Hebrews 6:12
Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Then you will not be sluggish
The word "sluggish" in Greek is "νωθροί" (nōthroi), which can also be translated as "lazy" or "dull." In the context of Hebrews, this term is a warning against spiritual laziness and a call to active engagement in one's faith journey. Historically, the early Christian community faced numerous challenges, including persecution and the temptation to revert to old religious practices. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to be vigilant and proactive, avoiding the complacency that can lead to spiritual stagnation. This exhortation is a reminder that the Christian life requires diligence and perseverance, echoing the broader biblical theme of being alert and watchful in one's faith.

but will imitate
The Greek word for "imitate" is "μιμηταί" (mimētai), which means to mimic or follow the example of others. In the New Testament, imitation is often presented as a means of spiritual growth, where believers are encouraged to emulate the faith and virtues of those who have gone before them. This concept is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition of discipleship, where learning from a teacher or mentor was essential. The call to imitate is not merely about copying actions but involves adopting the attitudes and faithfulness of those who have demonstrated steadfastness in their walk with God.

those who through faith and patience
"Faith" (πίστις, pistis) and "patience" (μακροθυμία, makrothymia) are central virtues in the Christian life. Faith refers to trust and confidence in God and His promises, while patience denotes endurance and long-suffering. The combination of these two virtues is crucial for inheriting God's promises. Historically, the patriarchs and prophets of the Old Testament exemplified these qualities, enduring trials and waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled. The author of Hebrews highlights these virtues as essential for believers, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith journey despite challenges and delays.

inherit what has been promised
The concept of "inheritance" in the biblical context often refers to the blessings and promises God has made to His people. The Greek word "κληρονομέω" (klēronomeō) implies receiving something as a rightful heir. In the Old Testament, the inheritance was often associated with the Promised Land, a tangible representation of God's covenant with Israel. In the New Testament, the inheritance takes on a spiritual dimension, encompassing eternal life and the fulfillment of God's promises through Christ. The phrase "what has been promised" underscores the certainty and reliability of God's word. Believers are assured that, through faith and patience, they will receive the fullness of God's promises, both in this life and in the life to come. This assurance is a source of hope and motivation, encouraging Christians to persevere in their faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Recipients of Hebrews
The letter is addressed to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were tempted to revert to Judaism. The author encourages them to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ.

2. The Author of Hebrews
While the exact identity is unknown, the author is a knowledgeable teacher of the Jewish Scriptures and is deeply concerned with the spiritual maturity of the recipients.

3. The Patriarchs
The verse implicitly references figures like Abraham, who through faith and patience inherited God's promises. These patriarchs serve as examples for believers to emulate.

4. The Promises of God
Refers to the covenantal promises made by God to His people, including eternal life and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

5. Faith and Patience
Central themes in the Christian life, emphasizing trust in God's promises and enduring through trials.
Teaching Points
Avoiding Spiritual Sluggishness
Spiritual sluggishness can lead to stagnation in faith. Believers are called to be active and diligent in their spiritual walk, continually growing and maturing in Christ.

Imitating the Faithful
Look to biblical examples and contemporary believers who demonstrate faith and patience. Emulate their trust in God and perseverance through trials.

The Role of Patience in Inheriting Promises
Patience is not passive but an active endurance. It involves trusting God's timing and remaining steadfast in faith, even when immediate results are not visible.

Faith as a Foundation
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. It is foundational to inheriting God's promises, requiring believers to trust in God's character and His Word.

Encouragement in Community
Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and support one another in faith and patience. This communal aspect strengthens individual resolve.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some practical ways you can avoid spiritual sluggishness in your daily life?

2. Who are some biblical or contemporary figures you admire for their faith and patience, and how can you imitate them?

3. How does understanding the role of patience change your perspective on waiting for God's promises in your life?

4. In what ways can you strengthen your faith to better trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem challenging?

5. How can you encourage others in your community to remain steadfast in faith and patience, and what role does community play in your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 11
This chapter provides a detailed account of the "heroes of faith," illustrating how they inherited promises through faith and patience.

James 1:3-4
Discusses the testing of faith producing perseverance, which aligns with the call to patience in Hebrews 6:12.

Romans 4:16-21
Highlights Abraham's faith and patience, showing how he trusted God's promises despite circumstances.

Galatians 6:9
Encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time they will reap a harvest if they do not give up.
Imitating the Inheritors of the PromisesW. Jones Hebrews 6:12
Imitation of Those Who Inherit the PromisesD. Young Hebrews 6:12
Confident ExpectationJ.S. Bright Hebrews 6:9-12
Great Attention Needed to Maintain the Christian's HopeD. Young Hebrews 6:9-12
An Exhortation to DiligenceS. Coley.Hebrews 6:11-12
Assurance DesirableT. Adams.Hebrews 6:11-12
Assurance of HopeK. Arvine.Hebrews 6:11-12
Christian ExamplesW. Jay.Hebrews 6:11-12
Departed Saints Our ExamplesS. Bridge, M. A.Hebrews 6:11-12
Development of HopeT. Brooks.Hebrews 6:11-12
Diligence in Seeking SalvationJ. W. Hardman, LL. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
Example an EducatorG. W. Conder.Hebrews 6:11-12
False AssuranceJohn Newton.Hebrews 6:11-12
Fitful AssuranceC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 6:11-12
Following the Holy DeadHomilistHebrews 6:11-12
Full Assurance of HopeJ. Elstob.Hebrews 6:11-12
Full Assurance of HopeW. Jones, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
Going on to Full AssuranceG. Macdonald's "Thomas Wingfold."Hebrews 6:11-12
Good ExampleCawdray.Hebrews 6:11-12
HopeG. Spring.Hebrews 6:11-12
Hope -- an Uncultivated GraceChristian Union.Hebrews 6:11-12
Hope an Active GraceT. Watson.Hebrews 6:11-12
How to Realise Full AssuranceA. Whyre, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
In the Footsteps of HeroesE. Mellor, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
IndolenceHebrews 6:11-12
Inspiration of HopeC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 6:11-12
Motives to DiligenceN. Caussin.Hebrews 6:11-12
Persistency NeededG. Peck, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
SlothfullnessR. Tuck, B. A.Hebrews 6:11-12
Spiritual DiligenceJohn Hawtrey.Hebrews 6:11-12
Spiritual SluggishnessW. S. Page.Hebrews 6:11-12
Sure and Certain HopeA. Maclaren, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Attainment of HeavenJames Finlayson, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Believer's AssuranceJ. H. Hitchens.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Evil of SlothF. A. Krummacher.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Footsteps of the BeatifiedP. Morrison.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Holy DeadHomilistHebrews 6:11-12
The Path to HeavenJ. W. Reeve, M. A.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Warning Against SlothfulnessR. Newton, D. D.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Young Called to Follow Departed SaintsH. Belfrage.Hebrews 6:11-12
There is Light BeyondA. J. Symington.Hebrews 6:11-12
True and False ImitationH. W. Beecher.Hebrews 6:11-12
The Influence of Hope on Christian SteadfastnessC. New Hebrews 6:11-20
People
Hebrews, Melchisedec, Melchizedek
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Endurance, Example, Faith, Followers, Half-hearted, Heart, Heirs, Heritage, Imitate, Imitators, Inherit, Inherited, Inheriting, Inheritors, Patience, Patient, Promised, Promises, Slothful, Slow, Sluggish, Waiting, Won't
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 6:12

     3254   Holy Spirit, fruit of
     5386   leisure, nature of
     5539   sluggard
     5705   inheritance, spiritual
     5810   complacency
     8162   spiritual vitality
     8206   Christlikeness
     8318   patience
     8449   imitating
     8462   priority, of God

Hebrews 6:4-18

     5467   promises, divine

Hebrews 6:10-12

     5635   work, and redemption
     9615   hope, results of

Hebrews 6:11-12

     5343   idleness
     8022   faith, basis of salvation

Library
Final Perseverance
Looking at the scope of the whole passage, it appears to us that the Apostle wished to push the disciples on. There is a tendency in the human mind to stop short of the heavenly mark. As soon as ever we have attained to the first principles of religion, have passed through baptism, and understand the resurrection of the dead, there is a tendency in us to sit still; to say, "I have passed from death unto life; here I may take my stand and rest;" whereas, the Christian life was intended not to be a
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

Things that Accompany Salvation
Before we begin, however, let us just make this caution. When the Apostle speaks of virtues and of graces, he calls them "things that accompany Salvation," not things which cause it. Our faith does not cause Salvation, nor our hope, nor our love, nor our good works; they are things which attend it as its guard of honor. The origin of Salvation lies alone in the sovereign will of God the Father; in the infinite efficacy of the blood of Jesus--God the Son, and in the divine influence of God the Holy
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are Judgment. A God of Truth, and Without Iniquity, Just and Right is He.
Deut. xxxii. 4, 5.--"He is the rock, his work is perfect. For all his ways are judgment. A God of truth, and without iniquity, just and right is he. They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children. They are a perverse and crooked generation." "All his ways are judgment," both the ways of his commandments and the ways of his providence, both his word which he hath given as a lantern to men's paths, and his works among men. And this were the blessedness of men, to be found
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Analysis Necessary.
"Let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation." --Heb. vi. 1. To systematize the work of the Holy Spirit in individuals, we must first consider their spiritual condition before conversion. Misunderstanding concerning this leads to error and confusion. It causes the various operations of the Holy Spirit to be confounded, so that the same terms are used to designate different things. And this confuses one's own thought, and leads others astray. This is most seriously apparent in ministers
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Anchored
"An Anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast."--Heb. vi. 19. J. A. Rothe, 1758. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 My soul hath found the steadfast ground, There ever shall my anchor hold-- That ground is in my Saviour Christ, Before the world was from of old-- And that sure ground shall be my stay, When Heaven and Earth shall pass away. That ground is Thine Eternal Love, Thy Love that through all ages burns-- The open arms of mercy stretched To meet the sinner who returns; The Love that calleth everywhere,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series)

