WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.060 Amen. You may be seated, kids. You may be excused to your King's Kids classes. If you would open up 00:00:06.060 --> 00:00:11.800 your Bibles to Hebrews, the book of Hebrews on page 1187 of your pew Bible. 00:00:16.519 --> 00:00:24.839 This is the first of many sermons, 22 sermons on the book of Hebrews. We'll be in the book of 00:00:24.839 --> 00:00:41.159 Hebrews for several months. It's called hitting the wall or bonking. In a marathon, a marathon 00:00:41.159 --> 00:00:46.980 runner needs to run 26.2 miles to finish the race. It's an endurance race. It's not a sprint. 00:00:46.979 --> 00:00:55.000 And according to runnersworld.com, because I am not a marathoner, 00:00:56.979 --> 00:01:04.879 marathoners will regularly experience hitting the wall around mile 18. It's when a runner's body 00:01:04.879 --> 00:01:11.319 runs out of gas, heavy legs, cramping, persistent fatigue, distracted vision, feeling disconnected 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:15.799 from your surroundings. And that's just what's going on in their bodies. Can you imagine what's 00:01:15.799 --> 00:01:25.939 going on psychologically? How much longer? Should I keep going? Boy, would it be great being one of 00:01:25.939 --> 00:01:37.439 those spectators. Does this really matter? Is this pain and discomfort worth it? 00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:49.620 The Christian life is an endurance race. It's not a sprint. And in the book of Hebrews, 00:01:50.319 --> 00:01:57.479 we are exhorted time and again to run with perseverance. This race marked out for us, 00:01:57.560 --> 00:02:02.579 the Christian race, the Christian life, all the way to the end. 00:02:02.579 --> 00:02:22.379 Together, we are to hold fast to Christ by faith all the way to the end. But there will be times when 00:02:22.379 --> 00:02:26.960 we run out of gas, when you hit the wall, when you do this bonking thing, 00:02:26.960 --> 00:02:34.280 where you start saying, how much longer? 00:02:36.920 --> 00:02:41.560 Is this spiritual? Is this Jesus thing? Is this worth it? 00:02:42.840 --> 00:02:50.200 You feel spiritually lethargic. You lose the vision of a high and exalted risen Christ. 00:02:50.199 --> 00:02:57.359 And you can just kind of start to drift. You can run on spiritual fumes. 00:03:00.439 --> 00:03:05.000 Maybe you start thinking, maybe there's a different version of this race that I can run that's not so costly. 00:03:09.839 --> 00:03:13.299 Maybe you're in the room this morning and you've hit the wall. 00:03:14.280 --> 00:03:15.899 This is where you're at. You're on fumes. 00:03:15.900 --> 00:03:19.159 Hebrews. I'm so glad you're here. You need the book of Hebrews. 00:03:20.659 --> 00:03:22.920 Or maybe you know someone who's hit the wall. 00:03:23.040 --> 00:03:24.259 A brother or sister in faith. 00:03:25.259 --> 00:03:26.939 Oh, I'm so glad you're here. 00:03:27.340 --> 00:03:29.900 They will need to hear some things from the book of Hebrews. 00:03:31.300 --> 00:03:33.860 But we all know, chances are, you will hit the wall. 00:03:35.420 --> 00:03:36.819 We all need the book of Hebrews. 00:03:36.819 --> 00:03:46.299 This book is one long exhortation to hold fast to Christ by faith all the way to the end. 00:03:47.479 --> 00:03:50.519 And this morning, I'm going to preach what's called an overview sermon. 00:03:50.639 --> 00:03:52.780 And maybe you've heard a sermon like this before. 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:53.699 Maybe you haven't. 00:03:53.959 --> 00:03:59.560 The idea behind it is, I want to give you a sampling of the book of Hebrews 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:04.819 so you are acquainted with it and you know, you see your need for it. 00:04:04.819 --> 00:04:09.840 And so to that end, I'm going to provide three introductory points. 00:04:09.979 --> 00:04:14.159 If you're a Habits of Grace student, I am winking my eye right now 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:16.279 because this is the organizational sentence. 00:04:18.060 --> 00:04:19.680 Three introductory points. 00:04:20.519 --> 00:04:23.539 Just to give you an overview of the book of Hebrews, 00:04:24.159 --> 00:04:29.060 the concern of Hebrews, spiritual dullness, 00:04:29.060 --> 00:04:33.199 the purpose of Hebrews, exhortation, 00:04:34.060 --> 00:04:36.180 and then the heartbeat of Hebrews. 00:04:37.379 --> 00:04:43.879 Hebrews gives us a spectacular vision of Jesus Christ, our great high priest. 00:04:45.340 --> 00:04:51.340 And all of this is to help us not become dull and drift away from Christ, 00:04:51.420 --> 00:04:54.120 but to hold fast to Christ by faith all the way to the end. 00:04:54.120 --> 00:05:00.959 So let's look at this first point, this introductory point, 00:05:01.420 --> 00:05:07.780 the concern of the book of Hebrews, spiritual dullness or spiritual lethargy. 00:05:09.879 --> 00:05:13.180 Let me just kind of give you a couple things to know about the book. 00:05:13.860 --> 00:05:18.079 No one knows who the human author of the book of Hebrews is, 00:05:18.079 --> 00:05:22.560 but when you read the book of Hebrews, 00:05:23.279 --> 00:05:27.939 the divine authorship becomes evidently clear. 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:34.639 Every word of the book of Hebrews originated in mine, 00:05:34.939 --> 00:05:40.539 in God's mind, and was breathed out for our benefit. 00:05:41.539 --> 00:05:44.719 Every word is designed to strengthen us. 00:05:44.720 --> 00:05:51.260 This author, human author may not be known, 00:05:51.520 --> 00:05:54.700 but the divine author is clearly evident. 