Hebrews 6:12
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye be not slothful - This shows how the full assurance of hope is to be regulated and maintained. They must be diligent; slothfulness will deprive them both of hope and faith. That faith which worketh by love will maintain hope in its full and due exercise. Followers of them - Μιμηται δε - κληρονομουντων τας επαγγελιας· That ye be mimics or imitators of them who are inheriting the promises. And they inherited these promises by faith in him who is invisible, and who, they knew, could not lie; and they patiently endured, through difficulties and adversities of every kind, and persevered unto death. "The promises made to Abraham and to his seed were, 1. That Abraham should have a numerous seed by faith as well as by natural descent. 2. That God would be a God to him and to his seed in their generations, by being the object of their worship and their protector. 3. That he would give them the possession of Canaan. 4. That he would bless all the nations of the earth in him. 5. That he would thus bless the nations through Christ, Abraham's seed. 6. That through Christ, likewise, he would bless the nations with the Gospel revelation. Four of these promises the believing Gentiles were inheriting at the time the apostle wrote this letter. 1. They were become Abraham's seed by faith. 2. God was become the object of their worship and their protector. 3. They were enjoying the knowledge of God in the Gospel Church, and the gifts of the Spirit. Gal 3:4. All these blessings were bestowed upon them through Christ. By observing that the believing Gentiles were actually inheriting the promises; i.e. the four promised blessings above mentioned, the apostle appealed to an undeniable fact, in proof that the believing Gentiles, equally with the believing Jews, were heirs of the promises made to Abraham and his seed." See Dr. Macknight. The promises may be considered as referring to the rest of faith here, and the rest of glory hereafter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
be not--Greek, "become not." In Heb 5:11, he said, "Ye have become dull (Greek, 'slothful') of hearing"; here he warns them not to become "slothful absolutely," namely, also in mind and deed. He will not become slothful who keeps always the end in view; hope is the means of ensuring this. followers--Greek, "imitators"; so in Eph 5:1, Greek; Co1 11:1. patience--Greek, "long-suffering endurance." There is the long-suffering patience, or endurance of love, Co1 13:4, and that of faith, Heb 6:15. them who . . . inherit the promises--Greek, "who are inheriting," &c.; to whom the promises are their inheritance. Not that they have actually entered on the perfect inheritance, which Heb 11:13, Heb 11:39-40 explicitly denies; though doubtless the dead in Christ have, in the disembodied soul, a foretaste of it; but "them (enumerated in Heb. 11:2-40) who in every age have been, are, or shall be, inheritors of the promises"; of whom Abraham is an illustrious example (Heb 6:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For when God made promise to Abraham,.... The apostle proposes Abraham as a pattern, because he was the father of these Hebrews, and of all believers; and because they were interested in the promise made to him, and had a right to the same blessing with him; and because he was remarkable for his faith and patience: the promise made to him is not that in Gen 12:1 nor that in Gen 15:1 but that in Gen 22:16 for that only had an oath annexed to it: and this was made by Jesus Christ, there called the Angel of the Lord, and here God; and who is truly and properly so; and than whom there is none greater; and who elsewhere, as here, is said to swear by himself, Isa 45:23 as follows: because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself; swearing is ascribed to a divine person after the manner of men, and in condescension to them; and who is never introduced swearing, but in matters of moment and of great importance; the note of Philo the Jew (n) on the passage in Gen 22:16 from whence the following words are cited, is worthy of observation, being very near the apostle's words; "well does he (God) confirm the promise with an oath, and with an oath that becomes God; for you see that God does not swear by another, for nothing is better than himself, but by himself, who is the best of all; but some have suggested as if it was inconvenient to swear, for an oath is taken for the sake of faith; but God alone is faithful, &c.'' (n) Leg. Allegor. l. 2. p. 98.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 A focused commitment (6:10-11) is the antidote to being spiritually dull (5:11-12). By loving God and others, we follow the example of great people of the faith. The author puts a great deal of emphasis on both faith and endurance as normal requirements for God’s people (see 11:4-38).
Hebrews 6:12
A Call to Maturity
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
(Australia) Offended in Christ
By David Wilkerson23K40:59OffendedMAT 6:33MAT 11:1HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God has everything under control. The congregation is encouraged to rejoice and sing in the presence of the Lord. The preacher mentions a miraculous event where a young man rises from a casket and walks to his mother, which the disciples report back to John. However, John, who had previously identified Jesus as the Lamb of God, seems to be confused and sends his disciples to Jesus. The preacher highlights John's expectation of a Messiah who would overthrow the Roman armies and establish righteousness, but Jesus does not fit this expectation.
