Hebrews – Chapter Six XVII

by Ed Urzi

“But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner” (Hebrews 6:9).

One challenge facing the author of Hebrews involved the need to address an audience of people who fell into varying stages of spiritual development. This likely accounts for the shift from those who served as the focus of attention in Hebrews 5:12-6:8 to those mentioned here in Hebrews 6:9. In effect, our author is saying, “Unlike the others I just spoke about, I am confident of better things concerning you.”

This reference to the “beloved” members of his audience represents the only appearance of this expression in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This reassuring statement served to counterbalance the message contained within the previous verses. The following verse continues with some further encouragement and establishes the basis for our author’s confidence…

“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).

This portion of Scripture offers a practical application, for it reminds us that those who follow Jesus have been entrusted with an opportunity to employ their God-given gifts, skills, talents, and abilities in ministering to others. Some of the original readers of this epistle led the way in that area, and we would do well to follow their good example.

Much like the account given to us in Acts 6:1-6, those ministry opportunities may take different forms. Nevertheless, this does not mean that we are responsible to meet every potential need that may arise, nor does it mean that we are obligated to do everything that may be asked of us. However, a person who sees a deficiency that others fail to notice or senses God’s call to action in an area of need might be the right person for that place of ministry.

Finally, the New Testament book of 1 Peter provides us with some important guidelines that should govern our ministry efforts…

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV).