WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.800 Amen. Good morning, church. 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:08.519 If you will, if you will join me in your copy of God's Word. 00:00:08.519 --> 00:00:10.540 ! Hebrews chapter 12. 00:00:13.759 --> 00:00:16.640 Hebrews 12, we'll start in verse 18. 00:00:23.300 --> 00:00:25.640 This is the Word of God, and it reads, 00:00:25.640 --> 00:00:29.420 For you have not come to what may be touched, 00:00:29.420 --> 00:00:32.859 a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, 00:00:33.260 --> 00:00:36.000 and a tempest, and the sound of a trumpet, 00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:39.740 and a voice whose words made the hearers beg 00:00:39.740 --> 00:00:42.780 that no further messages be spoken to them. 00:00:43.240 --> 00:00:46.160 For they could not endure the order that was given. 00:00:46.980 --> 00:00:50.420 If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned. 00:00:51.520 --> 00:00:54.920 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, 00:00:54.920 --> 00:00:56.439 I tremble with fear. 00:00:56.439 --> 00:00:59.659 But you have come to Mount Zion, 00:01:00.159 --> 00:01:02.299 and to the city of the living God, 00:01:02.519 --> 00:01:03.640 the heavenly Jerusalem, 00:01:04.099 --> 00:01:06.780 and to innumerable angels and feastal gathering, 00:01:07.280 --> 00:01:09.019 and to the assembly of the firstborn 00:01:09.019 --> 00:01:10.640 who are enrolled in heaven, 00:01:11.179 --> 00:01:12.979 and to God, the judge of all, 00:01:13.759 --> 00:01:17.539 and the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 00:01:17.939 --> 00:01:20.680 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, 00:01:20.680 --> 00:01:24.360 and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word 00:01:24.360 --> 00:01:26.020 than the blood of Abel. 00:01:26.580 --> 00:01:27.260 Join me in prayer. 00:01:28.320 --> 00:01:34.120 God, as we behold this glorious truth 00:01:34.120 --> 00:01:37.660 that we have not come to Mount Sinai, 00:01:37.760 --> 00:01:39.320 the mountain of judgment, 00:01:39.600 --> 00:01:42.740 but instead this mountain of mercy, 00:01:43.540 --> 00:01:47.800 the heavenly city where we dwell with you, 00:01:47.799 --> 00:01:50.679 Lord, would these realities sink deeply into us? 00:01:50.759 --> 00:01:52.620 Would you empower my words? 00:01:55.019 --> 00:01:58.039 Would you be with us now in the hearing of your word 00:01:58.039 --> 00:02:00.319 that you would convict us of sin 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:03.379 and encourage us towards obedience? 00:02:04.659 --> 00:02:07.259 God, give us a high view of you 00:02:07.259 --> 00:02:11.139 and set our minds on Christ this morning. 00:02:11.639 --> 00:02:12.439 In your name, amen. 00:02:12.439 --> 00:02:15.479 In Hebrews so far, 00:02:15.699 --> 00:02:17.859 we've seen the author exalt Christ 00:02:17.859 --> 00:02:21.859 by comparing him to different aspects of Jewish belief. 00:02:22.340 --> 00:02:24.359 We've seen Christ superior to angels, 00:02:24.780 --> 00:02:27.479 to Moses, to the high priest, 00:02:27.900 --> 00:02:29.680 to Abraham, to Melchizedek, 00:02:30.139 --> 00:02:33.360 issuing in a better covenant with a better sacrifice. 00:02:34.240 --> 00:02:38.319 We've noted the temptation these Jewish Christians face 00:02:38.319 --> 00:02:39.979 to revert back to Judaism 00:02:39.979 --> 00:02:41.939 for fear of further persecution. 00:02:42.959 --> 00:02:44.759 We saw that they had been beaten, 00:02:45.179 --> 00:02:46.419 publicly scorned, 00:02:46.659 --> 00:02:48.659 and their property plundered for their faith. 00:02:49.379 --> 00:02:52.019 Similarly, we have noted that the temptation for us 00:02:52.019 --> 00:02:53.639 is not towards Judaism, 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:57.719 but towards the culturally acceptable version of our faith, 00:02:58.139 --> 00:03:01.139 a private, unobtrusive, spineless, 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:03.339 milquetoast, partial faith 00:03:03.339 --> 00:03:04.879 which minds its own business 00:03:04.879 --> 00:03:07.519 and submits to the whims of society. 00:03:07.520 --> 00:03:12.180 Our text this morning includes both warning and encouragement. 00:03:12.780 --> 00:03:15.520 Warning to those who would choose to stand before God 00:03:15.520 --> 00:03:18.120 on the basis of their own workspace righteousness 00:03:18.120 --> 00:03:21.100 and encouragement to those who are running the race 00:03:21.100 --> 00:03:23.920 to strengthen our weak knees from last week's text 00:03:23.920 --> 00:03:27.480 because we now relate to God on the basis of Christ's blood, 00:03:27.960 --> 00:03:30.080 his finished work imputed to us. 00:03:30.600 --> 00:03:33.040 John MacArthur writes in his commentary on the text, 00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:36.359 The fear of those on the verge of accepting Christ 00:03:36.359 --> 00:03:40.340 should not be of persecution they might receive for believing in him, 00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:44.060 but the judgment they will inevitably receive for rejecting him. 00:03:44.500 --> 00:03:47.379 The fear should not be of coming to Mount Zion, 00:03:48.379 --> 00:03:51.060 but of turning back to Mount Sinai. 00:03:51.959 --> 00:03:54.159 The author here speaks of two mountains, 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:57.199 Sinai, which is not called by name in our text, 00:03:57.680 --> 00:03:58.479 and Zion. 00:03:58.479 --> 00:04:02.739 And these two mountains are metaphors for how God's people relate to him 00:04:02.739 --> 00:04:05.439 under the old and new covenants. 00:04:05.780 --> 00:04:07.699 The journey between these two mountains, 00:04:08.060 --> 00:04:11.060 moving from a covenant of works to the covenant of grace, 00:04:11.459 --> 00:04:13.939 gives us a vivid picture of the gospel. 00:04:14.560 --> 00:04:17.079 In this journey, we'll find the holiness of God, 00:04:17.420 --> 00:04:19.259 his just retribution for sin, 00:04:19.719 --> 00:04:21.719 the hopelessly sinful state of mankind, 00:04:22.060 --> 00:04:25.199 and the tension of these two coexisting realities. 00:04:25.199 --> 00:04:27.879 We'll see salvation offered through Christ 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:31.060 and the necessary response to be saved. 00:04:31.539 --> 00:04:33.680 As we examine this metaphorical journey, 00:04:34.079 --> 00:04:37.480 we'll see that you cannot come to the mercy and freedom 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:38.779 offered at Zion 00:04:38.779 --> 00:04:41.159 until you have stood at the foot of Sinai, 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:44.719 quaking with fear at the unapproachable, consuming fire, 00:04:45.219 --> 00:04:48.860 recognizing the deserved wrath and bondage because of our sin, 00:04:49.259 --> 00:04:52.259 and surrendering any facade of self-righteousness 00:04:52.259 --> 00:04:55.279 we might bring as we come to encounter God 00:04:55.279 --> 00:04:57.659 at his future holy city. 00:04:58.180 --> 00:05:00.620 So today, for our text, 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:02.939 I have a relatively simple outline. 00:05:03.839 --> 00:05:08.079 I just want to compare and contrast Sinai and Zion. 00:05:08.539 --> 00:05:10.639 We'll see four points of contrast, 00:05:10.740 --> 00:05:11.560 or four differences, 00:05:12.180 --> 00:05:14.360 and two similarities as we go, 00:05:14.879 --> 00:05:17.219 and then we'll give some in-depth application. 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:19.039 So for each of these points, 00:05:19.040 --> 00:05:21.720 I've shortened them into a phrase for you note-takers. 00:05:21.720 --> 00:05:24.960 We'll see Sinai versus Zion in each of these points, 00:05:25.100 --> 00:05:27.319 and you'll get the picture as we go along. 00:05:28.180 --> 00:05:34.820 So firstly, we see Sinai as physical in the past 00:05:34.820 --> 00:05:36.920 and representing bondage, 00:05:37.460 --> 00:05:41.240 while Zion is spiritual, future tense, 00:05:41.620 --> 00:05:43.259 and represents freedom. 00:05:43.259 --> 00:05:45.599 So we have physical, past tense, and bondage, 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:49.599 versus spiritual, future tense, and freedom. 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:51.699 So Sinai, in the Old Testament, 00:05:51.939 --> 00:05:54.740 is the mountain on which God communicated through Moses 00:05:54.740 --> 00:05:57.920 the terms of his relationship with his people. 00:05:58.399 --> 00:06:00.680 Simply put, if they obeyed his commandments, 00:06:01.199 --> 00:06:03.159 they would be his treasured possession. 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:06.639 Throughout the scriptures, and certainly here, 00:06:06.959 --> 00:06:11.480 Mount Zion refers not only to the present Mount Zion in Jerusalem, 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:13.840 but the heavenly, future Jerusalem, 00:06:14.020 --> 00:06:17.140 where God dwells permanently with man. 00:06:18.180 --> 00:06:20.319 Communion with God, or God dwelling with man, 00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:23.060 is the unifying message of the scripture, 00:06:23.540 --> 00:06:26.220 and is the pursuit of the Christian life. 00:06:26.840 --> 00:06:30.180 Zion is the permanent dwelling place of God and man. