Willfully...as in Intentionally

Willfully...as in Intentionally 

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has ignored the Law of Moses is put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31 NASB

But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming companions with those who were so treated.  For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

For yet in a very little while,
He who is coming will come, and will not delay.
But My righteous one will live by faith;
And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.

But we are not among those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul. Hebrews 10:32-39 NASB

Big question isn't it?  

Do we in our lives find ourselves intentionally sinning? As in doing it on purpose?

This passage really smarts doesn't it?  

Are you intentionally doing something, intentionally thinking things, intentionally behaving in opposition to the salvation you have claimed in Christ Jesus?

Is your life revolving around you, or does it show anyone that you have been with God?

Your achievements in this life, the notches on your belt, the mountains you have climbed, do they come from being with God or are they separate and different?

What are your reasons for the decisions in your life?  Are you seeking God’s Will for you or are your interests self-serving?

When we stand before Christ, our thoughts and intentions will be exposed. 

Are you up to that?  Are you ready for it?  I know that I am not. 

If it wasn't for His grace and mercy I certainly would be a lost cause. 

Satan's been trying all my life to convince me that I am a lost cause. 

Willfully and intentionally...goes hand in hand with what Paul taught in Romans about practiced sin. Sins we do on purpose. 

Those who live a life claiming to be Christians yet intentionally reject God's perfect plan for their lives in regards to their sexuality are but one example. People who don't even try to watch their speech and conduct to make it God honoring are another. People who place their feelings above God’s Word are another.  God hasn't changed. Never has, never will. 

We are the ones who water down sin. We make the attempt to lessen the punishment for the crime.  We want to establish our own idea of the limits of God’s Word. 

And you know what?

Hell has trillions of people who have learned that God's Word and God's Will have never changed in over 6,000 years.  More entering into Hell every second. 

It's a struggle but it's a necessity to keep the full armor of God on. 

It's a struggle to put those intentional sin at the feet of Jesus. 

But it's a necessary thing in order to live out our salvation in Christ Jesus. 

It's necessary for our sanctification. If you aren't looking for that, then what ARE you looking for?

Is your devotion to worldly lusts, things, ideas, more important than being right before Jesus?

Idolatry isn't some ancient concept, it's very real today. People waste hundreds of thousands of dollars and hours of their lives on things that will do absolutely nothing for them when they stand before Jesus. Just skim through suggested videos on any platform. People spend an ungodly amount of time, energy and effort on things that mean absolutely nothing. 

The Reality of the Battlefield: Satan's determined to stunt the growth of all believers. Satan's determined to send whomever to Hell to keep them from becoming one.  If you aren't following Jesus you are following the ways of the god of this world.  Look well at the 3 and a half years of the ministry of Christ. What was Jesus doing? Integrating the world into the Gospel message? Absolutely not!  What do we see?  Instruction on how to be in the world but not of this world. 

Look at your life and your heart. Who's reflection do you see?  Is your devotion to anything or anyone in this world coming before your walk with Jesus? You decide. 

Do you know more about sports and sports figures than your Bible?

Do you know more about anything in the entertainment world than you do of your Bible?

What excites you? If it isn't what God's doing and has revealed to you, just what have you done with Jesus since He came into your life?