WELCOME TO THE JACKSON STREET CHURCH OF

CHRIST

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Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. (2) For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, (3)

how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first

began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard

Him, (4) God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit,

according to His own will?

DANGERS IN HEBREW

S - 1

DANGERS IN HEBREWS

A.The book of Hebrews was written to Christians who were considering going back to the Old Law and Jewish system.

B.The writer uses a number of warnings or dangers that they (and we) need to consider.

C.Some of these dangers are connected with the word “lest”.

D.We are going to look at these “lest” verses this morning

I.DANGER OF DRIFTING— Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we

must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, LEST we

drift away.

I.DANGER OF DRIFTING

A.Drifting is a gradual, unnoticed process, like a ring slipping off your finger.

B.Paying close attention to God’s Word prevents drifting. - James 1:21-22 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

I.DANGER OF DRIFTING

C.Not forsaking the assemblies prevents drifting. - Hebrews 10:24-25 (24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

I.DANGER OF DEPARTING— Hebrews 3:12 Beware,

brethren, LEST there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from

the living God;

II. DANGER OF DEPARTING

A. Drifting decreases our faith which leads to falling away.

B. Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

I.DANGER OF DECEITFULNESS - Hebrews 3:13 but exhort one another

daily, while it is called "Today," LEST any of you be

hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

III. DANGER OF DECEITFULNESS

A.Sin is very deceitful. 1. Romans 7:11 For sin, taking

occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.

2. Ephesians 4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,

III. DANGER OF DECEITFULNESSB. Sin promises happiness but ultimately brings pain and

destruction.1. Alcohol, drugs, sexual immorality, lying, stealing,

cheating, etc.2. There may be some enjoyment initially but eventually

you will pay the price of unhappiness and destruction

3. Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, (25) choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, (26) esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

IV. DANGER OF DEFICIENCY - Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear LEST any

of you seem to have come short of it.

IV. DANGER OF DEFICIENCY

A.Deficiencies exist because we really do not believe God will do what He says. - Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

IV. DANGER OF DEFICIENCYB. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that

those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (25) And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. (26) Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. (27) But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

V. DANGER OF DISOBEDIENCE – Heb. 4:11

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, LEST anyone

fall according to the same example of disobedience.

V. DANGER OF DISOBEDIENCE

A.Hebrews 3:18-19 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? (19) So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

B.Obedience takes great diligence and faith.

VI. DANGER OF DISCOURAGMENT - Hebrews

12:3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from

sinners against Himself, LEST you become weary and

discouraged in your souls.

VI. DANGER OF DISCOURAGMENT

A. We should keep focused on Jesus. - Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

B. We should not be discouraged by God’s discipline. - Hebrews 12:5-6 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; (6) For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.“

VI. DANGER OF DISCOURAGMENT

C.We should encourage one another. - Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (24) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (25) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

VII. DANGER OF DEFILEMENT - Hebrews

12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace

of God; LEST any root of bitterness springing up cause

trouble, and by this many become defiled;

VII. DANGER OF DEFILEMENT

A.Roots are hard to get rid of, and as long as the root is there the plant can grow again.1. Poison ivy, 2. pecan trees, 3. woodbine

B.When we get rid of sins in our lives we must be sure to get out all the roots.1. Friends, 2. links, 3. temptations

VIII. DANGER OF DEGRADATION - Hebrews 12:16 LEST there be any

fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel

of food sold his birthright.

VIII. DANGER OF DEGRADATION

A. This is connected to verse 15 “looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God” 1. Esau was not thinking of his future when he

sold his birthright.2. He was only thinking of his physical desire.3. Later he deeply regretted his decision. -

Hebrews 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

VIII. DANGER OF DEGRADATIONB. We also need to carefully consider the choices

we make.1. We need to think about the effect our decision

will make on our eternity.2. We need to sacrifice our physical desires to

assure our home in heaven.a. Fornicationb. Adulteryc. Pleasured. Comforte. Peace

VIII. DANGER OF DEGRADATION

C. I’ve seen many people like Esau who made poor decisions in their lives based on their physical desires and later wept, wishing they could change those decisions but couldn’t.1. Fornication - pregnancy2. Adultery - divorce3. Pleasure - sorrow 4. Comfort - pain5. Peace - conflict

HAVE YOU FALLEN INTO ANY OF THESE DANGERS IN HEBREWS?

A.Drifting?B.Departure?C.Deceit?D.Deficiency?E. Disobedience?F. Discouragement?G.Defilement?H.Degradation?

DON’T ALLOW ANYTHING TO KEEP YOU OUT

OF HEAVEN!

TONIGHT’S SERMONNEHEMIAH AND LEADERSHIP