A Heart Capable of Unbelief
David Wilkerson warns that even believers can possess a heart capable of unbelief, but encourages them to hold fast to confidence in God and endure trials of faith for an eternal blessing.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of unbelief among God's people, drawing parallels between the Israelites' initial faith after their deliverance from Egypt and their subsequent doubt. He highlights God's incredulity at their rejection and questions how long it will take for His people to fully trust Him. Wilkerson warns that even believers can harbor a heart of unbelief, urging them to maintain their confidence in Christ despite trials. He encourages enduring hardships as a means to purify faith, reminding listeners that their faith is more precious than gold and that God can be trusted through any test.
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When the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt and they crossed over the Red Sea, their faith was at an all-time high. They sang, danced and shouted the praises of God for revealing his mighty arm of deliverance. "The Lord is my strength and song ... your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power ... the Lord shall reign forever and ever" (Exodus 15:2, 6, 18).
But the Israelites soon forgot his works and turned away from his guidance. They reverted to doubt and unbelief, and the heavenly Father was incredulous. "Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel. Then the Lord said to Moses: 'How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?'" (Numbers 14:10-11). What a profound cry from the heart of God: "What do I have to do to find a people who will fully trust me?"
Just as in Moses' day, God's people today trudge blindly on in unbelief, seeming to believe that the grace of God exempts them from the penalties of sin. But the Word makes it clear that even followers of Christ can possess a heart capable of unbelief, "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God" (Hebrews 3:12). It is not talking of degenerates here; it is talking to believers. "Brothers, beware, because you could have a heart of unbelief -- in you!"
The Scriptures say, "For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end" (3:14). Some of God's people today are losing the unwavering confidence they once had because of severe testing. Jesus warned of fiery trials of faith that would immediately precede his coming but do not fall back into fear and unbelief.
"Your faith [is] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire" (1 Peter 1:7). Though you will go through trials do not allow your faith to be diminished by the fire. Instead, allow your faith to be purified. To be made holy. Endure the temporary hardship for an eternal blessing. The God you serve loves you and can be trusted to bring you through any test!
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to Unbelief
- A. The Israelites' initial faith and subsequent unbelief
- B. The consequences of unbelief
- II. The Heart of Unbelief
- A. A heart capable of unbelief in believers
- B. The danger of losing confidence in God
- III. The Call to Faith
- A. Holding fast to confidence in God
- B. Enduring trials of faith
- IV. The Reward of Faith
- A. Purifying faith through trials
- B. The eternal blessing of trusting God
Key Quotes
“What do I have to do to find a people who will fully trust me?” — David Wilkerson
“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” — David Wilkerson
“Your faith [is] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We must hold fast to our confidence in God and not fall back into fear and unbelief.
- We can endure trials of faith by allowing our faith to be purified and made holy.
- The God we serve loves us and can be trusted to bring us through any test.