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Hebrews 10:38
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the just shall live by faith - Ὁ δε δικαιος εκ πιστεως ζησεται· But the just by faith, i.e. he who is justified by faith, shall live - shall be preserved when this overflowing scourge shall come. See this meaning of the phrase vindicated, Rom 1:17. And it is evident, both from this text, and Gal 3:11, that it is in this sense that the apostle uses it. But if any man draw back - Και εαν ὑποστειληται· But if he draw back; he, the man who is justified by faith; for it is of him, and none other, that the text speaks. The insertion of the words any man, if done to serve the purpose of a particular creed, is a wicked perversion of the words of God. They were evidently intended to turn away the relative from the antecedent, in order to save the doctrine of final and unconditional perseverance; which doctrine this text destroys. My soul shall have no pleasure in him - My very heart shall be opposed to him who makes shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. The word ὑποστελλειν signifies, not only to draw back, but to slink away and hide through fear. In this sense it is used by the very best Greek writers, as well as by Josephus and Philo. As dastards and cowards are hated by all men, so those that slink away from Christ and his cause, for fear of persecution or secular loss, God must despise; in them he cannot delight; and his Spirit, grieved with their conduct, must desert their hearts, and lead them to darkness and hardness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
just--The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "my just man." God is the speaker: "He who is just in My sight." BENGEL translates, "The just shall live by my faith": answering to the Hebrew, Hab 2:4; literally, "the just shall live by the faith of Him," namely, Christ, the final subject of "the vision," who "will not lie," that is, disappoint. Here not merely the first beginning, as in Gal 3:11, but the continuance, of the spiritual life of the justified man is referred to, as opposed to declension and apostasy. As the justified man receives his first spiritual life by faith, so it is by faith that he shall continue to live (Luk 4:4). The faith meant here is that fully developed living trust in the unseen (Heb 11:1) Saviour, which can keep men steadfast amidst persecutions and temptations (Heb 10:34-36). but--Greek, "and." if any man draw back--So the Greek admits: though it might also be translated, as ALFORD approves, "if he (the just man) draw back." Even so, it would not disprove the final perseverance of saints. For "the just man" in this latter clause would mean one seemingly, and in part really, though not savingly, "just" or justified: as in Eze 18:24, Eze 18:26. In the Hebrew, this latter half of the verse stands first, and is, "Behold, his soul which is lifted up, is not upright in him." Habakkuk states the cause of drawing back: a soul lifted up, and in self-inflated unbelief setting itself up against God. Paul, by the Spirit, states the effect, it draws back. Also, what in Habakkuk is, "His soul is not upright in him," is in Paul, "My soul shall have no pleasure in him." Habakkuk states the cause, Paul the effect: He who is not right in his own soul, does not stand right with God; God has no pleasure in him. BENGEL translates Habakkuk, "His soul is not upright in respect to him," namely, Christ, the subject of "the vision," that is, Christ has no pleasure in him (compare Heb 12:25). Every flower in spring is not a fruit in autumn.
Hebrews 10:38
A Call to Persevere
37For, “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1
By Leonard Ravenhill50K47:07HebrewsROM 1:16GAL 3:10HEB 1:1HEB 2:3HEB 3:1HEB 10:19HEB 10:38In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emphasizing the need for a revival. The preacher acknowledges the sacrifices made by martyrs and urges the congregation to follow in their footsteps. The sermon then transitions to a discussion of the epistle to the Hebrews, particularly focusing on the importance of faith as demonstrated by the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
(Mount Vernon) the Parable of the Sower
By Keith Daniel5.5K1:32:35ParablePSA 126:5MAT 13:3JHN 3:3ROM 1:16ROM 10:13HEB 10:38In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the sower and the wheat and tears. He emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and not allowing the enemy to sow tears among the wheat. The preacher warns the audience about the dangers of being distracted and not fully seeking God with their whole hearts. He urges them to examine their motives for attending conventions and meetings, questioning if they are truly seeking God or just going through the motions. The sermon concludes with a reminder to let both the wheat and tears grow together until the harvest, when the reapers will separate them and gather the wheat into God's kingdom.
