10:34,35
They stood by those who had been imprisoned, and suffered material loss in the form of property being confiscated. We do well not to hold on tightly to material possessions. The Hebrews were able to withstand these attacks because they knew they had “better and lasting” possessions. This verse shows the poverty of prosperity gospel teaching. The so-called prosperity gospel will never equip Christians to stand up in the face of serious opposition.
So the direct attacks on them had failed, but the danger was the subtle attack that was seeking to get them to trust in useless sacrifices. When we come through a time of trial we need to be on our guard against more subtle attacks. We must never drop our guard.
10:36,37
There are numerous instructions in the New Testament about the importance of perseverance. It is God’s will that we continue to believe in Christ. Being saved is not just a one off thing, but a whole way of life. We then get a quote from Isaiah 26:20 (or Hab 2:3). The fulfillment of all we hope for will only happen when Christ returns.
10:38,39
We then get another quote from Hab 2:4, perhaps indicating that writer was actually thinking of Hab 2:3 in the previous one. This was a favourite verse of Paul, used in both Romans and Galatians. It also contains a warning. The chapter closes with the writer stating that he is convinced that his hearers are actually of those who persist, rather than those who shrink back. We need to live by faith everyday.
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