Hebrews 6:11
Verse
Context
A Call to Maturity
10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.12Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We desire - Επιθυμουμεν, We earnestly wish, that each person among you may continue ενδεικνυσθαι, to manifest, exhibit to full view, the same diligence. There might be reason to suspect that some, through fear of man, might not wish the good they did to be seen, lest they also should suffer persecution. This would not comport with the generous, noble spirit of the Gospel; the man who is afraid to let his decided attachment to God be known, is not far from backsliding. He who is more afraid of man than he is of God Almighty, can have very little religion. As the Church of Christ required all those who in these times embraced the Gospel to be publicly baptized, those who submitted to this rite gave full proof that they were thoroughly convinced of the truths of Christianity; and they gave this as a public pledge that they would be faithful. The same diligence - They had an active faith and a labouring love, and the apostle wishes them to persevere in both. They were diligent, very diligent, and he desires them to continue so. To the full assurance of hope - Προς την πληροφοριαν της ελπιδος "The full assurance of faith," says Mr. Wesley, "relates to present pardon; the full assurance of hope, to future glory: the former is the highest degree of Divine evidence that God is reconciled to me in the Son of his love; the latter is the same degree of Divine evidence, wrought in the soul by the same immediate inspiration of the Holy Ghost, of persevering grace, and of eternal glory. So much as faith every moment beholds with open face, so much, and no more, does hope see to all eternity. But this assurance of faith and hope is not an opinion, not a bare construction of Scripture, but is given immediately by the power of the Holy Ghost, and what none can have for another, but for himself only." We must not misapprehend these excellent sayings of this eminent man. 1. The person who has this full assurance of hope is he who not only knows and feels that his sins are forgiven through Christ Jesus, but also that his heart is purified from all unrighteousness, that the whole body of sin and death is destroyed, and that he is fully made a partaker of the Divine nature. As without holiness, complete, entire holiness, no man can see God: so, without this, none can scripturally or rationally hope for eternal glory; it being a contradiction to profess to have the full assurance of hope to enjoy a state and place for which the soul is conscious it is not prepared. 2. All that is said here must be understood as still implying the absolute necessity of continuing in the same degree of grace from which this full assurance of hope is derived. This full assurance, therefore, does not imply that the man will absolutely persevere to the end; but that, if he do persevere in this same grace, he shall infallibly have an eternal glory. There is no unconditional perseverance in the Scripture, nor can there be such in a state of probation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And--Greek, "But." desire--Greek, "earnestly desire." The language of fatherly affection, rather than command. every one of you--implying that all in the Palestinian churches had not shown the same diligence as some of those whom he praises in Heb 6:10. "He cares alike for great and small, and overlooks none." "Every one of them," even those diligent in acts of LOVE (Heb 6:10), needed to be stimulated to persevere in the same diligence with a view to the full assurance of HOPE unto the end. They needed, besides love, patient perseverance, resting on hope and faith (Heb 10:36; Heb 13:7). Compare "the full assurance of faith," Heb 10:22; Rom 4:21; Th1 1:5. unto the end--the coming of Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye be not slothful,.... With respect to hearing the word, and attendance on every ordinance; with respect to the use of means for the increase of knowledge, faith, and hope; and with respect to ministering to the saints; but on the contrary, should take every opportunity of improvement and doing good: but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises; or things promised; not the land of Canaan, nor the coming of the Messiah; but either grace and salvation by Christ; or eternal Life, which is expressed by a promise, to show that it is not by any works, or merits of men; that it is wholly of grace, and shall certainly be enjoyed: and it is expressed in the plural number, "promises", because it is the grand promise, which is inclusive of all others; and because it has been given out at various times, and in different manners: and the possession of it being signified by "inheriting", it shows that this is their Father's gift and legacy, which they have as children; and which comes to them through the death of Christ, and of which the Spirit is the seal; and comes not by works of righteousness done by them: and the means through which saints that are gone before are come to the enjoyment of this happiness, are "faith and patience"; not that "faith" is the cause of, or what gives right to the inheritance, but it designs a course and walk of believing, at the end of which, saints come to glory; and faith is connected with salvation, and salvation with that; and through faith believers are preserved unto it: and "patience" is joined with faith, as a fruit and evidence of it; and supposes troubles which are patiently endured before men come to the possession of the inheritance: now the apostle exhorts these Hebrews to be followers and imitators of such, in diligence, faith, and patience, when they need not doubt of inheriting the same promised blessedness they do.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:11 keep on loving others (literally show the same eager commitment): Love of other believers is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith (Jas 2:15-16; 1 Jn 3:16-20). Through diligence and focused commitment, they can make their hope in Christ absolutely certain. Assurance of salvation comes through perseverance.
