Lest

“LEST”

Heb. 3:7-19

Introduction:   The word “lest” is a conjunction which expresses fear of something harmful which might happen.

The general thrust of the passage under consideration is a solemn warning to Christians to remain faithful.

1.    He goes to the Old Testament period of wandering to describe Israels’ faithlessness (Exodus – Deuteronomy; Paul uses the same examples in 1 Cor. 10:6).

2.    Oftentimes, Christians look at the attitudes expressed by the Israelites in the wilderness, and become self-righteously proud.

a.   We are infuriated by the selfishness and ingratitude which they manifested toward God, who so powerfully and miraculously delivered them from the Egyptian slavery.

b.   We proclaim, “If I had been there and if I had been a witness of those things; and if I had seen the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire; and if I had eaten that manna; and if I had seen the water gush forth from the rock, I would never have acted that way!”

3.    But, consider the far greater slavery from which we have been delivered! Consider the far greater sacrifice that has been offered for us. And yet, consider that there are so many who are not willing to make a clean break with sin (see Peter’s description, 2 Pet. 2:20-22).

                 4.   Now, let us consider some dangers that are specifically mentioned in verses 12 and 13.

I.         “Lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief.”

A.   Strong description:

1.    “Evil heart” - much more serious than we tend to think about!

                2.    For one to close his eyes to the evidence with which God has supplied us is to show an evil heart!

                  3.     Contrast Jesus’ description in Luke 8:15.

B.   Consider the results of unbelief.

1.   John 8:24 – “…for if ye believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins!”

2.   See v. 19 in our text - Unbelief was the source of all their other rebellion, and unbelief kept them from entering into Canaan (Numbers 13,14).

II.        “Lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

A.   Sin deceives!

1.   Sin presents a pretty picture, but it never delivers! (“Long on promise, short on performance!”)

 2.   Sin makes one think he controls his own life, when in reality Satan controls it (see Gen. 3:1 ff.).

3.   Sin makes one think he is enjoying life, when in reality he has forsaken “the fountain of living waters.” (Jer. 2:13).

B.   Sin hardens.

1.   Luke 8:5 - hard hearts!

2.   By practicing sin, one becomes harder and harder.

a.    Swearing

b.    Drinking

c.    Sexual immorality.

d.    Resistance to truth (Acts 7:51 ff.).

Conclusion:    The possibility of falling away is present for each of us. But that does not mean that it is probable! The same passage gives assurance. (v. 6, 14!).