(Riverfront Character Inn) Session 2 - Part 1
By Keith Daniel2.4K50:01ParableMAT 6:33LUK 8:5HEB 3:12HEB 10:38In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the parable of the Sower found in Luke 8:5-15. He emphasizes the responsibility of the sower to faithfully spread the word of God. The speaker warns against the danger of not accepting the word and truth, using an example of a boy who disregarded the preaching and met a tragic end. He also discusses the different types of soil mentioned in the parable and how they represent different responses to the word of God, urging listeners to have an honest and good heart that keeps and bears fruit with patience.
Fren-01 the Invisible Cloud of Witnesses
By Art Katz2.2K1:25:32Cloud of WitnessesMAT 25:302CO 4:18COL 3:2HEB 10:38HEB 11:12HEB 11:26HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not expressing resentment and not seeing oneself as a stranger or victim. He encourages the audience to recognize each other by the Spirit and put aside cultural barriers. The speaker highlights the need for Christians to see what is invisible and know that they have a better and enduring substance in heaven. He challenges the audience to consider if they truly see themselves as running a race in their Christian journey and if they believe they are surrounded by a cloud of invisible witnesses. The speaker urges the audience to settle something with God and seek His forgiveness for an inadequate Christianity.
Become Transparent Through Conviction
By Hans R. Waldvogel2.1K26:38ConvictionJHN 17:3ROM 6:17ROM 6:22HEB 10:38HEB 13:52PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and acknowledging the truth of His word. He highlights the need for God's reproof and rebuke to bring about a transformation in our hearts. The preacher also discusses the dangers of false revivals that focus on signs and wonders rather than the true message of the Gospel. He encourages believers to seek a genuine relationship with Jesus and to continually strive to know Him better. The sermon references the Apostle Paul's attitude of forgetting the past and pressing forward towards Christ, as well as the story of David's realization of his own corruption and need for deliverance.
The Call of God - the Glory of Jesus
By Zac Poonen2.0K55:42JesusHAB 2:4MAT 6:33JHN 4:1ROM 1:17GAL 3:11HEB 10:381JN 5:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living by faith and surrendering everything to God. He references the Bible verse in 1 John 5 that states faith is the victory that overcomes the world. The preacher also highlights the need to surrender our ambitions, plans, and desires to God's will for our lives. He encourages listeners to live a life of security in God, rather than relying on worldly notions of security. The sermon concludes with a prayer for faith, assurance, and acceptance of God's call.
Covenant of Grace
By Al Henson1.9K52:14Grace Of GodROM 1:17GAL 2:4EPH 3:16EPH 3:20HEB 10:38In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the revelation that the apostle Paul received from God regarding the gospel. Paul had a deep understanding of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which he learned through direct revelation. The speaker also highlights the concept of dying to the law, as explained in Romans 7, where through death, one is freed from their covenants. Paul testifies to his relationship with Christ, stating that he is a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the theme of Christ in believers and the importance of living a consistent and victorious Christian life.
The Just Shall Live by Faith
By Charles E. Fuller1.5K50:52Live By FaithHAB 2:4MAT 6:33ROM 1:17GAL 3:11HEB 10:19HEB 10:38HEB 11:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sharing the old story of Jesus and His love. He encourages listeners to remember and retell this story, as it brings healing to broken hearts and serves as a remedy for sin. The preacher also highlights the need for God's righteousness in all people, regardless of their background, and emphasizes the importance of confessing sins, repenting, and believing in Jesus Christ for salvation. The sermon references the book of Habakkuk in the Bible, where the prophet faced spiritual difficulties but ultimately found faith in God.
Don't Draw Back
By Carter Conlon1.4K45:21ApostasyPerseveranceFaithJHN 7:38ROM 1:162CO 5:17GAL 2:20GAL 6:14EPH 3:20PHP 4:132TI 4:3HEB 10:38Carter Conlon emphasizes the importance of not drawing back from faith, urging believers to trust in the power of the cross and the supernatural work of God in their lives. He recounts a personal experience in Nigeria where, despite overwhelming fear and doubt, he was encouraged to rise up and fulfill God's calling, leading to miraculous outcomes. Conlon warns against the allure of human effort and religious trappings that can distract from the true power of faith in Christ. He encourages the church to embrace their identity as new creations in Christ and to rely on God's strength rather than their own. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to move forward in faith, trusting in God's promises and the supernatural life He offers.
