In the bible there are some extraordinarily strong, terrible words of warning. 2 Peter 2:20-21. They are placed there by God Himself. Yet with most warnings there is a word of grace. 2 Peter 3:9-10
I. How God Treats Sinners
1. Titus 3:3-4, Ephesians 2:2-4, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
2. The love of God is seen in the worlds, “being often reproved.”
a. It means in spite of many warnings.
b. The word reprove is the same word in John 16:8.
3. God, through the Holy Spirit is trying to convince sinners of their need and danger.
4. Notice it is always God who does the reproving so in our salvation God takes the initiative.
5. More specific, how does God reprove and warn men and women and show His concern for their soul.
a. Though the life and example and pleading of godly parents or friend.
b. Through a pastor or teacher.
c. Through a drastic measure
1) Loss of loved one.
2) Sickness
3) Business failure.
6. God keeps reproving or knocking at your heart’s door.
7. God loves sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15, Romans 5:8
II. How Sinners Treat God. Proverbs 29:1
1. He, that being often reproved hardenteth his neck.
2. The word “holden” implies not an action but an attitude.
3. A process, how easily we get hardened.
a. Once our hearts and consciences were tender and impressionable.
b. Hebrews 3:7-19
4. The expression “hardeneth his neck” was used to illustrated a rebellious animal.
5. Nehemiah 9:15-17
6. Some are in danger of committing the unpardonable sin.
a. The willful, rejection of God’s grace and mercy.
b. Hardening your neck. Isaiah 53:6, john 5:40, Matthew 12:30
III. Who is the Winner? God or Sinner
1. One of my favorite sayings, “You can tune God out, but you can never tune God out and win.
2. Shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy. No way to alter, no way to turn back.
3. God says to the man who harden s his heart that His judgment is coming. Ecclesiastes 8:8, 11-13; 9:3
4. Notice three thoughts concerning this judgment.
a. It is certain
1) Acts 17:30-31
2) Hebrews 10:30-31
b. It is sudden
1) Death is sudden. Luke 12:20
2) Pentecost came suddenly. Acts 2:2
3) Jesus will return suddenly. Mark 13:36
4) Judgment will come suddenly. 1 Thessalonians 5:3
c. Judgment will be final
1) No second chance beyond the grave.
2) Proverbs 1:24-31
3) Isaiah 55:6-7
5. Proverbs 29:1, is one of the most solemn verses in the bible.
a. Do you believe it?
b. It is true, unbelievably.
6. Be honest with yourself.
a. You can never say that God does not love you and long for your salvation.
1) Romans 10:13
2) 2 Peter 3:9
b. You can never say you have not had a chance to be saved. John 6:37
c. If you die in your sin, you can never say you thought you would have another chance of being saved after death. John 8:21-24
