July 6, 2015: SOAP #2041: Hosea 6-9; Hebrews 3

If-s and Because-s

Scripture: Hebrews (NIV) 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we has at first…
16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? …
19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

Observation: If—probably the biggest little word in the English language. It has the power to change the whole progress of a thought. It provides understanding as to why something did or did not happen. The “if” phrase often provides the basis for the “because” phrase.

Application: God has made promises “if” I obey. God has also made promises “if” I disobey. I must be careful not to think that God will remember His promises for blessing and forget His promises for judgment! God keeps His promises because He is true to Himself.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness. 1John 1:9. If I confess my sins and turn from them, He has promised to take the payment Jesus made on the cross as payment for my sins! Wow!

Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father for clearly laying out your plan for my life in your Holy Word. Thank you for revealing your character. Thank you for the “if-s” and the “because-s.” Amen