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Hebrews

Hebrews 
Day 
Day 73

Departing from the living God...

Text: Hebrews 3:12

THE SPECTRE OF AN EVIL HEART OF UNBELIEF

This was a problem that plagued the children of Israel severely. Theirs was a chequered history of rebellion and repentance, moments of faith and terrible bouts of unbelief. It was wise to raise up this problem for study. Let us look at the following text more closely.

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you
An evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”
Hebrews 3:12

1. Beware (blepete)

a) Literal translation “See” or “behold”.
b) This was a call to exercise spiritual sight.

2. Brethren (adelphoi)

a) Believers are clearly in view here.
b) At least those who profess belief in the Lord.

3. An evil heart of unbelief

a) The human heart is indeed capable of great evil (Cf. Jeremiah 17:9).
b) Unbelief is defined as stemming from “an evil heart”
c) Thus this sin is not to be taken lightly at all.

4. Departing from the living God

a) Many think that it is “normal” to have doubts.

b) Some even think that departing from God is a “normal” and “acceptable action”.

c) Departure from God is however treated as a sin.

i) It is compared to the sins of the children of Israel.
ii) This sin of departing from the living God is a very grave one.

It is of vital importance that this sin problem be given due attention!