Who is your nathan? - Hebrews 3:12-14

The Necessity of Persevering... Verse 14 is important because it highlights the necessity that we persevere in trusting Christ. In fact, much of the book of Hebrews is written as a warning that we must endure. See also Hebrews 10:23-25 where the command to not neglect meeting together is for the purpose of persevering. Verse 13 teaches us that such perseverance can be very difficult because sin is so deceitful.

The tool God has provided... Thankfully God Has given us a very important tool to enable us to press on - Christian fellowship. When we have fellowship with other Christians, they are able to help us persevere against the deceitfulness of sin by continuously exhorting us. (To exhort is to speak needed and timely words of truth.)

Nathan Exhorts David... After David had committed the sins of adultery and murder, he was confronted by Nathan (2 Samuel 11 & 12). Because of Nathan's exhortation, David cried out in humble confession, "I have sinned against the LORD." And Nathan responded, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die." Imagine how much worse it may have been for David if God had not sent Nathan? But God in His mercy blessed David with a Nathan and He blessed us with the fellowship of the Church

*Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. Do you have a Nathan in your Life? Who?

2. Have you ever been exhorted by another Christian? How did God use this in your life?

3. What might keep you back from wanting real Christian fellowship?