Let Us Hold Fast the Profession of Our Faith (Hebrews 10:23)
Introduction:
1. In Hebrews 3:12 a very strong warning is given against unbelief. 2. Rather than give in to unbelief, the Lord wants us to "hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering" (Hebrews 10:23). 3. To accomplish this we must remember that God "is faithful that promised." 4. In our lesson we are emphasizing the fact that God keeps His promises. 5. Having confidence that God keeps His promises is one of the keys to "holding fast the profession of our faith."
Discussion:
I. THE BIBLE DECLARES MANY TIMES THAT GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES
A. (Deuteronomy 7:7-9) Moses stated that God is faithful, and that He keeps His oaths and covenants. B. (1 Kings 8:54-56) Solomon said that God had kept His promise completely. C. (2 Peter 3:9) Peter said, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise."
II. GOD'S PROMISES CAN BE TRUSTED BECAUSE HE CANNOT LIE
A. Titus 1:1-2 B. Hebrews 6:17-18
III. GOD'S PROMISES TO BIBLE CHARACTERS ILLUSTRATE HOW HE KEEPS THEM
A. God made special promises to: 1. Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:4-5, 18; 17:6-8) a. God promised to give him many descendants. b. God promised to give Canaan to his descendants. c. God promised that kings would descend from him. d. God promised that all families [nations] of the earth would be blessed through his seed. 2. Sara (Genesis 17:15-16; 18:9-11) a. God promised her that she would give birth to a son. b. God promised that kings would descend from her. 3. Isaac (Genesis 26:1-4) a. God promised to give him many descendants. b. God promised to give Canaan to his descendants. c. God promised that all nations of the earth would be blessed through his seed. 4. Jacob (Genesis 28:12-15). a. God promised to give him many descendants. b. God promised to give Canaan to his descendants. c. God promised that all families of the earth would be blessed through his seed. B. God kept His promises to Abraham, Sara, Isaac, and Jacob. 1. Sara gave birth to Isaac (Genesis 21:1-3). 2. God gave Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob many descendants (Exodus 1:7; 12:37). 3. God gave Canaan to their descendants (Joshua 21:43-45; 23:14). 4. Kings descended from Abraham and Sara (Matthew 1:1, 6-11). 5. All families [nations] of the earth were blessed through the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Galatians 3:8, 16, 26-29).
Conclusion:
1. Having confidence in the fact that God keeps His promises is one the keys to "holding fast the profession of our faith." 2. Another key is realizing that holding fast without wavering is a condition for having the Lord's approval (Hebrews 3:14).