(The Works of Faith) Wait for God to Act
By Zac Poonen2.4K1:10:37GEN 13:7ISA 49:23MAT 6:33HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13. He highlights the strife between their servants and emphasizes the significance of the last sentence in verse 7, which mentions the Canaanites and the Perizzites. The preacher suggests that the heathen were watching the conflict between these two men who claimed to follow God. He then draws a parallel to the present day, stating that the world is observing how Christians interact with one another. The preacher urges the audience to make a decision to seek God's best in their lives, repent for past mistakes, and wait for God's timing rather than rushing and potentially ruining His plans.
(Genesis) - Part 19
By Zac Poonen1.9K58:25GenesisGEN 20:17GEN 21:1GEN 21:15GAL 4:21HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being free from attachment to worldly things. He uses the example of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac to illustrate this point. The preacher highlights how Abraham immediately obeyed God's command, showing his unwavering faith. The sermon also references Galatians chapter 4, where the apostle Paul contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament and encourages believers to live under the freedom of the new covenant.
(Revelation) Revelation 13:1-13
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:01:11MAT 10:37LUK 21:19JHN 19:10HEB 6:12HEB 10:36REV 13:5REV 13:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the limited period of three and a half years mentioned in the Bible. He refers to Daniel's 70th week and explains that this period of authority was given to the Antichrist. The preacher emphasizes the power of the tongue, stating that man's praise and rebellion against God are expressed through the mouth. He also references the vision of John by the sea, where he sees four great beasts representing different kingdoms, including Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire. The preacher concludes by warning about the rise of communism and the need for believers to be prepared for the challenges that may come.
A God Sent Message of Warning
By Tim Conway1.7K1:00:27JER 32:40JHN 10:271TI 4:16HEB 3:6HEB 4:1HEB 6:12HEB 10:24HEB 12:25This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding the warnings in the book of Hebrews, highlighting the need for genuine faith in Christ, the danger of drifting away, and the necessity of holding fast to our confidence in Him. The speaker urges the listeners to fear falling away from God, to repent when drifting occurs, and to find assurance in Christ through constant meditation on His supremacy.
(Hebrews) ch.6:16-8:9
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:18:28HEB 6:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to the end of oneself in order to experience the power of God. He explains that the purpose of the law was to show mankind their helplessness and lead them to Christ. Through Jesus, sin's power in our flesh is overcome, allowing the righteous requirement of the law to be fulfilled in those who walk according to the Spirit. The speaker also highlights the significance of following Jesus and living under the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than relying on the old covenant law.
Pioneers (Abraham, a Pioneer of Revival, Missions, and Holiness) - Part 2
By David Smithers95700:00GAL 3:6GAL 3:91TH 4:11TH 4:82TI 2:19HEB 6:12HEB 6:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of pleasing God and growing in faith. He encourages the audience to abound more and more in their walk with Christ. The speaker shares his personal journey of stepping into full-time ministry after years of working in various jobs. He believes that now is the time for God to raise up an army of hidden pioneers who will bring revival, missions, and holiness to the church and the world. The sermon references several Bible verses, including 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Hebrews 6:12-15, and Galatians 3:6-9, to support the message of faith and promise.
Mercenary Christians
By Glenn Meldrum88458:12Critical SpiritPRO 13:4PRO 18:9MAT 6:331CO 15:582TH 3:10HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of a mercenary mentality that has infiltrated the American church. He uses the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts chapter eight to illustrate this point. Simon, who had previously used sorcery to deceive the people, believed in Jesus and was baptized. However, he still held onto his old mindset of thinking he could buy the power of God. The preacher emphasizes that Christianity goes against the idea of giving to get, as salvation cannot be earned through money or any other means. He urges the audience to examine their own thinking and remove any obstacles that hinder them from experiencing a true move of God.
Find Heavenly Minded Role Models to Imitate by James Jennings
By James Malachi Jennings6851:02:571CO 11:11CO 15:33PHP 3:171TH 1:6HEB 6:12HEB 11:7JAS 4:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of finding heavenly-minded role models to imitate, as Paul urges believers to follow his example and keep their eyes on those who walk according to godly examples. The warning is against imitating those who are enemies of the cross of Christ, characterized by their end in destruction, serving their own appetites, glorying in shameful things, and having minds set on earthly pursuits. The call is to imitate those whose citizenship is in heaven, eagerly awaiting the Savior's return for transformation.
