July 31, 2016
Morning Service

In the last few chapters the writer has been explaining to us how the flaws of the old covenant have been corrected by the new and perfect covenant.  Last week we saw how salvation’s work is complete with the offering of Jesus’ blood as atonement for our sins. We ended in verses 16-18 as the writer again quotes the Word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet:

Hebrews 10:16-18  "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,"  (17)  also He adds, "their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more."  (18)  Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

·         The writer uses that scripture to conclude his explanation and now, believing that the readers now understand points us forward to what that means in our spiritual life.

 

Hebrews 10:19-22  Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus,  (20)  by a new and living way which He has consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, His flesh;  (21)  and having a 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 having been washed with pure water.

·         “Therefore” or because we believe in the power of Jesus’ blood to forgive our sins (verse 20) and His position as our High Priest we can now possess a “boldness” to enter into God’s presence.  This is not because of our righteousness, but because we have now put on Jesus’ righteousness (Gal 3:27).  We are not only allowed into God’s presence, but invited and welcomed.

·         We are to come with a true heart, not as some of the old covenant worshippers who honored God only with their lips.  The Roman letter says it is with the heart one believes unto righteousness.  It is our deep motivation to do what we believe.

·         We are to come in full assurance and confidence that God’s promises are true and Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer.

·         We can come in by faith with a clear conscience and a consecrated body, trusting that God means it when He says “Their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.”  We have been “born again” and given a new life.

 

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful who promised),

·         Because we believe, we are exhorted to act upon it moving forward and not looking back.  We now possess a hope that we can hold onto in times of troubles for He who promised is faithful.  Trusting even when we don’t understand.

 

Hebrews 10:24  and let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works, 

·         Because we believe, we are exhorted to not only love our brothers but also to encourage them to love as well.  Love here is not an emotion but an act of the will.  Jesus summed up the Law in two commands; love God with all your heart, mind and soul and love your brother as yourself.  It is through our local fellowship that we have the avenue to do both.  So now look at his next exhortation:

 

Hebrews 10:25  not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

·         Because we believe, it is important that we stay connected to our local fellowship.  God has created His church as a unified community of His followers.  We need each other, why?

John 13:35 By this all shall know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

·         We are identified as believers by being committed to loving and serving God together.  We are all part of a functioning body that is the church.

1 Corinthians 12:26-27  And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with it.  (27)  And you are the body of Christ, and members in part.

·         Being members of the church has a whole different meaning than being members of a club.  We are each vital organs within the body of Christ that are needed for the body (church) to function at full capacity.

Ephesians 4:15-16  But that you, speaking the truth in love, may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Christ;  (16)  from whom the whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love.

·         The church provides us with the spiritual fuel we need to grow in our faith.  The Word of God is preached here.  You are constantly encouraged to read your Bible and build your faith (Rom. 10:17).  You are equipped for ministry (Eph. 4:12).

·         The church also provides with a whole new family that is being commanded here to love, encourage, greet, serve, admonish, honor, teach, and forgive you.  We are asked to help carry one another’s burdens and be devoted one to another.  It is impossible to “love one another” if you are by yourself.  This means we must get involved and “invest” in people.  The church needs you and your abilities.

1 Corinthians 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.

·         God has given each of us a gift that we are to use for the profit of the entire church.  The local fellowship gives you a place to discover, develop and use your gift.  When you are faithful and active in using your gift, we are a better church.  When you are slack in getting involved then we are not operating at our full potential.  Which way pleases God and brings Him glory?

What is church to you?  Is it somewhere that you go when nothing else more inviting is happening?  Or are you committed to play your part in serving Christ and loving your brothers?  Jesus gave His life for the church (Eph. 5:25).

 

Lord thank You for the church and may we all be in unity as we serve You together.