Historical Posts
Final Words
Take to heart the final words of Paul.
Several years ago a young lady tried to cross a water covered road in her automobile and was swept away. As the force of the water carried her car further and further down stream, she reached for her cell phone and called her husband to express her love for him and the children one last time. Shortly thereafter she was dead. When I heard that story my heart ached. How sad, and yet, how wonderful! Her final words were of love and devotion for those dearest to her.
It is generally believed that Paul’s second letter to Timothy was the last from his pen, his final words, and probably written sometime in A.D. 66-67 from a prison cell in Rome. From the language it is clear that Paul believed death was near. Though we cannot be certain, it appears that Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28), made his way to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28), returned to Rome, where he was arrested a second time, and ultimately executed.
His final words are words of warning and of hope. Here is what he wrote. “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to be, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1-8 NASB).
Paul gave Timothy a solemn charge to live with a view to judgment and to faithfully preach the word. With his final words he offered a sober warning about the dangers of false teachers and urged Timothy to stand fast. And, he wrote of a secure future in the face of death, not only for himself, but for all God’s children. We would all do well to take to heart his final words.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Ezekiel 33:01-05 Heed God’s Warnings
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Text: Ezekiel 33:1-5
Introduction
Oftentimes, when traveling to Bible study or worship, I’ve noticed a number of traffic signals that are designed to give notice and warn drivers of impending road hazards, so drivers can properly maneuver their vehicles, to avoid possible harm to themselves and their vehicles (Deer Xing, 35 MPH Speed Limit, Curvy Road).- In, the Holy Scriptures, God has placed warnings, we must take heed to, if we expect to avoid the dangers and hazards, the devil places on the pilgrimage from this earth to Heaven – Ezekiel 33:1-5.
Heed God’s Warnings About Satan and His Devices
- You and I must take heed to God’s warning about our enemy Satan because he is actively trying to make sure our souls are separated from God – 1 Peter 5:8-9. This is why we must strive and work hard at resisting him – James 4:7-8.
- Preacher, what will happen, if I ignore God’s warning? In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus teaches if you decide not to do what God says, you will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand and storm & floods came and destroyed it.
- One of Satan’s devices, he uses to destroy us, is deception, which is an attempt to mislead one into error – Genesis 3:1-6; 2 Corinthians 11:3. God exhorts us not to allow our hearts to be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin in departing from Him – Hebrews 3:12-13. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, we are given notice, the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- You must also heed God’s warning about false prophets & teachers, which is another device of Satan to lead astray & destroy – 2 Peter 2:1. A false prophet or teacher is one who proclaims a deceptive message, a lie, and claims it is from God. In 1 John 4:1, God warns us not to believe everybody, but to test them to see if they are of God. God warn us not to take heed to the commandments of men – Matthew 15:8-9.
Heed God’s Warnings About Yourself
- Sometimes, we become so, preoccupied with others and the world, we forget to check our own lives to make sure we’re in the faith, and not become reprobates – 2 Corinthians 13:5. We need to make our calling and election sure – 2 Peter 1:10-11. We need to be watchful of ourselves that we might be able to stand before Jesus at the judgment – Luke 21:34-36.
- God also wants us to be aware, we must discipline ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul teaches he had to discipline his body to remain faithful to the Lord. In Luke 17:3-4, Jesus tells us to take heed to yourselves, and when your brother trespass against you to rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. God further instructs us not to avenge ourselves – Romans 12:19-21.
- God wants to make sure you take heed to yourself, and to the doctrine of Jesus Christ, that you continue in them that you will both save yourself and those that hear you – 1 Timothy 4:16.
- In conclusion, if you have heard God’s trumpet of warning about Satan’s devices and our own weaknesses, have you responded and made preparations to avoid the dangers and hazards of the wrath that will come on the children of disobedience? If not, why not?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
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James 03:01-12 Let Not Many Become Teachers – audio
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Text: James 3:1-12
Introduction
1. In our study of “The Epistle Of James”, we now come to the third chapter
2. In James 3:1-12, we find:
a. A WARNING against too many becoming teachers – James 3:1-2
b. A DISCUSION of the untamable tongue – James 3:3-12
3. In a time where “verbal abuse” is often epidemic, and where “self- proclaimed teachers” engage in all sorts of heated religious discussions, there is much we can learn from this passage
Body
I. THE “WARNING” (James 3:1-2)
A. “LET NOT MANY OF YOU BECOME TEACHERS”
1. Note carefully:
a. James does not say, “Let not many of you BE teachers”
b. But rather, “Let not many of you BECOME teachers”
2. This passage is not just a rebuke of those who try to BE teachers before they are ready, but a warning that many should not ever BECOME teachers in the future!
