THE HEBREWS SERIES - Sermons by Art Davison

CONSIDER THE GREATNESS OF THE MAN–HEBREWS 7:1-4, 14-21

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES March 13, 2010 0 Comment

CONSIDER THE GREATNESS OF THE MAN

HEBREWS 7:1-4, 14-21

Key verse: v. 4, “Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.”

Introduction:

The apostle Paul had introduced the name of Melchisedek, and said that Christ was made an high priest after the SAME ORDER as he was, Hebrews 5:10, “Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.”

John Gill in his exposition of Hebrews says that Paul “proceeds in this [chapter] to give some account of him, and of the EXCELLENCY of his priesthood, and to show that Christ is a priest of his order, and is SUPERIOR TO Aaron and his sons.”

I. CONSIDER THE APOSTLE AND HIGH PRIEST OF OUR PROFESSION

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

1. An apostle is one sent forth, 1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

B. His POSITION: King-Priest.

1. 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;”

a. Potentate, one who has GREAT POWER, Revelation 11:17, “Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.”

b. LORD of lords, Revelation 19:16, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

2. Priest after the order of Melchisedek, Hebrews 7:15, 17, “And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

C. His AUTHORITY: Chosen of God.

1. He is one chosen of God in the Old Testament, Isaiah 42:1, “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.”

2. He is one chosen of God in the New Testament, 1 Peter 2:4, “To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,”

a. Disallowed of men, 1 Peter 2:7, “Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be DISOBEDIENT, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,”

b. Chosen and precious of the Lord, Matthew 3:17, “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

II. CONSIDER THE EXCELLENCE OF HIS PRIESTHOOD

A. The High Priest of our profession, Psalms 110:4, “The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”

1. To make reconciliation for the sins of the people, Hebrews 2:17, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

2. To ATONE [TO SATISFY GOD] for our sins, Romans 5:11, “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have NOW received the atonement.”

B. Our Forerunner into the Presence of God, Hebrews 6:20, “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

1. The Lord goes before to prepare a place for us, John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

2. He has made us ACCEPTABLE to enter into God presence, 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.”

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

III. CONSIDER THE SUPERIORITY OF HIS PRIESTHOOD

A. The Levitical priesthood was repetitive, Hebrews 10:1,3,4 “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 3- But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4- For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”

B. The Priesthood of Jesus offers a better covenant, Hebrews 8:6, “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.”

1. For He is the AUTHOR AND FINISHER of our faith, 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.”

2. Jesus came to do God’s will, Hebrews 10:9, “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

a. God was not interested in burnt offerings, Hebrews 10:6, “In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.”

b. Jesus offered Himself once for all for our sins, Hebrews 10:11-12, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: 12- But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;”

c. There is no more offering for sin, Hebrews 10:18, “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.”

CONCLUSION

Christ is a great superior High Priest who has presented His Blood on the mercyseat in heaven.

CONSIDER JESUS CHRIST–HEBREWS 3:1-19

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES March 13, 2010 0 Comment

CONSIDER JESUS CHRIST

HEBREWS 3:1-19

Introduction:

Consider who Jesus Christ is. In the Scriptures He is referred to as “the Prophet,” “the Apostle,” and our “High Priest.”

In all of His offices He fulfills the will of the Father by becoming our “Saviour” as well. Let us look at what He is and has done on our behalf and in the process perhaps we will realize how much He loves us.

I. CONSIDER THE PROPHET, Jesus Christ

A. God promised a Prophet, Deuteronomy 18:15, 18, “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 18-I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.”

1. “Of thy brethren,” a man, a Hebrew, John 1:45, “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

2. “Like unto me,” a faithful man, Luke 24:19, “And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:”

B. This Prophet will speak the Word of God, Isaiah 50:4-6, “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. 5-The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. 6-I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”

1. He is the Christ, John 4:25-26, “The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26-Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”

2. His message is the message of life, John 12:49-50, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50-And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

II. CONSIDER THE APOSTLE (a person sent by another; a messenger; envoy), Jesus Christ

A. He was sent by the Father, v. 3; John 20:21, “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

B. As the Great Apostle He chose 12 disciples whom He name Apostles, Luke 6:13, “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;”

1. They were first members of His Church, 1 Corinthians 12:28, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

2. As members of the first church He gave them the commission to “preach the gospel to every creature,” Matthew 28:18–20.

III. CONSIDER THE HIGH PRIEST, Jesus Christ

A. Made like His brethren that he might be a faithful High Priest, Hebrews 2:17, “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

B. He is our great High Priest, Hebrew 4:14, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”

1. He is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities,” Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

2. As our Forerunner He has entered into the presence of God before us, Hebrews 6:20, “Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

C. He has become our Savior by faith in His name, John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

1. Not only is He the Messiah of Israel, but a light for the Gentiles as well, Isaiah 49:6, “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

2. He has changed our hearts so that we are able to love as the Lord has loved us, 1 John 5:1, “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus Christ is dearly loved by those who know Him as Savior. He is truly our Prophet, our Apostle, our great High Priest, and our Savior. There is so much more to be said about another title of our Lord, that of “KING,” but space and time will not allow for now.

