Danger!Spiritual Hazards!

Everyday Hazard Warning Signs

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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 6:7-127 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.

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Ephesians 6:10-18

Ephesians 6:10-14• 10 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 6:15-18• 15 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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Hebrews 6:1-12Ephesians 6:10-18

Daily purpose: GrowthHebrews 6:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter

1:5-8Satan 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

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ISOLATION17

““I don’t need or wantI don’t need or wantanybody’s help!”anybody’s help!”This is foolishness!This is foolishness!

Proverbs 18:1Proverbs 18:1

The separatist follows his own desires.The separatist follows his own desires.Proverbs 14:12; 28:26 Proverbs 14:12; 28:26 (fool)(fool)

He separates himself from the congregation He separates himself from the congregation where where he would find strength, encouragement, he would find strength, encouragement, comfort, guidance and protectioncomfort, guidance and protection

From fellow Christians!From fellow Christians!Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (Galatians 6:2)Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (Galatians 6:2)

From the guidance of God’s truth!From the guidance of God’s truth!““Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.” Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and light unto my path.”

(Psalms 119:105)(Psalms 119:105) 18

ISOLATION

• Review and ResolveReview and Resolve(2 Corinthians 13:5)(2 Corinthians 13:5)

ReviewReview: Where are you now?: Where are you now?Isolated or involved?Isolated or involved?

ResolveResolve (action): Importance of brethren! (action): Importance of brethren!Romans 12:9ffRomans 12:9ff

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ISOLATION

WORLDLYCOUNSELORS

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• Our counselors say aOur counselors say agood deal about us.good deal about us.

Foolish counselors:Foolish counselors:Proverbs 1:10-19Proverbs 1:10-19

Rehoboam - Rehoboam - 1 Kings 12:6-8, 12-141 Kings 12:6-8, 12-14

Wise counselors:Wise counselors:Proverbs 11:14 (15:22; 24:5-6)Proverbs 11:14 (15:22; 24:5-6)

Counsel of God’s word - Counsel of God’s word - Psalms 119:24 (17-24)Psalms 119:24 (17-24)

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WORLDLYCOUNSELORS

• Review and ResolveReview and Resolve(2 Corinthians 13:5)(2 Corinthians 13:5)

ReviewReview: Who are your counselors?: Who are your counselors?Psalms 1:1-2Psalms 1:1-2

ResolveResolve (action): Seek out and follow godly (action): Seek out and follow godly counsel!counsel!Proverbs 19:21Proverbs 19:21

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WORLDLYCOUNSELORS

FRIENDSHIPS

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• Friends will either hurtFriends will either hurtus or help us!us or help us!– 1 Corinthians 15:331 Corinthians 15:33

Superficial and worldlySuperficial and worldly??Fair-weathered and self-servingFair-weathered and self-serving

Proverbs 19:6; cf. Luke 15:16Proverbs 19:6; cf. Luke 15:16

These entice you to sinThese entice you to sinProverbs 1:10-11Proverbs 1:10-11

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FRIENDSHIPS

• Friends will either hurtFriends will either hurtus or help us.us or help us.– 1 Corinthians 15:331 Corinthians 15:33

Genuine and godly?Genuine and godly?Share a common faith, values and goals.Share a common faith, values and goals.

2 Peter 1:1 “like precious faith.”2 Peter 1:1 “like precious faith.”

Tells you what you Tells you what you needneed to hear! to hear!Proverbs 27:6, 9Proverbs 27:6, 9

You become better and stronger You become better and stronger spiritually because of them.spiritually because of them.Proverbs 27:17Proverbs 27:17

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FRIENDSHIPS

• Review and ResolveReview and Resolve– (2 Corinthians 13:5)(2 Corinthians 13:5)

ReviewReview: Are your friends hindering you or : Are your friends hindering you or helping you be faithful and grow in helping you be faithful and grow in

Christ?Christ?ResolveResolve (action): Be Christ’s friend and (action): Be Christ’s friend and

choose your friends wisely! choose your friends wisely! John 15:14John 15:14

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FRIENDSHIPS

FAILURE TO PRAY

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• Prayer suggests a healthyPrayer suggests a healthyrelationship with God.relationship with God.– Hebrews 4:16Hebrews 4:16

ChristianChristian: Did you think to pray?: Did you think to pray?1 1 Thessalonians 5:17Thessalonians 5:17

ChristianChristian: Have you stopped praying?: Have you stopped praying?Not depending on GodNot depending on GodNot trusting in GodNot trusting in GodNot being thankful to GodNot being thankful to GodYou are exposed to the devil, sin and death!You are exposed to the devil, sin and death!

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FAILURE TO PRAY

• Review and ResolveReview and Resolve– (2 Corinthians 13:5)(2 Corinthians 13:5)

ReviewReview: What place does prayer have in : What place does prayer have in your life?your life?

ResolveResolve (action): Repent and start praying. (action): Repent and start praying.Mark 1:35Mark 1:35 - Jesus got up early to pray. - Jesus got up early to pray.Model Prayer - Model Prayer - Matthew 6:9ffMatthew 6:9ffPray for others and be thankful - Pray for others and be thankful - Philippians 4:6Philippians 4:6

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FAILURE TO PRAY

IsolationWorldly counselorsFriendshipsFailure to pray

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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

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