Danger! Spiritual Hazards!

Everyday Hazard Warning Signs

3 Hebrews 6:1-12

Hebrews 6:1-6 1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Hebrews 6: For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

6 Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Ephesians 6: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints

Personal Protective Equipment - PPE

Spiritual Protective Equipment “…loins girt about with truth” “the breastplate of righteousness” “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace” “the shield of faith” “the helmet of salvation” “the sword of the spirit which is the word of God” “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:14-18

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14 Hebrews 6:1-12 Ephesians 6:10-18

 Daily purpose: Growth  Hebrews 6:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 1:5-8  Satan desires to destroy us!  1 Peter 5:8 15

 We are in danger of falling if we do not examine our spiritual strength (personal faith) and devote ourselves to growing to maturity in Christ! - 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 10:12-13  Danger signs of falling away from God 16

ISOLATION 17

“I don’t need or want anybody’s help!”  This is foolishness!  Proverbs 18:1  The separatist follows his own desires.  Proverbs 14:12; 28:26 (fool)  He separates himself from the congregation where he would find strength, encouragement, comfort, guidance and protection  From fellow Christians!  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (Galatians 6:2)  From the guidance of God’s truth!  “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105) 18 ISOLATION

Review and Resolve (2 Corinthians 13:5) Review and Resolve (2 Corinthians 13:5)  Review: Where are you now?  Isolated or involved?  Resolve (action): Importance of brethren!  Romans 12:9ff 19 ISOLATION

WORLDLY COUNSELORS 20

Our counselors say a good deal about us. Our counselors say a good deal about us.  Foolish counselors:  Proverbs 1:10-19  Rehoboam - 1 Kings 12:6-8,  Wise counselors:  Proverbs 11:14 (15:22; 24:5-6)  Counsel of God’s word - Psalms 119:24 (17-24) 21 WORLDLY COUNSELORS

Review and Resolve (2 Corinthians 13:5) Review and Resolve (2 Corinthians 13:5)  Review: Who are your counselors?  Psalms 1:1-2  Resolve (action): Seek out and follow godly counsel!  Proverbs 19:21 22 WORLDLY COUNSELORS

FRIENDSHIPS 23

Friends will either hurt us or help us! Friends will either hurt us or help us! – 1 Corinthians 15:33  Superficial and worldly?  Fair-weathered and self-serving  Proverbs 19:6; cf. Luke 15:16  These entice you to sin  Proverbs 1: FRIENDSHIPS

Friends will either hurt us or help us. Friends will either hurt us or help us. – 1 Corinthians 15:33  Genuine and godly?  Share a common faith, values and goals.  2 Peter 1:1 “like precious faith.”  Tells you what you need to hear!  Proverbs 27:6, 9  You become better and stronger spiritually because of them.  Proverbs 27:17 25 FRIENDSHIPS

Review and Resolve Review and Resolve – (2 Corinthians 13:5)  Review: Are your friends hindering you or helping you be faithful and grow in Christ?  Resolve (action): Be Christ’s friend and choose your friends wisely!  John 15:14 26 FRIENDSHIPS

FAILURE TO PRAY 27

Prayer suggests a healthy relationship with God. Prayer suggests a healthy relationship with God. – Hebrews 4:16  Christian: Did you think to pray?  1 Thessalonians 5:17  Christian: Have you stopped praying?  Not depending on God  Not trusting in God  Not being thankful to God  You are exposed to the devil, sin and death! 28 FAILURE TO PRAY

Review and Resolve Review and Resolve – (2 Corinthians 13:5)  Review: What place does prayer have in your life?  Resolve (action): Repent and start praying.  Mark 1:35 - Jesus got up early to pray.  Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9ff  Pray for others and be thankful - Philippians 4:6 29 FAILURE TO PRAY

 Isolation  Worldly counselors  Friendships  Failure to pray 30

 We must see the signs that warn us of spiritual catastrophe!  Be steadfast and abound in the work of the Lord!  1 Corinthians 15:58 31