Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction: This passage deals with the tragedy of hearing the gospel, understanding the claims of Christ, and even being associated with His church only to disregard it in the end.

This passage warns us of making a superficial commitment to Christ that is easily disregarded when the cost of following Him becomes too high.

We have already dealt with similar warnings throughout the book of Hebrews such as in .

But of all of the warnings in Hebrews, and perhaps the Bible, this is one of the most serious warnings.

We mentioned last week that when an unbeliever hears the truth of the gospel there are only two possible responses: 1). he will believe and is saved or 2). he will reject and become apostate.

We dealt with those who believe and are saved last week; so this week we must deal with those who reject and become apostate.

What is apostasy?

Apostasy is the sin of rejecting the gospel.

helps us in our understanding of apostasy.

Do you see evidence of apostasy in the world today?

However, apostasy is not a new phenomenon.

There have always been apostates.

2 Chronicles

Apostasy is the most serious of all sins because it is the most deliberate and willful form of unbelief.

Example: Judas

Apostasy Defined

Apostasy is intentionally turning your back on truth.

Paul was falsely accused of apostasy in causing other Christian Jews to turn their back on (apostatize from) the law of Moses.

Both Paul and Jesus prophesied of a massive apostasy that will come in the end times led by the anti-Christ.

There are people who like the idea of Jesus and they hear of Him and are drawn to Him and are convicted of sin and perhaps even make a profession of faith, but the attractions of the world become too alluring and the cost of following Christ becomes too great in this life until one day they have no interest in the gospel at all.

Example: Renee D’Agostino (Renee Pettit)/Melissa Morales

Paul said that as time goes on apostasy will become more and more common.

Apostasy Portrayed

This is possibly the clearest portrayal of apostasy in the Bible - receiving the knowledge of truth but willfully remaining in sin.

An apostate knows the truth and yet willfully rejects it by pursuing a life of sin.

There are two characteristics of apostasy:

1).

The truth is known and recognized

2).

The truth is rejected

Is it possible to backslide?

2 Timothy

Should we attempt to determine the difference between a backslider and an apostate?

What then is the purpose of this passage?

The Result of Apostasy

There No Longer Remains a Sacrifice for Sins

A Fearful Expectation of Judgment

No Hope for Mercy

Rejection of the Son

Rejection of the Father

Rejection of the Holy Spirit

Apostasy Born

In one sense there is really only one answer: willful unbelief.

But in another sense there are a number of reasons someone might willingly choose unbelief and this passage addresses one of those reasons.

Persecution

For the believer, persecution can be a blessing.

Historically, whenever the church has been persecuted it has become stronger, but it is also true that whenever the church has been persecuted the hypocrites have been exposed.

When the trials come apostates are unwilling to pay the price that following Christ demands.

Why is that?

They do not have the strength that following Christ demands.

Examining for Apostasy

Remember Your Suffering and Your Service

Enduring for the Reward

Conclusion: The warning against apostasy ends on a hopeful note.

Those who place their faith in Christ will willingly suffer (and identify with those suffering on behalf of their faith) and endure to the end.