I have been studying in Hebrews 3:7-19, which describes the rebellion of God’s people in the Wilderness.
And as I was studying, a clear picture emerged about how allowing sin to continue in your life without repentance hardens your heart.
A chilling thought, isn’t it?
Think about it. For a Believer in Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives on the inside of us. In John 16:13, Jesus told us about the Holy Spirit’s work in us:
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
But if we don’t believe the Holy Spirit, we will either ignore what He says or resist Him.
That leads us into sin. The Holy Spirit will convict us of sin because He loves us and want to set us free from sin’s deceitfulness and bondage.
However, we can ignore His conviction. That leads to our heart slowly becoming hardened against His influence.
Eventually, that leads to open rebellion against God: ”You can’t tell me what to do!”
Pride convinces someone that they know better than God. So they are determined to live their own way with no accountability to anyone.
Finally, it won’t be long because such a person departs from God entirely!
In essence, they become their own god.
Have you seen this downward slide played out in someone you know? I have and it is ugly!
That is why we can never downplay any sin in our lives. As soon as we recognize it, we must confess it, receive God’s forgiveness and repent of it, which means ”a change of heart and mind.”
It means coming into agreement with what God says about it and turning away from the sin, even if it is painful to our flesh to do so.
How can we endure? God’s word says to consider Jesus and all that He endured on our behalf:
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;
– Hebrews 12:3-5
2 Thessalonians 2:3 gives a sober warning that many people will fall away from the faith in the last days before Jesus’ return, departing from God. This did not happen overnight.
Rather, it was a downward slide that started with unbelief.
So I challenge all of us to examine our hearts and pray for each other that we ALL finish this race well in the Lord. It is the most important issue in life!
Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,
Kimberly Taylor
Author of the Take Back Your Temple program
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“Prayer for Weight Loss”
I nearly skipped over this because it’s a hard subject but so glad I didn’t because I recognised the love contained in this study. Thank you
You are welcome, Kirsty – so glad you are remaining committed to your studies and receiving benefits. All praise to our Father!