Do Not Throw Away Your Confidence
Hebrews • Sermon • Submitted
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· 15 viewswe may boldly enter the holy place through the body and sacrifice of our High Priest
Notes
Transcript
New and Living Way - vs.19-25
New and Living Way - vs.19-25
For the second time, the author declares that we can approach God with confidence - Heb 4:16; 10:19
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
This is a new (fresh, recent) and living (active) way (compared to the old and dying restricted way under law) through the veil
We have a great High Priest, both from His appointment and preparation and His one-time perfect sacrifice to atone for all sin
For the second time in this context he calls us to draw near with a sincere (pure) heart and full assurance - Heb 6:11
And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,
We are sprinkled clean (as Aaron was in symbol) to draw near to God - Exod 29:21, 4
Then you shall take part of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons’ garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his sons’ garments with him.
You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water.
We are to hold on to our confession without wavering (“be strong and courageous”) because of the faithfulness of God who made the promise on which our confession is based - Psa 110:4
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
We should also consider how to provoke (normally used of causing anger) one another to this same level of unwavering devotion to God
Which we cannot do if we don’t assemble (synagogue) together, as some were doing at the time of this epistle
As the day of God’s judgment grew closer (and persecutions increased), the author wants them to strengthen their encouragement to each other
Judgment for Those Who Reject the New Way - vs.26-31
Judgment for Those Who Reject the New Way - vs.26-31
If we reject this new and living way, by continuing in the practice of sin, the sacrifice for our sin no longer remains - Heb 10:18
Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
What remains is the certain and terrifying judgment of God - Isa 26:11-14
O Lord, your hand is lifted up, but they do not see it. Let them see your zeal for your people, and be ashamed. Let the fire for your adversaries consume them. O Lord, you will ordain peace for us, for you have indeed done for us all our works. O Lord our God, other lords besides you have ruled over us, but your name alone we bring to remembrance. They are dead, they will not live; they are shades, they will not arise; to that end you have visited them with destruction and wiped out all remembrance of them.
Those who set aside the laws from Moses died without mercy after conviction of witnesses - Deut 13:8; 19:13
you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him.
Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall purge the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, so that it may be well with you.
How much more those who show no respect for the Son of God and treat His blood as unclean? - Heb 2:2-4
For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
We know God’s promise of judgment, which is as sure as His promise of forgiveness - Deut 32:35-36
Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.’ For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone and there is none remaining, bond or free.
Challenge of Faithful Living - vs.32-39
Challenge of Faithful Living - vs.32-39
In previous times, after they had learned of the light (Jesus), they had endured great sufferings, both emotional and physical
They had gladly shared with others (fellowship) in their sufferings
They had joyfully (?!?) accepted illegal, material loss for the sake of Jesus - Matt 19:27-30
Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
But, as these persecutions begin to ramp up again, the author warns them not to throw away that confidence
They needed endurance to withstand the difficult times to come - Hab 2:3-4
For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.
He is confident that they will not among those who shrink back to destruction - Heb 6:9
Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.
Questions for Next Week:
Questions for Next Week:
What does faithful living look like to you?
Why is it impossible to please God without faith?
On a high level, what did each of these examples do that distinguishes them from other “good” people?
What were they looking for?