Hebrews 6:11
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
We want each of you
This phrase emphasizes the personal and collective desire of the author for the recipients of the letter. The Greek word for "want" (ἐπιθυμέω, epithymeō) conveys a strong desire or longing, indicating the earnestness of the author's intention. The phrase "each of you" underscores the individual responsibility and personal involvement in the faith journey. Historically, this reflects the communal nature of early Christian communities, where each member was encouraged to actively participate in spiritual growth.

to show
The Greek word used here is "ἐνδείκνυμι" (endeiknymi), which means to demonstrate or manifest. This implies an active, visible expression of one's faith and hope. In the context of the early church, showing one's faith was crucial, especially in a time when Christians faced persecution and needed to stand firm in their beliefs.

this same diligence
"Diligence" (σπουδή, spoudē) refers to earnestness, zeal, or effort. The author is urging the readers to maintain the same level of commitment and fervor in their spiritual pursuits. This reflects the historical context of the early church, where perseverance was necessary amidst trials and challenges. The call to diligence is a reminder of the continuous effort required in the Christian life.

to the very end
This phrase emphasizes perseverance and endurance. The Greek word "τέλος" (telos) signifies completion or fulfillment. The author is encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith until the end of their lives or until the fulfillment of God's promises. This reflects the eschatological hope of early Christians, who lived with the expectation of Christ's return and the ultimate realization of God's kingdom.

so that what you hope for
The concept of hope (ἐλπίς, elpis) in the New Testament is not a mere wish but a confident expectation based on God's promises. The phrase suggests that the believers' hope is grounded in the assurance of God's faithfulness. Historically, this hope was a source of strength and encouragement for Christians facing uncertainty and persecution.

may be fully realized
The Greek word "πληροφορία" (plērophoria) means full assurance or complete certainty. The author is expressing the desire for the believers' hope to be fully realized or brought to fruition. This reflects the biblical theme of God's promises being fulfilled in His perfect timing. The phrase encourages believers to trust in God's plan and remain faithful, knowing that their hope will ultimately be fulfilled.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Author of Hebrews
Traditionally attributed to Paul, though the exact authorship is uncertain. The author writes with authority and deep understanding of Jewish traditions and Christian theology.

2. The Recipients
Early Jewish Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament and were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism.

3. The Context of Hebrews
The letter addresses the superiority of Christ and encourages perseverance in faith amidst trials.
Teaching Points
Diligence in Faith
The Greek word for "diligence" (spoud?) implies earnestness and zeal. Believers are encouraged to pursue their faith with intentionality and vigor.

Assurance of Hope
The assurance of hope is not passive but requires active participation in faith. This assurance is rooted in the promises of God and the work of Christ.

Perseverance to the End
The phrase "to the very end" underscores the necessity of enduring faith. Believers are called to remain steadfast, reflecting the perseverance of Christ.

Community Encouragement
The communal aspect of "each of you" suggests that believers should encourage one another in their spiritual journey, fostering a supportive faith community.

Living with Purpose
The call to diligence and assurance of hope invites believers to live with purpose, aligning their lives with God's will and promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of diligence in Hebrews 6:11 challenge your current approach to your faith journey?

2. In what ways can you actively cultivate the assurance of hope in your daily life?

3. How does the call to perseverance in Hebrews 6:11 relate to the trials you face today, and what other scriptures can you draw strength from?

4. What role does community play in helping you maintain diligence and assurance of hope, and how can you contribute to this within your church?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt your hope was fully assured. What practices or scriptures helped you reach that point, and how can you apply them now?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Hebrews 3:14
This verse emphasizes the importance of holding firm to the end, similar to the call for diligence in Hebrews 6:11.

Philippians 1:6
Paul speaks of being confident that God will complete the good work He began, which aligns with the assurance of hope mentioned in Hebrews 6:11.

James 1:4
James encourages believers to let perseverance finish its work, which complements the call for diligence in Hebrews 6:11.
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
Assurance, Continue, Desire, Diligence, Earnestly, Earnestness, Enjoying, Full, Fullness, Fulness, Hope, Manifest, Order, Purpose, Realize, Realizing, Shew, Sure, View
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 6:11

     5840   eagerness
     8107   assurance, and life of faith
     8239   earnestness
     9613   hope, as confidence

Hebrews 6:4-18

     5467   promises, divine

Hebrews 6:9-11

     8465   progress

Hebrews 6:10-12

     5635   work, and redemption
     9615   hope, results of

Hebrews 6:11-12

     5343   idleness
     5833   diligence
     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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