Death to Unbelief: Hebrews 3:12-15
Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says:
“Today, when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” Hebrews 3:12-15 NLT
A war is waged for you right now, for the faithfulness of your heart. And the danger is not just out in the world…
Hebrews 3 doesn't warn the world but warns us, the church. Take care, dear brothers and sisters… Slow, silent unbelief can creep in through comfort, disappointment, and sin that whispers, later…
But when will the day come to believe if we wait for later? Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts… This is not a gentle reminder, but a holy alarm. A hardened heart doesn’t softly drift but takes a fall, cracking into pieces. This is why discipleship is like a sticky glue, binding us to God’s loving will.
Disciple-making is not a ministry niche, but a tactic of spiritual warfare. Embodying the gospel is rescue work. Encouraging our believing friends and checking on those struggling with their faith is discipleship in action. Sharing Christ by extending grace or speaking in love to those we meet every day is how we help each other choose faith.
Jesus is better than sin, lies, and a hardened life. Jesus is calling us today. Jesus is calling you.
So, believer:
Look to Christ.
Speak the Word.
Embrace the wandering.
Live the gospel.
Do it today before your heart forgets the sound of his voice.
For everyday disciple-making and gospel-living in community, here’s a checklist of questions to guide you to hear and act from the wisdom of Hebrews 3:12-15:
IN (daily personal accountability)
Have I fixed my heart on Jesus today? (heb. 3:1)
Am I guarding against unbelief or spiritual drift? (heb. 3:12)
Is there any sin I’m justifying, excusing, or hiding?
Have I responded to God’s voice today in obedience? (heb. 3:15)
WITH (daily relational obedience)
Have I encouraged a brother or sister in Christ today? (heb. 3:13)
Am I consistently meeting with a few others for mutual encouragement and truth?
Is my walk helping others find faith in Christ?
OUT (living sent)
Who is the Spirit leading me to reach or invite to intentional friendship?
Am I listening for opportunities to speak the truth, offer hope, and share Christ today?
Is there someone I can pray for who is far from God?
AROUND (gathered obedience)
Did I meet with others in a simple church?
Did we listen to God’s word and obey it together?
Did we share what God is doing and pray for each other’s faith and mission?
Are we multiplying by training new disciples and seeking to form new groups?
Simple Church Application
If you are reading Hebrews 3:12-15 with your simple group, please take time to discuss the scripture with three open-ended questions to refrain from finding the “right” answer:
After reading the scripture in the group once or twice, ask the following questions:
What is being highlighted to you in this scripture/What is God highlighting to you in this scripture?
What is challenging about this scripture?
How is God moving you to act or respond to this scripture?
Respond by closing in prayer, lifting challenges to God, and/or praying in agreement with ways God is calling you or others to move in obedience.
Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and if there is more to pray about, whether it be for someone or something specific, continue to pray. Allow time for listening in the spirit, providing silence for the group to be prompted by God in the moment.