Hebrews 6:11
A Call to Maturity
10For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.11We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.12Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Path to Hope
By David Wilkerson3.1K36:12PSA 31:24ROM 4:6ROM 5:1ROM 15:4ROM 15:13HEB 6:11HEB 10:23JAS 5:11This sermon focuses on the path to hope as outlined in Romans 5, emphasizing the importance of being justified by faith and having peace with God. It highlights the role of tribulations in building patience, experience, and ultimately hope that does not disappoint. The message encourages believers to trust in God's promises, endure suffering with patience, and seek the Holy Spirit's work of hope in their lives.
Abounding Hope
By Alan Martin1.8K00:00HopePSA 78:22PRO 13:12ROM 8:241TH 1:3HEB 6:11HEB 6:181PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding fast to hope in order to strengthen one's soul. He compares the value of a diamond to the value of a mature, consistent, and complete walk with God. The speaker also shares personal experiences of overcoming challenges and finding victory through God's power. He highlights the unchangeable nature of God's oath and His inability to lie as the foundation of our hope, serving as an anchor for our souls.
Persevering to Inheriting the Promise
By Alan Martin1.7K00:00Promises Of GodHEB 6:11JAS 5:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of crying out to God when facing temptation and suffering. He highlights that God is ever-present and ready to come to our aid when we call upon Him. The preacher also emphasizes that the path to the kingdom of God is narrow and difficult, requiring perseverance and faith. He uses the example of Abraham, who believed in God's promise despite the seemingly impossible circumstances of his old age and his wife's barrenness. The preacher urges believers to stand firm in their faith and not falter in times of struggle, reminding them of the consequences of lacking strength and faith.
Hopeful or Hopless
By Tim Conway1.1K51:08MAT 5:12LUK 6:23ROM 5:2ROM 8:25ROM 12:12ROM 15:131CO 13:13COL 1:51TI 1:1HEB 6:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in hope, focusing on the future glory that awaits believers in heaven. It highlights the distinction between worldly hopes and the biblical hope in Christ, which is characterized by assurance and expectation. The speaker challenges listeners to set their hearts and minds on the eternal hope in Christ, freeing them from being enslaved to worldly pursuits and encouraging radical love and sacrifice.
The Cross of Christ
By Rolfe Barnard84744:53HEB 6:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having true assurance of salvation. He uses the example of Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, who betrayed him despite being part of the inner circle. The preacher challenges the notion that assurance of salvation is based on a one-time decision or profession of faith, highlighting the need for ongoing examination of one's heart and evidence of a saving interest in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that true assurance comes from a supernatural faith in Jesus as the Son of God, which overcomes the world. The preacher also reminds the audience of Jesus' humble origins and the rejection he faced, ultimately being crucified outside the holy city.
The Church That Will Stand in the Coming Storm
By Brian Long65647:31JudgmentMAT 6:33MRK 4:35HEB 6:11HEB 6:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of shining as a light in the world by sharing the love of God. He mentions that the church should be characterized by compassion, love, and the grace of God. The preacher then turns to the Gospel of Mark, specifically chapter 4, to discuss the story of Jesus calming the storm. He highlights the message of the church standing strong in the face of coming storms and encourages the congregation to invite others into their godly homes to witness the light of their strong families.
Bochim, or the Cause of Spiritual Failure
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual DeclineReliance on GodJDG 2:5HEB 6:11A.B. Simpson emphasizes the dangers of spiritual decline following great blessings, using the story of Israel in the Book of Judges as a cautionary tale. He illustrates how Israel's initial victories turned into failures due to compromises with sin and a lack of personal reliance on God. Simpson warns that neglecting vigilance and obedience can lead to spiritual captivity, as seen in Israel's eventual subjugation by their enemies. He encourages believers to recognize their weaknesses and to seek a deeper, personal relationship with God to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience. Ultimately, he contrasts the sorrow of Bochim with the joy of Beulah, urging the faithful to lean on God's strength for victory.
