“For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”  Does this mean that if we don’t hold fast we will lose our salvation?

Teaching Notes:

Hold Fast!

Hebrews 3:1-19

Intro: Read. Pray.

Ch.1: Jesus is better than angels. Deity. Ch.2: Jesus made little lower than angels but now crowned w/ glory & honor. Why become human? To die, destroy devil, deliver those in bondage to fear of death, make propitiation, become merciful High Priest, help us in temptation. Ch.3: Jesus better than Moses. This important cuz was through Moses have 10 Commandments, Priesthood, sacrificial system. 1st Century Jews in danger of going back to these. Author must show that would be mistake! Jesus better!
Key Thought: Hold Fast (6,14). Man drowning, throw rope, must hold fast.

1. What Is True Of Those Who Hold Fast? A Glorious Promise

A. Comparison Between Moses and Christ: both faithful to people they led. Moses led Israel. Christ leads New Israel. House = God’s People. Moses Apostle (One sent from God on mission) to Israel. Christ Apostle to Church. Both these peoples in danger of not entering God’s rest by failing to persevere in faith. Apostle: one who represents God to people. High Priest: one who represents people to God. Jesus perfect Mediator.

B. Contrast: Why consider Jesus? Mull over, think on. Cuz Jesus grants heavenly calling. Moses led Israel to earthly calling; land flowing with milk and honey where could find rest from physical enemies. Christ leads to rest from spiritual enemies (world, flesh, devil).
Jesus Has More Glory Than Moses: why?

1. Jesus is Creator – Moses is creature
2. Jesus is God – Moses is a man
3. Jesus is the Son – Moses is a servant
4. Jesus is Over God’s house – Moses was in God’s house

Why contrast? Cuz author doesn’t want us to make same mistake Israel made. A greater than Moses is here! Their rest only temporal and physical. Ours is eternal and spiritual. They didn’t enter rest cuz didn’t hold fast in faith. Don’t be like them – too much at stake!

C. Promise to Those Who Hold Fast: 3:6 – we are God’s house. His people. In His family. What are we to hold fast? Our confidence. In whom? Christ – He is all-sufficient Savior. He will bring us out of bondage, sin, death to His heavenly kingdom. That is our hope. We boast in it! 3:14 – we have come to share in Christ! Who is a member of God’s house? Who shares in Christ? Those who hold fast! Perseverance in faith is absolutely essential. Not to get saved, or keep yourself saved but as evidence you already are saved! Note: doesn’t say “will be His house; will share in Christ.”

2. What Is True Of Those Who Don’t Hold Fast? A Solemn Warning

Therefore: why there? Cuz of the “if” in vs.6. Cuz only God’s children if hold fast. Thus, don’t harden hearts like children of Israel did. Who is He talking about in 7-11 & 16-19? “the rebellion; in the wilderness, 40 years; 16-18 “those who left Egypt led by Moses.” Israel. Num.13&14; Deut.1

A. Won’t enter God’s rest (11,19). Illustration of our eternal rest in heaven.

B. Will Fall away from Living God (12). 6:4-6 apostasy; eternally lost.

C. Hardened by the Deceitfulness of Sin (13). This is why we fall away & don’t enter. Sin is deceitful because says it will satisfy, it is better, it is worthy of your pursuits. Really God is!

D. Becomes Apparent Weren’t of God’s House & Didn’t Share in Christ. This author believes in eternal security but not popular way. Popular view is if accept Christ are eternally saved no matter what do with rest of your life. Bible teaches if are saved will hold on to confidence in Christ firm to end. If don’t, didn’t come to share in Christ. True conversion is powerful! Permanently changes person so faith & righteousness are practice of life. Perseverance and Preservation 2 sides of coin. God preserves – we persevere. Won’t be saved apart from perseverance; won’t persevere apart from preservation; won’t preserve us if hasn’t saved us.

3. What Must We Do to Hold Fast? An Earnest Exhortation

A. Take Care: “Beware, see to it, give heed”. Take pains with this – be in earnest. Not a game. Not something to trifle with! Can mean difference between eternal glory and eternal damnation. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you! What? Evil, unbelieving heart that leads you to fall away from Living God. Opposite is a good heart of faith that leads you ever closer to Living God.

B. Exhort: urge to a course of action; encourage. Who does this? One another – not just pastors or leaders; all. Eternal security is a community project. When? Every day! Living Bible: “while we still have time”. While can still make a difference. Why? So that none are hardened & fall away. Our involvement in each other’s lives has eternal significance!

Application:

1. This is a Heart Issue: 3:8,10,12,13,15. Prov.4:23. Might think better start doing lots of things to make sure hold fast. No! Issue of heart, not actions. Where is your heart? What does your heart love; hate? Must hate sin and love God! If we don’t, won’t hold fast.

2. This is a Faith Issue: 3:6,14 (confidence). 3:12- an unbelieving heart is an evil heart. 3:16-19. Why did they rebel, sin & disobey? Unbelief? Faith produces holiness. Unbelief produces sin. Strong faith keeps heart close to God. Unbelief causes to fall away from God. All comes down to your heart & faith.

3. This is a Community Issue: Fellowship is more than socializing. THIS is fellowship! Being real with each other about rel. with God. Exhorting, urging, encouraging. Must be involved with each other throughout week. Must speak of heart & faith issues. Speak of confidence in Christ, of our hope and our boasting. Church supposed to be 7 day week community.