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:33.420 We see this in verse 22 of our text. 00:06:33.980 --> 00:06:35.200 If you'll look back at it with me. 00:06:36.200 --> 00:06:36.720 It says, 00:06:36.720 --> 00:06:38.420 But you have come to Mount Zion, 00:06:38.820 --> 00:06:40.600 and to the city of the living God, 00:06:40.860 --> 00:06:42.560 the heavenly Jerusalem. 00:06:43.720 --> 00:06:46.860 Similarly, Paul writes in Galatians chapter 4, 00:06:47.020 --> 00:06:48.860 verses 21 through 26, 00:06:49.260 --> 00:06:50.060 he says, 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:52.420 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, 00:06:52.900 --> 00:06:54.200 do you not listen to the law? 00:06:54.760 --> 00:06:57.140 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, 00:06:57.600 --> 00:06:58.860 one by a slave woman, 00:06:58.980 --> 00:07:00.160 and one by a free woman. 00:07:00.580 --> 00:07:03.780 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:07.199 while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 00:07:07.959 --> 00:07:10.500 Now this may be interpreted allegorically. 00:07:11.139 --> 00:07:13.359 These two women are two covenants. 00:07:13.819 --> 00:07:15.179 One is from Mount Sinai, 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:16.799 bearing children for slavery. 00:07:17.379 --> 00:07:18.039 She is Hagar. 00:07:18.679 --> 00:07:20.959 Now, Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, 00:07:21.519 --> 00:07:23.839 and she corresponds to the present Jerusalem. 00:07:24.579 --> 00:07:26.799 For she is in slavery with her children, 00:07:27.219 --> 00:07:29.579 but the Jerusalem above is free, 00:07:29.959 --> 00:07:31.379 and she is our mother. 00:07:31.379 --> 00:07:34.060 So Sinai represents present, 00:07:34.659 --> 00:07:35.659 when this is being written, 00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:37.540 present Judaism and slavery, 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:40.540 while Zion represents heavenly Jerusalem 00:07:40.540 --> 00:07:43.740 and freedom from fulfilling the law's demands 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:46.300 by our own good works. 00:07:46.480 --> 00:07:47.000 So that was, 00:07:47.060 --> 00:07:49.060 it was physical past tense and bondage 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:50.639 versus spiritual future tense, 00:07:50.980 --> 00:07:52.680 and characterized by freedom. 00:07:53.199 --> 00:07:53.600 Secondly, 00:07:54.060 --> 00:07:59.279 we see Sinai characterized by dread, 00:07:59.279 --> 00:08:01.019 gloom, and darkness. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:04.319 While Zion is characterized by celebration, 00:08:05.000 --> 00:08:06.040 feast, or festival, 00:08:06.659 --> 00:08:07.159 and the light. 00:08:07.300 --> 00:08:08.500 So we have gloom and darkness 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:10.800 versus feasting and light. 00:08:12.079 --> 00:08:14.899 The presence of God is pictured throughout the scripture 00:08:14.899 --> 00:08:17.680 when it's manifested as fire. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:19.360 We see it in the burning bush, 00:08:19.800 --> 00:08:20.219 in Exodus, 00:08:20.459 --> 00:08:21.420 the pillar of fire, 00:08:21.759 --> 00:08:23.959 leading the Israelites through Exodus, 00:08:24.120 --> 00:08:24.939 or through the desert. 00:08:25.420 --> 00:08:27.699 And then tongues of fire in the New Testament, 00:08:27.699 --> 00:08:29.599 and here in Hebrews 29, 00:08:29.599 --> 00:08:30.479 later on, 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:31.259 if you look down, 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:34.360 that our God is a consuming fire. 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:36.500 So this fire is of white, 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:37.519 hot perfection, 00:08:38.059 --> 00:08:40.340 casting out all sin by its very nature. 00:08:40.919 --> 00:08:42.600 And those still in their sin 00:08:42.600 --> 00:08:44.559 or under the old covenant of works 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:47.559 relate to God with dread of this perfection 00:08:47.559 --> 00:08:49.939 and cannot stand in His presence 00:08:49.939 --> 00:08:51.899 without tremendous dread, 00:08:52.319 --> 00:08:52.559 guilt, 00:08:52.740 --> 00:08:53.500 and destruction. 00:08:53.500 --> 00:08:53.980 However, 00:08:54.639 --> 00:08:56.139 those covered by Christ's blood 00:08:56.139 --> 00:08:57.240 see God's presence 00:08:57.240 --> 00:08:58.580 as something glorious, 00:08:59.000 --> 00:09:00.940 as the very source of goodness 00:09:00.940 --> 00:09:01.940 and light. 00:09:02.379 --> 00:09:03.440 In Revelation 21, 00:09:03.620 --> 00:09:04.379 in John's vision, 00:09:04.480 --> 00:09:05.600 it says that there will be 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:07.879 no need of sun to shine in Zion, 00:09:08.320 --> 00:09:09.460 for God Himself 00:09:09.460 --> 00:09:11.100 will be our light. 00:09:11.860 --> 00:09:13.679 And this is our first point of similarity. 00:09:13.879 --> 00:09:14.740 It's nestled in here 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:15.679 because I couldn't find 00:09:15.679 --> 00:09:17.240 another way to do it. 00:09:17.399 --> 00:09:18.779 First point of similarity 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:20.500 is that the same holy God 00:09:20.500 --> 00:09:23.059 is encountered at both mountains, 00:09:23.460 --> 00:09:25.399 but is done so very differently. 00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:27.720 One as a dreadful judge, 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:30.279 the other as first a judge, 00:09:30.600 --> 00:09:31.919 and then a savior. 00:09:32.200 --> 00:09:33.940 And we'll demonstrate that later. 00:09:35.039 --> 00:09:36.659 Our third point of comparison, 00:09:37.080 --> 00:09:37.600 contrast. 00:09:39.620 --> 00:09:42.259 Sinai is characterized by distance, 00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:43.600 guilt, 00:09:44.159 --> 00:09:46.059 and a desire for cessation 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:46.980 or ceasing. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:49.220 Versus at Zion, 00:09:49.420 --> 00:09:50.460 we see communion, 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:51.659 purity, 00:09:52.300 --> 00:09:53.779 and desire for more. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:55.120 The people at Sinai 00:09:55.120 --> 00:09:56.659 encountered God at a distance 00:09:56.659 --> 00:09:58.379 with a guilty conscience, 00:09:58.899 --> 00:10:00.600 desiring this encounter to cease, 00:10:00.680 --> 00:10:01.759 while the people at Zion 00:10:01.759 --> 00:10:03.500 experienced communion with God 00:10:03.500 --> 00:10:04.820 without fear 00:10:04.820 --> 00:10:07.220 and joyful worship forever. 00:10:07.460 --> 00:10:07.820 So again, 00:10:07.960 --> 00:10:08.740 distance, guilt, 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:10.740 desire for cessation 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:11.340 or stopping, 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:12.879 versus communion, 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:13.680 purity, 00:10:13.680 --> 00:10:15.420 and desire for more. 00:10:15.419 --> 00:10:17.860 After Moses receives 00:10:17.860 --> 00:10:19.079 the Ten Commandments 00:10:19.079 --> 00:10:20.500 on Mount Sinai, 00:10:20.699 --> 00:10:22.360 he writes their response 00:10:22.360 --> 00:10:23.679 in Exodus chapter 20. 00:10:24.719 --> 00:10:25.500 You can just listen. 00:10:25.599 --> 00:10:26.579 We'll turn to another account 00:10:26.579 --> 00:10:28.059 of this later on. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:29.860 So in verse 18, 00:10:29.939 --> 00:10:30.360 he says, 00:10:30.579 --> 00:10:31.919 Now when all the people 00:10:31.919 --> 00:10:33.179 saw the thunder 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:34.539 and the flashes of lightning 00:10:34.539 --> 00:10:35.939 and the sound of the trumpet 00:10:35.939 --> 00:10:37.620 and the mountain smoking, 00:10:38.039 --> 00:10:39.279 the people were afraid 00:10:39.279 --> 00:10:40.039 and trembled, 00:10:40.219 --> 00:10:41.740 and they stood far off 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:42.599 and said to Moses, 00:10:42.860 --> 00:10:44.079 You speak to us 00:10:44.079 --> 00:10:45.019 and we will listen. 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:46.679 But do not let God 00:10:46.679 --> 00:10:47.579 speak to us 00:10:47.579 --> 00:10:48.519 lest we die. 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:50.460 Moses said to the people, 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:51.299 Do not fear, 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:52.879 for God has come to test you, 00:10:53.059 --> 00:10:54.139 that the fear of Him 00:10:54.139 --> 00:10:55.340 may be before you, 00:10:55.620 --> 00:10:56.699 that you may not sin. 00:10:57.340 --> 00:10:58.860 The people stood far off 00:10:58.860 --> 00:11:00.100 while Moses drew near 00:11:00.100 --> 00:11:01.460 to the thick darkness 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.240 where God was. 00:11:04.139 --> 00:11:05.639 John's account in Revelation 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:07.159 provides a stark contrast 00:11:07.159 --> 00:11:07.879 to Sinai 00:11:07.879 --> 00:11:08.980 as God's people 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:10.379 encounter Him at Zion, 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:11.439 God's city 00:11:11.439 --> 00:11:12.279 and dwelling place 00:11:12.279 --> 00:11:13.100 with His people. 00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:15.159 So let's slip to Revelation chapter 7 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:17.060 and we'll look at 00:11:17.060 --> 00:11:18.759 verses 9 through 17. 00:11:38.940 --> 00:11:41.100 Revelation 7 verse 9. 00:11:41.100 --> 00:11:43.580 It says, 00:11:43.580 --> 00:11:44.779 After this I looked 00:11:44.779 --> 00:11:45.740 and behold 00:11:45.740 --> 00:11:46.860 a great multitude 00:11:46.860 --> 00:11:48.360 that no one could number 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:49.759 from every nation, 00:11:49.920 --> 00:11:50.840 from all tribes 00:11:50.840 --> 00:11:51.420 and peoples 00:11:51.420 --> 00:11:52.040 and languages 00:11:52.040 --> 00:11:54.139 standing before the throne 00:11:54.139 --> 00:11:55.100 and before the Lamb 00:11:55.100 --> 00:11:56.840 clothed in white robes 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:57.580 with palm branches 00:11:57.580 --> 00:11:58.259 in their hands 00:11:58.259 --> 00:11:59.040 and crying out 00:11:59.040 --> 00:11:59.940 with a loud voice, 00:12:00.379 --> 00:12:01.460 Salvation belongs 00:12:01.460 --> 00:12:02.159 to our God 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:03.240 who sits on the throne 00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.340 and to the Lamb. 00:12:04.800 --> 00:12:05.680 And all the angels 00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:06.220 were standing 00:12:06.220 --> 00:12:07.040 around the throne 00:12:07.040 --> 00:12:08.420 and around the elders 00:12:08.419 --> 00:12:09.559 and the four living creatures 00:12:09.559 --> 00:12:10.659 and they fell 00:12:10.659 --> 00:12:11.299 on their faces 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:12.219 before the throne 00:12:12.219 --> 00:12:13.439 and worshipped God 00:12:13.439 --> 00:12:13.939 saying, 00:12:14.419 --> 00:12:14.679 Amen. 00:12:15.459 --> 00:12:15.979 Blessing 00:12:15.979 --> 00:12:16.699 and glory 00:12:16.699 --> 00:12:17.439 and wisdom 00:12:17.439 --> 00:12:18.379 and thanksgiving 00:12:18.379 --> 00:12:19.199 and honor 00:12:19.199 --> 00:12:19.919 and power 00:12:19.919 --> 00:12:20.599 and might 00:12:20.599 --> 00:12:21.959 be to our God 00:12:21.959 --> 00:12:22.939 forever and ever. 00:12:23.319 --> 00:12:23.579 Amen. 00:12:24.099 --> 00:12:24.639 I can't wait 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:26.079 to say that with them. 00:12:27.099 --> 00:12:27.759 Verse 13. 00:12:27.860 --> 00:12:28.559 Then one of the elders 00:12:28.559 --> 00:12:29.179 addressed me 00:12:29.179 --> 00:12:29.599 saying, 00:12:30.059 --> 00:12:30.699 Who are these 00:12:30.699 --> 00:12:32.179 clothed in white robes 00:12:32.179 --> 00:12:33.599 and from where have they come? 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.560 And I said to him, 00:12:34.740 --> 00:12:35.580 Sir, you know. 00:12:35.980 --> 00:12:36.940 And he said to me, 00:12:37.240 --> 00:12:37.980 These are the ones 00:12:37.980 --> 00:12:38.480 coming out 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:39.519 from the great tribulation. 00:12:40.040 --> 00:12:41.440 They have washed their robes 00:12:41.440 --> 00:12:42.420 and made them white 00:12:42.420 --> 00:12:44.100 in the blood of the Lamb. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:45.139 Therefore, 00:12:45.360 --> 00:12:46.200 they are before the throne 00:12:46.200 --> 00:12:46.779 of God 00:12:46.779 --> 00:12:48.759 and serve Him day and night 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:49.840 in His temple. 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:51.540 And He who sits on the throne 00:12:51.540 --> 00:12:52.420 will shelter them 00:12:52.420 --> 00:12:53.180 with His presence. 00:12:53.759 --> 00:12:55.060 And they shall hunger no more, 00:12:55.420 --> 00:12:56.620 neither thirst no more. 00:12:57.019 --> 00:12:58.700 The sun shall not strike them 00:12:58.700 --> 00:13:00.060 nor any scorching heat. 00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:00.980 For the Lamb 00:13:00.980 --> 00:13:02.240 is in the midst of the throne. 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.879 who is in the midst of the throne 00:13:03.879 --> 00:13:04.759 will be their shepherd 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:06.159 and He will guide them 00:13:06.159 --> 00:13:07.460 to springs of living water 00:13:07.460 --> 00:13:09.299 and God will wipe away 00:13:09.299 --> 00:13:10.240 every tear 00:13:10.240 --> 00:13:11.759 from their eyes. 00:13:11.820 --> 00:13:12.840 So here we see 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:13.580 God's presence 00:13:13.580 --> 00:13:14.560 not as something 00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:15.899 to be dreaded, 00:13:16.220 --> 00:13:17.120 but instead 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:18.840 something that is a shelter. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:20.480 It says He will shelter them 00:13:20.480 --> 00:13:22.519 with His presence. 00:13:23.700 --> 00:13:24.360 Fourthly, 00:13:24.840 --> 00:13:25.879 back in Hebrews, 00:13:27.080 --> 00:13:28.080 we have trembling 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:30.000 and perfect Moses 00:13:30.000 --> 00:13:32.360 versus triumphant 00:13:32.360 --> 00:13:33.539 covenant-fulfilling 00:13:33.539 --> 00:13:34.620 Christ. 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:35.480 So trembling, 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:36.860 imperfect Moses 00:13:36.860 --> 00:13:38.220 versus triumphant 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:39.259 covenant-fulfilling 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:40.279 Christ. 00:13:41.000 --> 00:13:42.259 Sinai's old covenant 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:42.820 mediator, 00:13:43.000 --> 00:13:44.179 Moses trembles with fear, 00:13:44.399 --> 00:13:45.200 falling short 00:13:45.200 --> 00:13:46.200 of its standard, 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:48.059 while Zion's mediator, 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:48.580 Jesus, 00:13:48.879 --> 00:13:50.019 fulfilled the old covenant 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:50.960 and thereby 00:13:50.960 --> 00:13:52.659 mediates the new covenant. 00:13:53.179 --> 00:13:54.320 The author is here 00:13:54.320 --> 00:13:55.379 reminding his readers 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:56.059 of the points 00:13:56.059 --> 00:13:57.019 he has already made 00:13:57.019 --> 00:13:58.460 concerning old 00:13:58.460 --> 00:13:59.559 versus new covenants 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:00.980 and Christ's superiority 00:14:00.980 --> 00:14:01.799 to Moses. 00:14:02.199 --> 00:14:02.559 However, 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:03.439 it's been a few months 00:14:03.439 --> 00:14:03.860 for us, 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:04.819 so I would like to read 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:05.539 this explanation 00:14:05.539 --> 00:14:06.980 from Hebrews 9 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:08.600 and that'll get us 00:14:08.600 --> 00:14:10.159 back in Hebrews 00:14:10.159 --> 00:14:11.460 near our text. 00:14:11.579 --> 00:14:12.179 So if you'll turn there 00:14:12.179 --> 00:14:12.579 with me, 00:14:13.139 --> 00:14:14.000 just verses 11 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:15.120 through 15. 00:14:15.579 --> 00:14:16.379 Hebrews 9. 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:16.419 Hebrews 9. 00:14:16.419 --> 00:14:29.699 And it reads, 00:14:46.419 --> 00:15:16.399 Thus securing an eternal redemption. 00:15:16.419 --> 00:15:28.319 If you'd like a greater explanation of the Old and New Covenants and Christ's superiority to Moses, I would encourage you to go back and listen to the message on those texts. 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:33.479 So it would seem as though even Moses' conscience was not purified. 00:15:33.919 --> 00:15:40.899 He was trembling before God at Sinai, for he knew that he had no right to stand before a holy God. 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:46.840 Now, we've already noted one similarity between these two mountains. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:50.740 So let's note one more together that's significant. 00:15:50.740 --> 00:16:03.279 At first glance, it may seem that Sinai is the mountain of judgment, while Zion is the mountain of mercy. 00:16:03.700 --> 00:16:05.039 But that is not the case. 