Hebrews 3 - Obeying = Believing

This world is full of distraction, but it's critical that you keep your thoughts focused on Christ.

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Hebrews 3 Summary

The theme of the Book of Hebrews is that Jesus exceeds the people and things which previously pointed people to God, and the focus of chapter three is that Jesus exceeds even Moses.

Moses led God's people from slavery to the Promised Land by keeping their eyes fixed on God, who at the time was represented by a pillar of fire. In the same way, we are to fix our thoughts on Jesus (NIV v1).

Even in a day when people heard God's booming voice, saw the miracles and witnessed the pillar of fire leading them, there were still some who hardened their hearts in rebellion (v8, 15 - both of which are a quotation from Psalm 95).

Hebrews 3 is a warning for Christians not to make that same mistake and miss out on the rest that God has promised those who persevere in Christ.

Dig Deeper

The final two verses of chapter 3 make an interesting logical leap:

And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

We often equate disobedience with not obeying specific commandments of God. We understand that even simple commands like what are given in the ten commandments have broad implications covering every facet of life. This is why reading God's law often helps us see our sin and drives us to the cross for forgiveness.

But verses 18-19 help illustrate that root from which disobedience stems: unbelief. Ultimately, when we disobey we are putting our trust in our own instinct rather than believing that God's prescribed ways are best for us.

When you disobey / disbelieve God, you're not just missing out on your best life now, you're putting eternity at risk. Therefore, make the advice given a the beginning of Hebrews 3 a priority, and keep your thoughts fixed on Jesus.

AAA Prayer:

ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father's voice calls all people to salvation (v8, 15)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the strength to keep your thoughts fixed on Christ (v1)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: