Author: Art Davison

A REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD–HEBREWS 4:9

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
A REST FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
HEBREWS 4:9, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.”

Revelation 14:13, “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.”

Introduction:

The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” We can imagine in our wildest dreams how wonderful heaven will be for the born-again Christian.

There is a rest for the people of God and it will be glorious. In the following thoughts are some things that may give us some encouragement about what lies ahead of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior.

I. HERE…ON EARTH

A. The Believer is born to toil, Genesis 3:19, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

B. The Believer is born to suffer weariness, Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

II. BUT THERE IN HEAVEN

A. Fatigue is never known, Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

B. Our burdens are relieved, Hebrews 4:3, “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.”

III. HERE ON EARTH

A. Rest is in our HOPE and partial for now, Psalms 16:9, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”

B. Rest is temporary, Psalms 37:7, “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.”

C. The Christian is always unsettled; he feels that he has not yet attained, Psalms 38:3, “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.”

IV. THERE,

A. All are at rest, Psalms 55:6, “And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.”

B. Rest is perfect, Isaiah 32:17-18, “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 18 And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places;”

V. HERE, THE BELIEVER IS ANXIOUS TO SERVE HIS MASTER

A. He finds his strength unequal to his zeal, 2 Corinthians 12:10, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

B. His constant cry is, “Help me to serve thee, O my God,” Psalms 38:22, “Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.”

“My best joys bear “mortal” on their brow; my fair flowers fade; my dainty cups are drained to dregs; my sweetest birds fall before Death’s arrows; my most pleasant days are shadowed into nights; and the flood tides of my bliss subside into ebbs of sorrow.” –Charles H. Spurgeon.

VI. BUT THERE IN HEAVEN

A. Everything is immortal, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”

1. The crown unwithered, 1 Corinthians 9:25, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

2. The eye not dimmed, 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

3. The voice unfaltering, Revelation 5:9, “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

4. The heart does not hesitate to give all praise to the Lord, Revelation 19:1, “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:”

B. The immortal believer is completely absorbed in infinite delight, Hebrews 13:15, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

CONCLUSION

Heaven Is A Wonderful Place
by O. A. Lambert

 

Heaven is a wonderful place

Filled with glory and grace

I want to see my Savior’s Face

Heaven is a wonderful place

 

Heaven is a wonderful place

Filled with glory and grace

I want to see my Savior’s Face

Heaven is a wonderful place

 

Jesus will return some day

He has shown the way

He will come with power and grace

Heaven is a wonderful place

The earth will pass away

No man knows the day

The world is gone without a trace

Heaven is a wonderful place

Streets are paved with gold

We will never grow old

Daily see Him face to face

Heaven is a wonderful place

A NEW COVENANT–HEBREWS 8:1-13

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
A NEW COVENANT
HEBREWS 8:1-13
Introduction:

We have seen the word “better” appear several times in the study of the book of Hebrews. It is definitely the “key word” of the book. In this message we see the NEW COVENANT as the Apostle Paul describes it.

This new covenant comes at a particular time in the history of Israel. Galatians 4:4 says, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.” The new covenant comes when it suited the God of Heaven and not the whims of man.

Let us look at the time of this new covenant and what is included in it.

I. A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY

A. He is the Mediator of a better covenant, v. 6,” But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.”

B. ESTABLISHED UPON BETTER PROMISES, vs. 6-8.

1. If that first covenant had been faultless, v. 7, “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

2. For finding fault with them, he saith… v. 8, “For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:”

a. I will make a new covenant, Isaiah 59:20-21, “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. 21-As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.”

b. Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers… because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord, v. 9.

IV. THE NEW COVENANT ESTABLISHED “AFTER THOSE DAYS.”

A. After the days of Israel’s rebellion…

1. In the desert, v. 9, “Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.”

2. After every strong leader (Judges), Judges 21:25, “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”

3. After the Prophets were sent, Jeremiah 1:16, “And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands.”

B. The New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:33-34, “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34-And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

1. I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts:

2. I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

a. For all shall know Him, from the least to the greatest, v. 11, “And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.”

b. “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more,” v. 12.

CONCLUSION
During the millenium period the Word of God will be taught and every man will know of the Lord. Whether they will received Him as Savior is another question. Many probably will, and yet the Scriptures imply that not all will have an open mind and heart to receive Jesus as Savior.

A CASE FOR MATURITY–HEBREWS 6:1-20

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
A CASE FOR MATURITY
HEBREWS 6:1-20
Introduction:

What is it that holds the believer back from coming to be a mature Christian? In Chapter 5, verses 10-14, Paul deals with this question as he writes this letter to the Hebrew believers.

He deals with the maturity of the believer. Here he also deals with a hypothetical case regarding salvation showing that IF you could lose salvation, you would not be able to regain it.

I. LEAVING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

A. Paul suggests that these Christians GO ON in their Christian experience.

1. They had been feeding on the milk of the Word,” 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”

a. As young believers they needed milk, 1 Corinthians 3:2, “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”

b. Sometimes believers do not grow as they should, 1 Corinthians 3:3, “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

2. Now they need to go beyond the ELEMENTAL TEACHINGS of God’s Word.

B. He admonishes them to grow up in the Lord.

1. Not laying the foundation again, Hebrews 6:1b-2, “not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2-Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

2. Going on to the maturity at which they should have already arrived, Hebrews 5:12-14, “12-For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13-For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14-But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

a. Some of them still needed to be taught “the first principles of the oracles of God.”

b. They were still “UNSKILLFUL in the word of righteousness.”

c. They could not handle the STRONG MEAT, v. 14, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

II. LET US GO ON TO PERFECTION.

A. Paul is referring to Maturity as a Believer, Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

1. Let us cleanse ourselves of whatever it is that holds us back from maturity, 2 Corinthians 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2. It is God’s will that the believer progress to maturity in his spiritual life, Ephesians 4:14-15, “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15-But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

B. Paul refers to a spiritual problem among these immature believers, vs. 4-8.

1. It is impossible for those who were once enlightened…if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, vs. 4-6.

a. If they have received Christ, v. 5, “And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,”

2. If they shall fall away, that is, if they could lose their salvation, it is impossible “to renew them again unto repentance.”

3. WHY can’t they be renewed again? Because it would require that Jesus be crucified again, v. 6b, “seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.”

III. PERFECTION OR MATURITY BRINGS US TO BETTER THINGS.

A. “We are persuaded better things of you,” v. 9, “But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.”

1. That you be followers, v. 12, “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

2. Believers with their trust anchored in Christ, v. 19, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”

B. Our “forerunner” has entered into the presence of God on our behalf, v. 20, “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

CONCLUSION

Christ Jesus goes before us and His Spirit leads us as we mature in Him. Let’s not allow anything to impede our progress toward maturity in the Lord. Don’t allow sin to defeat us. Let’s go on for His honor and glory.

THE WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS–LUKE 23:34

Art Davison SEVEN SAYINGS 0 Comment
THE WORDS OF JESUS ON THE CROSS
LUKE 23:34,
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Introduction:

Men have already done the worst! “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” (John 1:11). Christ made this world and gave breath to man, but man has rejected Christ as his Savior.

The eyes of man blinded by sin do not see the beauty that would cause them to desire him as their Savior.

Yet Christ died on the cross as a sacrifice for man praying: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Let us note some things about this prayer.

I. Christ Fulfilled the Prophetic Word.

Isaiah 53:12, “Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

A. This does not refer to the ministry of Christ in the present.

1. It is true that He is able to save the soul, Hebrews 7:25, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

2. This speaks about that which He is doing now for those who have believed on Him.

B. Isaiah 53:12 refers to the gracious act of the time of his crucifiction: “and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”

Note a list of 10 things in this passage:

1. “He is despised and rejected of men;” v. 3.

2. “A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,” v.3.

3. “But he was wounded…, he was bruised…: the chastisement of our peace…” v. 5.

4. “He was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth:” v. 7.

5. “as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” v, 7,

6. Not only did He suffer at the hands of man, but He was smitten of God, v. 4.

7. “He hath poured out his soul unto death:” v. 12.

8. He was burried in a borrowed tomb, Luke 23:51-53.

9. “He was numbered with the transgressors;” v. 12.

10. He “made intercession for the transgressors.” v. 12.

II. We See Jesus Identifying Himself With His People .

A. “Father, forgive them;” vs. 28-31.

1. Never before this occasion had Christ invoked the pardon of the Father for others.

2. Before HE pardoned the sinners.

a. The paralytic, Matthew 9:2, “And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”

b. The woman who washed the feet of Jesus with tears, Luke 7:48, “And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”

B. Why did Jesus ask the Father to pardon them instead of declaring them forgiven?

1. Forgiveness of sin is a divine privilege. In Mark 2:7 the Pharisees asked: “who can forgive sins but God only?”

2. Jesus could not execute His divine powers from the cross.

a. He had power on the earth, Matthew 9:6, “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.”

b. But on the cross he was lifted up from the earth, John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

3. Jesus was acting as a substitute identifying himself with His people, Isaiah 53:12, “and made intercession for the transgressors.”

III. Here We See The Estimate of Sin.

A. Ignorance is no excuse.

1. The people guilty of transgressing God’s law in the Old Testament brought an offering for sin, Leviticus 5:15-16, “If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: 16 And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.”

2. The Psalmist prayed, “Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.” (Psalm 19:12).

B. Sin is always sin in the eyes of God. Ignorance is not innocence. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”

THE WORD OF VICTORY–PART 2–JOHN 19:30

Art Davison SEVEN SAYINGS 0 Comment
THE WORD OF VICTORY
PART 2
JOHN 19:30

Introduction:

The cry of victory came from the lips of our Lord Jesus Christ as the end of His suffering was realized. He had carried our sins to the Cross and there He suffered all of the agony required to pay our debt of sin. There He satisfied the justice of a righteous God and paid the price of our redemption.

Now let us look at His accomplishments on our behalf.

I. THE GOAL OF THE INCARNATION IS REACHED.

A. The Work of the Three Persons of the Godhead is seen here.

1. God the Father is especially concerned in the Government of the world. He rules over the works of His hands, Psalm 111:7, “The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.”

2. God the Son is especially concerned in the work of Redemption; He was the One who came here to die for sinners, Isaiah 53:10, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.”

3. God the Spirit is especially concerned with the Scriptures:

a. He was the One who moved holy men of old to speak the message of God, 2 Peter 1:21, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

b. He is the One who now gives spiritual illumination and understanding, 1 Peter 2:12-14, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13-Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14-But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

c. He is the One who guides us into the Truth, John 6:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

B. The Work of the Son.

1. A definite work was committed to Him.

a. Even as a boy He was taking care of the Father’s business. Luke 2:49, “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

b. He said that He was a greater witness than John the Baptist, John 5:36, “But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.”

c. Jesus glorified the Father, John 17:4, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”

2. A Finished work was accomplished, John 17:4, “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”

C. Our Savior certainly finished what the God of Heaven gave Him to do.

II. THE ATONEMENT IS ACCOMPLISHED.

A. The Foreshadows of the Old Testament Fulfilled.

1. A covering from sin an its shame – typical of the coats of skins God provided for Adam and Eve – is now provided, Genesis 3:21, ”Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”

2. The More Excellent Sacrifice – typical of Abel’s sacrifice – had been offered. Genesis 4:3-4; Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

3. A shelter from the storm of Divine Judgment – typified by Noah’s ark – was now furnished, Genesis 6:13-14, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

4. The Only-begotten and well-beloved Son – typified by Abraham’s offering up of Isaac – had been placed upon the altar, Genesis 22:1-13.

5. A Protection from the Death Angel – typified by the shed blood of the Passover lamb – was now supplied Exodus 12:1-30.

6. A Cure from the Serpent’s bite – typified by the serpent of brass upon a pole – was now made ready for sinners, Numbers 21:4-9.

7. The providing of a life-giving fountain – typical of Moses striking the rock – was now effected, Exodus 17:1-7.

III. FOUR PROOFS THAT CHRIST DID FINISH THE WORK.

A. The Rending of the Veil, Matthew 27:51, “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

B. The Raising of Christ from the Dead, Matthew 28:5-6, “And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6-He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

C. The Exaltation of Christ to God’s Own Right Hand, Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

D. The Sending of the Holy Spirit to the Earth, John 15:26, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” John 16:7-11, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8-And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9-Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10-Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11-Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”

CONCLUSION

We have now concluded six of the seven saying of our Lord on the Cross. In these sayings we have seen how God laid our sins upon the Savior and how He suffered in His own body the penalty of our sins.

What is left now is only to give up His life to complete the payment for our sins. One more remains to be heard from the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross.

What will you do with Jesus now? You have heard how He suffered to pay for your sins on the Cross of Calvary. Will you receive Him as your Savior, or will you reject Him and pay for your own sin?