3. It is a mistake to believe that EVERYONE should become a teacher at some point in their service to Christ!
a. Paul illustrated time and again that the body of Christ has many members, and not all members do not have the same function!
1) To the saints at Rome – Romans 12:3-8
2) To the church at Corinth – 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 (Note esp. verse 29, where Paul with a rhetorical question implies that not all are to be teachers)
b. Peter likewise taught that God’s grace toward is “manifold” and that we should exercise our respective abilities accordingly – 1 Peter 4:10-11
4. In view of what Paul, Peter, and James wrote, we should be careful before we apply Hebrews 5:12-14 to mean that EVERYONE should one day be teachers (The author of Hebrews may have been writing to a select audience, whom he knew ought to have been teachers)
B. WHY MANY SHOULD NOT BECOME TEACHERS
1. Teachers shall receive “a stricter judgment”
a. There is a grave responsibility involved in teaching others
b. We can lead people to TRUTH – but we just as easily lead them to ERROR!
c. Just as with elders (Hebrews 13:17), those who teach will be held accountable if they mislead others!
2. Because we all “stumble in many things” – James 3:2
a. Everyone has faults, and with many people the improper use of the tongue is a major one
b. But it takes spiritual maturity (“a perfect man”) not to stumble in word!
II. THE “DISCOURSE” ON THE UNTAMABLE TONGUE (James 3:3-12)
A. THE ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE BIT AND RUDDER (James 3:3-4)
1. Both illustrations are used to demonstrate that a small member (Like the tongue) can control the body
a. A bit controls a horse – James 3:3
b. A rudder controls the ship – James 3:4
2. So our tongue controls the body
a. If you speak a lie, it won’t be long before you find yourself living a lie
b. If you speak suggestively in an immoral manner, it won’t be long before you begin acting immorally!
3. The power of the tongue to direct is easily applied to the dangers of teaching
a. The teacher’s speech can easily set the mood of the class or congregation
b. He can easily direct the congregation in an uplifting way, or just as easily direct the congregation in a discouraging way
4. Should not this power to direct via the tongue humble those who teach, and caution the spiritually immature?
B. THE ILLUSTRATION OF A LITTLE FIRE (James 3:5-6)
1. A small fire can easily cause great destruction (Remember the Great Chicago Fire?)
2. So it is with the tongue!
a. A loose tongue can ruin one’s reputation
b. It can also destroy churches, families, friendships
3. In describing an uncontrolled tongue, James uses very vivid terms to make his point: The tongue is:
a. A fire
b. A world of iniquity
c. So set among our bodies that it defiles the whole body
d. That which sets on fire the course of nature
e. That which is itself set on fire by hell!
4. Should not this power to destroy and defile both ourselves and others caution us in becoming teachers?
C. THE DIFFICULTY OF TAMING THE TONGUE (James 3:7-12)
1. Despite being able to tame wild animals, man is unable to tame the tongue!
a. It is an unruly evil!
b. It is full of deadly poison!
2. I understand James to be somewhat hyperbolic here for the sake of emphasis
a. It is true that no MAN (By himself) can tame the tongue
b. But with GOD’S help, we can tame it (As David prayed in Psalm 141:3)
c. And with GOD’S help, we MUST tame it – Ephesians 4:29-30; Colossians 4:6
3. As a further example of how difficult it is to tame the tongue, James uses a very common (And relevant) problem
a. Blessing God and cursing men – James 3:9
b. Something we are very likely to do, especially on Sundays
1) We spend time in worship, blessing God
2) But in driving home, we might curse men (Other drivers who pull out in front of us)
c. Racists and bigots are often guilty of “blessing God and cursing men”!
4. But with the illustrations of a spring, a fig tree and a grapevine, James shows the inconsistency of this!
a. What comes forth is a true indication of what is inside
b. Just as Jesus taught in Mark 7:20-23
c. Despite all the praises we offer God, it is the curses against man that reveals the true person inside!
Conclusion
1. Again, these examples of the misuse of the tongue should humble and caution all those who would become teachers
2. But they should also serve as a warning for us all, whether we teach or not, that we need to seek God’s help in controlling the tongue!
3. May David’s prayer be our own: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer – Psalms 19:14
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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What About Alcohol?
