THE HEBREWS SERIES

LOOKING FROM AFAR UPON JESUS–HEBREWS 12:2

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
LOOKING FROM AFAR UPON JESUS
HEBREWS 12:2

Introduction:

Moses looked from afar to see the greater treasures of serving his Savior than what was offered him in Egypt. He saw the reproach and suffering, but he also saw the recompense and consolation of serving Jesus Christ.

Do we have the same vision that Moses had? Are we looking unto Jesus seeing the greater riches in His service or is our vision shortsighted, seeing only the here and now?

I. FIXING OUR EYES UPON JESUS SEATED ON THE THRONE OF GOD

A. The reproach of Christ, Hebrews 11:26, “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”

1. Being reproached, our consolation abounds in Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:5, “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”

2. Rejoicing in suffering, Colossians 1:24, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:”

B. Turning his eyes away from OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, Moses FIXED them on the ETERNAL RECOMPENSE,” Hebrews 11:39-40, “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40- God having provided SOME BETTER THING for us, that they WITHOUT US should not be made perfect.”

1. Moses was seeing things that are not seen accept through the eye of faith, 2 Corinthians 4:16, “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17- For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18- While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal;. but the things which are not seen are eternal

2. He saw BETTER Things in the Promised Redeemer, Hebrews 12:24, “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh BETTER THINGS than that of Abel.”

II. SEEING THE AUTHOR OF FAITH

A. Seeing the “Prince-Leader” or the “Captain of their Salvation,” Hebrews 2:10, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the CAPTAIN OF THEIR SALVATION perfect through sufferings.”


1. The BEGINNER of faith, John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

2. The Beginner of KNOWLEDGE, Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

B. Seeing the “Prince of life,” Acts 3:15, “And killed the PRINCE OF LIFE, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”

1. The One who brought REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS to Israel, Acts 5:31, “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a PRINCE and a SAVIOUR, for to give REPENTANCE to Israel, and FORGIVENESS of sins.”

2. He is the coming KING of kings, 1 Timothy 6:15, “Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the KING of kings, and LORD of lords;”

III. SEEING THE FINISHER OF FAITH

A. The “PERFECTER” of our faith, 1 Peter 5:10, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, MAKE YOU PERFECT, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”


B. The “INCREASER” of our faith, Luke 17:5, “And the apostles said unto the Lord, INCREASE OUR FAITH.”

1. The NEED of INCREASING our faith because of the difficulty of FORGIVING OFFENSES, Matthew 6:14-15, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye FORGIVE NOT men their trespasses, NEITHER will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

2. That the POWER of Christ may rest upon us, 2 Corinthians 12:9, “And he said unto me, My grace is SUFFICIENT for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the POWER of Christ MAY REST upon ME. 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.”
CONCLUSION

LOOKING FOR STRENGTH TO SERVE HIM–HEBREWS 12:1-11

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
LOOKING FOR STRENGTH TO SERVE HIM.
HEBREWS 12:1-11
Introduction:

We have considered the great “cloud of witnesses” spoken of here by the Apostle Paul as being examples to us so that we may be able to better serve our Lord. He admonishes us to “lay aside every weight,” that is, the cares of this life, “and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” That word “beset” = skillfully surrounding, that is, our sin is encompassing, and keeps us from the Lord’s work.

Therefore, we must find strength to do God’s will in our lives. That strength is in Christ Jesus.

I. LEST WE BE WEARIED AND FAINT IN OUR MINDS.

v. 3, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

A. He endured faithfully, Hebrews 3:1, “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

1. Consider from where His strength came, Luke 6:12, “And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

2. Consider what was uppermost in His mind, Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”

a. In the Garden He prayed for God’s will, Matthew 26:42, “He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”

b. He had taught His disciples to pray for God’s will, Luke 11:2, “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.”

B. Consider the great things He has done for you, 1 Samuel 12:24, “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”

1. He has saved you from your sins, Ephesians 2:5, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”

2. He has given you a home in Heaven, John 17:24, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

II. LEST WE FORGET GOD’S EXHORTATIONS TO US IN HIS WORD,
vs. 4-6.

A. They that wait upon the Lord, Isaiah 40:30-31, “Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

1. Even young people faint and fall for lack of waiting on the Lord.

2. But those that wait have the advantage:

a. They renew their strength.

b. They have the strength of an eagle.

c. Weariness is not a problem.

d. They do not faint at adversity.

B. They have trusted Him for salvation, Isaiah 25:9, And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

III. LEST CHASTENING BECOME NECESSARY.

A. Enduring chastening, v. 7, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?”

B. The benefit of chastening, vs. 7-8.

1. A clean heart, Psalm 73:1, “Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.”

2. A disciplined life, Job 34:31, “Surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have borne chastisement, I will not offend any more:”

C. The purpose of chastening is to make you holy, vs. 9-10; Leviticus 11:44a, “For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy:”

CONCLUSION

The Lord has dealt with us as sons and even though He has chastened us at times, it was always in love to bring us back to a good standing before Him.

As Christians we have a great heritage. Let us not soil it before the world. Our Lord deserves our best that we too might leave a good testimony like those who have gone on before us.

LOOKING FOR A CITY–HEBREWS 11:8-10

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
LOOKING FOR A CITY
HEBREWS 11:8-10
Introduction:

The description given here is the city of God, the New Jerusalem. Abraham looked by faith for a promised land, a land that flowed with milk and honey. The description below is of that perfect land where we will dwell with the God of Heaven in perfect peace and harmony.

We can only imagine the beauty that we will behold in that day because of our finite minds. However, it will surpass every expectation that we might have without doubt. Now consider Abraham in what he had to do at God’s bidding.

