1. Nothing Better
Lesson 23: Willful Sin

2. INTRODUCTION:
The theme of this section is: If we go on sinning deliberately, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.

3. INTRODUCTION:
The deliberate sin the preacher is warning us about is the sin of rejecting Christ.

4. Hebrews 10:26-29
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

5. Hebrews 10:30-31
30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.[1] And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”[2] 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
[1] Deut. 32:35
[2] Deut. 32:36

6. Hebrews 10:32-34
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

7. Hebrews 10:35-39
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”[3] 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
[3] Hab. 2:4

8. THERE ARE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR REJECTING JESUS (Heb. 10:26-27)
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

12. THERE ARE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR REJECTING JESUS (Heb. 10:26-27)
This congregation was faced with two options:
(1) They could embrace Jesus by faith and have peace with God; or
(2) They could turn their backs on Him and end up facing God’s judgment.

13. THE MERCY OF THE NEW COVENANT CARRIES A GREATER JUDGMENT WHEN IT IS REJECTED (Heb. 10:28-29)

14. THE MERCY OF THE NEW COVENANT CARRIES A GREATER JUDGMENT WHEN IT IS REJECTED (Heb. 10:28-29)
28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

15. THE MERCY OF THE NEW COVENANT CARRIES A GREATER JUDGMENT WHEN IT IS REJECTED (Heb. 10:28-29)
There is a terrifying judgment awaiting those who reject God’s new covenant mercies.

16. THE REALIZATION THAT GOD IS HOLY AND JUST, SHOULD GIVE US A REVERENTIAL FEAR OF GOD (Heb. 10:30-31)
30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[1] says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”[2]

17. 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”[1] says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”[2]
35 Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.’ 36 “For the Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants, when He sees that their power is gone, and there is no one remaining, bond or free.
[1 & 2] Deut. 32:35-36

19. PERSEVERING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BY FAITH (Heb. 10:32-38a)

20. PERSEVERING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BY FAITH (Heb. 10:32-38a)
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.

21. PERSEVERING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BY FAITH (Heb. 10:32-38a)
We need to remember how the Holy Spirit encourages us daily to help us persevere in faith.

22. PERSEVERING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BY FAITH (Heb. 10:32-38a)
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry.

23. PERSEVERING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BY FAITH (Heb. 10:32-38a)
38 Now the just shall live by faith … [3]
4“Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.
[3] Hab. 2:4

24. 38 Now [the just] [shall live] [by faith]
PERSEVERING IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE BY FAITH (Heb. 10:32-38a)
38 Now [the just] [shall live] [by faith]
Heb. 10:38
Gal. 3:11
Rom. 1:17

25. Formula for Perseverance:
Believe the promise of God to reward those who trust in Him.

26. Formula for Perseverance:
Believe the promise of God to reward those who trust in Him.
Look forward to the second advent of Christ; live in light of His coming.

27. Formula for Perseverance:
Believe the promise of God to reward those who trust in Him.
Look forward to the second advent of Christ; live in light of His coming.
Live the Christian life by faith.

28. THE WARNING NOT TO GO BACK INTO PERDITION (Heb. 10:19-21)
38 … But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
“Draws back” comes from a Greek
nautical term which means “to take in sail.”