Sermon Outline:
- A heart that trusts in the Gospel shares in Christ and His rest
- Unrepentant sin hardens your heart to be unresponsive to the Gospel
- God gives you the gift of exhortation to keep your heart from being hardened by sin
- Don't take perseverance for granted, hold fast to the unchanging Gospel
Family Discussion Questions:
Younger and Older:
- What "rest" was offered to the Israelites who came out of Egypt and why were they unable to have it?
- How did they act in the wilderness before coming to Canaan?
- How does rejecting some of God's commands hurt your ability to trust in the Gospel?
- What gift is mentioned in this passage that God has given to us to keep this from happening to our hearts?
Deeper Discussion:
- Many of the people who left Egypt were ultimately unable to enter the promised land. What affect is that reminder meant to have on your heart?
- The author warns that the confidence which endures must be the original one. Why was it necessary for the author to add the word original?
- Use the passage to show that those who truly know Christ will endure.
- How is the word "today" used in this text as an invitation and a warning?
- What ways do you make yourself available for exhortation, and how do you typically respond to it?