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:11.439 The law at Sinai renders all mankind guilty, but at Zion, judgment will be executed. 00:16:12.159 --> 00:16:25.240 The question is whether we'll be judged based on our works in the Old Covenant or on those of Christ imputed to us by his righteous life, death, and resurrection under the New Covenant. 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:30.000 We see throughout the Scripture that there's a universality of judgment. 00:16:30.200 --> 00:16:33.720 All mankind will stand before the throne of judgment. 00:16:34.600 --> 00:16:38.399 Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5, verse 7-11, 00:16:38.399 --> 00:17:02.579 Listen to this conclusion. 00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:11.779 So believer and unbeliever alike, all will be judged. 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:17.940 And Paul describes this experience, this knowledge, as knowing the fear of the Lord. 00:17:18.579 --> 00:17:24.980 The prophet Joel speaks at the location of this future judgment in chapters 2 and 3 of his word from the Lord. 00:17:25.460 --> 00:17:27.840 Listen to these words from Joel chapter 2. 00:17:27.840 --> 00:17:28.980 He says, 00:17:32.579 --> 00:18:02.579 00:18:02.579 --> 00:18:11.759 So notice the same language used of God's presence surrounding Sinai, but it's pictured here at Zion. 00:18:12.139 --> 00:18:15.460 We have fire, clouds, darkness, and terror. 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:26.460 If we can stand in this judgment, enduring this fire, we will come to a land, Joel says, like the Garden of Eden, dwelling perfectly with God in Zion, his holy city. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:30.639 Later in chapter 3, Joel gets more specific with this location. 00:18:30.640 --> 00:18:38.020 There's a couple of fine details which I find interesting and I think will give a little bit of significance to this point. 00:18:39.320 --> 00:18:40.560 Chapter 3, he says, 00:18:40.559 --> 00:19:03.079 This specific location is also mentioned in verse 12 of Joel's prophecy, the valley of Jehoshaphat. 00:19:03.079 --> 00:19:08.639 And this lies between the Temple Mount, which is Mount Moriah, where Isaac was sacrificed. 00:19:08.879 --> 00:19:10.980 Some people believe this to be Zion. 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:13.579 Some people say it's a different mountain, as an aside. 00:19:13.679 --> 00:19:19.279 So it lies in between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives, just outside of Jerusalem. 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:26.000 So again, judgment, final judgment will take place outside or in, near God's holy city. 00:19:26.599 --> 00:19:30.039 Curiously, this word Jehoshaphat means God will judge. 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:35.839 And this valley's other name, which is the Kidron Valley, means the valley of darkness. 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.599 So why does this matter? 00:19:37.819 --> 00:19:39.619 You may be sitting, thinking to yourself. 00:19:40.399 --> 00:19:46.420 The writer of Hebrews calls our minds to the feast that will take place in Zion post-judgment. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:53.379 His description in verses 22-23 says that we will encounter God as the judge of all, 00:19:53.380 --> 00:19:59.380 but we will do so with celebration and with feasting and with rejoicing alongside the angels, 00:19:59.620 --> 00:20:05.520 rather than as a subject under the angels' trumpet blast rendered at Sinai. 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:07.780 So this author is saying to us, 00:20:07.780 --> 00:20:13.500 If you run this race, endure to the end, see the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on, 00:20:14.020 --> 00:20:17.200 place your faith in the future things that cannot be touched, 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:22.299 unlike Esau, who chose instead to consume that which gives temporal pleasure, 00:20:22.779 --> 00:20:24.580 you will be able to stand in the judgment, 00:20:25.000 --> 00:20:28.559 not by your merit, but by the precious blood of Christ. 00:20:28.980 --> 00:20:29.700 Praise the Lord. 00:20:30.559 --> 00:20:33.759 So then, if we have placed our faith in Christ as our substitute, 00:20:34.360 --> 00:20:36.340 enduring the wrath of God on our behalf, 00:20:36.700 --> 00:20:37.779 this author is saying, 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:41.539 Do not stay in the mindset of Sinai and upcoming judgment. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:47.299 Rather, set your mind on the feast and the celebrating that will follow after this judgment takes place, 00:20:47.680 --> 00:20:50.579 for that is the mountain that you have come to. 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:55.839 So, that's our comparing and contrasting these two mountains. 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:58.660 Let's look at some application together. 00:20:59.420 --> 00:21:02.299 The question that I had when I was reading this text 00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:08.460 was what role should the picture of God at Sinai play in our minds now? 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:14.960 So, what role should the picture of God at Sinai play in our minds now? 00:21:15.659 --> 00:21:18.399 I have five points of application on this question. 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:24.460 Firstly, Sinai destroys self-righteousness. 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:27.740 Sinai destroys self-righteousness. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:31.460 We see Moses himself, the leader of God's people, 00:21:31.460 --> 00:21:34.920 out from slavery and the book of Exodus, 00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:37.240 trembling in the sight of a holy God. 00:21:38.019 --> 00:21:40.539 In consideration of even one commandment, 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:43.660 love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, 00:21:44.019 --> 00:21:45.700 we fall woefully short, 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:50.160 and perfect obedience is required to approach a holy God. 00:21:50.980 --> 00:21:53.680 In Paul's letter to the Romans in chapter 3, 00:21:53.799 --> 00:21:55.819 a passage which you're likely familiar, 00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:58.480 we get a picture of our righteousness before God, 00:21:58.480 --> 00:22:01.360 where we are reminded that none is righteous, 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.599 no, not one, 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:04.519 no one does good, 00:22:04.720 --> 00:22:07.360 and there is no fear of God before their eyes. 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.900 He then comments, 00:22:08.900 --> 00:22:11.440 Now we know that whatever the law says, 00:22:11.560 --> 00:22:13.500 it speaks to those who are under the law, 00:22:13.960 --> 00:22:16.080 so that every mouth may be stopped, 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:18.900 and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 00:22:19.240 --> 00:22:21.200 For by works of the law, 00:22:21.320 --> 00:22:24.320 no human being will be justified in his sight, 00:22:24.600 --> 00:22:27.780 since through the law comes the knowledge of sin. 00:22:28.180 --> 00:22:28.800 In other words, 00:22:28.860 --> 00:22:31.580 we cannot approach God on Sinai's terms, 00:22:31.820 --> 00:22:34.920 so we should indeed have great fear. 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:39.460 David continues along the same lines in Psalm 130. 00:22:39.720 --> 00:22:40.120 He says, 00:22:40.519 --> 00:22:42.000 O Lord, hear my voice. 00:22:42.400 --> 00:22:45.400 Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy. 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:48.620 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, 00:22:48.820 --> 00:22:50.820 O Lord, who could stand? 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:55.600 Certainly, if even the best among us were to stand before the judgment seat of God, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:57.380 on the basis of our merit, 00:22:57.660 --> 00:23:01.259 we would be justly destroyed in an instant. 00:23:01.259 --> 00:23:04.059 So, part of the purpose of Sinai, 00:23:04.160 --> 00:23:07.720 and God communicating his attributes to us at Sinai, 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:10.539 is to destroy our self-righteousness. 00:23:10.660 --> 00:23:12.119 Any guise that we may have, 00:23:12.180 --> 00:23:16.200 that our works somehow give us merit before God, 00:23:16.640 --> 00:23:17.680 that's its purpose, 00:23:17.759 --> 00:23:21.680 to show us that we are inadequate to fulfill this covenant. 00:23:22.839 --> 00:23:24.400 Our next three points, 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:26.940 I'll break them down one by one, 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.980 but it's one thought. 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:32.279 Sinai communicates attributes of God, 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:32.900 point two, 00:23:33.720 --> 00:23:35.400 which are essential for salvation, 00:23:35.759 --> 00:23:36.299 point three, 00:23:37.000 --> 00:23:37.599 and four, 00:23:38.380 --> 00:23:39.740 essential for sanctification. 