Slices
Prepare
When you think back to your childhood, was there some element of pampering and at the same time some element of scolding?
Bible passage
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case – the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Explore
Today’s passage is a challenging one, and there is no clear agreement as to how it should be interpreted.
Verses 4–8 can be seen as an admonishment. The passage appears as a message of hopelessness for those ‘who have once been enlightened … who have tasted the goodness of the word of God’ (vs 4,5). But as verse 6 says, they ‘have fallen away’. The indisputable terms used by the writer are shocking, and are intended to highlight the gravity of the fall. The fallen ones cannot be brought back to repentance; ‘they are crucifying the Son of God all over again’ (v 6). It is perhaps that their hearts have become too hard to repent.
Does the next section (vs 9–12) appear to be a soothing balm upon the severity of the statements above? The writer speaks of his conviction about those who remain in the faith. He encourages them and comments on the ‘better things’ in their case (v 9). Their deeds of kindness, done out of love, will not be forgotten by God (v 10). At the same time, we cannot be complacent. As is said in verses 11 and 12, show diligence to the very end. Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised!
Respond
Pray that you will be diligent in the faith that has saved you, and be humbled to know that your good deeds are before the eyes of God.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Samuel 23,24; 1 Corinthians 10
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that as Revealing Jesus Pioneer Kate Doogan connects with new Faith Guides in South Liverpool and the Merseyside area, she will be able to encourage and support churches in their mission to reach children and young people with the good news of Jesus.
