Letter to the Hebrews Volume 53

 A Better Forecast is Expected for the True Believer Part 3

Hebrews 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. KJV

Now the writer of Hebrews finishes his preaching to them about his concerns for their spiritual growth by exhorting them to follow after the pattern of their brothers and sisters 'in Christ' who already have grown into spiritual maturity with these words, "That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:12) (KJV). The writer of Hebrews last warning to them about their 'advancement in the faith' or their 'growing up into spiritual maturity' comes with these words at the beginning of this verse, 'that ye be not slothful', and the English word 'slothful' is translated by the Greek word nōthros meaning sluggish, that is, (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid: - dull, slothful (its only used one other time in the entire New Testament). The writer had already referred to them as being such at the very beginning of his preaching to them on this matter of the lack of many of their spiritual growth with these words, "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing." (Hebrews 5:11) (KJV). The English word 'dull' in Hebrews 5:11 is the one other place where this Greek word nōthros was used, so we see then that the writer of Hebrews had determined that the problem of some not growing into spiritual maturity was because of them being unwilling to do the diligent study of God's Word as others were doing, that is, those who had become of 'full age' and 'have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil' (Hebrews 5:14).

From the very beginning of his preaching to them about the need and necessity of their spiritual growth now or at the very time of his letter to them was to keep them from falling into dullness (which some had done) or laziness that would bring their spiritual growth to a complete stop. The writer of Hebrews wanted those who had become sluggish to snap out of it and become 'followers' of others who were growing up into spiritual maturity. This English word 'followers' is translated by the Greek word mimētēs meaning an imitator. In others words, the writer is not telling them to be a follower of their brothers or sisters 'in Christ' instead of Christ, but he is exhorting them to imitate what those in the Body of Christ are doing that has and is growing them up into spiritual maturity. The writer of Hebrews had just told them in Hebrews 6:11 that he wanted them to lay hold of their 'full assurance of hope' and now in this verse 12 he is surely, severely, and strongly warning them that their dullness or sluggishness or laziness will definately dim their hope, that is, that confident expectation that dwells in their inner man or inner woman if they pull back or draw back away from feeding on the Word of God. Just like the disease 'Cancer' attacks the cells of the human body and weakens the 'immune sysytem' until it becomes to weak to fight of other infections, likewise, laziness in being in the Word of God will weaken that 'hope' of eternal glory with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and dim our light causing doubt to replace assurance and faith.

The English word 'patience' is translated by the Greek word makrothumia meaning longanimity, that is, (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: - longsuffering, patience. The English word 'promises' is translated by the Greek word epaggelia meaning an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): - message, promise. In other words, those who do not lose hope, that is, live in doubt of their salvation (as many 'babes in Christ' do) are those who by way of long suffering/patience in faith become not slow, slothful, or sluggish in their diligent effort to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by listening to Him in His Word, so as to always keep the end in view or in focus and that is the salvation of our souls no matter what trials or test we endure in our pilgrimage, as it is so elequently written here by the Apostle Peter in his first letter to the Church of God, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:3-9) (KJV).

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say of Hebrews 6:12, "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."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.


Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…