Challenges Of Holding Fast—Jesus Is Greater Series #6Sample

Warning #4—Sinning Willfully  

Thoughts on the Word

This is the fourth warning of Hebrews. It is more serious than the previous three. When we learn more about Jesus and the power of His sacrifice to forgive, set us free, and help us walk in our new life—if we willingly turn our back on this, there is great cost.

There was a cost to reject God's first covenant law—they could die. There is a cost of rejecting God's new covenant—facing an angry God. 

Yes, the writer is talking to God's people here. They faced the choice of following Jesus (and suffering) or rejecting Jesus and not face the trouble. They willingly faced this challenge and followed Jesus because He is the Truth and the Life. Now, the writer challenges them—"you willingly faced this before when you first followed Jesus, you can do it again now."

Prayer

Father, it is so hard to remember that we faced problems that tested our faith before—today's problems always seem the hardest. Help me to remember your faithfulness in the past. Help me remember how much greater Jesus is than what I left behind. Help me to remember the cost You paid to save me. Help me to hold firmly to Jesus.

Father, remind me how others have faced worse—and held tightly to Jesus through it all. Above all, remind me of the joy that comes from obedience. You always make obedience worth it by filling me with Your joy and peace. I may lose much here because I follow You, but the reward will be worth it. In Jesus' name. Amen.