Special Note: Since the 30th is a 5th Sunday there will be donuts and coffee in the basement at 9:30 am. Everyone is welcome.
Morning: Lord willing, we will conclude the sermon series, Jesus Our Great High Priest. This sermon is entitled, "Nothing but the Blood" and comes from Hebrews 9:1-10:18. The main idea of the the passage is, "By one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy" (Heb 10:14).
One of my favorite hymns asks:
What can wash away my sins? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)
What can make me whole again? (Nothing but the blood of Jesus)
This passage expresses this truth through an elaborate discussion of the tabernacle and the sacrificial system. The author tells us that the tabernacle pointed to the coming of a greater sacrifice that could cleanse the conscience, not just make one ceremonially clean. He tells us that Christ had to die to cleanse us, because "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). And he also demonstrates that Jesus willingly shed his blood on our behalf.
I. The division of the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place points to the reality that the sacrifices were not sufficient to cleanse the conscience (9:1-10).
Hebrews 9:9 states, "This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper."
II. The Law decrees that blood must be shed in order for sins to be remitted (9:11-28).
Hebrews 9:22 states, "In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness."
III. It was for this purpose that Jesus willingly entered our world (10:1-18).
Hebrews 10:9-10 states, "Then he said, ‘Here I am, I have come to do your will.’ . . . And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
This passage compels us to cling to Christ alone as our righteousness. It calls us as believers to worship the Lord for his gracious gift. It calls us to walk in confident faith, knowing that Christ has perfected us in righteousness. It compels the unbeliever to turn to Christ and find forgiveness.
Evening: We will look at giving thanks.
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sermon Review 10-26-08
Sunday Morning: We began a series entitled, Jesus our Great High Priest, from Hebrews 4:14-10:18. This sermon dealt with the text of Hebrews 4:14-5:10. Entitled "Before the Throne of God Above", the sermon looked at the qualities of Jesus' priesthood, Jesus' qualifications as a priest, and the characteristics of his priestly ministry. By focusing on Jesus priestly ministry the author of Hebrews reminds us that we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (4:16).
Chapter 4:14-16 states that Jesus was a "great high priest", that he "passed through the heavens", that he was "the Son of God", that he was able to "sympathize with our weaknesses", and that he was "without sin". These are the qualities of his ministry. His priesthood is greater than the Aaronic (Old Covenant) priesthood, because he is greater than Aaron. He has entered the heavenly tabernacle that was the pattern for the earthly tabernacle. He did not have to make sacrifice for his own sin first, nor does he make sacrifices daily. He was and is without sin and his sacrifice was once for all. All the sacrifices in the Old Testament point to Christ's sacrifice. Even the priesthood pointed to a greater priest.
His qualifications for priesthood are stated in chapter 5:1-6. The high priest is selected from among men, from the tribe of Levi and from the house of Aaron. The author knew that his audience would want to how Jesus could be a priest. The Old Testament is full of stories of those who took the priesthood upon themselves without God's approval. Aaron lost two sons who offered unauthorized fire (Lev. 10); Saul lost his kingdom (1 Sam. 15); Uzziah lost his health (2 Chr. 26). Jesus was not a son of Aaron nor was he a Levite. The author informs them that Jesus did not take this glory upon himself, but that God had appointed him.
Jesus was appointed to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek (see Gen 14:17ff). The expression "order of Melchizedek" does not mean that their was a continual line of priests from Melchizedek to Jesus. It means that Melchizedek's story is included into the biblical story because he foreshadowed Christ. He was a type of the coming priest, who represented the Most High God and was greater than Abram. We will explore Melchizedek and how he foreshadows Christ's in the weeks ahead. The author's point is that Jesus qualifies for priesthood, not by his genealogy, but through his divine appointment. An appointment that sets him above and beyond all other priests.
