An Important Warning About A Rebellious Heart Against God

The writer of Hebrews gave a stern warning to anyone with a heart that is rebellious against God. His example was God’s very own people whom He delivered out of bondage. God put this warning in His inspired Word for all of us to take heed.

And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? Hebrews 3:16

Influence can come at us from 3 different directions trying to lead us to rebel against God. The most familiar one is Satan. We know he is roaming on the earth seeking whom he may devour. His strategic temptations can easily lead us to rebellion if we allow them to.

Another direction that can lead us toward rebellion comes from other people. Someone can give us bad advice. Or even maliciously try to put hurdles in our path to hinder our Christian walk.

The one, however,  that can give the most trouble is self. Yes, at times we can serve as our own worst enemy. Paul told us in the book of Romans to guard our minds.

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Two parts of our inner being must work together to conform to God’s will for our lives. We just read about the transformation of our minds. Look what the writer of Hebrews said about the other part, which is our hearts.

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. Hebrews 3:12

Heed the Warning of Having a Rebellious Heart

How can we keep our hearts and minds pure and in God’s will? What if something devastating happens to us causing us to have wavering faith? God has that covered.

You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:13

In a later chapter in Hebrews, the writer expounded on this thought. He told us that we must not forsake meeting together but make it a continual practice. Why? To encourage one another in the faith.

What reason did he tell us in verse 13 to warn each other while it is still today? Well, I think the scripture is plain, if we die without Christ, it will be too late. 

For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Hebrews 3:14

We can’t let Satan or anyone else cause us to abandon our faith. Neither can we allow ourselves. Therefore, let’s believe to the very end.

Jesus even warned us about being faithful to the end especially in the end times.

Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  Matthew 24:12-13

Why Did They Not Enter?

So as we look at the conclusion of Hebrews 3, we see it was God’s very own people who did not enter into the promised land of rest. What kept them out?

So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest. Hebrews 3:19

So while it is still “today” I encourage you to stay strong in your faith because “today” could be the day Jesus returns.

Lord, we need your help to stay strong in you every day we spend on this earth. Therefore, help us to endure to the very end.

Check out this related post called How Have You Shown Your Love To God?

The 19 verses of Hebrews 3 is an excellent read as it talks about Jesus is better than Moses.

Featured Image Photo by Audrey Johnson from FreeImages

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