Twenty-One Sermons on Hebrews 10:20-24 in Volume III of the Works of Robert Traill (Available from Reformation Heritage Books or free here) - Read Sermon II.
Today's sermon continues to expound 'Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering' Hebrews 10:23.
Initially Traill makes some practical improvement on what he delivered to us last week:
(i) we see what a Christian profession is - a profession of faith;
(ii) we see what reason and ground ministers and churches have to require a confession of mens faith and hope;
(iii) we see what our duty is - to make a profession of faith.
Then Traill begins to examine what is implied in the instruction 'Holding it fast without wavering'.
Firstly Traill says we are commanded to hold fast the profession of faith, meaning we should hold fast:
(i) the truths professed;
(ii) the communion of saints;
(iii) the exercise of the grace of faith and hope.
Secondly Traill teaches that Christians should be careful in the profession of faith and hold it fast because;
(i) there are a great many devices of Satan;
(ii) the honour of God and his Son Jesus Christ is greatly concerned in it;
(iii) their peace and salvation stands mightily on it.
Thirdly Traill explains how we are to hold fast our profession:
(i) before God;
(ii) before the devil;
(iii) before the world.
What grabbed me
I liked the encouragement to be steadfast in my faith because of God's glory: 'Christians should be very careful of their profession, to hold it fast ; for the honour of God and his Son Jesus Christ is greatly concerned in it. It is all we can do for his glory. The highest glory that is given to Christ in this world, is by the steadfast maintaining of the profession of our faith. The greatest affront that can be done, is by people's abandoning the profession of that faith they once made. It is a horrible thing ; a thing the Lord calls the heavens to be astonished at : My people have for forsaken me, and have forsaken me upon some alleged fault also : What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me? &c, Jer. ii. 5, 12. '
We can do no greater thing than believe in God and hold to it.
Next week's reading
Read Sermon III.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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