Relationships
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction
Introduction
Good morning!
It is good to have everyone together today. I hope it wasn’t too difficult getting everyone in and finding seats.
I’m grateful for our connections team and how well they handled everything this morning. If you’d like to be apart of that team to help us with our first impression of Liberty Baptist when people arrive, please let us know on the Next Step Card.
This morning we are continuing and actually finishing our Series on Social Faith. Next week, I’ve asked Pastor davidson to preach again so that I may take some time and look forward to next year and do some preaching and ministry planning.
I typically do that in the summer but this year was a little different so I’m going to be working on that one week at a time between now and January.
However, today we are in the book of Hebrews. Paul is the accepted author if this epistle written to Hebrew Believers and primarily concerns itself with how Jesus fulfills all of the law and sacrifices.
In chapter 10 we are going to see Paul writing about Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the effect it has on us.
Todays message is simply titled Relationships. We are focusing on living out our faith in society and online and what is our life made up of? I believe the argument could be made that life is made up of relationships. Relationships at home, work, school, church, hobbies, wherever you find yourself you find that you have some form of a relationship with an entity or individual there.
As I preach would you ask yourself
“In what ways do I need to allow my faith to affect more of my relationships?”
Follow along with me as I read
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
PRAY
In the first verse that we are looking at today Paul lays out to the Hebrew believers he is writing to that we have a new relationship with God.
I. We have a New Relationship with God
I. We have a New Relationship with God
I know I don’t like the term but you’ve heard this phrase tossed around some of a “new normal.”
Why is that phrase even necessary?
Because there was a change, there was something that took place that affected an area or multiple ares of our life.
When we enter into our relationship with God through faith in Jesus we should begin to experience a new normal.
Why? Because Jesus changes us.
He changed the lives of the Hebrew believers.
While we may read over verse 19 and just gloss over it as if its nothing, the Jews that read it would have been floored by this concept.
Because of our faith in Jesus, we can enter into the holiest…what is that.
In the tabernacle there was an area called the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies.
Why was this place so important?
Lev 16:2
2 And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.
This is the place God would reside.
And the first High Priest Aaron was told not to enter. He could only enter after great ritual and only once a year.
Now, through Christ we have direct access to the Holiest place and the God who resides in there.
That’s a new relationship. That’s like going from the girl who you have to talk to her dad before she can go on a date with you to being married.
We can know God. We can personally and individually know the creator of the universe, the one who sent His Son to die for our sins, and the one who loves us unconditionally.
We have a new relationship with God. And when someone gets close to God…it affects them.
Moses got to see God pass by him on the mountain and afterwards when he came down from the mountain his face glowed.
Ex 34:29
29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.
Moses saw God physically and it had an effect on him.
When we enter into a relationship with God spiritually it should have an effect on us.
And just like with any new relationship there are responsibilities that we must fulfill.
We have responsiblities in our relationship with God.
II. We have Responsibilities in our Relationship with God
II. We have Responsibilities in our Relationship with God
As the verses we read say, we have a new and living way because of Jesus sacrifice and Him now serving as our High priest to God.
Because of those things we are to follow the admonishment of v 22
Heb 10:22
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us draw near. We have a responsibility to draw near to God.
When you enter a new relationship you have a desire to be near that person and get to know them more.
However the reason for your developing the relationship will effect how you fulfill your responsiblities in the realtionship.
The online dating company eHarmony markets the idea of a soul mate, in commercials. But sometimes the soul mate idea can steer us wrongly into thinking marriage exists solely to make us happy. Then, when we hit bumps in the road, we might be tempted to quit. In contrast, Christian men and women in marriage or about to enter into marriage should always look at it realistically, especially in light of its covenantal aspect. Gary Thomas says that one common misconception Christians have about marriage is “Finding a ‘soul mate’—someone who will complete us. … The problem with looking to another human to complete us is that, spiritually speaking, it’s idolatry. We are to find our fulfillment and purpose in God. … If we expect our spouse to be ‘God’ to us, he or she will fail every day. No person can live up to such expectations.” Only God completes people. People fail other people and putting another person on such a high pedestal will ultimately lead to disappointment and bitterness. Marriage is not the end goal of the Christian life; intimacy with God is (Gary Thomas, quoted in Carol Heffernan, “God’s Design for Marriage,” January 1, 2002, https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/gods-design-for-marriage/).
Just as our spouse cant be God to us…our view of why God has a relationship with us should be in proper perspective.
God desires a relationship with us. God sent His Son to die so that could happen. He gives us a new life. Old things pass away and all things become new.
He has chosen us to live holy lives and without blame before Him in love
Eph 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
And there are other places that speak of how we are called to be a peculiar people, a royal priesthood, and live the purpose that God has for us.
However, unlike eharmony would like for us to believe, this relationship with God and all others…do not exist for our happiness.
“Wait, Pastor…you mean I’m not supposed to be happy?” I didn’t say that…not did I say you would be.
Our relationship with God shouldn’t be founded upon how happy He can make us and it’s definitely not about how happy we can make Him.
Isaiah said our righteous works are as filthy rags. The good things we do are filthy rags in the eyes of God.
The relationship we have with God through Jesus allows us to change from the inside out. However we have responsiblities to fulfill in that relationship.
They aren’t hard. We don’t have to develop cures for diseases, we don’t have to solve world peace…we just have to obey
John 14:21
21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
We show our love for God and fulfill our responsiblities by keeping the commandments Jesus sat forth
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Love God and love others.
When we are fulfilling our responsiblities in our relationship with God we might not be happy all the time but we can be joyful.
