Your Hardened Heart and Jesus Christ
Hebrews 3:1-4:16
This week's passage presents a firm warning. All of us are susceptible to a hardened heart, which is deeply offensive to God. God not only considers a hardened heart as rebellion, but a hardened heart provokes God's wrath (3.7-11). So what exactly is a hardened heart and why is it so dishonoring to God? According to this passage, a hardened heart is a persistent or defiant unbelief of God's character and promises. Hebrews points to Israel as an example of this hardened heart and warns us not to follow their example. The reason why a hardened heart angers God is because he is so involved in our lives in such a powerful and gracious way; and yet, we respond with unbelief--being more influenced by other factors than by God himself.
At a superficial reading of this passage, we might think that the way to counter a hardened heart is simply to meet together and encourage one another as frequently as possible (3.12-13). Or that we must have a greater sense of fear and reverence as we strive to be faithful in our relationship with God (4.1). Or that we must hold fast our confession of faith (4.14). Meeting together, having a greater sense of fear, and holding fast our confession are certainly needed! However, the passage situates all of these exhortations in who Jesus Christ is and how he is involved in our lives (3.1, 14; 4.14). Unlike Israel, we have Jesus Christ--not Moses--leading and interceding for us. As faithful as Moses was, Jesus Christ cannot fail in saving us. Moreover, we are in Christ and Christ is in us!
In this way, it is important to see once again how Hebrews does not point us to ourselves or our own abilities, but repeatedly points us to Jesus Christ. Therefore, we ought to have greater urgency and confidence in running this race together!
Questions:
1. Does it surprise you that out of all the things that we could do wrong, it is our lack of trust in him that is most offensive to God?
2. In your own words, explain why this lack of trust is so offensive to God? Share about a time where you either offended God by your lack of trust or you felt offended by someone because of his/her lack of trust in you.
3. This passage focuses on the importance of a small group community to prevent our hearts from hardening, to increase our trust in God, and to redirect us to Jesus Christ.
How has this (or a previous) small group prevented you from being hardened or deceived by sin?
How has this (or a previous) small group helped increase your faith and trust in God?
How has this (or a previous) small group reminded you of the confession of your faith (i.e., redirected you to Jesus Christ)?
4. Close your time by praying that through this small group, God will protect you from a hardened heart, increase your faith, and redirect you to Jesus Christ.