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:43.279 So, Sinai communicates attributes of God, 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:44.579 essential for salvation, 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.860 and for sanctification. 00:23:47.519 --> 00:23:49.000 So, I have these as separate points. 00:23:49.180 --> 00:23:50.799 For knowing God and his attributes, 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:52.120 is an end, 00:23:52.339 --> 00:23:53.039 in and of itself. 00:23:53.460 --> 00:23:55.200 The chief end of man is to know God, 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.880 and enjoy him forever. 00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:58.000 Additionally, 00:23:58.000 --> 00:24:00.080 Jesus describes eternal life, 00:24:00.180 --> 00:24:01.520 in his high priestly prayer, 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:02.740 in John 17, 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:03.220 3, 00:24:03.740 --> 00:24:05.620 as knowing God and Christ, 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:06.860 whom he sent. 00:24:07.460 --> 00:24:08.340 In Sinai, 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:10.020 we see God's holiness, 00:24:10.600 --> 00:24:12.720 his separation from creation, 00:24:13.480 --> 00:24:15.140 the fact that he is without flaw, 00:24:15.300 --> 00:24:17.100 and intolerant of sin. 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.360 Habakkuk 1, 00:24:18.420 --> 00:24:18.880 13, 00:24:19.020 --> 00:24:19.860 describes God, 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:22.160 as having eyes too pure to see evil, 00:24:22.660 --> 00:24:24.680 unable to look at wrong. 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:27.080 We see his response to sin, 00:24:27.539 --> 00:24:27.900 wrath, 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.980 and fiery judgment, 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:30.180 which are expressions, 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.460 of divine justice. 00:24:32.759 --> 00:24:32.940 So, 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:33.860 at Sinai, 00:24:33.960 --> 00:24:35.460 we see all these attributes, 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.539 of God. 00:24:38.539 --> 00:24:40.120 These communicated qualities, 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:41.620 are essential for salvation, 00:24:41.860 --> 00:24:42.340 point three. 00:24:42.720 --> 00:24:44.000 These communicated qualities, 00:24:44.160 --> 00:24:44.640 are essential, 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:46.200 for salvation. 00:24:47.180 --> 00:24:48.200 God's holiness, 00:24:48.700 --> 00:24:48.980 wrath, 00:24:49.060 --> 00:24:49.580 and judgment, 00:24:50.080 --> 00:24:51.320 are just as significant, 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.779 to the message of the gospel, 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:54.319 as his mercy, 00:24:54.700 --> 00:24:55.759 and his love. 00:24:56.539 --> 00:24:58.259 Many in our Bible Belt culture, 00:24:58.359 --> 00:24:59.920 desire to only preach, 00:25:00.059 --> 00:25:01.000 the warm and fuzzy, 00:25:01.160 --> 00:25:02.039 feeling inducing, 00:25:02.519 --> 00:25:03.839 partial gospel of love, 00:25:03.899 --> 00:25:04.680 and eternal life, 00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.359 through Christ. 00:25:06.079 --> 00:25:06.559 Salvation, 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.899 cannot be found, 00:25:08.220 --> 00:25:09.200 in this message. 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.639 J.I. Packer writes, 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:12.579 in Knowing God, 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:14.259 if we would know God, 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.000 it is vital, 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:16.399 that we face the truth, 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:17.659 concerning his wrath, 00:25:18.000 --> 00:25:19.139 however unfashionable, 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:19.740 it may be, 00:25:20.059 --> 00:25:21.139 and however strong, 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.339 our initial prejudices, 00:25:22.559 --> 00:25:23.220 against it. 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:24.000 Otherwise, 00:25:24.519 --> 00:25:25.779 we shall not understand, 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:26.839 the gospel of salvation, 00:25:26.839 --> 00:25:27.720 from wrath, 00:25:28.139 --> 00:25:29.000 nor the propitiatory, 00:25:29.859 --> 00:25:31.339 achievement of the cross, 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:33.059 nor the redeeming, 00:25:33.119 --> 00:25:34.279 love of God. 00:25:34.339 --> 00:25:34.879 In other words, 00:25:34.919 --> 00:25:35.919 without understanding, 00:25:36.079 --> 00:25:36.819 God's wrath, 00:25:36.899 --> 00:25:38.259 we don't see Christ, 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.559 as our substitute. 00:25:40.039 --> 00:25:41.019 How could we understand, 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:41.799 God's love, 00:25:41.879 --> 00:25:43.359 if we fail to recognize, 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.740 what this love costs, 00:25:45.099 --> 00:25:46.299 and fail to understand, 00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:47.859 the highest expression of it, 00:25:48.200 --> 00:25:48.900 in Christ? 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:51.139 In his death on the cross, 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:52.599 he bore the wrath of God, 00:25:52.660 --> 00:25:53.559 for those who had placed, 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.400 their faith in him. 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:56.099 If we do not understand, 00:25:56.099 --> 00:25:56.980 God's wrath, 00:25:57.359 --> 00:25:58.180 what exactly, 00:25:58.359 --> 00:25:59.000 would we need, 00:25:59.000 --> 00:25:59.779 would we need, 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:00.759 saving from? 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:01.680 Indeed, 00:26:01.799 --> 00:26:03.160 we are saved by God, 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:04.420 but we are also saved, 00:26:04.559 --> 00:26:05.519 from God. 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:06.920 To use the terms, 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:07.940 of our author in Hebrews, 00:26:08.279 --> 00:26:09.200 we cannot reach, 00:26:09.200 --> 00:26:10.359 the summit of Zion, 00:26:10.359 --> 00:26:11.539 until we have sat, 00:26:11.699 --> 00:26:13.099 at the foot of Sinai, 00:26:13.459 --> 00:26:14.039 and begged, 00:26:14.439 --> 00:26:15.019 for mercy. 00:26:15.439 --> 00:26:16.399 I think often times, 00:26:16.519 --> 00:26:18.119 we focus more on, 00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:19.639 what we feel, 00:26:19.699 --> 00:26:20.799 in response to God, 00:26:21.139 --> 00:26:22.579 rather than focusing on, 00:26:22.659 --> 00:26:23.159 whether or not, 00:26:23.219 --> 00:26:24.259 these attributes of God, 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:25.439 are true. 00:26:25.879 --> 00:26:26.240 And, 00:26:26.479 --> 00:26:27.779 if we believe, 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:28.919 that knowing God, 00:26:28.979 --> 00:26:30.359 is the source of eternal life, 00:26:30.599 --> 00:26:31.459 then we must consider, 00:26:31.539 --> 00:26:32.679 the whole truth about God, 00:26:32.959 --> 00:26:34.000 not just those, 00:26:34.099 --> 00:26:35.019 which induce, 00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:36.079 positive feelings, 00:26:36.619 --> 00:26:37.259 in us. 00:26:38.519 --> 00:26:39.279 Point four, 00:26:39.279 --> 00:26:40.599 God's attributes, 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.420 at Sinai, 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.099 are essential, 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.259 for sanctification. 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:45.579 God's attributes, 00:26:45.740 --> 00:26:46.299 at Sinai, 00:26:46.379 --> 00:26:46.899 are essential, 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.960 for sanctification. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.299 While we easily, 00:26:50.299 --> 00:26:52.000 recognize the foolishness, 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.960 and inadequacy, 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:55.539 of a wrathless God, 00:26:55.819 --> 00:26:56.779 in regard to our, 00:26:56.779 --> 00:26:57.799 original repentance, 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:58.680 unto salvation, 00:26:59.379 --> 00:27:00.460 we rarely see, 00:27:00.559 --> 00:27:01.240 its relationship, 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.519 with our continued, 00:27:02.519 --> 00:27:03.079 repentance, 00:27:03.740 --> 00:27:04.319 and victory, 00:27:04.700 --> 00:27:05.299 over sin. 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:06.200 I'll say that again. 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:07.279 While we easily, 00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:08.839 recognize the foolishness, 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:09.740 and inadequacy, 00:27:09.740 --> 00:27:11.220 of a wrathless God, 00:27:11.579 --> 00:27:12.459 in regard to our, 00:27:12.459 --> 00:27:13.480 original repentance, 00:27:13.639 --> 00:27:14.299 unto salvation, 00:27:14.799 --> 00:27:15.699 we rarely, 00:27:15.699 --> 00:27:16.759 see its relationship, 00:27:17.039 --> 00:27:18.039 with our continued, 00:27:18.039 --> 00:27:18.599 repentance, 00:27:19.119 --> 00:27:19.759 and victory, 00:27:19.939 --> 00:27:20.559 over sin. 00:27:21.039 --> 00:27:21.699 I believe, 00:27:21.759 --> 00:27:22.439 it is the intent, 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:23.619 of the writer of Hebrews, 00:27:23.939 --> 00:27:24.459 and therefore, 00:27:24.579 --> 00:27:25.079 our Lord, 00:27:25.439 --> 00:27:26.079 not simply, 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:26.819 to ignore, 00:27:27.019 --> 00:27:27.500 the holiness, 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:27.959 wrath, 00:27:28.019 --> 00:27:28.439 and judgment, 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:28.819 of God, 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:29.899 expressed at Sinai, 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:31.179 but to allow it, 00:27:31.259 --> 00:27:32.459 to continually push us, 00:27:32.519 --> 00:27:33.059 to Christ, 00:27:33.539 --> 00:27:34.199 even in, 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:35.119 our ongoing, 00:27:35.119 --> 00:27:35.759 repentance. 00:27:35.759 --> 00:27:37.220 The most obvious, 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.460 expression of this reality, 00:27:38.660 --> 00:27:40.059 is found in verses 28, 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:40.960 and 29, 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:41.579 later, 00:27:42.000 --> 00:27:43.240 after our text, 00:27:43.339 --> 00:27:43.799 in Hebrews, 00:27:44.359 --> 00:27:45.240 chapter 12. 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:47.039 After he has exhorted us, 00:27:47.079 --> 00:27:48.379 with our fixed position, 00:27:48.539 --> 00:27:49.660 celebrating in the feast, 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:50.160 of Zion, 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:50.859 he says, 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:52.779 let us offer to God, 00:27:52.920 --> 00:27:53.920 acceptable worship, 00:27:54.220 --> 00:27:55.220 with reverence, 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:55.940 and awe, 00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:57.539 for our God, 00:27:57.619 --> 00:27:59.019 is a consuming fire. 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:01.759 Not was a consuming fire, 00:28:01.859 --> 00:28:03.119 back then at Sinai, 00:28:03.220 --> 00:28:04.799 but is a consuming fire. 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:06.279 This reality, 00:28:06.720 --> 00:28:08.099 is in the present moment, 00:28:08.639 --> 00:28:10.000 and it's meant to move us, 00:28:10.119 --> 00:28:10.579 to worship, 00:28:11.119 --> 00:28:11.619 and awe. 00:28:12.159 --> 00:28:13.659 Now this was certainly true, 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.480 of the Israelites, 00:28:14.980 --> 00:28:15.659 back then. 00:28:16.000 --> 00:28:16.839 Moses records, 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:18.919 the same post-Sinai scene, 00:28:19.339 --> 00:28:20.220 in Deuteronomy, 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.099 chapter 5. 00:28:21.180 --> 00:28:22.240 So let's turn there together, 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.619 and see how, 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:25.399 these attributes of God, 00:28:25.480 --> 00:28:26.480 were meant to cause, 00:28:26.879 --> 00:28:27.299 obedience, 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:28.399 in them. 00:28:30.480 --> 00:28:31.419 So this is, 00:28:31.500 --> 00:28:31.940 Deuteronomy, 00:28:32.039 --> 00:28:32.700 chapter 5. 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:53.700 I'll start reading, 00:28:53.860 --> 00:28:55.000 in verse 24. 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:55.420 Again, 00:28:55.500 --> 00:28:55.900 this is, 00:28:56.400 --> 00:28:57.380 after the Ten Commandments, 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:57.840 are given, 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.100 and we see Moses, 00:28:59.220 --> 00:28:59.640 recording, 00:28:59.819 --> 00:29:00.960 and reminding his people, 00:29:01.299 --> 00:29:02.160 of their response, 00:29:02.160 --> 00:29:02.700 to God, 00:29:02.800 --> 00:29:03.420 in that moment. 00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:05.060 So verse 24, 00:29:06.140 --> 00:29:08.779 says, 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:10.600 And you said, 00:29:11.120 --> 00:29:11.540 Behold, 00:29:11.620 --> 00:29:12.480 the Lord our God, 00:29:12.519 --> 00:29:13.360 has shown us, 00:29:13.380 --> 00:29:14.519 His glory and greatness, 00:29:14.940 --> 00:29:15.980 and we have heard, 00:29:16.140 --> 00:29:16.740 His voice, 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:17.779 out of the midst, 00:29:17.840 --> 00:29:18.420 of the fire. 00:29:19.000 --> 00:29:19.560 This day, 00:29:19.640 --> 00:29:20.460 we have seen God, 00:29:20.540 --> 00:29:21.400 speak with man, 00:29:21.460 --> 00:29:22.700 and man still live. 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:24.120 Now therefore, 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:25.380 why should we die? 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.900 For this great fire, 00:29:26.940 --> 00:29:27.779 will consume us. 00:29:27.840 --> 00:29:28.800 If we hear the voice, 00:29:28.800 --> 00:29:29.620 of the Lord our God, 00:29:29.660 --> 00:29:30.040 anymore, 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:30.980 we shall die. 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:32.839 For who is there, 00:29:32.899 --> 00:29:33.779 of all flesh, 00:29:34.019 --> 00:29:35.079 that has heard the voice, 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:35.960 of the living God, 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:37.339 speaking out of the midst, 00:29:37.399 --> 00:29:38.000 of the fire, 00:29:38.079 --> 00:29:38.940 as we have, 00:29:39.019 --> 00:29:40.139 and has still lived? 00:29:40.859 --> 00:29:41.639 Go near, 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.440 and hear all, 00:29:42.500 --> 00:29:43.519 that the Lord our God, 00:29:43.539 --> 00:29:44.059 will say, 00:29:44.139 --> 00:29:45.139 and speak to us. 00:29:45.460 --> 00:29:46.259 All that He, 00:29:46.639 --> 00:29:47.420 the Lord our God, 00:29:47.420 --> 00:29:48.299 will speak to you, 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.539 and we will hear it, 00:29:49.659 --> 00:29:50.359 and do it. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:52.379 And the Lord heard your words, 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:53.639 when you spoke to me. 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.859 And the Lord said to me, 00:29:55.159 --> 00:29:56.259 I have heard the words, 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:56.919 of this people, 00:29:57.199 --> 00:29:58.539 which they have spoken to you. 00:29:59.359 --> 00:30:00.339 They are right, 00:30:00.459 --> 00:30:01.659 in all that they have spoken. 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:02.759 Oh, 00:30:02.819 --> 00:30:04.319 that they had such a mind, 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.240 as this always, 00:30:05.639 --> 00:30:06.459 to fear me, 00:30:06.539 --> 00:30:08.079 and to keep all my commandments, 00:30:08.559 --> 00:30:09.579 that it might go well, 00:30:09.579 --> 00:30:10.059 with them, 00:30:10.259 --> 00:30:11.519 and with their descendants, 00:30:12.119 --> 00:30:12.439 forever. 00:30:13.199 --> 00:30:13.639 Similarly, 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:14.579 we read earlier, 00:30:14.679 --> 00:30:15.779 in Exodus chapter 20, 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:17.299 says that God, 00:30:17.379 --> 00:30:18.719 has come to test you, 00:30:18.799 --> 00:30:19.759 that the fear of Him, 00:30:20.099 --> 00:30:21.279 may be before you, 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:23.019 that you may not sin. 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:24.879 God responds, 00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:25.839 to their fear of Him, 00:30:26.160 --> 00:30:27.079 not with comfort. 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:28.500 And I find this striking. 00:30:28.980 --> 00:30:29.519 He doesn't, 00:30:29.619 --> 00:30:30.579 comfort them, 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:32.220 but essentially He says, 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:33.180 good, 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:34.279 that you're afraid. 00:30:34.539 --> 00:30:34.799 Good, 00:30:34.879 --> 00:30:35.440 that you're afraid. 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:36.559 He says, 00:30:36.740 --> 00:30:37.059 literally, 00:30:37.299 --> 00:30:38.240 they are right, 00:30:38.319 --> 00:30:39.759 in all that they have spoken. 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:41.660 God then says, 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:42.660 in response to Moses, 00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:44.180 if they would maintain, 00:30:44.379 --> 00:30:45.839 this same level of fear, 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:46.720 of reverence, 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.319 and of awe, 00:30:47.639 --> 00:30:48.720 then they would go on, 00:30:48.799 --> 00:30:50.440 to keep His commandments. 00:30:51.639 --> 00:30:52.319 A.W. Pink, 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:53.039 in his commentary, 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:54.279 on Hebrews 12, 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:56.359 maintains this same concept, 00:30:56.500 --> 00:30:57.599 for New Testament believers. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:30:59.519 This is a lengthy, 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:00.919 but great quote. 00:31:01.460 --> 00:31:02.899 I'll try to read it well for us. 00:31:03.859 --> 00:31:04.379 He says, 00:31:04.460 --> 00:31:05.319 the wrath of God, 00:31:05.579 --> 00:31:06.419 is a perfection, 00:31:06.659 --> 00:31:07.799 of the divine character, 00:31:08.099 --> 00:31:09.200 on which we need, 00:31:09.279 --> 00:31:10.379 to meditate frequently. 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:11.639 First, 00:31:11.779 --> 00:31:12.519 that our hearts, 00:31:12.559 --> 00:31:13.799 may be duly impressed, 00:31:14.119 --> 00:31:15.659 by God's detestation, 00:31:15.659 --> 00:31:16.179 of sin. 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:18.059 We are ever prone, 00:31:18.220 --> 00:31:19.519 to regard sin lightly, 00:31:19.960 --> 00:31:20.899 to gloss over, 00:31:20.900 --> 00:31:21.820 its hideousness, 00:31:21.960 --> 00:31:22.960 to make excuses, 00:31:22.960 --> 00:31:23.580 for sin. 00:31:24.000 --> 00:31:24.780 But the more, 00:31:24.880 --> 00:31:25.440 we study, 00:31:25.660 --> 00:31:26.240 and ponder, 00:31:26.420 --> 00:31:27.840 God's abhorrence of sin, 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.040 and His frightful, 00:31:29.120 --> 00:31:30.120 vengeance upon it, 00:31:30.400 --> 00:31:31.200 the more likely, 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:31.820 we are, 00:31:31.960 --> 00:31:32.759 to realize, 00:31:32.880 --> 00:31:33.680 its heinousness. 00:31:34.519 --> 00:31:34.980 Secondly, 00:31:35.380 --> 00:31:35.900 to beget, 00:31:36.019 --> 00:31:36.880 a true fear, 00:31:37.120 --> 00:31:38.360 in our souls for God, 00:31:38.519 --> 00:31:39.759 let us have grace, 00:31:39.820 --> 00:31:41.060 he's quoting from Hebrews 12, 00:31:41.180 --> 00:31:42.100 let us have grace, 00:31:42.180 --> 00:31:42.440 whereby, 00:31:42.640 --> 00:31:43.680 we may serve God, 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:44.420 acceptably, 00:31:44.620 --> 00:31:45.540 with reverence, 00:31:45.620 --> 00:31:46.400 and godly fear, 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:47.400 for our God, 00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:48.440 is a consuming fire. 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:50.240 We cannot serve Him, 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:50.920 acceptably, 00:31:51.340 --> 00:31:52.980 unless there is due reverence, 00:31:53.080 --> 00:31:54.220 for His awful majesty, 00:31:54.640 --> 00:31:55.620 and godly fear, 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:56.799 of His righteous anger, 00:31:57.240 --> 00:31:58.580 and these are best promoted, 00:31:58.740 --> 00:31:59.920 by frequently calling, 00:32:00.120 --> 00:32:00.539 to mind, 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:01.299 that our God, 00:32:01.360 --> 00:32:02.500 is a consuming fire. 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:04.019 Our readiness, 00:32:04.380 --> 00:32:05.400 or our reluctancy, 00:32:05.620 --> 00:32:06.160 to meditate, 00:32:06.420 --> 00:32:07.519 upon the wrath of God, 00:32:07.840 --> 00:32:09.019 becomes a sure test, 00:32:09.100 --> 00:32:09.960 of how our hearts, 00:32:10.059 --> 00:32:10.960 really stand, 00:32:11.080 --> 00:32:11.480 affected, 00:32:12.019 --> 00:32:12.640 towards Him. 00:32:13.100 --> 00:32:13.600 End quote. 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:15.200 So as we consider, 00:32:15.320 --> 00:32:15.940 the wrath of God, 00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:16.580 due our sin, 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:17.179 then, 00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:18.359 and only then, 00:32:18.859 --> 00:32:19.960 do we turn our eyes, 00:32:20.019 --> 00:32:21.019 from Sinai, 00:32:21.179 --> 00:32:22.000 to Zion, 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:23.019 where Christ, 00:32:23.099 --> 00:32:24.359 has satisfied this wrath, 00:32:24.539 --> 00:32:25.359 and given us, 00:32:25.439 --> 00:32:26.299 His perfect obedience. 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:28.099 We cannot help then, 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:29.179 but to respond, 00:32:29.460 --> 00:32:29.960 in loving, 00:32:30.419 --> 00:32:30.879 and willing, 00:32:31.079 --> 00:32:31.519 obedience, 00:32:31.759 --> 00:32:32.279 to the King. 00:32:33.119 --> 00:32:33.639 Now, 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:34.679 some of you, 00:32:34.819 --> 00:32:35.500 who have struggled, 00:32:35.639 --> 00:32:36.579 with habitual sin, 00:32:36.619 --> 00:32:37.099 at this point, 00:32:37.139 --> 00:32:38.000 are likely thinking, 00:32:38.099 --> 00:32:39.539 something along the lines of, 00:32:40.000 --> 00:32:41.039 I already know, 00:32:41.179 --> 00:32:42.199 how bad my sin is, 00:32:42.339 --> 00:32:43.279 so I do not need, 00:32:43.339 --> 00:32:44.220 the further negativity, 00:32:44.480 --> 00:32:45.319 of the wrath of God, 00:32:45.319 --> 00:32:45.899 to be heaped, 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:46.939 upon my conscience. 00:32:47.539 --> 00:32:48.059 Allow me, 00:32:48.179 --> 00:32:48.899 a moment more, 00:32:49.019 --> 00:32:50.019 to convince you otherwise. 00:32:51.079 --> 00:32:52.019 Beyond what has already, 00:32:52.019 --> 00:32:52.679 been established, 00:32:52.879 --> 00:32:53.839 in the fear of the Lord, 00:32:53.939 --> 00:32:54.980 leading to obedience, 00:32:55.539 --> 00:32:56.639 I believe this mindset, 00:32:56.859 --> 00:32:57.659 in some ways, 00:32:57.720 --> 00:32:58.839 is missing the point, 00:32:59.220 --> 00:33:00.019 of this journey. 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:01.139 I'd like to read, 00:33:01.179 --> 00:33:01.579 a paragraph, 00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:02.839 from John Piper's, 00:33:03.079 --> 00:33:03.179 forward, 00:33:03.339 --> 00:33:04.000 to Owen's, 00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:05.119 mortification of sin, 00:33:05.439 --> 00:33:06.240 to prove this point. 00:33:07.679 --> 00:33:08.539 I lost room, 00:33:08.599 --> 00:33:09.119 on my podium. 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:12.139 So John Piper, 00:33:12.339 --> 00:33:13.299 wrote forward, 00:33:13.419 --> 00:33:13.639 again, 00:33:13.640 --> 00:33:14.640 to John Owen's, 00:33:14.680 --> 00:33:15.620 mortification of sin. 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:18.360 He says, 00:33:18.580 --> 00:33:20.540 the depth, 00:33:20.700 --> 00:33:21.520 and complexity, 00:33:22.080 --> 00:33:22.780 the ugliness, 00:33:22.920 --> 00:33:23.980 and the danger of sin, 00:33:24.100 --> 00:33:25.020 professing Christians, 00:33:25.540 --> 00:33:26.140 is often, 00:33:26.300 --> 00:33:27.259 either minimized, 00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:28.460 since we are already, 00:33:28.460 --> 00:33:29.020 justified, 00:33:29.560 --> 00:33:30.680 or, 00:33:30.860 --> 00:33:31.860 psychologized, 00:33:31.980 --> 00:33:32.660 as a symptom, 00:33:32.660 --> 00:33:33.780 of woundedness, 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:34.820 rather than, 00:33:34.820 --> 00:33:35.320 corruption. 00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.220 This is, 00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:37.800 tragically, 00:33:37.920 --> 00:33:38.580 light healing. 00:33:39.020 --> 00:33:39.620 I call it, 00:33:39.660 --> 00:33:40.160 a tragedy, 00:33:40.420 --> 00:33:41.360 because by making, 00:33:41.359 --> 00:33:42.399 life easier, 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:43.219 for ourselves, 00:33:43.419 --> 00:33:44.179 and minimizing, 00:33:44.419 --> 00:33:44.879 the nature, 00:33:45.240 --> 00:33:46.000 and seriousness, 00:33:46.219 --> 00:33:46.879 of our sin, 00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:47.939 we become, 00:33:48.119 --> 00:33:49.339 greater victims of it. 