The Need to Exhort One Another in Faith ~ Hebrews 3:13-19

Landmark Baptist Santa Rosa

Pastor John Opferman

October 9, 2024

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Main Topics Discussed

Introduction

• Reflect on the significance of the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus.”

• The call of discipleship: no turning back, despite the challenges.

• Overview of Hebrews chapter 3, emphasizing perseverance and faith.

• Acknowledge the joy of studying the Book of Hebrews, highlighting the depth of God’s Word.

Exhortation from Hebrews 3:13-19

• Verses 13-14: Exhort one another daily while it is called “Today.”

• We are called to encourage and uplift one another daily.

• Comparison between the Holy Spirit’s role as the Comforter (John 14:16) and our role in exhortation (Hebrews 3:13).

• The importance of being steadfast in our faith, as partakers of Christ.

• Verse 15: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.

• Reference to the Israelites’ disobedience in the wilderness.

• Importance of responding to God’s voice and not hardening our hearts.

Historical Context of Israel's Disobedience

• Israel at the border of Canaan: God’s command to possess the Promised Land.

• Joshua and Caleb’s exhortation to trust in God’s promise versus the discouragement from the other spies.

• The consequences of unbelief: hardened hearts, erring in faith, and missing out on God’s rest.

The Role of Exhortation in the Christian Life

• Encouraging One Another to Stay the Course:

• The need for believers to encourage each other in their walk with God.

• Reference to Acts 2:40, where Peter exhorts the crowd to be saved from a corrupt generation.

• Exhorting Through Difficult Times:

• Paul’s example in Acts 27:22, encouraging the men on the ship during a storm.

• The power of encouragement during trials and tribulations.

Becoming Partakers of Christ

• Hebrews 3:14: We are made partakers of Christ if we hold our confidence to the end.

• Continuing in faith and obedience makes us partakers in Christ’s work.

• Being a disciple requires perseverance in following Jesus, not just initial belief.

• Reference to John 8:31-32: "If you continue in my word, then you are truly my disciples."

The Dangers of Provoking and Unbelief

• Hebrews 3:16-18: The Israelites provoked God by their unbelief and disobedience.

• Not everyone who hears the Word obeys it.

• Warning against becoming a "provoker" – opposing the Holy Spirit’s work through discouragement and doubt.

• The grave consequences of turning away from God’s commands: missing out on His rest.

The Call to Action: Be a Partaker, Not a Provoker

• Exhorting One Another as the Holy Spirit Works in Us:

• Encouragement is crucial in helping others stay the course of faith.

• We must choose to be partakers in Christ’s ministry rather than provoke or discourage others.

• The Example of Church Gathering (Hebrews 10:25):

• Church gatherings are essential for exhorting and encouraging one another in the faith.

The Promise of Rest in Christ

• Matthew 11:28-30: Jesus offers rest to those who come to Him.

• Rest is found in taking up Christ’s yoke – working for Him with a light burden.

• The difference between initial rest upon salvation and continued rest found in being a disciple.

• Hebrews 3:19: Unbelief prevents entering into God’s rest.

• Just as the Israelites’ unbelief kept them from the Promised Land, our lack of faith can keep us from the rest God desires for us.

Conclusion

• Challenge to continue following Jesus, no turning back, even when it’s hard.

• Be a voice of exhortation to others, just as the Holy Spirit is to us.

• Encourage believers to take hold of Christ’s yoke, entering into His rest.

• Pray for strength to remain steadfast in faith, not allowing sin or discouragement to harden our hearts.

Closing Prayer

• Thank God for His Word and the encouragement to follow Jesus.

• Pray for the congregation to be partakers in Christ’s ministry, exhorting one another.

• Ask for the strength to avoid becoming a provoker and to remain faithful to the end.

Biblical References

Bible Verses Directly Quoted in the Sermon:

• Hebrews 3:13: But exhort one another daily, while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

• Hebrews 3:14: For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.

• Hebrews 3:15: While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

• Hebrews 3:17: But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

• Hebrews 3:19: So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

• John 14:16-17: And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

• Acts 2:40: And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

• Acts 27:22: And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

• 2 Corinthians 9:5: Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:1: Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:14: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

• Hebrews 10:25: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

• Matthew 12:30: He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.

• Matthew 11:28-30: Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Reflection Questions 

1. What are the “giants” in your life that might be preventing you from fully trusting God and following His direction, like the Israelites at the border of Canaan?

• Reflect on the fears, doubts, or challenges that hold you back from taking steps of faith.

2. How can you become an “exhorter” in your community, encouraging others in their faith journey as the Holy Spirit works within them?

• Consider ways you can actively encourage and uplift those around you in their walk with Christ.

3. In what ways has the “deceitfulness of sin” hardened your heart, and how can you allow God to soften it again through daily exhortation?

• Think about the areas in your life where repeated sin might have dulled your sensitivity to God’s voice and how you can reverse that hardening.

4. What does it mean to you personally to be a “partaker of Christ” and hold onto your confidence steadfastly until the end?

• Reflect on your commitment to Christ and what it means to actively participate in His work in the world.

5. How do you experience spiritual rest in Christ, and how can you take up His “yoke” to find deeper rest for your soul?

• Consider what spiritual rest looks like for you, and how you can balance rest with actively participating in God’s work.

Daily Activities 

1. Daily Encouragement Journal

• Activity: Set aside time each day to write down ways you can encourage others in their faith. Make a list of people you can reach out to and encourage through messages, calls, or prayer.

• Application: By consistently encouraging others, you align with Hebrews 3:13’s exhortation to support one another daily and keep your own heart open to the work of the Holy Spirit.

2. Act of Faith Challenge

• Activity: Identify one area in your life where you have hesitated to fully trust God. Take a bold step of faith this week in that area, trusting God’s provision.

• Application: This challenge reflects the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, like Joshua and Caleb’s faith in conquering the promised land, overcoming fear and doubt.

3. Community Support Activity

• Activity: Organize a small group meeting where you share personal struggles and offer encouragement. Study a Scripture passage together and pray for one another.

• Application: This promotes the message of mutual exhortation in Hebrews 3:13-14, where believers strengthen each other and remain steadfast in their faith through community support.

4. Spiritual Check-in with Accountability

• Activity: Partner with someone to check in weekly about your spiritual growth, discussing how you are remaining confident in Christ and addressing any areas of doubt or unbelief.

• Application: This partnership reflects the application of Hebrews 3:14, holding steadfast in your confidence in Christ with the help of an accountability partner.

5. Rest in Christ Reflection Day

• Activity: Dedicate one day to reflect on the meaning of spiritual rest in Christ by spending time in prayer, Bible study, and surrendering burdens to Him.

• Application: This exercise aligns with Matthew 11:28, experiencing the peace that comes from resting in Christ and taking up His yoke, which is light and brings true rest for your soul.