The Vessel of Wrought Gold
F. M. Heb. vi. 19, 20 I go on my way rejoicing, Though weary the wilderness road-- I go on my way rejoicing In hope of the glory of God. Oh well do I know that glory, That Home and that welcome sweet, Where above the mists and the shadows With the heart of my God I meet. There the ship of my soul is harboured In the calm of the crystal sea, For within the veil is the anchor, Where Jesus has entered for me. Awhile in the earthen vessel The treasures of glory gleam; In Heaven the fount eternal,
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

The Gospel Refuge.
THE GOSPEL REFUGE. "We have a strong consolation who have fled for Refuge."--HEB. vi. 18. And now, my young friends, we have finished the survey of our picture-gallery. We have wandered among these six cities in the old land of promise. I shall repeat their names once more, that you may remember them. KEDESH, Holiness. SHECHEM, Shoulder. HEBRON, Fellowship. BEZER, Stronghold. RAMOTH, Exaltation. GOLAN, Joy. What a complete Saviour! In Him "all fullness
John Ross Macduff—The Cities of Refuge: or, The Name of Jesus

Because There is not a Single Scripture in the Church Epistles Which, Rightly Interpreted, Teaches a Partial Rapture.
How could there be? Scripture cannot contradict itself. If the Pauline Epistles explicitly teach and expressly affirm that "all shall be changed in a moment," that "they that are Christ's at His coming shall be raised from the dead, that "we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ" and that when our lord returns to the earth to be glorified in His saints He shall be "admired in all them that believe" then these same Church Epistles can not teach that a part of the Church only shall be
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

A Passage Quoted by the Heretics against Repentance is Explained in Two Ways...
A passage quoted by the heretics against repentance is explained in two ways, the first being that Heb. vi. 4 refers to the impossibility of being baptized again; the second, that what is impossible with man is possible with God. 6. Being then refuted by the clear example of the Apostle and by his writings, the heretics yet endeavour to resist further, and say that their opinion is supported by apostolic authority, bringing forward the passage in the Epistle to the Hebrews: "For it is impossible
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Writings of St. Ambrose.
The extant writings of St. Ambrose may be divided under six heads. I. Dogmatic; II. Exegetic; III. Moral; IV. Sermons; V. Letters; VI. A few Hymns. I. Dogmatic and Controversial Works. 1. De Fide. The chief of these are the Five Books on the Faith, of which the two first were written in compliance with a request of the Emperor Gratian, a.d. 378. Books III.-V. were written in 379 or 380, and seem to have been worked up from addresses delivered to the people [V. prol. 9, 11; III. 143; IV. 119]. This
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Introduction. These Two Books were Written against the Novatian Heresy...
These two books were written against the Novatian heresy, which took its name, and to a considerable extent its form, from Novatus, a priest of the Church of Carthage, and Novatian, schismatically consecrated bishop at Rome. It was the outcome of a struggle which had long existed in the Church upon the question of the restitution to Church privileges of those who had fallen into grievous sin, and the possibility of their repentance. The severest ground was taken by the Novatians, who were condemned
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion
I would invite you, my brethren in Christ Jesus, this morning, to do three things; first, let us consider the terms of the will--"joint heirs with Christ;" secondly, let us go forth and view the estates--what it is of which we are joint heirs; and when we have done so, let us proceed at once to administer, for God hath made his children administrators as web as heirs. I. First, then, there is A LEGAL TERM IN THE WILL UPON WHICH THE WHOLE MATTER WILL HINGE. We are called "joint heirs with Christ"--what
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley.
"And they consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness."--HOSEA vii. 2. Is it possible for any man to conceive of truths more fitted to arrest the attention and impress the heart than are those contained in this volume? It has been said that if a blank book had been put into our hands, and every one of us had been asked to put into it the promises we should like to find there, we could not have employed language so explicit, so expressive, and so suited to all our varied wants,
Knowles King—The Wesleyan Methodist Pulpit in Malvern

