing on the promise of God with our thoughts, our mouth, and actions activates the Grace (Holy Spirit) to move and bring it to pass once again handing our spiritual enemies a defeat. It does not matter if it is a financial threat, a health threat, or any other, we are the victors. I will pick up here tomorrow the Lord willing.
Until our next publication, I speak blessing into your life right now, receive it in the name of Jesus, confess it, and walk it out with thanksgiving.
Numbers 6:24-26 (KJV)
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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