Indictment of the misuse of alcohol
In our Sunday morning study of Isaiah we have noted more than once the prophet’s indictment of the misuse of alcohol (Isaiah 5:11, 22; 28:1, 7, 8; 56:12). As one reads the prophetic material it seems as though he was describing modern society.
What is the evidence?
In defense of alcohol consumption it is often argued that scientific studies have proven that people who take a couple of drinks a day live longer than either teetotalers or those whose intake exceeds two drinks (two shots, two beers, two glasses of wine). Naturally, this made the liquor industry very happy, and it was perceived as good news by those who sought to justify social drinking. But, were the scientists correct in their assumption? The evidence would indicate that they were not!
According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, May 1989, by the middle of the last decade the earlier findings were beginning to be questioned. It was determined that the methods used to examine the connection between drinking habits and mortality were not sound enough to yield air-tight conclusions. In this new finding it was determined that the apparent benefits from moderate drinking were a by-product of the research methods rather than a real finding. No one argued that heavy drinking was good for health. But an important question was left unanswered. Is tee totaling unhealthy, and could teetotalers prolong their lives by swigging a couple of beers every evening? According to a study from England, the answer is no!
From 1978-80 British investigators recruited nearly 8,000 men between the ages of 40 and 59. These men were followed for an average of 7.5 years, during which their deaths and causes of death were monitored. The study showed that moderate drinkers did not benefit from the use of alcohol!
There is no real justification for the consumption of alcoholic beverages
When will we wake up to this fact? In recent years our society has seen the detrimental effects of smoking, and we have mounted a campaign to encourage people to stop smoking. When will we take similar steps in regard to alcohol? I’m tired of the commercials which encourage people not to drink and drive, the message ought to be, DON’T DRINK! It is impossible to measure the grief, misery, death and suffering caused by alcohol. It is a blight on society. When will we face up to this fact?
Alcohol is the most abused drug
It’s may be too late to reach many of the older generation, but we can reach the young. They need to know that the most abused drug in America today is alcohol! Young people, drinking is not cool, it’s stupid! “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Proverbs 01:10-19 Beware Evil Companions
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Text: Proverbs 1:10-19
Introduction
1. In our study of Proverbs thus far, we have seen that wisdom requires…
a. Fearing the Lord, so that we heed His Word – Proverbs 1:7
b. Respecting our parents, so that we listen to their advice – Proverbs 1: 8-9
2. What about our friends…?
a. Our peers with whom we spend so much time?
b. Might they not be a source of good counsel, i.e., wisdom?
[Indeed they can (cf. Proverbs 27:9). But the wrong kind of friends must be avoided. This is illustrated in our text for this study (Proverbs 1:10-19) which contains…]
Body
I. FATHERLY WARNING CONCERNING EVIL COMPANIONS
A. DO NOT CONSENT TO THEIR COUNSEL…
1. A father’s advice: “If sinners entice you, do not consent” – Proverbs 1:10
2. Especially when they seek to entice you to do evil – Proverbs 1:11-12
3. When they tempt you with promises of easy gain – Proverbs 1:13-14
— The example is enticement to murder and robbery
B. DO NOT WALK WITH THEM…
1. Keep away from such “friends” who are quick to do evil – Proverbs 1:15-16
2. Their efforts are ultimately in vain – Proverbs 1:17
3. Eventually they will pay with their own lives – Proverbs 1:18-19
— Such is the way of greed; it destroys those who possess it
[While the example in our text pertains to murder and robbery, the principle holds to true to all kinds of sinful conduct. So let’s expandon the lesson to be learned here…]
II. THE DANGER OF EVIL COMPANIONS
A. THEY PERSUADE THROUGH ENTICEMENT…
1. Like the serpent tempted Eve, sinful friends will appeal to:
a. The lust of the flesh (“good for food”)
b. The lust of the eyes (“pleasant to the eyes”)
c. The pride of life (“desirable to make one wise”) – cf. Genesis 3:6
2. Evil friends will offer easy gain
a. Such as wealth without work
b. Such as pleasure without commitment
c. Such as companionship without cost
— It sounds so good and easy, doesn’t it?
B. THEY IGNORE THE COST OF SIN…
1. That sin destroys those who possess it
a. So called “friends” will eventually turn on one another
b. If they will sin with you, how do you know they won’t sin against you?
c. They will be friends only as long as it benefits themselves
2. That sin eventually exposes those who continue in it
a. “Be sure your sin will find you out” – Numbers 32:23
b. Sin requires lies and deception; eventually one gets caught in their web of lies
c. Sin often carries a physical price that cannot be hidden
1) Addiction (drugs)
2) Disease (STDs)
3) Unwanted pregnancy
— Evil companions never talk about the cost of sin, do they?
