Ash Wednesday is an invitation for us to “examine ourselves to see whether we are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). As we begin the Lenten season and seek deeper communion with Christ, we look to Hebrews 3:12-15 for some examination. 

How many stories have you heard of someone who loved Jesus, served Jesus, was active in the church, maybe even a leader in the church—and then seemingly out of nowhere, fell away from not only the church, but Jesus as well? This should cause you to think, How does this happen? Why does this happen? 
You see, the drift into spiritual apathy is a slow one—and it could happen to you, too. Hebrews 3:12-15 reveals to us the process by which it can happen and how to avoid it. This is one of the reasons why the book of Hebrews was written: to urge and encourage believers to persevere in their walk with Christ as our anchor, lest we fall away too.
 May the Spirit of God soften our hearts, convict us of sin, and awaken us from spiritual slumber to take real inventory of our hearts, minds, and lives that we would follow Christ truly and wholeheartedly. 

BIG IDEA: I will either persevere with Christ or fall away from Christ.
How to Fall Away from Christ
Never check your heart (12)
Ignore warnings (13a) 
Live in sin (13b)
How to Persevere with Christ 
Share in identity of Christ (14a) 
Hold firm to faith in Christ (14b) 
Listen to Christ’s voice today! (15)