Why do we give up?

Why do we give up?

● Have you given up on life, goals, dreams, relationships, friends, job, church, or God?

● The book of Hebrews shows us why many are prone to give up.

Statistics

● Over the years statistics have shown that about 50% of those baptized – quit church within 5 years.

● Studies indicate we are losing about half of our children – raised in the church – but quit when away from home.

● The book of Hebrews addresses this issue among Jewish Christians in the first century.

● WHY DO WE GIVE UP?

Deadly Drift

● Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

● Slowly, over a long period of time● So gradual it is not noticed● When you realize it – you are already gone.

Deadly Drift

● Most doctrinal and moral issues do not change suddenly.

● They change very slowly, gradually● How have you changed your beliefs?● Have you drifted?

Unbelief

● Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

● Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

● Things happen in our life● Doubt, question, unbelief – can creep in● Doubt leads to stronger faith OR unbelief

Boredom

● Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Boredom

● Many sin as a result of boredom● There is much to do – fields are ready for harvest● Invite, teach, work, hand out tracts, call sick, etc.● When our son complained about being bored – we

gave him a job to do.

Laziness

● Hebrews 6:11-12 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Laziness

● Slothful = lazy, a slacker● Lazy causes others to carry more of the load● Look at busy people and offer to help● Don't become sluggish.

Isolation

● Hebrews 12:1-3 1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Isolation

● We are not alone. We are surrounded by a many who will support, encourage and motivate us.

● Elijah thought he was all alone – 5,000 prophets were already protected

● If you are with Christ, you are not alone.

Self-pity

● Hebrews 12:4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

● What have you suffered for Christ?● We sing – Ready to Suffer – but are we?● Many have a persecution complex● Some invite persecution

Misunderstanding God

● Hebrews 12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

● We blame God – Why is God doing this?● It may be – We need straightening out● God punishes those He loves.

Romans 8:34-39

● 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Conclusion

● Why would you be tempted to give up?

● What could cause you to be discouraged?

● If you leave God, where would you go?