In this sermon, Pastor Ben reminds us of the need for enduring faith and the promise of an eternal home with the Lord if we endure.
Sermon: Why Keep Following Jesus?
Introduction
Good morning, church family! It is an immense privilege to proclaim God’s Word today as one of your pastors. Let’s dive into the text and ask a vital question: Why keep following Jesus? The Christian life is not described as easy in Scripture. It is simple, rewarding, but often difficult, filled with hardship and suffering. As we’ve studied Hebrews, we’ve encountered warnings against deliberate sin, persisting in rebellion, and turning away from God. Some of you may wonder, Is following Jesus worth it? The narrow road feels perilous, like walking a thin strand of spider silk over a pit of destruction. Today, we’ll explore two reasons from Hebrews 10:32–39 to keep following Jesus: because you have suffered by faith and because you have a true and abiding possession by faith.
1. You Have Suffered by Faith
The Reality of Suffering
Suffering is a hallmark of the Christian life in the New Testament. Our Savior’s suffering led to our salvation, the apostles endured martyrdom, and believers faced unimaginable hardships. Paul writes in Philippians 1:29 (ESV):
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.
The Hebrew Christians knew this reality. Hebrews 10:32–34 (ESV) says:
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property…
When these believers first embraced the gospel, they were “enlightened”—they believed in Christ and were willing to suffer for Him. They faced public reproach, affliction, and even imprisonment. Visiting imprisoned Christians in Roman jails was risky, yet they showed compassion, standing with the persecuted.
Evidence of Faith
Their suffering was evidence of genuine faith. Hebrews 6:4–8 warns against those who, after being enlightened, fall away, producing thorns and thistles. But these believers bore good fruit—obedience and faith—when they first heard the gospel. Like the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:3–9), their initial response was positive, but the question is endurance. Persecution and trials can snap weak faith or choke it with worldly cares. Yet, these Christians endured, showing compassion and bearing the reproach of the gospel publicly, even when shunned by their own people.
Christ’s Compassion
Their compassion mirrors Christ’s. Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) says:
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus understands suffering. He came to His own, and they rejected Him (John 1:11). The Hebrew Christians faced similar rejection, proclaiming the risen Christ to their fellow Jews, only to be shunned. Yet, Christ’s compassion is active—He fed the hungry, raised the dead, and taught the lost. Likewise, these believers didn’t just pity the imprisoned; they visited, fed, and clothed them, risking their own safety.
Application
If you’ve suffered for Christ—whether through rejection, loss, or persecution—don’t turn back. The world won’t welcome you back fully; your status will never be the same. Enduring suffering requires faith, and your willingness to suffer is evidence of God’s work in you.
2. You Have a True and Abiding Possession by Faith
Joy in Loss
Hebrews 10:34 (ESV) continues:
…and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
Imagine your brothers in Christ breaking into your home, stealing your most valuable possessions—your grandmother’s pearls, your silver, everything precious. Yet, the Hebrew Christians responded with joy, not anger or bitterness. Why? They knew they had a better, abiding possession—one that cannot be stolen.
An Eternal Inheritance
This possession is the heavenly home Christ prepares for us. John 14:2–3 (ESV) says:
In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… that where I am you may be also.
No one can take this inheritance. Hebrews 11:13–16 (ESV) describes the faithful who died longing for this promise:
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar… Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
When you see Christ face-to-face, all trials will pale in comparison to His glory. This hope sustained the Hebrew Christians through loss and sustains us today.
The Need for Endurance
Hebrews 10:35–36 (ESV) urges:
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
Faith must endure to inherit this possession. Like a plant that must grow to bear fruit, faith that springs up but dies yields nothing. Jesus endured suffering to accomplish God’s will (Hebrews 12:2); we must follow His example.
Thomas Cranmer’s Example
Consider Thomas Cranmer, a 16th-century reformer with a rocky faith journey. As a Catholic priest, he hid his marriage, encouraged King Henry VIII’s divorce, and later embraced Protestantism, writing the Book of Common Prayer. Under Queen Mary I’s persecution, he recanted his beliefs, signing statements denying salvation by grace. Yet, when sentenced to burn at the stake, Cranmer publicly recanted his recantation, preaching the true gospel. He died a martyr, thrusting his right hand—the one that signed the false statements—into the flames first. Cranmer fell spectacularly but was restored because his faith endured in Christ.
Application
If you’ve denied Christ under pressure, like Peter or Cranmer, return to Him. Christ restores those who come back in faith. Don’t fear the narrow road; the church will welcome you with open arms. Your eternal possession is secure if you endure, and Christ supplies the strength through His Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
Conclusion
Why keep following Jesus? Because you’ve suffered by faith, proving God’s work in you, and because you have a true, abiding possession that no one can take. Hebrews 10:37–38 (ESV) says:
Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.
Don’t shrink back. Endure through trials—health issues, family strains, or persecution—knowing Christ sees, sympathizes, and strengthens you. Encourage others to keep following, especially those who are discouraged. Treasure your eternal inheritance, not temporal things. If you don’t know Christ, turn to Him today. The cost is high, but it’s worth paying because He gave His life for you.
Prayer
Sovereign Lord, You are our eternal possession. Thank You for preparing a place for us. Grow our faith, guard us, and