Evening Thoughts - May
By Octavius Winslow0FaithCommunion with ChristJHN 14:1ROM 8:16EPH 2:14HEB 6:111PE 4:11Octavius Winslow reflects on the profound relationship between believers and Christ, emphasizing that Jesus is our peace and the bridge that removes barriers between us and God. He warns against the walls of unbelief and sin that separate us from experiencing Christ's presence and love. Winslow highlights the importance of recognizing our need for Christ, especially in times of trial and suffering, and encourages believers to seek a deeper communion with Him. He reassures that despite our shortcomings, Christ remains steadfast, waiting to reveal Himself to us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed faith and reliance on the grace of God in our daily walk.
1 Peter 1:13
By John Gill0Hope in ChristSpiritual ReadinessLUK 12:35ROM 8:181CO 9:24EPH 6:14PHP 3:14COL 3:21TH 5:82TI 4:7HEB 6:111PE 1:3John Gill emphasizes the importance of mental preparedness and spiritual sobriety in his sermon on 1 Peter 1:13. He encourages believers to 'gird up the loins of your mind' with truth, focusing on the mysteries of grace and the teachings of Christ, while avoiding distractions and false doctrines. Gill highlights the necessity of maintaining a sober mindset, free from worldly anxieties and temptations, to fully embrace the hope of salvation that is revealed through Jesus Christ. He stresses that this hope should be sincere and unwavering, as it is tied to the grace that will be fully realized at Christ's revelation. Ultimately, believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith and hope until the end.
St. Paul Shows the Certainty of Spiritual Knowledge.
By Daniel Steele0ROM 1:28ROM 3:20ROM 10:2COL 2:21TH 1:52TI 3:7TIT 1:1HEB 6:11HEB 10:222PE 1:1Daniel Steele preaches about the importance of having a full assurance and certainty of spiritual knowledge, emphasizing the impact of the outpouring of the Spirit in quickening spiritual perceptions. He delves into the compound words used by the apostles post-Pentecost to express the clarity and exactness of their spiritual understanding, highlighting the believer's access to God without hesitancy through the fullness of the Spirit. Steele discusses the significance of attaining a full assurance of hope and the highest degree of divine evidence of persevering grace, contrasting Calvinism and Arminianism views on assurance. He explores the concept of epignosis, a strengthened form of knowledge, stressing the Christian's privilege to know God without doubt and the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing spiritual truths.
The Sovereignty of God and Prayer
By John Piper0JOS 1:8PSA 119:92CO 1:20EPH 2:1PHP 1:6HEB 6:11HEB 10:23HEB 13:212PE 1:4The preacher delves into the meaning of 'magnificent' in the Bible, emphasizing that it signifies the superlative, denoting an extreme or unsurpassed level. The sermon highlights the incomparable magnitude of God's promises, surpassing any human promise, and encourages believers to diligently seek and meditate on these precious promises. The preacher stresses the importance of actively engaging with God's promises, which are reliable and sure, reflecting God's unchanging character and omnipotence. Believers are urged to expectantly anticipate the fulfillment of God's promises in their daily lives, trusting in His faithfulness and ability to perform what He has promised.