Don't Draw Back (Compilation)
By Compilations1.3K11:25CompilationMAT 16:24MRK 5:39LUK 9:62LUK 10:19LUK 14:33HEB 10:38JAS 2:17In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false reasoning and false concepts of God that have gripped the minds of many Christians in the Western world. He emphasizes that the call of Christ is not to lust after material wealth, but to long for God and His plan for our lives. The speaker highlights the importance of denying oneself, taking up the cross daily, and following Jesus as the true call of Christ. He warns that if we draw back from this call, we open ourselves up to the enemy's influence and false reasoning. The sermon also includes a story from the Bible where Jesus declares that a girl who was thought to be dead is actually only sleeping, illustrating the devil's tactic of bringing a report that it is too late for us to walk with God. The speaker encourages believers to live in constant expectancy of God's miraculous work in their lives and to be willing to suffer loss and let go of things that hinder their devotion to Christ.
Keeping the Faith
By Jim Cymbala1.1K26:05EnduranceMAT 6:33ROM 1:171TH 3:1HEB 10:38HEB 11:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in Christianity. He dismisses the significance of external elements like PowerPoint presentations and praise and worship songs, stating that they are not the essence of the faith. The preacher highlights that becoming a Christian involves confessing sins, turning away from them, and putting faith in Jesus as the Savior. He also shares a personal experience of being attacked in his faith by the enemy, but he overcomes it by declaring that Satan is a liar.
Keys for a Successful Family Life - Part 8
By Don Courville52653:20PRO 29:18ISA 6:8ISA 42:4AMO 3:7HAB 2:1MAT 17:5ACT 26:19EPH 4:18HEB 10:38JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of going to the tower, symbolizing meeting with God in prayer and seeking His guidance. It highlights the story of Habakkuk standing upon his watchtower to hear from God, encouraging listeners to write down the vision God gives, run with it, and live by faith. The sermon stresses the need to avoid living loose, in a fog, without love, worship, or discouragement by consistently going to the tower to seek God's presence and direction.
Church History Series - Part 6
By Mike Attwood8650:25Church HistoryProtestant ReformationFaith and ConvictionHAB 2:4MAT 28:19ROM 1:17GAL 3:11HEB 10:38Mike Attwood discusses the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing the pivotal role of Habakkuk 2:4, 'the just shall live by faith,' in inspiring Martin Luther and shaping the Reformation from AD 1500 to 1800. He highlights the cultural rebirth during the Renaissance, the rise of nation-states, and the corruption within the Roman Church that fueled the desire for reform. Attwood recounts the significant figures of the Reformation, including John Hus, Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin, and their struggles against both Catholicism and each other. He also addresses the subsequent challenges faced by the Reformation, including the Great Ejection and the rise of higher criticism, ultimately affirming that the proclamation of the gospel remains the true answer to societal issues. The sermon concludes with a call to stand firm in faith and truth, inspired by the historical courage of reformers.
Our Spiritual Objective
By Derek Prince01CO 13:11PHP 3:12HEB 6:1HEB 10:38JAS 1:4Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of moving towards maturity, fulfillment, and completion in our spiritual journey, rather than being stagnant in our faith. He highlights the misconception of sinless perfection and the negative impact of hypocritical attitudes on the pursuit of spiritual growth. Prince encourages believers to have a spiritual objective and to continue progressing in their salvation, avoiding turning back from the path of righteousness.
The Message of Habakkuk
By G. Campbell Morgan0Waiting On GodFaithPSA 37:7ISA 40:31HAB 2:4ROM 1:17GAL 3:11HEB 10:38JAS 1:3G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound message of Habakkuk, emphasizing the contrast between the proud, whose souls are crooked, and the righteous, who live by their faith. He illustrates how Habakkuk's journey from doubt to affirmation reveals that true life is rooted in faith, despite outward appearances of chaos and injustice. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the necessity of waiting on Him, as Habakkuk ultimately transitions from despair to a song of praise. Morgan encourages believers to confront their doubts directly with God and to trust in His promises, reminding them that faith is the principle of life.
Hypocrites Deficient in the Duty of Prayer
By Jonathan Edwards0JOB 27:10PSA 139:23MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 8:311TH 5:17HEB 10:38JAS 5:161PE 4:7Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of persevering in the duty of prayer, highlighting how hypocrites may initially continue in prayer due to common illuminations, affections, and hope, but eventually neglect it due to lack of true conversion, false hope, and sinful practices. He emphasizes the necessity of constant prayer as a means to nourish the soul, maintain communion with God, resist sin, and grow in holiness. Edwards warns against the dangers of neglecting prayer, urging believers to watch against excuses and forsake practices that hinder their prayer life.
