Part 5: Unshakeable Faith and Trials (Hebrews 10:19-39)

Sermon on 26 July 2026 by Pastor Justin Chia

Introduction

The bible is clear that as Christians, we will face trials. We must endure with faith.

Message

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, ²¹ and having a High Priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, ²⁵ not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:19-25

Draw near and hold fast. Do not isolate yourself when you meet with trials. Stir up one another.

²⁶ For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. ²⁸ Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ²⁹ Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? ³⁰ For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. - Hebrews 10:26-31

We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Do not sin deliberately. Do not do things that are not pleasing to God. The bible has taught us not to follow the patterns of the world. Ask God to help you.

³² But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: ³³ partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; ³⁴ for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. ³⁵ Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. - Hebrews 10:32-35

Because of Christ’s work, we can endure and hold fast to our faith! God’s promise is certain. Some trials can be seen by others. But others are internal struggles - our temptations and discomfort. Great if your reward if you endure. Continue to serve and do His Will!

³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive not tarry.³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” ³⁹ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. - Hebrews 10:36-39

Always pray, in order to regain your strength to endure. The just shall live by faith. Trials may shake our circumstances, but they do not have to shake our faith in Christ (Hebrews 10:39; John 16:33; James 1:2). Draw near rather than draw back. Come together. You need one another.

The question is not whether Christians will face trials. They will come. The question is: what kind of faith will we have when trials come? Will our faith be easily shaken? Will we draw back, or will we hold fast to Christ?

Unshakeable faith is not faith that never feels pain.

Unshakeable faith is not faith that never has questions.

Unshakeable faith is faith that keeps holding on to Christ even when life is hard.

1. Draw near (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Your conscience does not lie. Do you really surrender your heart to God? Draw near when you are weak (Hebrews 4:16), confused (Proverbs 3:5; 1 Corinthians 14:33), or disappointed (1 Peter 5:7). Draw near when you feel unworthy (Hebrews 10:22), when you have failed (1 John 1:9), or when the battle is heavy (James 4:8).

Do not let trials push you away from God. Let them push you deeper into His presence (Hebrews 10:38; James 1:2).

2. Hold fast (Hebrews 10:23-35, 35-36)

Hold fast when you feel like letting go (Hebrews 10:23), when answers are delayed (Habakkuk 2:3), or when others do not understand (Romans 8:31). Hold fast when you feel tired (Galatians 6:9), when the enemy whispers “it is not worth it” (Hebrews 10:35). Because He who is promised is faithful (1 Corinthians 15:58).

The trial is real, but God is real too. The pain is real, but God’s promise is real too. The pressure is real, but God’s faithfulness is greater.

3. Don’t draw back (Hebrews 10:26-39)

Isolation is dangerous when it disconnects us from spiritual encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encourage, strengthen, and stir up one another to love and good works. Your presence, prayer, smile, worship, and testimony matters. Your faithfulness matters (1 Corinthians 12:27). Trials can make us focused on ourselves - our pain, needs, and struggles. But Hebrews says, “consider one another”. Even in trials, God can use you to strengthen someone else. The most powerful encouragement comes from someone who is still trusting God while walking through problems.

Closing

Let your faith in Christ be unshakeable amidst trials. Draw near because Jesus opened the way. Hold fast because God is faithful. Don’t draw back because Christ is worth it. The rock foundation of our faith is not because of our strength, but based on Christ’s finished work. We are not people who draw back. We are those who believe.