Hebrews 3:7-19
Q.1. Why did the writer use the quotation from Psalm 95? How should the warning be applied today? – (Heb.3:7-13)
The Psalm was inspired by the Holy Spirit. It documented God’s displeasure with the failure of Israel to trust Him throughout their forty year wilderness journeys – As I swore in My wrath, `They shall not enter My rest.’ (Heb.3:11). The writer warned against having an evil, unbelieving heart, developed, and hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Heb.3:12-13). We fall away by the deception of our sinful natures, and by insulting God when we do not trust him. This happens whenever we fall into sin, and also when we substitute other ways to regain our right standing with God.
Q.2. How does the reading describe the sins we should avoid? What are the consequences of ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit? – (Heb.3:7-19)
God continually spoke to Israel … and still does so today. Israel hardened their hearts against the promptings of the Holy Spirit and kept provoking God. The Lord kept doing miracles, yet Israel kept testing God. He was angry to the point of loathing them. Today, God reveals Himself, so we can be partakers of His grace. However, we must grow in our dependence upon God – we must hold fast our assurance firm unto the end (Heb.3:14). Rest is for those who learn to live by faith.