The Foundation of Faith
By Keith Malcomson0MRK 1:15ROM 3:28ROM 10:17HEB 6:1HEB 10:38Keith Malcomson preaches on the foundational importance of repentance and faith in the Christian walk, emphasizing that true faith is a product of genuine repentance. He highlights the connection between repentance, faith, and the Gospel, stressing the need for real, life-changing repentance to lead to true faith in God. Malcomson also discusses the significance of having faith toward God, rooted in a genuine belief in the Gospel and the Word of God, warning against a mere intellectual faith that lacks transformation. He further explores the relationship between the Word of God and faith, emphasizing the necessity of mixing faith with the Word for true life change and salvation.
Luke 14:25 to End. Christ Declares to the Multitude That His Disciples Must Encounter Great Difficulties.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0LUK 14:25ROM 8:37HEB 10:38Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need to be prepared to endure persecution and hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus warns that those who choose to follow Him must be willing to forsake all, even their closest relationships, and be fully committed to Him alone. Through parables, Jesus illustrates the importance of counting the cost before embarking on the Christian journey and the consequences of turning back after starting. Despite the trials and tribulations, Christ never deceives His followers but provides a true depiction of the difficulties they may face in serving Him.
The Message of James
By G. Campbell Morgan0Faith in ActionThe Power of FaithMAT 5:20MAT 5:48GAL 2:20HEB 10:38JAS 1:2JAS 1:12JAS 2:1JAS 3:17JAS 4:7G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes in 'The Message of James' that true faith in God manifests itself through a life aligned with His will, producing patience in trials, steadfastness against temptation, and love in religious practice. He contrasts this with a life that denies faith, characterized by strife, respect of persons, and unbridled speech. Morgan calls believers to prove their faith through action and to perfect their patience, highlighting that the life of faith is both perilous and powerful, challenging worldly norms and overcoming spiritual opposition. He concludes that faith fosters unity and love within the church, eliminating class distinctions and strife.
A General Epistle to Friends
By Margaret Fell0EXO 14:13PSA 34:18PRO 10:4MAT 5:6JHN 3:20PHP 2:10HEB 10:38JAS 4:61JN 1:1Margaret Fell preaches about the call to embrace the eternal light of God, to be awakened from spiritual death by Christ, and to stand in awe of God's salvation. She warns against pursuing material wealth and laboring for temporary things, emphasizing the importance of humility, meekness, and obedience to God. Margaret urges the listeners to seek righteousness, purity, and holiness, as those are the desires that God satisfies, while condemning division and outward distractions that lead to judgment.
Epistle 378
By George Fox0Spiritual GrowthFaithMAT 13:3MAT 24:13LUK 8:13ROM 1:17ROM 5:2HEB 10:38HEB 11:6HEB 12:2George Fox emphasizes the importance of being receptive to the word of God, as illustrated in the parable of the sower. He warns that many receive the word with joy but lack deep roots, leading to their downfall during trials and tribulations. Fox encourages believers to examine the condition of their hearts and the fruit they produce, urging them to cultivate good ground that yields a bountiful harvest. He highlights that true faith, which is authored and perfected by Christ, is essential for salvation and pleasing God. Ultimately, he calls for perseverance in faith to avoid drawing back into perdition.
The New Man
By David Wilkerson0Living By FaithIdentity in ChristJHN 15:5ROM 6:6ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22PHP 3:3COL 3:3HEB 10:381JN 5:4David Wilkerson emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we must accept our identity as the 'new man' in Christ, recognizing that our 'old man'—the one who tries to please God through fleshly efforts—has been crucified and is dead. He illustrates the futility of striving to overcome sin through our own strength, which leads to a cycle of despair and guilt. Instead, true transformation comes from faith in Christ, who is our source of strength and righteousness. The new man lives by faith, trusting in God's Word that declares our old self is dead and our life is now hidden with Christ. This faith allows us to embrace our new identity and live in the freedom that comes from being in Christ.
Perseverance in the Path
By C.H. Spurgeon0FaithfulnessPerseveranceISA 35:8HEB 10:38C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the righteous have a unique path marked by divine command, distinct from worldly ways, and that perseverance in faith is essential for salvation. He warns against the dangers of superficial faith, likening it to rocky soil that withers under pressure, while true believers, like well-rooted trees, endure and bear fruit throughout their lives. Spurgeon highlights the necessity of continuing in the path of holiness, as drawing back from faith leads to God's displeasure, and only those who endure to the end will be saved.