[Finally, let’s glean from our text what is…]
III. THE SOLUTION TO EVIL COMPANIONS
A. DON’T LISTEN TO THEM…
1. “Do not consent…” – Proverbs 1:10
2. What they promise they cannot really deliver, at least for long
3. The truly blessed man does not walk in their counsel – Psalm 1:1
— Be wise enough not to heed their enticing words
B. STAY AWAY FROM THEM…
1. “Do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path” – Proverbs 1:15
2. Do not let them be your companions – Proverbs 13:20
3. Especially if they are unbelievers – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
— Be even wiser to avoid letting them become your companions
Conclusion
1. This is not to say that we cannot try to save them…
a. We must be separate from the world, but we cannot isolate ourselves – cf. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
b. Even Jesus was a friend to sinners – Matthew 11:19
2. But we must be honest with ourselves…
a. Do we influence them more than they do to us?
b. If not, then we should stay away until we are strong enough to be a positive influence
3. What we have studied in Proverbs 1:10-19 perhaps is best summarized by the apostle Paul:
a. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
b. To be wise, we must know who to listen to (God, parents, and good friends), and who not to listen to (anyone who would entice us to do evil)…
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Proverbs 01:20-33 The Call of Sophia
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Text: Proverbs 1:20-33
Introduction
1. We have seen that wisdom requires…
a. Fearing the Lord, so that we heed His Word – Proverbs 1:7
b. Respecting our parents, so that we listen to their advice – Proverbs 1:8-9
c. Not heeding friends who have us join them in doing evil – Proverbs 1:10-19
2. At this point, Solomon personifies wisdom as a woman…
a. A motif used several times in the first nine chapters – e.g., Proverbs 8:1-5; 9:1-6
b. A virtuous woman, later contrasted with the foolish woman who leads astray – Proverbs 9:13-18
[In Greek, the word for wisdom is sophia.]
To emphasize wisdom’s personification as a woman, we’ll use the name “Sophia” as we examine the text for our lesson (Pro 1:20-33). Notice first of all…
Body
I. SOPHIA’S PLEA
A. MADE PUBLICLY… (Proverbs 1:20-21)
1. She calls aloud outside, in the open squares
2. She cries in the streets, at the gates of the city
— Wisdom is not hidden, but reaches out to all who will listen – Proverbs 8:1-5
B. TO THOSE WHO NEED HER… (Proverbs 1:22)
1. Simple ones, who love simplicity – the morally naive, easily influenced by others
2. Scorners, who delight in their scorning – the cynical and defiant, prone to ridicule others
3. Fools, who hate knowledge – those hardened to the point of hating that which is good
— People caught up in varying degrees of hardness of heart – e.g., Ephesians 4:17-19
C. BE FILLED WITH HER WISDOM… (Proverbs 1:23)
1. Turn at her rebuke – respond to her warning, and repent
2. She will pour out her spirit on them, she will make known her words to them
— Wisdom stands ready to forgive and bless those who open their hearts and minds, much like God is for those who repent and turn – cf. Acts 3:19
[The grace of God is clearly seen in Sophia’s plea for all to heed her call for wisdom. Those caught up in varying degrees of hardness of heart are given opportunities to repent. But such opportunities do not last forever. Thus we now read of…]
II. SOPHIA’S WARNING
A. DIRECTED TO THOSE WHO REFUSED TO HEAR… (Proverbs 1:24-25)
1. Who refused her call, disregarded her outstretched hand
2. Who disdained her counsel and refused her rebuke
3. Just like Israel rejected her prophets – cf. 2 Chronicles 36:15-16
— Will we be like those who refuse to heed the Lord’s wisdom and warnings?
B. THERE WILL BE NO HELP WHEN CALAMITY COMES… (Proverbs 1:26-30)
1. She will laugh and mock when terror and destruction comes like a storm
2. Despite their cries for help, it will be too late
3. Because they hated knowledge when they had the opportunity
4. They did not choose the fear of the Lord (the beginning of wisdom)
5. They had rejected her counsel and despised her rebuke
— Heed wisdom is when it is being offered, not when it is too late! – Isaiah 55:6-7
C. THEY WILL SUFFER THE FATE OF THEIR FOLLY… (Proverbs 1:31)
1. They will eat the fruit of their own way
2. They will be full of their own fancies (foolish counsel)
— Contrast of the righteous in times of trial to that of the wicked – Proverbs 3:25-26; Proverbs 10:24-25
[Too many people wait until it is too late to do any good. To benefit from the value of wisdom, we need to learn from her while we still have time. Finally, let’s consider…]
III. SOPHIA’S SUMMARY
A. DESTRUCTION COMES UPON THE SIMPLE AND FOOLS… (Proverbs 1:32)
1. Because they turn away from the true wisdom God has to offer
2. Because they allowed their complacency (regarding wisdom) to destroy them
— Will we be naive and foolish when it comes to receiving God’s wisdom?
