Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:11-16

"Let Us"

Intro.

1. Christians face real dangers (from without & from within ourselves):

a. Drifting away from the gospel through neglect – Heb. 2:1-3.

b. Hardening of our hearts due to sin – Heb. 3:7-13.

c. Not growing in Christ – Heb. 5:12.

d. Becoming lazy – Heb. 6:11-12.

e. Willful sin – Heb. 10:26 (12:1).

2. Hebrews assures us of the superiority of Jesus Christ, the complete redemption we have in Him & the sure hope that anchors us.

3. Heavenly home is set before us & for which we are to live (11:13-16).

4. In the mean time, we must live by faith. Hebrews helps us do so.

5. “Let us” is used 12 times in Hebrews (NKJV): We are in this together, & we can & are to be helping one another (Eccl. 4:9-12).

I. LET US FEAR – Heb. 4:1.

A. Be Watchful, Have Cautious Care Not to Miss Heaven.

1. If we were in danger of losing our life, we would be cautious!

2. Heb. 3:16-19 – Israel was not watchful & careful to faithfully obey God, & they died in wilderness (disobedience is unbelief, 3:18-19).

3. We can “die in the wilderness” of sin & lose heaven, too – 4:11.

a. Sin is deceptive; disobedience lulls us to sleep!

b. 1 Cor. 16:13 – Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave & strong.

c. 1Ths. 5:1-11 – Edify each other with exhortation to be watchful!

II. LET US BE DILIGENT – Heb. 4:11.

A. Because of the Possibility of Being Lost (Due to our Unbelief) – cf. Heb. 4:6; 2 Pet. 1:10

B. Because of the Promise of Rest – Heb. 4:9-10; 2 Pet. 1:11 (Jno. 9:4); Rev. 14:13. He who promised is faithful, Heb. 10:23.

III. LET US HOLD FAST OUR CONFESSION – Heb. 4:14 (3:6, 14; 10:23).

A. We Must have Endurance to be Saved – Lk. 21:19 (preserve, keep).

1. Constancy of faith, zeal of service – Heb. 6:11-12.

2. Patience by obeying God – Rev. 12:17; 13:10; 14:12 (3:10-11).

3. Patient faith does not shrink back – Heb. 10:36-39.

IV. LET US COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE – Heb. 4:14-16.

A. Prayer is a Great Blessing to Help us Endure – cf. Jas. 5:13.

1. Instead of being overwhelmed…pray!

2. Mercy (divine compassion) is available to us.

B. Prayer is the Expression of a Confident Faith – 4:16.

1. Boldly – Assuredly, cheerful courage, w/o reservation.

a. Because of our High Priest’s sympathy – 4:15.

b. Because of our trust in His salvation & intercession – 7:25.

2. Anxiety disables faith, so pray in faith – Phil. 4:6-7.

V. LET US GO ON TO PERFECTION (maturity) – Heb. 6:1.

A. Stunted Growth Hinders Faith – Heb. 5:13-14.

1. To the point of falling away – 6:4-8.

2. Growth accompanies salvation – 6:9-12.

B. Set for Yourself the Goal of Spiritual Maturity – Phil. 3:14.

-Nobody accidentally goes to heaven; nobody accidentally grows.

VI. LET US DRAW NEAR TO GOD – Heb. 10:22 (13:13).

A. Live With God: True Heart & Fully Assured Faith – 10:22.

1. Heb. 13:5-6 – He won’t forsake us; will we forsake Him?

2. Forsake Him if: We disobey Him; negligent in duty instead of patient; fail to pray in faith & mature in Christ.

VII. LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER – Heb. 10:24-25.

A. Consider: Be Attentive of Each Other (Phil. 2:3-4).

1. To stir up (incite) love & good works.

2. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together:

a. Forsake: Leave behind, abandon, desert

b. Assembling: Gathering together in one place (1 Cor. 14:26).

3. Why? Worship God (Acts 20:7) & be edified (1 Cor. 14:26)

VIII. LET US LAY ASIDE EVERY HINDRANCE – Heb. 12:1.

A. Repent of Every Sin; Renew our Heart & Commitment – Acts 8:22.

B. Run our Race with Endurance – 12:2 (Faith in Jesus – look to Him).

IX. LET US SERVE GOD WITH GRACE – Heb. 12:28. (Joy, gladness & thankfulness, 1 Jno. 5:2-3).

-Continual sacrifice of praise – Heb. 13:15.

Conclusion

-Give careful attention (the more earnest heed)! (Heb. 2:1)

a. No escape if we neglect our salvation in Christ, Heb. 2:3.

b. Fearful for sinner to fall into the hands of God, Heb. 10:31; 12:29.