Jacobs Wrestle
By Don Courville5961:06:10GEN 32:24GEN 35:1PRO 3:5HEB 6:12JAS 4:7This sermon delves into the life of Jacob, highlighting his encounters with Esau, the importance of obedience to God's commands, the risks of moving out of God's will, and the consequences of living near danger. It emphasizes the need for humility, patience, and submission to God's authority, as well as the dangers of disobedience and delayed obedience. The story of Dinah serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of independence and moving away from God's protection.
The Cross
By David Wilkerson58454:46CrossEXO 14:211TH 1:5HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's right hand in destroying the works of the devil. He refers to the manifestation of the Son of God to destroy the devil's works and the future binding and imprisonment of the devil. The preacher then shifts to the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 14, highlighting the victory of the cross in this chapter. He invites the congregation to experience freedom from the hold of the devil by trusting in Jesus' power to overcome the enemy.
Studies in Hebrews - Part 4
By Ken Baird56058:34HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 6:12HEB 6:18HEB 9:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the unchanging nature of God and the importance of finding contentment in His laws. He emphasizes that while everything in life changes, God remains constant in His love, purpose, and priesthood. The preacher also highlights the role of Jesus as our great high priest and intercessor, referencing Hebrews 8. He encourages the audience to read and study their Bibles, as neglecting this practice can lead to a lack of discernment between good and evil.
Prophecy About Bartle Hall
By Mike Bickle171:11:23ProphecySpiritual DedicationGEN 28:122KI 6:17EZK 3:1MAT 7:7JHN 1:511CO 1:51TH 5:201TI 1:18HEB 6:12REV 10:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the upcoming gatherings at Bartle Hall, viewing them as a fulfillment of a long-standing prophecy regarding a young adult movement. He stresses the importance of responding to prophetic promises with faith and dedication, highlighting that these promises are invitations to partner with God rather than guarantees. Bickle shares insights from a recent heavenly visitation experienced by Julie Meyer, which reinforces the call for increased dedication and preparation for a new season in their spiritual family. He encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith and to expect a powerful move of God as they gather, while also acknowledging the challenges that may accompany such breakthroughs.
Persevering Faith That Inherits God's Promises (Isa. 49:1-7)
By Mike Bickle1453:29PerseveranceFaith in God's PromisesHEB 4:2HEB 6:12HEB 12:1Mike Bickle emphasizes the necessity of persevering faith in inheriting God's promises, drawing from the example of Jesus and Abraham. He explains that while God's promises may seem delayed or impossible due to circumstances, believers are called to actively engage their faith and not become passive. Bickle highlights that the process of waiting and enduring is part of God's preparation, and encourages believers to remain steadfast, looking to Jesus as both the model and source of strength. He reminds the congregation that true faith combines belief in God's promises with active obedience to His commands, urging them to run with endurance and not succumb to weariness.
The Promises of God
By Thomas Brooks0God's PromisesFaithfulness of GodNUM 23:19ISA 46:10JER 31:3HOS 14:4MAL 3:62CO 1:20HEB 6:12Thomas Brooks emphasizes the richness and reliability of God's promises, likening them to precious resources that nourish and support the soul. He asserts that these promises, made through Christ, are guaranteed to be fulfilled, contrasting God's faithfulness with human inconsistency. Brooks highlights that God's promises stem from His grace and love, are unchangeable, and are rooted in His truth and faithfulness. He encourages believers to continually present these promises to God, reminding them of their significance as evidence of divine favor and the price paid by Christ's blood. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep trust in God's unwavering commitment to His word.
Your Own Soul
By Samuel Logan Brengle0Waiting On GodSpiritual CareISA 40:31JHN 16:13ACT 20:281TI 4:16HEB 6:12Samuel Logan Brengle addresses the concern of prioritizing one's own soul amidst the suffering and injustice in the world. He emphasizes that caring for one's soul is essential to avoid doubt and discouragement, and that through prayer and seeking the Holy Spirit, individuals can gain the strength and wisdom needed to help others effectively. Brengle encourages believers to wait on God for guidance and strength, asserting that one cannot assist others without first being filled with God's love and power. He cites the importance of taking time for personal communion with God, as neglecting this can lead to losing His presence and power. Ultimately, Brengle reinforces that self-care in faith is not selfishness, but a prerequisite for serving others.
Faith: The Grace and the Gift
By Samuel Logan Brengle0AssuranceFaithHAB 2:3MRK 7:26HEB 6:12HEB 10:36HEB 11:6Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the distinction between the grace of faith and the gift of faith, urging believers to fully exercise the grace of faith before claiming the gift. He explains that the grace of faith allows individuals to seek God earnestly, while the gift of faith, bestowed by the Holy Spirit, brings assurance and confidence in God's blessings. Brengle warns against prematurely claiming the gift of faith without first wrestling through doubts and seeking God's will, as this can lead to discouragement and skepticism. He encourages believers to persist in their faith journey, assuring them that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Ultimately, he reassures that while the blessing may seem delayed, it is not denied, and faith should be exercised with patience and humility.
The Power of Persevering Prayer
By Andrew Murray0Perseverance in PrayerFaithPSA 34:17MAT 7:7MRK 11:24LUK 18:1ROM 4:18PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 6:12JAS 5:161JN 5:14Andrew Murray emphasizes the significance of persevering prayer, illustrating that God's willingness to bless often requires persistent requests over time. He acknowledges the struggle believers face when prayers seem unanswered, urging them to maintain faith and trust in God's timing. Murray likens prayer to the accumulation of water or the sowing of seeds, where consistent effort leads to eventual blessings. He reassures that every believing prayer has an effect in heaven and contributes to the fulfillment of God's promises. Ultimately, he encourages believers to emulate Abraham's faith and patience in their prayer lives.
It Is High Time to Awake Out of Sleep
By A.B. Simpson0AwakeningSpiritual VigilanceISA 26:3MAT 26:41ROM 13:11GAL 6:9EPH 6:18PHP 4:131TH 5:6HEB 6:12JAS 5:161PE 5:8A.B. Simpson emphasizes the danger of spiritual indolence, urging believers to awaken from their slumber and actively engage in faith and prayer. He compares the struggle against lethargy to the challenge of overcoming sleep, highlighting that true faith requires energetic effort and perseverance. Simpson warns against the distractions of the enemy, encouraging the faithful to remain vigilant and steadfast in prayer, drawing strength from God. He illustrates that while God provides the power, it is our responsibility to steer our lives in alignment with His will, much like a sailor guiding a ship against the wind.
Genesis 22:2
By Chuck Smith0Divine PromisesFaithGEN 17:19GEN 21:1GEN 22:2PSA 37:4ISA 55:11JHN 3:16ROM 4:20GAL 4:22HEB 6:12JAS 1:12Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of Isaac as Abraham's most cherished possession, highlighting the long wait for God's promise of a son and the joy that followed Isaac's miraculous birth. He reflects on how God recognized Isaac as Abraham's only son, disregarding the works of the flesh represented by Ishmael, and draws a parallel to God's love for humanity in giving His only begotten Son. The sermon illustrates the themes of faith, patience, and divine fulfillment in God's promises.
(Secrets of Victory) 10. Faith in God - or Faith in Money?
By Zac Poonen01SA 2:302CH 16:9PSA 37:25PRO 19:14MAT 6:33MRK 10:27LUK 16:13HEB 6:121JN 5:4Zac Poonen preaches about the power struggle between serving God and serving money (Mammon), emphasizing the need for believers to have more faith in God than the world has in money. He shares personal experiences of relying on God's provision and timing, highlighting the importance of faith and patience in receiving God's blessings. Poonen stresses the significance of aligning our desires with God's will to avoid unnecessary problems and to experience God's faithfulness in all areas of life, including finances and relationships.
The Word of Righteousness
By St. Polycarp of Smyrna0GAL 2:20PHP 3:202TI 4:7HEB 6:121JN 2:15St. Polycarp of Smyrna encourages believers to follow the examples of faith and patience set by Ignatius, Zosimus, Rufus, Paul, and the apostles. He reminds them that these faithful individuals did not run in vain but lived in faith and righteousness, now in the presence of the Lord. Their love was not for the world but for Jesus, who died and rose again for them.
His Anointing (1 Samuel 16, 17)
By A.W. Pink0AnointingFaith and PatienceGEN 12:31SA 2:81SA 16:13PSA 12:1PSA 45:6ISA 59:19LUK 21:26ACT 2:30EPH 1:11HEB 6:12A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16 and 17, illustrating how it represents God's grace amidst Israel's spiritual decline. He highlights that David's rise to kingship foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, and underscores the importance of faith and patience in the face of trials. Pink draws parallels between David's anointing and Christ's, noting that both endured suffering before their exaltation. He encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to seek His guidance in times of darkness, reminding them that God's grace is sufficient for those who truly rely on Him.
Letter 103
By James Bourne02KI 5:13PSA 1:1ROM 5:31TH 5:16HEB 6:12James Bourne preaches to Mrs. Tims about the journey of seeking truth and healing, likening it to the story of Naaman in the Bible. He encourages her to embrace the process of spiritual growth, acknowledging the struggles and trials that come with it, but also the eventual peace and joy found in surrendering to God's will. Bourne emphasizes the importance of patience, submission, and living by the Word of God, highlighting the transformation that occurs when one fully surrenders to Christ and experiences His love and grace.
