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DEALING WITH SIN

Hebrews 10:23-29

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.    The cause of all this discussion is sin.

 

B.      Hebrews 10 has a lot to say about sin. 

1.      We have entitled this chapter:  “Dealing with Sin.”

2.      Keep in mind that the writer is dealing with Jewish believers returning to Judaism.  There fore, he continues to make contrasts between the system of Judaism and the system of Christianity.

 

C.     In this chapter, the writer will end the doctrinal details of his discussion (See vs 18-19, 22-24) and begin to make some very practical admonitions to his readers.

 

D.    Outline:

 

i.                    SINS REMAINED (Heb. 10:1-4)  Remembrance of sins

ii.                  SINS ARE REMITTED (Heb. 10:5-14)  Remittance from sins

iii.                SINS REMEMBERED NO MORE (Heb. 10:15-18)  Remembered no more sins

iv.                NO SINS BRING RESPONSIBILITY (Heb. 10:19-25)  Responsibility after sins

v.                  SINS ARE RECOMPENSED (Heb. 10:26-31)  Recompense for sins

vi.                SIN:  NO RETURN (Heb. 10:32-39)  Resolution against sin

 

I.                   SINS REMAINED (Heb. 10:1-4)

 

II.                SINS ARE REMITTED (Heb. 10:5-14)

 

III.             SINS REMEMBERED NO MORE (Heb. 10:15-18)

 

IV.             NO SINS BRING RESPONSIBILITY (Heb. 10:19-25).

 

A.    We have now entered into the practical application section of Hebrews. 

1.      Based upon all that had been said, Christians have responsibilities that they are to fulfill.

2.      In this section, the writer will discuss:

a.      Three “let us” obligations (Heb. 10:22, 23, 24).

b.      One negative obligation (v. 25)

 

B.      Number 1:  Let us draw near (Heb. 10:19-22)

 

C.     Number 2:  Let us hold fast (Heb. 10:23)

 

D.    Number 3:  Let us consider one another (Heb. 10:24)

 

E.      One Negative:  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25)

 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another:  and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

 

1.      The necessity of church attendance:  not forsaking the assembling…together

a.      The first century church assembled for worship

1)      “And they continued steadfastly…” (Acts 2:42).

2)      “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread…” (Acts 20:7).

3)      “For first of all, when ye come together in the church…” (I Cor. 11:18).

4)      “If therefore the whole church be come together in one place…” (I Cor. 14:23).

5)      “For if there come unto your assembly…” (James 2:2).

b.      Assembling with the saints is vital for numerous reasons.  One reason focused upon here is our responsibility one to another.

1)      It is in the assembly that we consider one another and provoke one another to love and good works.

2)      This cannot be done when one forsakes the assembly.

c.       One rightly pointed out that the “not” in this verse is the same as the “nots” in Romans 13:9a.

 

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet…

 

2.      The neglect of some:  as the manner of some is

a.      Manner

1)      Strong (1485):  usage (as a manner of habit or law)

2)      Thayer:  custom

3)      Vine:  habit

4)      Robertson:  as it custom to some

b.      There were those in the first century, just as there are those today, who habitually missed the worship services. 

1)      The writer does not give us a list of their excuses.

2)      Their excuses do not matter.  They are simply that, excuses.  And, excuses only anger the God of heaven (Luke 14:18, 21).

 

And they all with one consent began to make excuse…So that the servant came, and shewed his lord these things.  Then the master of the house being angry said…

 

c.       LESSONS: 

1)      There are some in this congregation who are guilty of this practice.  They need to repent of their transgression.

2)      We need to be careful about missing just once.  What happens occasionally often becomes our manner or habit.

3)      We are not to follow negative examples. 

a)      Those who forsake the assembly are in error.

b)      We are not to follow them in their sinful example.

3.      The need to be met:  but exhorting one another

a.      Exhorting

1)      Strong (3870):  to call near, implore

2)      Thayer:  to admonish, beg, exhort, beseech, entreat

b.      The church needed to assemble and exhort one another because there was a “day” approaching.

1)      Two days have been suggested:

a)      The fall of Jerusalem

b)      The second coming of Christ

2)      The second coming would not occur until there was a falling away first according to Paul in II Thessalonians 2:3.

3)      Thus, the writer must be referring to the fall of Jerusalem.

a)      Some were returning to the old system of Judaism.

b)      Their departure began with their forsaking the assembly.

c)      In the assembly, Christians needed to exhort one another to remain steadfast and faithful because the fall of Jerusalem predicted by Jesus was soon to come (Matt. 24:1-35).

d)     Christians would survive that dreadful day if they were faithful to God.

c.       LESSON:  All of us serve a role in the body of Christ.  In worship, we exhort one another to steadfastness and diligence in our service to God.

 

V.                SINS ARE RECOMPENSED (Heb. 10:26-31)

 

A.    Cancelled Sacrifice (Heb. 10:26)

 

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.