Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.1
God is pleased with our faithfulness even in the little things; thus, in all that we do we do it for God’s glory.2 Consider what sustains our faithfulness? As per the original meaning or etymology, faithful is comprised of two words—faith and full, meaning full of faith. Faith is a gift. We receive it by grace, even as small as a mustard seed.3 Faith is a precious gift for without faith it is impossible to please God.4
Paul reminds Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, . . . for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.5 The evidence of faith is boldness or confidence (not an arrogant nor proud type of confidence), a confidence that knows God carries through with all his promises. Again, the etymology of confidence comes from the Latin words con (with) and fidere (trust). Confidence is premised on trust. Through an ongoing relationship with Jesus, one confirms God’s goodness, steadfast love, and faithfulness. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.6
In the Old Covenant (or OT) regulations were established; the Jews were to obey rituals for cleansing and sacrifices. According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.7 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.8
In the New Covenant (or NT) finally, Jesus as redeemer and savior had been unveiled and revealed.9 Therefore, brothers since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.10
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.11 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.12
Notes:
1. Hebrews 3:5-6
2. 1 Corinthians 10:31
3. Matthew 17:20
4. Hebrews 11:6
5. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
6. Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Hebrews 9:9-10; read 9:1-10
8. Hebrews 9:11-12; read 9:11-28
9. Galatians 4:4-5; 1 John 4:14
10. Hebrews 10:19-23
11. Hebrews 11:35-26
12. Proverbs 3:25-26
