Avoiding Willful Defiance
Even Christians can behave badly. And the Bible acknowledges that a believer can walk away from Jesus all together. To treat God with this kind of contempt is a terrible act of defiance. In the fourth of five warnings in the book of Hebrews, the author tells us about the dangers of willful sin and the consequences we can expect. We must diligently seek to draw near to God to prevent our turning away.
What causes Christians to abandon Jesus and pull away in defiance? How do rebellious Christians affect the world’s perception of believers in Jesus?
The specifics of the fourth warning in Hebrews are found in 10:26-31. How would you summarize the strong language of this warning? Since the author is not describing a threat of hell, what is this judgment mentioned.
The warnings of Hebrews relate specifically to the judgment seat of Christ (when believers will give account for the way they lived for Jesus). Read 2 Corinthians 5:9-11. What do you notice about the judgment seat of Christ?
The solution to the fourth warning in Hebrews (10:26-31) is given in the verses immediately preceding it. Read Hebrews 10:19-25. Highlight 3 areas of action to help prevent willful sin.
Slacking off from church attendance often reveals the early stages of defection from Christ. Read Hebrews 10:24-25. How can we encourage each other to remain faithful to Jesus?
Further Reading
Never Stop Listening to God
When we fail to listen to God, it’s a hearing problem for us not a speaking problem for God. Most notably, God has spoken in His Son Jesus. In the fifth and final warning in the book of Hebrews, the author warns us that it’s a mistake to turn away from God and ignore...
The Danger of Falling Away
Salvation is guaranteed the moment one believes Jesus for it. But becoming a Christian never guarantees that we’ll live like one. Spiritual maturity is not automatic. It requires diligent engagement with Jesus if we hope to change and grow. In the third of five...
Beware of Your Unbelief
Even Christians can be people of unbelief. Given tempting circumstances, we might cave under pressure and cease to follow God wholeheartedly. This certainly was the case with the children of Israel who took a major detour of unbelief while on their journey to the land...
Pay Careful Attention
Like other people, there’s a chance you have entertained thoughts about returning to an easier, more comfortable way of life—one that pushes God aside. When the pressure is on, even Christians can become disillusioned with following Jesus. The book of Hebrews is...