Faith - the Substance
By G.W. North0FaithJustificationROM 1:17EPH 2:8HEB 10:38HEB 11:1HEB 11:6G.W. North emphasizes the significance of faith as outlined in Hebrews 11, arguing that faith is not merely about what can be accomplished but is essential for living a justified life before God. He warns against the dangers of drawing back from faith, highlighting that true faith must produce works and fruit in a believer's life. North illustrates that faith is inherent to humanity, and everyone believes in something, but the critical question is in whom or what we choose to believe. He stresses that understanding follows faith, and that faith must be active and responsive to God's word for it to be valid. Ultimately, he concludes that faith is the foundation for a relationship with God, leading to salvation and a life of righteousness.
Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up?
By Peter Hammond0HOS 6:4MAT 10:21MAT 19:22MAT 24:10MAT 26:56MRK 14:10LUK 9:57LUK 10:2JHN 6:661TI 1:31TI 3:71TI 6:32TI 1:152TI 3:52TI 3:82TI 4:102TI 4:14HEB 10:38REV 2:4Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the examples of those who forsook Christ, deserted Paul, and the warnings against disloyalty and betrayal in the Bible. The sermon stresses the importance of deep roots in God's Word, character building through affliction, and the dedication required for Christian service despite hardships and opposition.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the just shall live by faith - Ὁ δε δικαιος εκ πιστεως ζησετ αι· But the just by faith, i.e. he who is justified by faith, shall live - shall be preserved when this overflowing scourge shall come. See this meaning of the phrase vindicated, Rom 1:17. And it is evident, both from this text, and Gal 3:11, that it is in this sense that the apostle uses it. But if any man draw back - Και εαν ὑποστειληται· But if he draw back; he, the man who is justified by faith; for it is of him, and none other, that the text speaks. The insertion of the words any man, if done to serve the purpose of a particular creed, is a wicked perversion of the words of God. They were evidently intended to turn away the relative from the antecedent, in order to save the doctrine of final and unconditional perseverance; which doctrine this text destroys. My soul shall have no pleasure in him - My very heart shall be opposed to him who makes shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. The word ὑποστελλειν signifies, not only to draw back, but to slink away and hide through fear. In this sense it is used by the very best Greek writers, as well as by Josephus and Philo. As dastards and cowards are hated by all men, so those that slink away from Christ and his cause, for fear of persecution or secular loss, God must despise; in them he cannot delight; and his Spirit, grieved with their conduct, must desert their hearts, and lead them to darkness and hardness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
just--The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate read, "my just man." God is the speaker: "He who is just in My sight." BENGEL translates, "The just shall live by my faith": answering to the Hebrew, Hab 2:4; literally, "the just shall live by the faith of Him," namely, Christ, the final subject of "the vision," who "will not lie," that is, disappoint. Here not merely the first beginning, as in Gal 3:11, but the continuance, of the spiritual life of the justified man is referred to, as opposed to declension and apostasy. As the justified man receives his first spiritual life by faith, so it is by faith that he shall continue to live (Luk 4:4). The faith meant here is that fully developed living trust in the unseen (Heb 11:1) Saviour, which can keep men steadfast amidst persecutions and temptations (Heb 10:34-36). but--Greek, "and." if any man draw back--So the Greek admits: though it might also be translated, as ALFORD approves, "if he (the just man) draw back." Even so, it would not disprove the final perseverance of saints. For "the just man" in this latter clause would mean one seemingly, and in part really, though not savingly, "just" or justified: as in Eze 18:24, Eze 18:26. In the Hebrew, this latter half of the verse stands first, and is, "Behold, his soul which is lifted up, is not upright in him." Habakkuk states the cause of drawing back: a soul lifted up, and in self-inflated unbelief setting itself up against God. Paul, by the Spirit, states the effect, it draws back. Also, what in Habakkuk is, "His soul is not upright in him," is in Paul, "My soul shall have no pleasure in him." Habakkuk states the cause, Paul the effect: He who is not right in his own soul, does not stand right with God; God has no pleasure in him. BENGEL translates Habakkuk, "His soul is not upright in respect to him," namely, Christ, the subject of "the vision," that is, Christ has no pleasure in him (compare Heb 12:25). Every flower in spring is not a fruit in autumn.