I. ABRAHAM WAS CALLED TO GO OUT

A. He obeyed, not knowing where he went, v. 8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”

B. He believed God, Romans 4:20-21, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21-And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

C. He traveled by faith, v. 9, “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:”

1. To a promised land, Genesis 12:1, “Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:” Genesis 13:15, “For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.”

2. This land his heirs would inherit, Genesis 15:18, “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:”

II. ABRAHAM WAS CALLED TO LOOK FOR A CITY

A. This city has foundations, Hebrews 11:10, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

1. That foundation is Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 3:11, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

2. That foundation is built on the immutable purposes of God, 2 Timothy 1:9, Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” Hebrews 6:18, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”

3. That foundation rest on the almighty power of God, 2 Peter 1:3, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”

B. That City is built on the infinite and holy merits of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 4:11, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

1. On the mediation of Jesus Christ, 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”

2. On the promises of an everlasting covenant, Genesis 17:19, “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.”

3. On the purity of the glory of God, Revelation 21:2, “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

4. The perfection of its inhabitants, Ephesians 4:13, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”

CONCLUSION

The city’s builder is God, Hebrews 11:10, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

1. God designed the model.

2. He made it according to His plan.

3. He has opened a new and living way into it, that is, through Jesus Christ.

4. He prepared it for his people.

5. They enter by faith in Jesus Christ.

LOOKING UNTO JESUS–HEBREWS 12:1-3

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES 0 Comment
LOOKING UNTO JESUS
HEBREWS 12:1-3
Introduction:

As we approach a new year we should be aware of some things in our lives in relation to the Lord. This year may be a difficult year or it may be a year of great blessing. Of course it may be both of these things. Whatever may come in the future, it can be a time of looking unto the Lord for our many needs, both spiritual and material.

I. LOOKING UNTO JESUS

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.”

A. He is the Lamb of God, John 1:36, “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!”

1. He is the One who took our sin away, John 1:29, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

2. He is our “once for all” sacrifice for sin, Hebrews 10:12, “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

B. He is the Great I AM.

1. He is the Door to heaven, John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

2. He is the Bread of Life, John 6:35, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

II. LOOKING UNTO OURSELVES

Hebrews 12:15, “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;”

A. Failing of the grace of God, Deuteronomy 29:18, “Lest there should be among you man, or woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations; lest there should be among you a root that beareth gall and wormwood;”

1. A heart turned away by sin, Hebrews 12:25, “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape , if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:”

2. A heart bitter because of contention, Titus 3:9, “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”

B. We should give more attention to what we have heard of God’s Word, Hebrews 2:1, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.”

III. LOOKING UNTO THE FUTURE

Titus 2:13, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

A. Our citizenship is in heaven, Philippians 3:20-21, “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

1. We look for Jesus from heaven, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

2. There we will appear with Jesus, Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

3. We will eagerly wait to be changed, Romans 8:19, 23, “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 23- And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit , the redemption of our body.”

B. The Unbeliever has only judgment to expect, Hebrews 10:27, “But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.”

1. That does not have to be the case, Hebrews 12:25, “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape , if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:”

2. The unbeliever has not regarded God’s call, Proverbs 1:24, “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded.”

3. That call was, Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

CONCLUSION

The future can be bright if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior. It is secured future with a guaranteed home in Heaven for all eternity.

LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE–HEBREWS 13:15

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LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
HEBREWS 13:15
Introduction:

The Apostle Paul admonishes to offer the sacrifice of praise. Praise is the attitude of a person who is intimate with the person being praised. The whole Bible is punctuated with outbursts of praise. They rise spontaneously from the basic mood of joy, which marks the life of the people of God.

The OT uses 3 words to describe “praise” and one of the NT means “to give thanks.”

I. MEN SHOULD PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GREAT WORKS.

A. God takes pleasure in His works and we should also.

1. The Lord rejoices in His work, Genesis 1:31, “And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.”

2. Man is to praise the Lord for what he has created for man, Psalm 104:31-34, “The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works. 32-He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. 33-I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34-My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD.”

B. Man was created to rejoice in God’s works, Psalm 90:14-16, “O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15-Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. 16-Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.”

C. Man fulfills God’s purpose by rejoicing in the Lord, Philippians 4:4, 8, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 8-Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

1. Rejoicing is praise to the Lord, v. 4.

2. God’s list for rejoicing: v. 8,

a. Whatsoever things are true…

b. Whatsoever things are honest…

c. Whatsoever things are just…

d. Whatsoever things are pure…

e. Whatsoever things are lovely…

f. Whatsoever things are of good report…

g. If there be any praise, think on these things.”

II. MAN SHOULD PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GRACE.

A. We were a people walking in darkness, Isaiah 9:2, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.”

1. We who walked in darkness have seen a great light, the Gospel of Christ, Luke 1:77, “To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

2. We dwelled in the shadow of death, but that light shinned on us, Luke 2:32, “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.”

B. We should praise the Lord for His coming, Psalm 96:11,13   Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice 13-Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.”

C. We should praise the Lord for the redemption we have in Christ, 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;”

D. We should praise the Lord for the opportunity to serve Him, Psalm 100:2, “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

1. To praise the Lord is to be consecrated to the Lord, i.e., “to fill your hands” with His service, 2 Chronicles 29:31a, “Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now ye have consecrated [ to fill your hand ] yourselves unto the LORD, come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of the LORD.”

2. To praise the Lord is to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Colossenses 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

2. To praise the Lord is to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 1 Peter 2:5, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

a. You are built up a spiritual house…

b. An holy priesthood…

c. To offer up spiritual sacrifices.

CONCLUSION
Praise the Lord! He has been so good to us in that He has given us the BETTER THINGS of the New Covenant. The least that you and I can do is to love Him and praise Him for His goodness to us.