
No Falling Back
he sermon, based on Hebrews 10:34-39, centers on the theme of remaining steadfast in faith and not falling back despite life's trials. The preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we must not draw back or retreat when faced with hardships, uncertainty, or change. Instead, we are called to live by faith, trusting in God rather than relying on what we see or feel.
1. The Call to Perseverance in Faith
The passage exhorts believers to hold on to their faith and not shrink back under pressure. The phrase "draw back" in Greek means to retreat, shrink, or withdraw, which is the opposite of God's desire for His people. The Christian life is meant to be one of progress and endurance, pressing toward the mark rather than falling away when challenges arise.
2. The Reality of Change and Trials
Life is unpredictable. One day, everything can seem fine, and the next, everything changes without warning. This uncertainty can tempt believers to pull back from their faith. However, God calls us to trust in His promises rather than retreat in fear. The preacher highlights that difficulties are a natural part of the Christian walk—whether through personal struggles, opposition from others, or life's unexpected hardships.
3. The Dangers of Drawing Back
Drawing back is dangerous because it means stepping away from the path of faith and God’s plan. The sermon illustrates this with the example of people who make commitments but fail to keep them, breaking trust and causing instability. Hebrews 10 lays out how Jesus' sacrifice is final and sufficient, calling believers to boldly approach God rather than withdrawing.
The three exhortations ("let us") in Hebrews 10 provide guidance on how to stay firm in faith:
- "Let us draw near" (v.22) – True faith requires a cleansed heart. Like how we wouldn't walk on clean carpets with muddy shoes, we cannot approach God with unrepentant sin.
- "Let us hold fast" (v.23) – A military term meaning to stand firm and not let go. The Christian life requires commitment, resisting the urge to retreat.
- "Let us consider one another" (v.24) – Faith is not meant to be walked alone. Christians must encourage and strengthen each other.
4. Why Is It So Easy to Give Up?
The preacher identifies three key reasons why many believers struggle to stay faithful:
- The Weight of Persecution – Living as a Christian is difficult. Those who are truly faithful will face opposition and challenges (2 Timothy 3:12). If following Christ were easy, everyone would do it. Many fall away when they experience difficulty.
- The Deception of Sin – Sin deceives people into thinking that the world has more to offer than God. It creates doubts, distractions, and spiritual blindness, leading people to look for depth or fulfillment outside of Christ.
- The Struggle of Waiting on God – People want results immediately, but faith requires patience. The preacher compares it to waiting in line for food—sometimes we get discouraged and walk away too soon. But Galatians 6:9 reminds us not to grow weary in doing good, for we will reap in due time if we do not give up.
5. How Do We Keep from Falling Back?
The preacher offers three key principles to remain faithful:
- Hold Fast to Faith – Trust in God’s promises rather than our own strength. Holding on isn’t about gritting our teeth and trying harder—it’s about leaning on God’s strength. "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).
- Stay in Christian Fellowship – Hebrews 10:25 warns not to forsake assembling together. Believers are meant to sharpen and encourage each other. Those who isolate themselves from the church weaken their faith and become more vulnerable to falling away.
- Serve God for His Rewards – God has established a system of spiritual rewards to motivate us. Hebrews 11:6 says, "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." While we may start serving God for blessings, over time, our faith matures, and we serve simply because we love Him.
Conclusion: Keep Moving Forward
The preacher closes by reminding believers that God does not reward those who almost endure but those who remain faithful. He encourages the congregation to let go of personal control, trust God’s plan, and remain steadfast, knowing that God is always faithful.
This message is a challenge to resist spiritual retreat, hold on to faith, and remain committed despite trials, sin, or waiting. As Hebrews 10:39 declares:
"We are not of them who draw back, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."