Hebrews 6 (3)

Introduction
The proof of Christian faith is in the fruit that comes from our lives (Matt. 7.20). Those who have only tasted of the good things of God’s heavenly gift will not bear the fruit of grace in their lives. And those who, because of suffering, drift from their firm convictions, are not likely to bear much fruit, either. In which case, they need to heed the warning of today’s verses. As the psalmist reminds us (Ps. 1), there are only two kinds of people – those who bear the fruit of righteousness, and those who are blown away like chaff whenever the wind of God’s wrath rises.

Read Psalm 1.

Read Hebrews 6.7, 8.

Think it through.
1.  The earth drinking in the rain (v. 7) is a symbol of the myriad ways God pours out His blessings on us throughout the day. How many examples of His daily goodness and grace can you cite? In response to such good rains, the earth bears herbs that bless others. What is God expecting from us who enjoy His daily blessings? And as we bear such fruit, what can we expect from God (last part of v. 7)? What forms will that take?

2.  Verse 8 is a warning: Where God’s grace is daily received, but instead of the fruit of blessing, “thorns and briers” are the result, what can we expect? Three verbs suggest a progressive condemnation of such a way of life. Explain how each of these works out in the experience of those who bear no fruit for the Lord: rejected, cursed, burned. God does not judge the wicked all at once. Meditate on Romans 1.18-32. How does this progressive-but-sure condemnation appear in these verses? Should Christians remind one another of this, as a way of encouraging greater faithfulness and diligence? Explain.

Meditate.
“Our earth, that is, our heart, receives blessings if it receives ‘the rain’ of the doctrine of the law ‘that often falls upon it’ and brings forth the fruit of works. But if it does not have a spiritual work but ‘thorns and thistles,’ that is, cares of the world or the desire of pleasures and riches, ‘it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.’ For that reason, each one of the hearers, when he assembles to hear, receives ‘the shower’ of the Word of God; and, if one indeed brings forth the fruit of a good work, one will obtain ‘a blessing.’” Origen of Alexandria (185-354 AD)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1.18-21

Heavenly Father, make me more mindful of Your daily gifts and blessings, so that I…

Pray Psalm 127.
As you pray, ask God to show you what your “house” should look like as He builds it and guards it, and as you rest in Him.

Psalm 127.1-5 (Leominster: Not What My Hands Have Done)
Unless God builds the house, the workers toil in vain; 
unless He watches o’er us all, the watchmen have no gain.
In vain we early rise, and late retire to rest, 
for God gives precious, needed sleep to those He loves the best.

All children are a gift and treasure from the Lord, 
a token of His constant grace, the fruitful womb’s reward.
Like arrows in our hand, the children of our youth
we, trusting Jesus, shape and send to bear the Word of truth.

The blessings of the Lord on fruitful families rest.
Both friend and foe alike shall know that they by God are blessed.
Praise God, Who builds the house, and watches o’er us all, 
and grants relief and fruitful wombs to all who on Him call.

T. M Moore

For a better understanding of the book of Hebrews, and all the books of the Bible, order a copy of the workbook, God’s Covenant, from our online store. The studies in this workbook will show you how the parts of the Bible connect with one another to tell the story of God’s redemption and glory (click here). To learn more about Christ in His exaltation, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus (click here).

Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute buttonat the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.