Scripture Reading: Hebrews 3:7-11
Why Some Christians Keep Living in Sin
(Part 1)
Intro.
1. A Christian can fall away and be lost, Lk. 8:13; Gal. 5:4; Heb. 3:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:20-22.
2. Our hearts ache for Christians who have fallen away and who, despite our continued efforts, remain in a life of sin.
3. Why do some Christians fall away and remain in sin? And, what are we to do in the meantime?
I. Hebrews 3:12-13: DUE TO AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF.
A. Evil (ponēros): A Heart that Degenerates into Unbelief, 3:12.
1. Hurtful, and thus evil in its effect and influence (Strong).
2. Unbelief: Hardness of heart develops for at least two reasons:
a. Failure to remain diligent, 3:6, 18-19; 4:11.
b. Deceitfulness of sin, 3:13.
3. Departing: To withdraw or remove. The fallen do not start that way; they progress to the point of departing from God. (Note: It is the sinner who departs – not God!)
4. Sin is a decision of the will; it is not forced on any one.
B. What Are We to Do?
1. Beware, 3:12; 1 Cor. 10:12.
2. Exhort one another daily, 3:13. Encourage, strengthen, comfort and plead, Tit. 2:15.
3. Hear God’s voice, 3:6-8; Psa. 119:11.
4. Hold fast your confidence with diligence to the end, 3:14; 4:11.
II. Hebrews 6:1-6: DUE TO A LACK OF GROWTH TO MATURITY.
A. Immaturity in Knowledge and Living, Heb. 5:11-14; Col. 1:9-11.
-Without growth one puts himself into a fruitless, faithless position, bearing only sin and its consequences, Heb. 6:7-8.
1. Discernment and use of God’s word is decisive for growth and strength, 5:14.
2. Previous condition: Enlightened (1 Pet. 2:9), tasted the heavenly gift (forgiveness, Acts 3:19), fellowship with the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19), tasted the good word of God (Acts 2:42), powers of age to come (hope, Col. 1:5).
3. Present condition: Fallen away (Gal. 5:4). In darkness, sin, no fellowship with the Holy Spirit, word of God refused and without hope.
a. Impossible (powerless) to restore (no “refresh” button) in such living.
b. One ray of light is seen in Heb. 6:8-12, but not here.
4. Future condition: Near to cursing (6:8): The curse has not yet been applied – while there is life there are opportunities to repent, Lk. 13:6-9; cf. Lk. 18:27.
B. What Are We to Do?
1. Bear the burdens of the weak and help them grow, Gal. 6:2; 1 Ths. 5:14.
2. Pray God to help the weak, the faltering and the fallen, Phil. 4:6.
-Continued next week…
Conclusion
1. “Lord, I’m coming home” – Home to faithful diligence, home to spiritual growth, and home to truth and godly living – home to God.
2. Repent and return to living with diligent faith today, Heb. 3:7-8, 14; 4:11.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: December 27, 2012