Warning Signs

Series: The Journey of Faith 
Message: Warning Signs 
Scripture: Hebrews 3

Along the journey we need to see and heed the warning signs!

In this passage, we are reminded that it is possible to be part of a community that professes to believe in God and yet in your own heart to be in spiritual rebellion against God.

Another Reminder Of The Supremacy of Christ

An Illustration From History (7-11, 16-19)

Note:  The Inspiration of Scripture (7)

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Compare: Psalm 95; Exodus 17 and Numbers 13 & 14

1. The Steps toward a hard heart (16-19)

• Heard and yet Rebelled
• Sinned
• Disobedience
• Unbelief

A hard heart is a heart that is increasingly Insensitive to the Word and work of God.

A Hard Heart Can Be “Birthed” In An Environment Of:

• Pain
• Disappointment
• Success
• Busyness
• Fear

“Then the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.'” (Numbers 13:31, ESV)

“Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” (Numbers 14:9, ESV)

They buckled under Fear and unbelief rather than standing strong in Faith

A Warning For Today (12, 15)

“Today”- Conveys a sense of Urgency

The Word of God comes to us fresh each day.  So does the opportunity to allow it to Shape our hearts or Harden our hearts against it

“Living God” – The gospel is an invitation to a Relationship, not a set of religious rules

Today we will either walk With God or away from Him

3 Observations About This Warning:

• This warning is for Everyone
• Having great spiritual privileges does not guarantee a walk of genuine Faith
• A good start doesn’t guarantee a Good Finish

An Encouragement (13-14)

We need regular doses of Mutual encouragement and accountability!

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24–25, ESV)

Continuance in the faith is the ultimate proof of the reality of our faith (14)

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV84)

3 Ways To Help Guard Our Hearts:

• The Worship of God
• The Word of God
• The People of God

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee:
prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above. 

Making it Personal

• Have you come to Jesus, entrusting yourself to Him as Savior and Lord? Will you do that today?
• What may be some circumstances or environments where you would be more susceptible to a hardening heart?
• Practically how will you “guard your heart?”
• Who are you in a relationship of mutual encouragement and accountability with? If you are not currently in this type of relationship, how can you get involved?
• What is your next step in response to these truths?
• Who can you share these truths with?