Being full of joy isn’t determined by our circumstances…it is determined by our understanding of and relationship with God.
Too many people are waiting for God to remove the bad things in life to have joy.
God never promised to remove those things. He promised troubles and trials
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So happiness isn’t going to always be available but closeness is. Because just as God promised to save you, just as Jesus promised tribulations, He also promised
Hebrews 13:5
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Fulfill your responsibilities to God in your relationship with Him by loving Him and pursuing Him alone.
Then realize we have responsibilities with those we interact with.
III. We have Responsibilities to those we interact with
III. We have Responsibilities to those we interact with
Heb 10:23-24
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
When we are pursuing God and focused on our new relationship with him, we will find ourselves faithful without wavering and considering others.
Yes, this text is written to Christians to consider themselves and that has implications with the following verse and whole point of our message but should also be considered in light of the rest of scripture.
The parable I’m about to read is one that you may find familiar. The context of the passage is this: A lawyer stands and asks Jesus about inheriting eternal life. Jesus asks Him about the law and he responds with loving God and loving your neighbor. Jesus affirms his answer and then we get to our text.
(Pause and speak on samaritians and jews while reading)
Luke 10:29-37
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
So who is our neighbor? Everyone. Regardless of race, political party, and ideologies. each person is a soul that Jesus Christ died to save. Each person has a drop of blood that was spilt for them and when we cannot overcome our differences and see a that the kingdom of God’s advancement is more important than a political ideologies, we disrespect every drop of blood shed for us as believers.
Our new relationship with God changes our responsibilities to Him and to others.
We are to love, we are to help, we are to be the #handsandfeetofJesus too all.
And in the current social climate of our country I’m afraid that too many of us are getting so focused on things that God already has cared for rather than caring for those God desires us to care for.
Our new relationship with God comes with new responsibilities and we can’t fulfill our responsibilities online.
IV. We can’t fulfill our Responsibilities online
IV. We can’t fulfill our Responsibilities online
Heb 10:25
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
We may be able to have a gospel witness online but we CANNOT fulfill our responsiblities to God and to others in our relationships online.
As nice as it may be to have online relationships, it can never completely substitute for our need for physical community. It can be easy to assume that all we need is online community since so much of our lives revolve around internet based outlets.
But having a community of believers is an important part of our spiritual and emotional health, as well as our participation in the mission of Christ In Hebrews 10:24, the author shares the idea that we stimulate one another to “love and good deeds.”
Good deeds are typically done in person and in tangible ways: serving at a homeless shelter, babysitting your teacher’s kids, helping a friend with their homework, or even paying for the movie ticket of the person in front of you.
This is not to say you cannot do good online. Using outlets like GoFundMe or donating to charities online can be a great way to do good deeds. However, being with people and serving them well should be the priority.
“Even in those times there were some who forsook these assemblies. The communion of the saints is a great help and privilege, and a good means of steadiness and perseverance. … To exhort one another, to watch over one another, and be jealous of ourselves and one another with a godly jealousy. This, would be the best friendship”-Matthew Henry
The author of Hebrews goes on to say that we shouldn’t forsake our assembling together but should continue to encourage one another (v. 25). Sometimes, verbal encouragement isn’t enough.
When we’re nervous about a dance recital we feel better after a hug; we want someone to sit with us and watch a movie after a bad breakup. When we distance ourselves from community, it can take a toll on our spiritual lives.
Prov 18:1
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh And intermeddleth with all wisdom.
This means that people who isolate themselves seek their own desires and quarrel against all sound wisdom. The need for community serves as a boundary for us, so that we do not become tempted to seek our own desires. When it comes to social media, our online relationships are great and necessary, but they can never replace the importance of a physical community of believers.
The relationship we have in this world are important. It’s been said that we are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
What if you aren’t spend time with anyone except online?
Teens, among us isn’t an acceptable way of spending time with others. While fun, not the point.
Talk with one another, have conversation about what’s going on in your day, share your concerns and seek to encourage one another.
that’s to all of us.
When God gives us a new relationship through faith in Christ He is giving us a new life. That means different responsibilities to Him and to others lived out as we physically interact with others.
That only happens if we allow our faith to effect our relationships.
Time of Response
Time of Response
Does your faith effect your relationships?
In what ways would you say your relationships are not being impacted by your faith? Are you not showing grace? Are you not seeking to help others?
In whatever way you could take your faith and inject it into your relationships online and in person, would you commit that to God today?
As we enter our time fo response I’d like to ask you bow your heads and close your eyes.
How is your relationship with God?
Do you have one?
Are you here today and woudln’t identify as a beleiver in Jesus Christ?
You’ve never trusted Him as your savior?
Maybe you’ve never heard
John 3:16 KJV 190016 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God does love you. Loves you so much He sent Jesus to die for you.
Now you are faced with a decision…will you continue finding salvation in your own works or in the finished work of Christ?
Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV 19008 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Your first have to admit your sinner
Romans 3:23 KJV 190023 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
I’m sure each of us could do that.Next you believe
Romans 10:9 KJV 19009 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Then confess. Confess Jesus as your Savior and call out to Him
Romans 10:13 KJV 190013 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
IF you’d like to do that today I’d like to help.
“Dear Jesus, I know I’m a sinner, I believe you came to die on the cross and rose from the dead. I put my faith right now in you and ask you to come into my life and change me from the inside out. Amen.”
Christians…as you live out your faith online and in society…would you allow your faith to affect your relationships more than an ideaology? Would you commit to love God, Love others, and Make an impact no matter who that person is?
PRAY
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