DECEMBER 9, Hebrews 3:10-13

We tend to think that only unbelievers have hardened hearts because they reject God and the Bible. But do you know that Christians also struggle with unbelief ?

Look at verse 12. Apostle Paul addresses Christians as: b ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.

Are you a Christian who is struggling with unbelief ? The Bible warns us–Take Heed! What does it mean for Christians to have unbelief ? It does not mean that they reject the gospel they once believed in, but rather that their belief in God has grown weaker.

Verse 12 describes it as: d ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ from the living God. What causes Christians to depart from the living God?

The first reason is because we do not know God and His ways well enough (verse 10). Israel experienced God’s powerful work of delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Yet when they went through moments of adversity in the wilderness, Israel doubted God and His ways. Isn’t this so much like us too? The seeds of unbelief and doubt are sown in our hearts! To stop these seeds of unbelief from growing, pause and ask yourself – Do I really know God and His ways? If we do not, it is because we have not made the effort to learn more about Him. It is no wonder we doubt! In order to overcome unbelief, we need to start learning more about God and His ways through His Word.

The second reason why we doubt God is because of the deceitfulness of sin (verse 13). Sin is so subtle. It first starts to deceive us through our thoughts and feelings. Have you caught yourself thinking about something that you know is sinful, but you tell yourself that you cannot help it? Maybe you give the excuse that no one gets hurt, it feels right, and everyone else is doing it too. Soon you grow comfortable with the idea of sinning against God. Be careful!

Thought: The key to overcoming unbelief is to know God more and to love to fellowship with His people.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I believe in You as my Creator, and Jesus as my Saviour. Help me to overcome my unbelief and strengthen my faith in You. As I seek You in my quiet time, please draw me closer to Yourself. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.