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"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God..."

Text: Hebrews 12:15a

NOTHING TAKEN FOR GRANTED

The believer must learn to take nothing for granted! He must learn from the mistakes made by ancient Israel so that he would not fall in the same way.

“Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God;
lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble,
and by this many become defiled.”
Hebrews 12:15

1. The grace of God

a) This is freely given in salvation (Cf. Ephesians 2:8-9)

b) This is also abundantly given in our battle against sin (Cf. Romans 5:20)

c) This is given to us in life’s many painful trials (Cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9)

2. Falling short of the grace of God

a) It is possible to receive the grace of God in vain (Cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1)

b) When the grace of God is taken for granted and not gratefully applied in our life and ministry we can fall short of the grace of God

3. We must look carefully lest the grace of God is set aside by sin!

a) “Root of bitterness”

i) Bitterness is described as having roots.

ii) Bitterness can grow up into a tree of bitterness.

iii) A believer can become a very embittered person.

iv) When he allows bitterness to overcome him, he has fallen short of the grace of God.

b) Causing trouble leading to defilement

i) Bitterness can cause much trouble within the heart.

ii) It can also stir up trouble within the Christian community.

iii) Many can become “defiled” (peace is lost; and bitterness spreads).