Evidences of a Genuine Faith

Evidences of a Genuine Faith

Introduction: the characteristics of true faith

Text: Heb 10:32-39

Thesis: persevering under sufferings is one of the hallmarks of a genuine faith. Those who have true faith suffer for it, they partake in the sufferings of others, and they do not shrink back, before suffering

Note: This passage must be understood in context. Those who went back to the old testament shadows had no longer an opportunity to be forgiven of their sins in those sacrifices, therefore after warning the audience about the terrible fate of those who had turned back from following of Christ, the writer moves on to speak words of encouragement and exhortation to those who remained in verses 32-39

How do we gauge true faith? By its perseverance under sufferings

1. Genuine Faith will bring suffering vs. 32-33
   a. Remember the former days
   b. A great conflict of sufferings:
   c. A description of these sufferings

2. Those who have genuine faith suffer rightly vs. 34
   a. Sympathy in their suffering
   b. Joy in suffering:
   c. Hope in suffering:

3. True faith does not shrink back before suffering 35-39
   a. A gentle rebuke & a motivation:
   b. The exhortation
   c. The motivation & promise
   d. The encouragement: