Introduction
Good morning, church!
Today we turn to Hebrews chapter 3—a powerful reminder that following Jesus is not just about starting well; it's about staying faithful until the end. This chapter challenges us to consider Jesus, the one who was sent by God and who now speaks from heaven as our High Priest. It also warns us not to fall into the same pattern of unbelief that kept Israel from entering God's rest.
Let us open our hearts to the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us.
I. Consider Jesus – Our Apostle and High Priest (Hebrews 3:1–6)
“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” (v.1)
A. Fix Your Thoughts on Jesus
The Christian life begins and continues with Jesus. He is the Apostle—the One sent by the Father. He is also our High Priest—the One who represents us before God.
When life becomes difficult, when doubt creeps in, we are called to consider Him, to focus our hearts and minds on His faithfulness.
B. Jesus Is Greater Than Moses
Moses was highly respected by the Jewish people. He led Israel out of Egypt, received the Law, and served faithfully. But the writer of Hebrews makes a bold claim: Jesus is even greater.
Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house.
Jesus is faithful as a Son over God’s house.
C. We Are God’s House
The church, God's people, are described as His house—not a building, but a community built on faith. We belong to this house if we hold firmly to our confidence in Christ and the hope we profess.
Application:
Are you keeping your focus on Jesus in your daily life? Is your hope anchored in Him?
II. Do Not Harden Your Hearts (Hebrews 3:7–11)
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion...” (v.7-8)
A. A Warning from the Past
These verses quote Psalm 95, reminding us of the Israelites who hardened their hearts in the wilderness. Even after witnessing miracles in Egypt and God's provision in the desert, they still chose to doubt.
Their unbelief led to rebellion, and rebellion led to judgment. God declared that they would not enter His rest.
B. A Present-Day Warning
This warning is not just for the past. It is written for us: Today, if we hear His voice, we must respond with faith, not resistance.
Application:
Is your heart open when God speaks? Or do you delay obedience, making excuses?
III. Encourage One Another Daily (Hebrews 3:12–14)
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (v.12)
A. The Danger of a Drifting Heart
Unbelief is not just doubt—it can grow into a heart that turns away from God. The danger is real: we can start well and still fall away.
B. The Gift of Christian Community
We are not meant to walk alone. The writer encourages believers to exhort one another daily—to lift each other up, to speak life and truth, and to keep each other accountable.
We need each other to stay strong in the faith.
C. Hold Firm to the End
The evidence of true faith is endurance. We are part of Christ's house if we remain faithful and confident to the end.
Application:
Are you encouraging others in their faith? Who can you pray for or speak life into today?
IV. Learn from Israel’s Failure (Hebrews 3:15–19)
“So we see that they were not able to enter because of their unbelief.” (v.19)
A. Knowledge Is Not Enough
The Israelites knew God. They saw His power. But they did not believe His promises. As a result, they missed the blessing He had prepared for them.
B. Unbelief Leads to Disobedience
It wasn't just disobedience that kept them out of the promised land—it was the unbelief behind it. When we stop trusting God, we stop obeying Him.
Application:
Let us examine our hearts. Is there an area where we’ve allowed fear or doubt to replace faith?
Conclusion: Stay Faithful to the End
Fix your thoughts on Jesus—He is greater than anyone or anything.
Do not harden your heart—listen when God speaks.
Encourage one another daily—faith grows in fellowship.
Hold firm in your confidence—faith that lasts brings us into God's rest.
Final Call:
If you feel your heart has grown cold, return to Jesus today. His arms are open, and His voice still calls. Today is the day to respond.
Let’s close in prayer.
Closing Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus, our Apostle and High Priest. Help us to fix our thoughts on Him and to remain faithful no matter what challenges we face. Soften our hearts to hear Your voice, and use us to encourage others around us. May we never fall into unbelief, but walk with confidence until we enter Your eternal rest. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
