Hebrews 2:1-10:26
FIVE PERILS A CHRISTIAN FACE #282
INTRO
The epistle to Hebrews was written to encourage, to promote the Hebrew Christians to continue in the faith. They have the same problem as we do today. STUNTED GROWTH. Babes in Christ who never attain the full benefits of Christ.
The author not only encourages he warns also. There are 5 warnings of perils to the Christian in this Book.
Like road signs along the highway to help us anticipate and deal with hazards.(illus, Falling rocks, Ice on Bridge, Deer crossing, r.r. crossing.)
I PERIL OF DRIFTING HEB 2:1-4
A, THIS PERIL IS THE NEGLECT OF THE TRUTH.
B, THE QUESTION THAT NO MAN CAN ANSWER
1, there is no escape.
2, this isn't just for lost man, 3 phases or parts of salvation
a, penalty of sin, Power of Sin, Presence of sin.
b, neglect of salvation,= no prayer no worship= no attempt to know god better.
c, RESULT= NO POWER OVER SIN, NO ABUNDANT LIFE, NO VICTORY, NO JOY , NO FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
II PERIL OF DOUBTING HEB 3:7-11
A, THIS IS THE NEGLECT OF OBEDIENCE. for if we believed God we would obey him.
B, result of this neglect (vs. 11) NOT ENTERING INTO REST.
C, ISREAL had been saved from the slavery of Egypt (past tense) But continued faith - trust would be needed for them to enter into the rest promised them.
1, There is Rest in the Lord and it doesn't have to wait until heaven Matt 11:28
2, without the blessed rest and peace of the Lord your religion and church becomes a chore. A constant battle, struggle of time and effort, NO JOY.
D, WHEN WE ARE OBEDIENT TO THE LORD, Love, great commission, prayer, his word, OUR LIVES BECOME RESTFUL AND AT PEACE.
III PERIL OF DULL HEARING HEB 5: 11-14 NEGLECT OF THE WORD OF GOD
A. YOU CANT GROW WITHOUT NURISHMENT.
B, THE WORD IS THE NURISHMENT FOR THE CHRISTIAN.
C, THIS MALNUTRITION IS A PERIL BECAUSE TO TEACH AND TO LEAD YOU NEED TO BE MORE THAN A BABY. (ILLUS MY KIDS PLAYING SCHOOL)( they go through the motions but it isn't profitable and it doesn't last long)
1, Today we have many who are teaching - leading-preaching who do not spend enough time with the word to be nourished. EDUCATION IS NOT BIBLE NOURISHMENT. ( YOU CAN GO TO SEMINARY AND BE A SPIRITUAL BABY, STUNTED IN GROWTH.)
a, Growth comes when you read the word FROM GOD. TO GET A MESSAGE FROM GOD, STRENGTH FOR YOUR LIFE.
IV PERIL OF DEPARTING; HEB 6:1-8 NEGLECT OF FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS;
A, KEY: VS 8 FRUITS. (not salvation)
B. 1 cor 3:11 works of the life are to be judged. Good saved useless burned up
C, KEY; vs. 8 nigh unto cursing: IF THIS VERSE TAUGHT THAT YOU COULD FALL FROM SALVATION IT WOULD BE TOTAL CURSING NOT close to cursing.
D, VS. 6 impossible to (revive) If you Know Christ then decide to LIVE LIKE THE DEVIL it is impossible to come back to the original state of repentance again. YOU HAVE LOST PERMANTLY A REWARD AND YOUR HEART IS SEARED, and the one who so chooses to live not producing fruit to God; his works wont survive the judgment.
V PERIL OF DESPISING HEB 10: 26-31 NEGLECT OF CHRIST
This vs. brings us back to the original Question HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT A SALVATION.
A, THERE IS NO OTHER SACRIFICE FOR SIN EXCEPT J.C.
1, JEWS COULD GO TO THE TEMPLE YEAR AFTER YEAR AND OFFER ANOTHER SACRIFICE BUT THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS THE FINAL SACRIFICE AND YOU MUST TAKE IT UPON YOURSELF IF YOU ARE TO BE SAVED.
B. TO KNOW THE TRUTH AND TO REJECT IT IS TO THROW YOURSELF INTO THE JUDGEMENT.
C, TO ACT AS IF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST ISN'T ENOUGH OR CANT SAVE YOU IS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT.
D, IF AFTER HEARING THE GOSPEL and considering the truth you reject the bible plainly states that you are going to hell. ( if you are a friend of someone you should tell them.
CONC. 5 WARNINGS,
DONT' NEGLECT== THE TRUTH, OBEDIENCE, THE WORD, PRODUCING FRUIT, SO GREAT A SALVATION.
INV. TO LOST AND WEAK CHRISTIANS