B. SAFETY AND SECURITY ARE FOR THOSE WILLING TO HEAR… (Proverbs 1:33)
1. Who are willing to listen to wisdom – cf. Proverbs 8:32-35
2. Whose fear of the Lord will enable them to fear no evil – Proverbs 3:21-26
— Are we willing to listen and heed the wisdom God offers?
Conclusion
1. From lady “Sophia”, we learn that wisdom is a lot like the grace of God…
a. Opportunity to obtain it does not last forever
b. The time will come when it is too late
2. Today is the day to learn wisdom from God…
a. Just like today is the day of salvation – cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
b. Who will we be like: those who are simple and fools? Or those willing to hear God’s wisdom?
3. How we respond to “Sophia” reveals our true character and ultimate end…
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” – Proverbs 1:22-23
4. Will You Heed The “Call of Sophia”?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 10:26-39 A Warning Against Willful Sin – audio
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Text: Hebrews 10:26-39
Introduction
1. Immediately following a gracious exhortation to draw near to God and hold fast the confession of our hope, we find an ominous warning
a. It is a warning against willful sin – Hebrews 10:26-39
b. It speaks of reaching a terrible state in which:
1) There longer remains a sacrifice for sins
2) There is a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation
2. Is this a warning for Christians? Some would say no
a. They believe in the doctrine once saved, always saved
b. They hold that true Christians:
1) Cannot so sin to point of being eternally lost
2) If they begin to sin to the point where they might be lost, God will intervene and take their life to prevent it from happening
3. Does the Bible teach once saved, always saved?
a. It does teach the security of the believer (i.e., those who remain faithful are secure)
b. But it also teaches that a believer can become an unbeliever, at which point a person has every reason to fear for his or her salvation! – Hebrews 3:12-14
4. The possibility of apostasy (falling away) is taught in the Bible, especially in the epistle to Hebrews
a. We have already seen several warnings implying this possibility:
1) A warning against drifting – Hebrews 2:1-4
2) A warning against departing – Hebrews 3:12-14
3) A warning against disobedience – Hebrews 4:11
4) A warning against dullness, leading to apostasy – Hebrews 5:11-6:6
b. But perhaps now, with a warning against willful sin, we learn the real danger of losing our salvation if we despise what we have received! – Hebrews 10:26-39
Body
I. WHAT IT MEANS TO SIN WILLFULLY (Hebrews 10:26)
A. COMPARE OTHER TRANSLATIONS
1. If we deliberately keep on sinning… (NIV)
2. For if we go on sinning deliberately… (ESV)
3. For if we go on sinning willfully… (NASB)
B. THE SENSE OF THE GREEK IS ONE OF REPEATED ACTION
1. Implying not an act of sin, but a state of sin
a. All Christians have moments of weakness, or ignorantly sin – 1 John 1:8-10
b. It is not inadvertent sin, but deliberate sin that is under consideration
2. A state in which one:
a. Knows the truth – Hebrews 10:26b
b. Yet chooses to deliberately and continuously persist in sin!
C. CAN A TRUE CHRISTIAN EVER REACH THIS POINT? YES!!!
1. Note the pronoun we (the author includes himself in the warning) – Hebrews 10:26a
2. He later describes one who was sanctified by the blood of the covenant – Hebrews 10:29
3. This warning is directed to those who have been sanctified by the blood of Jesus!
4. When one persists in sin willfully, they are in grave danger. This is especially true when one is a Christian!
II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:26-27)
A. THERE NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SIN
1. What sacrifice is under consideration here? Christ’s sacrifice!
2. What sacrifice no longer remains? Christ’s sacrifice!
3. The blood of Christ is no longer available for one who persists in willful sin!
B. WHAT DOES REMAIN?
1. a certain fearful expectation of judgment – Hebrews 10:27a
a. One can expect a judgment that is certain! – Hebrews 9:27; Acts 17:30-31
b. One can expect a judgment that is fearful!
