TITLE: Why People Give Up

TEXT: Hebrews (entire book)

PROPOSITION: We need to understand why people give up on religion.

QUESTION: Why?

KEY WORD: Reasons

READING: Hebrews 2:1-3

INTRODUCTION

1. Statistics show that 50% of those baptized - quit church within 5 years.

2. Studies indicate we are losing about half our children - raised in church.

3. Book of Hebrews addressed this same issue in the early church.

Deadly drift 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

1. Slowly, over time, so gradual it is not noticed

2. When you realize it - you are already gone

Unbelief 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; (14) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

1. Things happen in life - begin to doubt, question

2. This doubt leads to a) stronger faith; OR b) unbelief

Boredom 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

1. Much sin is the result of boredom.

2. There is much to do - fields white unto harvest

3. Grade Bible Courses, hand out tracts, invite others to worship

4. Set up a Bible study, teach a class – Sunday, Wednesday, VBS

5. Participate in visitation, plan activities for children, decorate bulletin boards

Laziness 6:11-12 ¹¹And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, ¹²that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

1. Slothful = lazy “be not slothful”

2. Lazy causes others to carry more of the load

3. Look at busy people and offer to help

Isolation 12:1-3 ¹Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

1. Many around to encourage us.

2. Elijah thought he was all alone - 5,000 prophets

Self-pity 12:4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

1. What have you suffered for Christ?

2. Song - “Ready to Suffer”

3. Persecution complex - some desire persecution

Misunderstanding God 12:5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; (7) If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

1. We blame God - “Why is God doing (allowing) this?”

2. It may be - We need straightening out!

3. God punishes those He loves.