Covenanting Recommended by the Practice of the New Testament Church.
The approved practice of the Church of God in Covenanting, is recommended to us by these two things,--that it displays a voluntary regard to his will, and that it exhibits his power accomplishing his purpose. The example of the people of God, while they walk in all his ordinances and commandments blameless, is a warranted motive to duty. "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."[778] Their practice in the discharge of the duty of Covenanting, accordingly, is worthy of imitation. Were
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Manner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

What it is Not.
"We are His workmanship." --Ephes. ii. 10. In the preceding article we contended that there is preparatory grace. In opposition to the contemporary deism of the Methodists, [26] the Reformed churches ought to confess this excellent truth in all its length and breadth. But it should not be abused to reestablish the sinner's free will, as the Pelagians did, and the Arminians after them, and as the Ethicals do now, tho differently. The Methodist errs in saying that God does not care for the sinner until
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Resurrection
'Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.' John 5:58, 29. Q-38: WHAT BENEFITS DO BELIEVERS RECEIVE FROM CHRIST AT THE RESURRECTION? A: At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgement, and made perfectly blessed in the
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions of Jovinianus.
I. (c. 1-4). That those who have become regenerate cannot be overthrown by the devil, Jerome (c. 1) puts it that they cannot be tempted by the devil. He quotes 1 John i. 8-ii. 2, as shewing that faithful men can be tempted and sin and need an advocate. The expressions (3) in Heb. vi. as to those who crucify the Son of God afresh do not apply to ordinary sins after baptism, as supposed by Montanus and Novatus. The epistles to the Seven Churches show that the lapsed may return. The Angels, and even
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace.
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace. Although this gift and inward grace of God be sufficient to work out salvation, yet in those in whom it is resisted, it both may and doth become their condemnation. Moreover, they in whose hearts it hath wrought in part to purify and sanctify them in order to their further perfection, may, by disobedience, fall from it, turn it to wantonness, Jude iv. make shipwreck of faith, 1 Tim. i. 19. and after having tasted the heavenly gift,
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

"Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day May Bring Forth. "
Prov. xxvii. 1.--"Boast not thyself of to morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." As man is naturally given to boasting and gloriation in something (for the heart cannot want some object to rest upon and take complacency in, it is framed with such a capacity of employing other things), so there is a strong inclination in man towards the time to come, he hath an immortal appetite, and an appetite of immortality; and therefore his desires usually stretch farther than the present
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Feast of the Dedication. The Jews Attempt to Stone Jesus and He Retires to Peræa.
(Jerusalem and Beyond Jordan.) ^D John X. 22-42. ^d 22 And it was the feast of the dedication at Jerusalem: 23; it was winter; and Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. [The feast of dedication was one of eight days' duration and began upon the 25th Chisleu, which, according to the calculation of M. Chevannes, fell upon the nineteenth or twentieth of December, a.d. 29. The feast was kept in honor of the renovation and purification of the temple in the year b.c. 164, after it had been desecrated
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Derivative Doctrines. Grace and the Means of Grace; the Christian Life; the Last Things.
The idea of Grace is important to the theological system of Athanasius, in view of the central place occupied in that system by the idea of restoration and new creation as the specific work of Christ upon His fellow-men (supra, §2, cf. Orat. ii. 56, Exp. in Pss. xxxiii. 2, cxviii. 5, LXX.). But, in common with the Greek Fathers generally, he does not analyse its operation, nor endeavour to fix its relation to free will (cf. Orat. i. 37 fin., iii. 25 sub fin.). The divine predestination relates
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Holy War,
MADE BY SHADDAI UPON DIABOLUS, FOR THE REGAINING OF THE METROPOLIS OF THE WORLD; OR, THE LOSING AND TAKING AGAIN OF THE TOWN OF MANSOUL. THE AUTHOR OF 'THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' 'I have used similitudes.'--Hosea 12:10. London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms in the Poultry; and Benjamin Alsop, at the Angel and Bible in the Poultry, 1682. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Bunyan's account of the Holy War is indeed an extraordinary book, manifesting a degree of genius, research, and spiritual
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

"But we are all as an Unclean Thing, and all Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags,"
Isaiah lxiv 6, 7.--"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," &c. This people's condition agreeth well with ours, though the Lord's dealing be very different. The confessory part of this prayer belongeth to us now; and strange it is, that there is such odds of the Lord's dispensations, when there is no difference in our conditions; always we know not how soon the complaint may be ours also. This prayer was prayed long before the judgment and captivity came
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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