Greatness of Christ
By C.H. Spurgeon01KI 18:46JOB 38:3JER 1:172CO 10:5EPH 6:14PHP 4:8HEB 5:11HEB 6:111PE 1:13The preacher emphasizes the importance of being mentally prepared and ready for spiritual battle, drawing from various biblical examples where individuals were instructed to gird up their loins as a symbol of readiness and resolve. This metaphorical girding of the mind signifies the need for courage, resolve, and preparedness in facing challenges and conflicts in the Christian journey. Just as physical girding removes hindrances for action, believers are called to remove mental hindrances like worry, fear, and impurity to allow the Holy Spirit to work effectively in their lives. The sermon highlights the necessity of disciplining one's mind, focusing on truth, and taking every thought captive to Christ to live a life of holiness and obedience.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We desire - Επιθυμουμεν, We earnestly wish, that each person among you may continue ενδεικνυσθαι, to manifest, exhibit to full view, the same diligence. There might be reason to suspect that some, through fear of man, might not wish the good they did to be seen, lest they also should suffer persecution. This would not comport with the generous, noble spirit of the Gospel; the man who is afraid to let his decided attachment to God be known, is not far from backsliding. He who is more afraid of man than he is of God Almighty, can have very little religion. As the Church of Christ required all those who in these times embraced the Gospel to be publicly baptized, those who submitted to this rite gave full proof that they were thoroughly convinced of the truths of Christianity; and they gave this as a public pledge that they would be faithful. The same diligence - They had an active faith and a labouring love, and the apostle wishes them to persevere in both. They were diligent, very diligent, and he desires them to continue so. To the full assurance of hope - Προς την πληροφοριαν της ελπιδος "The full assurance of faith," says Mr. Wesley, "relates to present pardon; the full assurance of hope, to future glory: the former is the highest degree of Divine evidence that God is reconciled to me in the Son of his love; the latter is the same degree of Divine evidence, wrought in the soul by the same immediate inspiration of the Holy Ghost, of persevering grace, and of eternal glory. So much as faith every moment beholds with open face, so much, and no more, does hope see to all eternity. But this assurance of faith and hope is not an opinion, not a bare construction of Scripture, but is given immediately by the power of the Holy Ghost, and what none can have for another, but for himself only." We must not misapprehend these excellent sayings of this eminent man. 1. The person who has this full assurance of hope is he who not only knows and feels that his sins are forgiven through Christ Jesus, but also that his heart is purified from all unrighteousness, that the whole body of sin and death is destroyed, and that he is fully made a partaker of the Divine nature. As without holiness, complete, entire holiness, no man can see God: so, without this, none can scripturally or rationally hope for eternal glory; it being a contradiction to profess to have the full assurance of hope to enjoy a state and place for which the soul is conscious it is not prepared. 2. All that is said here must be understood as still implying the absolute necessity of continuing in the same degree of grace from which this full assurance of hope is derived. This full assurance, therefore, does not imply that the man will absolutely persevere to the end; but that, if he do persevere in this same grace, he shall infallibly have an eternal glory. There is no unconditional perseverance in the Scripture, nor can there be such in a state of probation.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And--Greek, "But." desire--Greek, "earnestly desire." The language of fatherly affection, rather than command. every one of you--implying that all in the Palestinian churches had not shown the same diligence as some of those whom he praises in Heb 6:10. "He cares alike for great and small, and overlooks none." "Every one of them," even those diligent in acts of LOVE (Heb 6:10), needed to be stimulated to persevere in the same diligence with a view to the full assurance of HOPE unto the end. They needed, besides love, patient perseverance, resting on hope and faith (Heb 10:36; Heb 13:7). Compare "the full assurance of faith," Heb 10:22; Rom 4:21; Th1 1:5. unto the end--the coming of Christ.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye be not slothful,.... With respect to hearing the word, and attendance on every ordinance; with respect to the use of means for the increase of knowledge, faith, and hope; and with respect to ministering to the saints; but on the contrary, should take every opportunity of improvement and doing good: but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises; or things promised; not the land of Canaan, nor the coming of the Messiah; but either grace and salvation by Christ; or eternal Life, which is expressed by a promise, to show that it is not by any works, or merits of men; that it is wholly of grace, and shall certainly be enjoyed: and it is expressed in the plural number, "promises", because it is the grand promise, which is inclusive of all others; and because it has been given out at various times, and in different manners: and the possession of it being signified by "inheriting", it shows that this is their Father's gift and legacy, which they have as children; and which comes to them through the death of Christ, and of which the Spirit is the seal; and comes not by works of righteousness done by them: and the means through which saints that are gone before are come to the enjoyment of this happiness, are "faith and patience"; not that "faith" is the cause of, or what gives right to the inheritance, but it designs a course and walk of believing, at the end of which, saints come to glory; and faith is connected with salvation, and salvation with that; and through faith believers are preserved unto it: and "patience" is joined with faith, as a fruit and evidence of it; and supposes troubles which are patiently endured before men come to the possession of the inheritance: now the apostle exhorts these Hebrews to be followers and imitators of such, in diligence, faith, and patience, when they need not doubt of inheriting the same promised blessedness they do.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:11 keep on loving others (literally show the same eager commitment): Love of other believers is a hallmark of genuine Christian faith (Jas 2:15-16; 1 Jn 3:16-20). Through diligence and focused commitment, they can make their hope in Christ absolutely certain. Assurance of salvation comes through perseverance.