Ii Peter 1:4
By Asa Mahan0ROM 8:112CO 1:20GAL 5:22EPH 3:19HEB 6:122PE 1:3Asa Mahan preaches about the importance of embracing the promises of the new covenant and the power of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers. He emphasizes the need for believers to seek the baptism of the Holy Ghost to experience a renewal of their nature and a vital union with Christ. Mahan highlights the difference between believers who remain in their old propensities and those who fully surrender to Christ, allowing Him to work in them and fill them with His Spirit. He challenges individuals to move beyond mere faith to a deep oneness with Christ, leading to a life of obedience, joy, and victory over sin.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye be not slothful - This shows how the full assurance of hope is to be regulated and maintained. They must be diligent; slothfulness will deprive them both of hope and faith. That faith which worketh by love will maintain hope in its full and due exercise. Followers of them - Μιμηται δε - κληρονομουντων τας επαγγελιας· That ye be mimics or imitators of them who are inheriting the promises. And they inherited these promises by faith in him who is invisible, and who, they knew, could not lie; and they patiently endured, through difficulties and adversities of every kind, and persevered unto death. "The promises made to Abraham and to his seed were, 1. That Abraham should have a numerous seed by faith as well as by natural descent. 2. That God would be a God to him and to his seed in their generations, by being the object of their worship and their protector. 3. That he would give them the possession of Canaan. 4. That he would bless all the nations of the earth in him. 5. That he would thus bless the nations through Christ, Abraham's seed. 6. That through Christ, likewise, he would bless the nations with the Gospel revelation. Four of these promises the believing Gentiles were inheriting at the time the apostle wrote this letter. 1. They were become Abraham's seed by faith. 2. God was become the object of their worship and their protector. 3. They were enjoying the knowledge of God in the Gospel Church, and the gifts of the Spirit. Gal 3:4. All these blessings were bestowed upon them through Christ. By observing that the believing Gentiles were actually inheriting the promises; i.e. the four promised blessings above mentioned, the apostle appealed to an undeniable fact, in proof that the believing Gentiles, equally with the believing Jews, were heirs of the promises made to Abraham and his seed." See Dr. Macknight. The promises may be considered as referring to the rest of faith here, and the rest of glory hereafter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
be not--Greek, "become not." In Heb 5:11, he said, "Ye have become dull (Greek, 'slothful') of hearing"; here he warns them not to become "slothful absolutely," namely, also in mind and deed. He will not become slothful who keeps always the end in view; hope is the means of ensuring this. followers--Greek, "imitators"; so in Eph 5:1, Greek; Co1 11:1. patience--Greek, "long-suffering endurance." There is the long-suffering patience, or endurance of love, Co1 13:4, and that of faith, Heb 6:15. them who . . . inherit the promises--Greek, "who are inheriting," &c.; to whom the promises are their inheritance. Not that they have actually entered on the perfect inheritance, which Heb 11:13, Heb 11:39-40 explicitly denies; though doubtless the dead in Christ have, in the disembodied soul, a foretaste of it; but "them (enumerated in Heb. 11:2-40) who in every age have been, are, or shall be, inheritors of the promises"; of whom Abraham is an illustrious example (Heb 6:13).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For when God made promise to Abraham,.... The apostle proposes Abraham as a pattern, because he was the father of these Hebrews, and of all believers; and because they were interested in the promise made to him, and had a right to the same blessing with him; and because he was remarkable for his faith and patience: the promise made to him is not that in Gen 12:1 nor that in Gen 15:1 but that in Gen 22:16 for that only had an oath annexed to it: and this was made by Jesus Christ, there called the Angel of the Lord, and here God; and who is truly and properly so; and than whom there is none greater; and who elsewhere, as here, is said to swear by himself, Isa 45:23 as follows: because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself; swearing is ascribed to a divine person after the manner of men, and in condescension to them; and who is never introduced swearing, but in matters of moment and of great importance; the note of Philo the Jew (n) on the passage in Gen 22:16 from whence the following words are cited, is worthy of observation, being very near the apostle's words; "well does he (God) confirm the promise with an oath, and with an oath that becomes God; for you see that God does not swear by another, for nothing is better than himself, but by himself, who is the best of all; but some have suggested as if it was inconvenient to swear, for an oath is taken for the sake of faith; but God alone is faithful, &c.'' (n) Leg. Allegor. l. 2. p. 98.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 A focused commitment (6:10-11) is the antidote to being spiritually dull (5:11-12). By loving God and others, we follow the example of great people of the faith. The author puts a great deal of emphasis on both faith and endurance as normal requirements for God’s people (see 11:4-38).