“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled (Heb 12:15).”
There are particular times when in conjunction with the Word of God, the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts. At such times, we may be tempted to not listen.
But, the author of Hebrews repeatedly warns his audience that quitting is no option for Christians. A failure to persevere is catastrophic.
(1) There is such a thing as not obtaining the grace of God.
(2) And, if we choose to turn a deaf ear to the Spirit, we can defile many others in addition to ourselves.
So, today if the Spirit convicts you in some regard, see to it that you don’t turn a deaf ear.
Adapting Shakespeare, there are tides in the affairs of the Christian, which taken on the flood, lead onto blessing. Ommitted, all the voyage of life is bound in shallows and miseries.
If God convicts you now, “on such a tide you are now afloat.” Hear his voice.
Hello,
I had to do a little study on this separately because after reading this it was pretty clear I didn’t understand the verse. My understanding of “bitterness” was off. I thought it was anger or rage (although I guess it could be) but the reality is much deeper than that. The chapter that I looked at was Deuteronomy 29. Understood in context I think “the root of bitterness” is a persistence in carrying on in sin because of a false sense of assurance all the meanwhile ignoring the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Right? The repercussions of treating God’s holiness lightly are far reaching and as you say “catastrophic”.
I don’t want to be one of the people who do not obtain His grace. God have mercy on me.
Yes, Christina. I think your are on target.
Hebrews repeatedly warns us against turning a deaf ear to God and the Spirit’s work in our lives.