Hebrews 3: Striving to be Faithful through Hardship

Definition of Faithful Adhering firmly and devotedly, to a person, cause, or idea; loyal. Having or full of faith. Worthy of trust or belief; reliable. Consistent with truth or actuality. What are some examples of men and women who were faithful to God in Scripture?

I. Pictures of Faithfulness (Heb. 3:1-6) Moses – leader, lawgiver, prophet, and spent time with God (Num. 12:6-8). Old Testament picture of faithfulness. Was Moses always faithful?

I. Pictures of Faithfulness (Heb. 3:1-6) Jesus – Apostle, High Priest, God-Man, Superior to Moses (Mark 9). New Testament picture of faithfulness. Was Jesus always faithful?

I. Pictures of Faithfulness (Heb. 3:1-6) MOUNT OF TRANSFIGURATION: And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, 3 and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them. 4 And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified. 7 And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” 8 And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only. Why do you think that the Heavenly Father told Peter only to listen to Jesus, and after the cloud has passed away, only Jesus remained?

I. Pictures of Faithfulness (Heb. 3:1-6) READ Hebrews 3:3,4 - How did the writer illustrate the difference in status between Jesus and Moses?

I. Pictures of Faithfulness (Heb. 3:1-6) The house analogy shows that Jesus as the Son of God has a privileged place in the household of God (1 Chron. 17:14), while Moses remains a servant in that household (Num. 12:7).

II. Pattern of Unbelief (Heb. 3:7-11) The Failure of the Exodus Generation “Hardened their hearts, put the Lord to the test, always went astray.” In Numbers 14:1-4, they said they would rather die or return to Egypt (slavery) than continue to follow God. Why would people rather live in slavery to sin today than trust in God?

II. Pattern of Unbelief (Heb. 3:7-11) Warning: A Rest for the People of God The followers of Moses failed to enter God’s promised rest due to their disobedience and unbelief. How does this example relate to believers today who are no longer following Moses, but Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

III. Prevention of Failure (Heb. 3:12-15 Hebrews warns us from having an unbelieving heart because it will lead us away from the living God. Why is unbelief considered the root sin to falling away from the living God?

III. Prevention of Failure (Heb. 3:12-15 Genuine repentance is both “putting off” the old man and “putting on” the new man. Put off Complaint and put on __________? Put off Bitterness and put on __________? Hebrews is showing us to put off “Israelite- mentality” and put on “Jesus-mentality.”

Principle for Success (Heb. 3:16-19) Expressed in negative terms (failure) Positive Principle – You are being warned! Why is it surprising that these Israelites had unbelief? How about us?

Principle for Success (Heb. 3:16-19) The whole generation of Israelites refused to trust God and had to taste His judgment in the wilderness. Instead of delighting in Canaan, they died in the wilderness. What does this example of judgment teach us about God’s character?

Principle for Success (Heb. 3:16-19) MAIN POINT – FOLLOW CHRIST’S EXAMPLE OF BEING FAITHFUL AND LEARN FROM THE ISRAELITES’ MISTAKES.