Finally, we looked at the characteristics of his earthy priestly ministry in 5:7-10. His ministry was (and is) prayerful ("he offered up prayers and petitions"). It was tearful ("with loud cries and tears"). It was effective ("and he was heard because of his reverent submission"). Christ's prayers in the garden of Gethsemane were answered. We often think of the petition, "If this cup can pass, let it pass" and we think that was Jesus' only will for the moment. However, we fail to realize that Jesus had one overarching will in his life, a will that drove him, a will that fed him, and that will was to do the will of his Father. Jesus did not just pray "Let this cup pass", he also prayed, "not my will, but yours be done." God answered his prayer and enabled him to drink the cup.
Jesus, even as the Son of God, had to walk in obedience. The author is not suggesting in verse 8 that Jesus was somehow disobedient before the cross. No, he has already stated that Jesus was without sin. I think he is expressing the experiential nature of Christ's obedience. From all eternity Jesus knew right, he defined it, but in the face of temptation, he had to choose right. Jesus knows all the weapons in Satan's arsenal, and just how powerful they are. And in spite of the attack on him, he remained true and faithful. Verse 9 tells us that "once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." The expression "made perfect" refers to his resurrection. Once he was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven, Jesus forever secured our way to God. As long as we continue to trust in his work on the cross we continue to have an advocate before the throne of God above.
Sunday Night: We took a whirlwind tour of Church History. We looked at names like Constantine, Luther, John Smyth and Thomas Helwys. We looked at the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian Creed. We looked at some of the Christological errors in the early church. We also covered the Schism, the Reformation, and the development of Baptists in England and America. We concluded by exploring the development of Southern Baptists and Monticello's own history.
Chapter 4:14-16 states that Jesus was a "great high priest", that he "passed through the heavens", that he was "the Son of God", that he was able to "sympathize with our weaknesses", and that he was "without sin". These are the qualities of his ministry. His priesthood is greater than the Aaronic (Old Covenant) priesthood, because he is greater than Aaron. He has entered the heavenly tabernacle that was the pattern for the earthly tabernacle. He did not have to make sacrifice for his own sin first, nor does he make sacrifices daily. He was and is without sin and his sacrifice was once for all. All the sacrifices in the Old Testament point to Christ's sacrifice. Even the priesthood pointed to a greater priest.
His qualifications for priesthood are stated in chapter 5:1-6. The high priest is selected from among men, from the tribe of Levi and from the house of Aaron. The author knew that his audience would want to how Jesus could be a priest. The Old Testament is full of stories of those who took the priesthood upon themselves without God's approval. Aaron lost two sons who offered unauthorized fire (Lev. 10); Saul lost his kingdom (1 Sam. 15); Uzziah lost his health (2 Chr. 26). Jesus was not a son of Aaron nor was he a Levite. The author informs them that Jesus did not take this glory upon himself, but that God had appointed him.
Jesus was appointed to be a priest in the order of Melchizedek (see Gen 14:17ff). The expression "order of Melchizedek" does not mean that their was a continual line of priests from Melchizedek to Jesus. It means that Melchizedek's story is included into the biblical story because he foreshadowed Christ. He was a type of the coming priest, who represented the Most High God and was greater than Abram. We will explore Melchizedek and how he foreshadows Christ's in the weeks ahead. The author's point is that Jesus qualifies for priesthood, not by his genealogy, but through his divine appointment. An appointment that sets him above and beyond all other priests.
Finally, we looked at the characteristics of his earthy priestly ministry in 5:7-10. His ministry was (and is) prayerful ("he offered up prayers and petitions"). It was tearful ("with loud cries and tears"). It was effective ("and he was heard because of his reverent submission"). Christ's prayers in the garden of Gethsemane were answered. We often think of the petition, "If this cup can pass, let it pass" and we think that was Jesus' only will for the moment. However, we fail to realize that Jesus had one overarching will in his life, a will that drove him, a will that fed him, and that will was to do the will of his Father. Jesus did not just pray "Let this cup pass", he also prayed, "not my will, but yours be done." God answered his prayer and enabled him to drink the cup.
Jesus, even as the Son of God, had to walk in obedience. The author is not suggesting in verse 8 that Jesus was somehow disobedient before the cross. No, he has already stated that Jesus was without sin. I think he is expressing the experiential nature of Christ's obedience. From all eternity Jesus knew right, he defined it, but in the face of temptation, he had to choose right. Jesus knows all the weapons in Satan's arsenal, and just how powerful they are. And in spite of the attack on him, he remained true and faithful. Verse 9 tells us that "once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." The expression "made perfect" refers to his resurrection. Once he was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven, Jesus forever secured our way to God. As long as we continue to trust in his work on the cross we continue to have an advocate before the throne of God above.
Sunday Night: We took a whirlwind tour of Church History. We looked at names like Constantine, Luther, John Smyth and Thomas Helwys. We looked at the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian Creed. We looked at some of the Christological errors in the early church. We also covered the Schism, the Reformation, and the development of Baptists in England and America. We concluded by exploring the development of Southern Baptists and Monticello's own history.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Snapshots of My Day
My day started with a distressing report about Ray Boltz. The news was shocking and heart breaking. It is a keen reminder that we do not know a man's heart. I hope that the Lord will bring Mr. Boltz to repentance. We need to lift him up in prayer asking God to do a mighty work in his heart.
My day got better when I took a group of people from the church to a SuperSaturday training (put on by the Kentucky Baptist Convention). From my experience and what I could gather from the conversation on the way home it was a very helpful training for everyone. I want to thank Monticello for paying our way and I also want to thank everyone who went. Let's put those ideas to work.
I have been trying not to spend money, but I picked up a few books: Dr. Albert Mohler's Atheism Remix and He Is Not Silent, Ed Stetzer's and Mike Dodson's Comeback Churches, Thom and Sam Rainer's Essential Churh? audiobook, the 2009 Lifeway doctrine study, Vibrant Church by Rainer and Akin, and also Tom Wright's Hebrews for Everybody. I let you know how they turn out.
Don't forget that tomorrow we launch out on our Jesus-Greatest, Highest series. We will look at Jesus, God's Greatest Revelation.
My day got better when I took a group of people from the church to a SuperSaturday training (put on by the Kentucky Baptist Convention). From my experience and what I could gather from the conversation on the way home it was a very helpful training for everyone. I want to thank Monticello for paying our way and I also want to thank everyone who went. Let's put those ideas to work.
I have been trying not to spend money, but I picked up a few books: Dr. Albert Mohler's Atheism Remix and He Is Not Silent, Ed Stetzer's and Mike Dodson's Comeback Churches, Thom and Sam Rainer's Essential Churh? audiobook, the 2009 Lifeway doctrine study, Vibrant Church by Rainer and Akin, and also Tom Wright's Hebrews for Everybody. I let you know how they turn out.
Don't forget that tomorrow we launch out on our Jesus-Greatest, Highest series. We will look at Jesus, God's Greatest Revelation.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Some Background on Hebrews
Context is the key to proper biblical interpretation. We must interpret each passage in a book in light of the rest of that book. Knowing the situation out of which a book arose helps us to understand it better. We must also remember that no book is an island. While looking at the part, whether a passage or a book, we must keep the whole of Scripture in mind.
Hebrews offers a greater challenge than most of the New Testament letters when it comes to determining its context. No author is named and no specific audience is addressed. In fact, most scholars don't think Hebrews is a letter at all; they think it is a sermon. Let us look at some important facts.
Who wrote Hebrews? The King James Version (KJV) states it is Paul's epistle to the Hebrews. However, none of the earliest Greek manuscripts possess that title or Paul's name. The book was written anonymously. The church has been divided on its authorship. Clement of Rome attributed it to Paul. Tertullian thought it was Barnabas. Martin Luther thought it was Apollos. Others have suggested Priscilla or Aquilla or Matthais. It is probably wisest to conclude with Origen: "God alone knows" who is the author of Hebrews. The anonymity of the letter fits with the authors own emphasis of God speaking to his people.
Who was it written to? We may reason that since it is called "Hebrews" the author was addressing Hebrew Christians. It was probably written to maturing Christians of Jewish decent, but the book does not say for certain. What is clear is that these people were very familiar with the Old Testament and the sacrifical system.
When was it written? Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Considering the repeated mentioning of the obsolete nature of the Old Covenant it is hard to believe that the author would neglect to mention the destruction of the temple. Most date Hebrews between 65 and 70 AD.
Why was it written? It was written to encourage fidelity to Jesus. The author demonstrates Jesus' superiority to all things and warns his readers (repeatedly) not to allow unbelief to rule in their hearts. It calls us to cling to Jesus no matter what the cost, because falling away would cost more.
Tips:
Read through Hebrews daily while we are going through it on Sundays. It will take the average reader 40 minutes and slower readers about an hour. If you don't like to read you can listen to an audio version.
Read through Genesis (esp. chs 12-25); Exodus (esp. chs 19-40); Leviticus (esp. chs 1-10, 21-27); and Numbers (esp. chs 6:22-25:17)
If your Bible has footnotes, look up any Scripture references and study them. If your Bible has references look up one or two per chapter every day or look up the references for verses that puzzle or interest you.
Pray that God would help you to "see" Jesus more clearly through this study. Pray that he would help you understand this powerful book. Pray for me that God would enable me to accuately open and explain each passage in such a way that we might apply these truths to our lives.
Hebrews offers a greater challenge than most of the New Testament letters when it comes to determining its context. No author is named and no specific audience is addressed. In fact, most scholars don't think Hebrews is a letter at all; they think it is a sermon. Let us look at some important facts.
Who wrote Hebrews? The King James Version (KJV) states it is Paul's epistle to the Hebrews. However, none of the earliest Greek manuscripts possess that title or Paul's name. The book was written anonymously. The church has been divided on its authorship. Clement of Rome attributed it to Paul. Tertullian thought it was Barnabas. Martin Luther thought it was Apollos. Others have suggested Priscilla or Aquilla or Matthais. It is probably wisest to conclude with Origen: "God alone knows" who is the author of Hebrews. The anonymity of the letter fits with the authors own emphasis of God speaking to his people.
Who was it written to? We may reason that since it is called "Hebrews" the author was addressing Hebrew Christians. It was probably written to maturing Christians of Jewish decent, but the book does not say for certain. What is clear is that these people were very familiar with the Old Testament and the sacrifical system.
When was it written? Hebrews was likely written before the destruction of the temple in 70 AD. Considering the repeated mentioning of the obsolete nature of the Old Covenant it is hard to believe that the author would neglect to mention the destruction of the temple. Most date Hebrews between 65 and 70 AD.
Why was it written? It was written to encourage fidelity to Jesus. The author demonstrates Jesus' superiority to all things and warns his readers (repeatedly) not to allow unbelief to rule in their hearts. It calls us to cling to Jesus no matter what the cost, because falling away would cost more.
Tips:
Read through Hebrews daily while we are going through it on Sundays. It will take the average reader 40 minutes and slower readers about an hour. If you don't like to read you can listen to an audio version.
Read through Genesis (esp. chs 12-25); Exodus (esp. chs 19-40); Leviticus (esp. chs 1-10, 21-27); and Numbers (esp. chs 6:22-25:17)
If your Bible has footnotes, look up any Scripture references and study them. If your Bible has references look up one or two per chapter every day or look up the references for verses that puzzle or interest you.
Pray that God would help you to "see" Jesus more clearly through this study. Pray that he would help you understand this powerful book. Pray for me that God would enable me to accuately open and explain each passage in such a way that we might apply these truths to our lives.
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