1) For we must answer to Christ Himself – 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
2) And we will be in the hands of the living God! – Hebrews 10:30-31
2. A fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries – Hebrews 10:27b
a. A judgment involving fire – Revelation 21:8
b. A judgment involving indignation (the wrath of God) – Romans 2:5-11
c. Such a judgment will devour – Matthew 10:28
III. THE JUSTIFICATION FOR PUNISHING WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:28-31)
A. WHAT WAS REQUIRED UNDER THE OLD COVENANT?
1. Death without mercy! – Hebrews 10:28
2. Such was the punishment for a particular kind of sin:
a. Sin that was deliberate
1) In which one rejected Moses’ law (NKJV)
2) In which one despised Moses’ law (KJV)
b. Sin that was open
1) It had to be seen by two or more
2) For death was not rendered unless there were two or three witnesses
c. Again, it is WILLFULL sin that is under discussion
3. While there was mercy for sins of weakness or ignorance, there was none for open and deliberate sin under the Old Covenant!
B. WHAT IS REQUIRED UNDER THE NEW COVENANT?
1. One is worthy of much worse punishment! – Hebrews 10:29
a. What could be worse than physical death?
b. Only fiery indignation! (hell)
2. Why? Because a Christian who sins willfully has:
a. trampled the Son of God underfoot
1) It denotes contempt of the most flagrant kind
2) Such a person treats Jesus who died for him like dirt!
b. counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing
1) The blood of the covenant clearly refers to Jesus’ blood – Hebrews 9:14-22; Hebrews 13:20
2) It is by this blood one is sanctified
3) Such a person considered Jesus’ blood a common thing!
c. insulted the Spirit of grace
1) A reference to the Holy Spirit
a) Through Whom the message of salvation was given – John 16:13-14
b) Through Whom our sanctification takes place – 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5-7
2) A person who openly and deliberately sins insults God’s grace!
3. This passage clearly teaches two things:
a. That a Christian can so sin as to reach this point of open rebellion against Jesus!
b. That the punishment reserved for such is worse than death!
C. IS THIS CONSISTENT WITH GOD’S NATURE?
1. Isn’t God a God of love? Of course! – 1 John 4:8
2. But He is also a God of justice, One who judges His people – Hebrews 10:30
a. To who much is given, much is required – Luke 12:47-48
b. Those who despise His love, set themselves up to be recipients of His wrath – Romans 2:4-6
3. Therefore it truly is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God – Hebrews 10:31
IV. THE SOLUTION TO AVOIDING WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:32-39)
A. REMEMBER YOUR EARLY CONFIDENCE
1. The writer reminds his readers of their former days
a. Those days after they were illuminated (enlightened) – Hebrews 10:32
1) Shortly after their conversion
2) In the days of Justin (ca. 167 A.D.), this term was a synonym for baptism
b. Those days in which they were made a spectacle – Hebrews 10:32-34
1) By their own sufferings
2) And by sharing in the sufferings of others, including those of the author
a) In whom they had compassion in his chains
b) In which they joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods
3) Knowing that they had a better and enduring possession in heaven!
2. It is such confidence they must be careful not to cast away – Hebrews 10:35
a. To cast away is the opposite of hold fast
b. Only in holding fast our confidence is there great reward – Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14
3. Likewise, we need to rekindle the fire of that newfound faith we had when we first responded to the gospel! – Revelation 2:4-5
B. ENDURE TO THE END
1. Endurance is needed to receive the promise – Hebrews 10:36
a. For the Lord is coming – Hebrews 10:37
b. And the just lives by faith – Hebrews 10:38
c. If we draw back (become unfaithful), the Lord will not be pleased! (My soul has no pleasure in him.)
2. The author speaks of his own confidence – Hebrews 10:39
a. He is not of those who draw back to perdition (who cast away their faith)
b. But of those who believe to saving of the soul (who remain faithful to the end)
3. We too need to believe to the saving of the soul, or to put it in the words of Jesus, be faithful unto death – Revelation 2:10
Conclusion
1. We can look forward with great anticipation to the saving of our souls, if we:
a. Remember (and rekindle) that confidence early in our conversion
b. Endure to the end with the faith that saves
2. But with a warning against willful sin, we must never forget that one can
a. Fall from grace!
b. Fall into the hands of the living God!
c. Which is a terrifying thing!
3. How much better, though, to be upheld by the hand of God, as the Psalmist wrote: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. – Psalm 37:23-24
4. Such is the case of those who remain strong in their faith and trust in the Lord. Are you believing to the saving of your soul…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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