BOLDNESS TO ENTER BY A NEW AND LIVING WAY–HEBREWS 10:19-39

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES March 13, 2010 0 Comment

BOLDNESS TO ENTER BY A NEW AND LIVING WAY.

HEBREWS 10:19-39

Introduction:

Jesus has offered His body once for all for our sins. He has sat down at the right hand of the Father because He has finished the work of Redemption.

His offering has perfected those who have trusted Him and they enter with confidence into the very presence of God. Verse 14 says, “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Let’s look at what is involved in this.

I. DRAWING NEAR WITH A TRUE HEART.

A. Having Boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies.

1. By the Blood of Jesus, v. 19, Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.”

2. By a new and living way, v. 20, “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;” John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

B. Through the Veil of His Flesh, v. 20.

1. The veil of the Old Testament allowed only the High Priest to enter once a year and not without blood, Hebrews 9:7, “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:”

2. The veil of the New Testament is the flesh of Jesus Christ which has consecrated the way into the Holy of Holies in the presence of God, Hebrews 6:19-20, “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”

II. DRAWING STRENGTH THROUGH OUR PROFESSION OF FAITH IN CHRIST.

A. Our hearts have been sprinkled from an evil conscience, v. 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.” Hebrews 10:2, “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.”

B. Our bodies washed with pure water,

1. By the washing of regeneration, Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

2. By the washing of water by the Word, Ephesians 5:26, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

III. DRAWING ON YOUR CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST TO WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM.

A. We have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him, Ephesians 3:12, “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.”

B. Our confidence is not in the flesh, Philippians 3:3, “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”

C. Our confidence is in Jesus Christ.

1. We have trusted Him, therefore we have confidence, 1 John 3:20, “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.”

2. We are confident that He hears us, 1 John 5:14, “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:”

D. Our confidence is in His promise to return, v. 37, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3, “For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

1. There is a need for patience to wait for Him, v. 36, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”

a. Patience comes from tribulation, Romans 5:3, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

b. We believe on Him and we suffer for Him also, Philippians 1:29, “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

2. In the mean time live by faith, v. 38-39, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

CONCLUSION

This concluding remark by Paul is taken from Habakkuk 2:4. He admonishes us to live by faith, and not to draw back, but we are not of them that draw back. The believer trusts in God for everything in life knowing that the Lord is faithful.

A HIGH PRIEST OF GOOD THINGS TO COME–HEBREWS 9:11-28

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES March 13, 2010 0 Comment

A HIGH PRIEST OF GOOD THINGS TO COME

HEBREWS 9:11-28

Introduction:

Jesus is our great High Priest of good things to come. The future holds some good things for those who have trusted Jesus as Savior.

We have a great Savior who has accomplished our salvation and has promised to return for His people. In the mean time we have the privilege of sharing the gospel with those who don’t know these great blessings.

I. A GREATER AND MORE PERFECT TABERNACLE.

A. The Old Tabernacle.

1. Moses set up the old Tabernacle in the wilderness according to God’s plan.

2. Solomon built the first Temple that took the place of the Tabernacle, which was a tent.

3. These were but shadows of better things to come, Hebrews 8:5, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.”

B. The New Tabernacle.

1. “Not made with hands,” Hebrews 9:11, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;”

2. “Not of this building,” Hebrews 9:24, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”

II. A BETTER SACRIFICE.

A. The Old Offerings.

1. For the purifying of the flesh, Hebrews 9:13, “For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:”

2. However, they could not take away sins, Hebrews 10:4, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”

B. The New Offering.

1. Jesus, by His own blood, Hebrews 9:12, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”

a. The blood of animals was insufficient to take away our sins.

b. However, Jesus Christ obtained eternal redemption for us” by offering His own blood. Hebrews 9:22, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

III. THE MEDIATOR OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.

A. God takes away the first to establish the second, Hebrews 10:9, “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

1. That first covenant was the Mosaic Covenant, which God established with Israel after they were redeemed out of Egypt.

2. The Second covenant is the New Testament, Hebrews 9:15, “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

B. In the old system the high priest was the mediator.

1. The high priest was a sinner, Leviticus 16:5-6, “And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. 6-And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.”

2. The mediation done was imperfect because the mediator was imperfect.

C. In the New Testament the mediator is perfect, Hebrews 8:6, “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.”

1. Jesus Christ is the Mediator of the New Testament, Hebrews 8:6, “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.”

2. He entered not into the Tabernacle made by man, Hebrews 9:24, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”

3. He has entered into the Holy of Holies in the very presence of God for us.

CONCLUSION

Jesus Christ has entered into the presence of God in Heaven on our behalf as our offering for sin. Now we look for His soon return which He promised, Hebrews 9:28, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

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

Art Davison THE HEBREWS SERIES March 13, 2010 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