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:50.240 We are, 00:33:50.399 --> 00:33:50.639 in fact, 00:33:50.679 --> 00:33:51.799 not healing ourselves. 00:33:52.399 --> 00:33:53.240 Those who say, 00:33:53.359 --> 00:33:54.039 that they already, 00:33:54.039 --> 00:33:55.039 feel bad enough, 00:33:55.359 --> 00:33:56.479 without being told, 00:33:56.599 --> 00:33:57.459 of the corruptions, 00:33:57.519 --> 00:33:58.479 of indwelling sin, 00:33:58.859 --> 00:33:59.679 misread, 00:33:59.779 --> 00:34:00.379 the path, 00:34:00.500 --> 00:34:01.079 to peace. 00:34:01.679 --> 00:34:02.519 When our people, 00:34:02.519 --> 00:34:03.359 have not been taught, 00:34:03.359 --> 00:34:03.679 well, 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:04.539 about the real nature, 00:34:04.539 --> 00:34:05.039 of sin, 00:34:05.359 --> 00:34:06.059 how it works, 00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:06.759 and how to put it, 00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:07.279 to death, 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:09.099 most of the miseries, 00:34:09.420 --> 00:34:10.299 people report, 00:34:10.300 --> 00:34:11.240 are not owing, 00:34:11.340 --> 00:34:12.200 to the disease, 00:34:12.519 --> 00:34:13.280 but its symptoms. 00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:14.480 They feel, 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:15.600 a general malaise, 00:34:15.640 --> 00:34:16.580 and don't know why. 00:34:16.900 --> 00:34:17.480 Their marriages, 00:34:17.600 --> 00:34:18.539 are at a breaking point. 00:34:18.760 --> 00:34:19.560 They feel weak, 00:34:19.580 --> 00:34:20.500 in their spiritual witness, 00:34:20.580 --> 00:34:21.080 and devotion. 00:34:21.519 --> 00:34:22.080 Their workplace, 00:34:22.260 --> 00:34:22.760 is in battle. 00:34:22.940 --> 00:34:23.400 Their church, 00:34:23.400 --> 00:34:24.620 is tense with unrest. 00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:25.519 Their fuse, 00:34:25.580 --> 00:34:26.560 is short with their children, 00:34:26.680 --> 00:34:26.980 etc. 00:34:27.260 --> 00:34:28.260 They report, 00:34:28.260 --> 00:34:29.360 these miseries, 00:34:29.440 --> 00:34:30.880 as if they were the disease, 00:34:30.880 --> 00:34:31.900 and they want, 00:34:32.039 --> 00:34:32.640 the symptoms, 00:34:33.280 --> 00:34:33.800 removed. 00:34:36.960 --> 00:34:38.039 We are so quick, 00:34:38.160 --> 00:34:38.519 to flee, 00:34:38.600 --> 00:34:39.519 the negative feelings, 00:34:39.519 --> 00:34:40.699 of a guilty conscience, 00:34:41.219 --> 00:34:41.960 that we often, 00:34:42.079 --> 00:34:42.800 never seek, 00:34:42.920 --> 00:34:43.559 to uproot, 00:34:43.659 --> 00:34:44.719 the source of this guilt. 00:34:45.199 --> 00:34:45.940 Never stopping, 00:34:46.099 --> 00:34:46.599 to consider, 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:47.699 that the negative feelings, 00:34:47.820 --> 00:34:49.019 are meant to lead us, 00:34:49.259 --> 00:34:50.099 on this journey, 00:34:50.239 --> 00:34:51.000 from Sinai, 00:34:51.119 --> 00:34:51.639 to Zion. 00:34:52.579 --> 00:34:53.440 Owen goes on, 00:34:53.519 --> 00:34:54.380 later in his work, 00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:55.280 to give instructions, 00:34:55.280 --> 00:34:55.980 to the sin, 00:34:56.179 --> 00:34:57.519 in order to mortify, 00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:58.759 or kill our sin. 00:34:59.219 --> 00:34:59.679 He says, 00:34:59.719 --> 00:35:00.579 that we should firstly, 00:35:00.579 --> 00:35:02.179 load our consciences, 00:35:02.559 --> 00:35:03.340 with the guilt, 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:04.039 of sin, 00:35:04.519 --> 00:35:05.940 with the very law, 00:35:06.059 --> 00:35:07.139 given on Sinai. 00:35:07.239 --> 00:35:07.639 He says, 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:07.960 oh, 00:35:08.000 --> 00:35:09.079 if your ears be open, 00:35:09.440 --> 00:35:10.039 it will speak, 00:35:10.039 --> 00:35:10.599 with a voice, 00:35:10.599 --> 00:35:11.759 that will make you tremble, 00:35:11.960 --> 00:35:13.179 that shall cast you, 00:35:13.179 --> 00:35:13.759 to the ground, 00:35:13.819 --> 00:35:14.440 and fill you, 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:15.239 with astonishment. 00:35:15.659 --> 00:35:16.960 You must tie up, 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:17.639 your conscience, 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:18.759 to the law. 00:35:19.539 --> 00:35:19.940 Later, 00:35:20.239 --> 00:35:21.039 he goes on, 00:35:21.079 --> 00:35:21.819 to instruct readers, 00:35:21.960 --> 00:35:22.679 to bring our sin, 00:35:22.739 --> 00:35:23.359 to the gospel, 00:35:23.719 --> 00:35:25.279 not yet for relief, 00:35:25.699 --> 00:35:27.139 but for further conviction, 00:35:27.879 --> 00:35:29.279 as we look on him, 00:35:29.519 --> 00:35:30.699 whom we have pierced. 00:35:31.299 --> 00:35:31.719 Then, 00:35:31.779 --> 00:35:32.420 and only then, 00:35:32.480 --> 00:35:33.239 once our sense, 00:35:33.239 --> 00:35:34.199 of self-righteousness, 00:35:34.199 --> 00:35:35.119 has been decimated, 00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:36.739 shall we allow our minds, 00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:37.460 to celebrate, 00:35:37.759 --> 00:35:38.460 as partakers, 00:35:38.719 --> 00:35:39.579 of the marriage supper, 00:35:39.900 --> 00:35:40.539 of the Lamb, 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:41.380 at Zion. 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:42.839 Many of us, 00:35:42.900 --> 00:35:44.099 dealing with continual sin, 00:35:44.159 --> 00:35:44.839 have been fleeing, 00:35:44.960 --> 00:35:46.359 these feelings of inadequacy, 00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:47.380 rendering us, 00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:48.619 unable to see, 00:35:48.719 --> 00:35:49.480 our inadequacy, 00:35:49.779 --> 00:35:51.000 as the central point, 00:35:51.259 --> 00:35:51.980 of the gospel. 00:35:52.960 --> 00:35:54.659 We must consider Sinai, 00:35:54.880 --> 00:35:55.279 lastly. 00:35:56.039 --> 00:35:57.519 We must consider Sinai, 00:35:57.799 --> 00:35:59.079 because it pushes us, 00:35:59.079 --> 00:35:59.859 to see, 00:35:59.859 --> 00:36:01.099 our daily need, 00:36:01.099 --> 00:36:01.920 of Jesus. 00:36:01.920 --> 00:36:05.440 This portion of Hebrews, 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:07.579 is actually meant, 00:36:07.700 --> 00:36:08.380 to be an encouragement, 00:36:08.380 --> 00:36:08.980 to us. 00:36:10.119 --> 00:36:11.599 The beauty of our faith, 00:36:11.820 --> 00:36:12.820 is Christ's power, 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:13.720 made perfect, 00:36:14.079 --> 00:36:14.800 in our weakness. 00:36:15.340 --> 00:36:16.380 Why do we fear, 00:36:16.500 --> 00:36:17.559 so much our weaknesses, 00:36:17.980 --> 00:36:18.800 to be exposed? 00:36:19.720 --> 00:36:21.079 The larger our sin, 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:22.200 becomes in our mind, 00:36:22.260 --> 00:36:22.760 the better. 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:24.119 For as our sin, 00:36:24.200 --> 00:36:25.619 is laid ever before us, 00:36:25.960 --> 00:36:28.059 so Christ's abundant grace, 00:36:28.059 --> 00:36:29.200 shows itself, 00:36:29.599 --> 00:36:30.360 even greater. 00:36:30.360 --> 00:36:32.300 Preaching the gospel, 00:36:32.440 --> 00:36:32.980 to ourselves, 00:36:33.099 --> 00:36:33.660 and one another, 00:36:34.059 --> 00:36:34.880 must include, 00:36:34.920 --> 00:36:35.460 a consideration, 00:36:35.820 --> 00:36:36.920 of the depths of our sin. 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:38.140 We must regularly, 00:36:38.140 --> 00:36:39.480 take our hope, 00:36:39.559 --> 00:36:40.460 off of the desires, 00:36:40.539 --> 00:36:41.160 of this world, 00:36:41.740 --> 00:36:43.240 off of our own good works, 00:36:43.400 --> 00:36:44.460 off of our friends, 00:36:44.579 --> 00:36:45.340 and our spouses, 00:36:45.579 --> 00:36:46.700 and see our only hope, 00:36:46.760 --> 00:36:47.300 in this journey, 00:36:47.420 --> 00:36:48.599 from Sinai to Zion. 00:36:49.260 --> 00:36:50.420 From the law broken, 00:36:50.519 --> 00:36:51.140 which deserves, 00:36:51.260 --> 00:36:52.099 permanent separation, 00:36:52.099 --> 00:36:52.800 from God, 00:36:52.900 --> 00:36:54.300 to the law fulfilled, 00:36:54.300 --> 00:36:55.579 and the lamb slain, 00:36:55.740 --> 00:36:56.840 on our behalf, 00:36:56.940 --> 00:36:58.000 that we might again, 00:36:58.400 --> 00:36:59.539 dwell with God. 00:37:00.360 --> 00:37:01.099 The journey, 00:37:01.220 --> 00:37:02.240 to our heavenly home, 00:37:02.620 --> 00:37:03.400 through this life, 00:37:03.440 --> 00:37:04.340 is a difficult one. 00:37:04.579 --> 00:37:05.559 But as we lay down, 00:37:05.640 --> 00:37:06.019 our burden, 00:37:06.099 --> 00:37:07.039 of having to appear, 00:37:07.120 --> 00:37:08.180 righteous before God, 00:37:08.620 --> 00:37:09.660 Christ offers us, 00:37:09.700 --> 00:37:10.660 his easy yoke, 00:37:10.780 --> 00:37:11.880 of daily surrender, 00:37:12.360 --> 00:37:13.120 as we seek, 00:37:13.240 --> 00:37:14.160 the city of Zion, 00:37:14.599 --> 00:37:15.360 that is to come. 00:37:15.900 --> 00:37:16.620 Y'all pray with me.