August 7, 2016
Morning Service

Heb. 10:26-39

            The writer has done an excellent job of comparing the O.T to the N.T.  The Mosaic law, (the shadows) against the New Covenant of Jesus Christ (the real thing).  Jesus has entered into the heavens to sit at the right hand of God, to be our great High Priest.  He has taught, and given us the right, as children of God, to come into the very presence of Almighty God with our prayers, and praise.  We have a personal relationship with our God, through His Son, and our Savior, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of God.  Now just how wonderful is that?

Now let’s begin where Greg left off last Sunday morning;

Heb 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 ye see the day approaching.

 

Heb 10:26-39  For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 

·        Sin, means to miss the mark.  We have given many times 5 definitions of what sin is from the Bible. 

·        This writing means to continue practicing sin, or to go back, into sinful practices.  Such as;  the thief, must not continue to steal.  The adulterer, must stop practicing adultery.  The foul talker, must quit his foul language.  The liar, must stop his lying.  Basically all the works of the flesh found in Gal. 5:19-21.  If one continues in what one has been delivered from, the blood of Christ will have no effect on removing your sins.  We must not continue to practice sinning, but strive continually to be more like Jesus.

·        If we don’t?

(27)  But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 

·        They will have their part in the lake of fire, which is the second death, and it will devour the one cast into it.   (Rev. 20:14-15.)

(28)  He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:  (29)  Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 

·        A very stern warning.  Don’t forget what your deliverance, and salvation cost.  The blood of Jesus, His very life, God manifested in the flesh (ITim.3:16).    Don’t look back, but forward, to the obtaining of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, and the marriage supper of the Lamb.

(30)  For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.  (31)  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

·        Let’s be determined that this will not happen to us.  Let’s do our best to live faithfully all our days looking for the soon return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(32)  But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;  (33)  Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. 

·        Illuminated, meaning after God had revealed to you the truth concerning His Son Jesus of Nazareth, and His marvelous plan of salvation.

·        You accepted this truth, and became a Christian.  You lost friends, places where you once went, habits fell from you like hot coals.  People made fun of you for your new found goals in life.  I’ve heard Greg share concerning his grandfather, how people quit coming to his business, and actually had to close the doors to his business, because they shunned him.

·        But you like Moses decided to stand with these made fun of Christians.  You took your stand to be persecuted with them rather than to deny your Savior.

·        The writer is saying don’t you remember all this??  And I say to you Christians that are living a far from Christ, you also must remember your commitment to Christ. 

·        Your confession of faith, “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  And upon this confession I now baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Now you are part of His Gentile Bride, and have spoken your wedding vows, and what God has joined together let not man (world) separate.  Strive to be a faithful bride.

(34)  For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. 

·        When we were first converted we would have given all we had to obtain eternal life with Christ.  And like Moses we wanted to be with our fellow believers, no matter what other people thought.  Don’t let it be said of you that you have forsaken your first love.

(35)  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  (36)  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. 

·        You have obeyed the gospel, now live a patient, overcoming life for Christ.

(37)  For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. 

·        Jesus has an appointed time to return for His church.  He will be right on time.

(38)  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.  (39)  But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

·        And living by faith, means living according to the teachings of Christ in the Bible.

·        If any man draw back, which means doesn’t follow the teachings of the Bible, such as, do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together, God will have no pleasure in him.

·        And we need the determination of the writer when he says, “we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

 

ALMIGHTY GOD, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, HELP US TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF DETERMINATION.   WE WILL NOT DRAW BACK, BUT PRESS ON THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST TO SALVATION, AND ETERNAL LIFE WITH YOU.  AMEN.