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:58.880 God is speaking to us, brothers and sisters, through this book. 00:05:59.080 --> 00:06:02.840 And another point of just kind of background is, 00:06:02.920 --> 00:06:08.340 there's some debate amongst scholars as to who the original audience of this book was. 00:06:08.420 --> 00:06:13.660 I've been persuaded that the original audience was a church of Christians 00:06:13.660 --> 00:06:19.480 with a Jewish background in likely the city of Rome in the first century. 00:06:20.620 --> 00:06:23.640 And the reason why I have come to be persuaded by that 00:06:23.640 --> 00:06:29.800 is just by the massive amount of Old Testament scriptures and references. 00:06:30.260 --> 00:06:33.280 It is packed with Old Testament. 00:06:33.920 --> 00:06:39.920 Direct quotes, as well as references to the Old Testament priesthood 00:06:39.920 --> 00:06:42.740 in the Old Testament sacrificial system, 00:06:42.939 --> 00:06:45.000 the Old Testament tabernacle. 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:48.319 It's all kind of Jewish rich background, 00:06:48.439 --> 00:06:52.460 but you don't need to have a Jewish background to really benefit from this book. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:06:59.900 The author has written this book 00:06:59.900 --> 00:07:04.639 out of concern for this first century church. 00:07:04.639 --> 00:07:06.939 And it's a two-fold concern. 00:07:07.759 --> 00:07:09.399 So here's what I'm going to do this morning. 00:07:09.599 --> 00:07:12.680 I'm going to give you samples throughout the book of Hebrews 00:07:12.680 --> 00:07:15.819 to support the points I'm making. 00:07:15.979 --> 00:07:21.139 And so I want to show you two kind of sets of concerns 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:25.839 that this author of Hebrews has for this original audience. 00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:34.459 And so the author, he knew that this church has suffered greatly for Jesus. 00:07:34.639 --> 00:07:38.000 Would you turn in your Bibles to Hebrews chapter 10, 00:07:39.459 --> 00:07:43.919 verses 32 through 34? 00:07:46.179 --> 00:07:48.399 The writer writes, 00:07:48.399 --> 00:08:11.779 So what the writer is saying is, 00:08:12.019 --> 00:08:13.500 hey, I know your backstory. 00:08:13.500 --> 00:08:16.939 When you were originally converted, 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:20.740 things got hard real fast for you because of Jesus. 00:08:21.180 --> 00:08:22.920 It's just not a struggle. 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:25.879 It's a hard struggle. 00:08:27.199 --> 00:08:30.800 And the nature of that hard struggle was public humiliation. 00:08:31.639 --> 00:08:33.960 Sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach. 00:08:34.279 --> 00:08:36.639 Like your name is getting dragged through the mud publicly 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:38.000 because you're a follower of Jesus. 00:08:38.220 --> 00:08:39.580 And not just because of that. 00:08:40.840 --> 00:08:43.059 Because of other people you associate with. 00:08:43.500 --> 00:08:45.779 Sometimes being partners with those so treated. 00:08:47.620 --> 00:08:53.240 You are reproached because you're associated with a brother and sister from a church. 00:08:53.740 --> 00:08:55.740 From your church who's being reproached. 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.700 And then there's this reference. 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:01.460 You had compassion on those in prison. 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:01.879 Do you know? 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:06.740 It's referring to brothers and sisters from the church who've been imprisoned. 00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:08.960 Because of Jesus. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:12.299 You had compassion on them. 00:09:12.299 --> 00:09:13.899 You're going to visit them in prison. 00:09:14.419 --> 00:09:17.539 And could you imagine if you're one of these church members in this first century, 00:09:17.859 --> 00:09:20.519 going to visit a brother or sister in prison? 00:09:20.879 --> 00:09:21.879 What are you thinking? 00:09:23.159 --> 00:09:24.219 Good to see them. 00:09:24.419 --> 00:09:24.620 Huh. 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:25.379 I wonder. 00:09:25.379 --> 00:09:28.919 I wonder if I'm going to end up in the same prison. 00:09:31.759 --> 00:09:33.600 Plundering their personal property. 00:09:35.200 --> 00:09:38.620 Having your personal property taken away. 00:09:40.059 --> 00:09:43.059 Because of your being identified with Jesus. 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:50.719 We know from 12.4 that their struggle hadn't yet reached the point of shedding blood. 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:52.399 It hadn't entered martyrdom. 00:09:52.599 --> 00:09:54.179 But you know this is hard. 00:09:55.119 --> 00:09:58.759 Can you imagine being in a situation like this for any extended period of time? 00:09:59.519 --> 00:10:00.559 What that will do? 00:10:00.559 --> 00:10:13.679 In first century Roman Empire, the Roman Empire officially recognized Judaism as an empire-approved religion. 00:10:14.679 --> 00:10:16.239 Not so with Christianity. 00:10:16.240 --> 00:10:16.320 Christianity. 00:10:17.840 --> 00:10:26.000 The followers of Jesus and his way, which was the early name for the church, they were treated as outsiders. 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:30.360 They were seen as kind of rabble-rousers. 00:10:30.360 --> 00:10:40.899 They weren't seen by either Jews or the Roman establishment in a sense of, hey, yeah, they're official. 00:10:41.100 --> 00:10:41.680 They're legit. 00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:49.360 Christianity was not a Rome-sanctioned religion. 00:10:49.560 --> 00:10:57.560 This week, President Trump issued an executive order that eradicated all anti-Christian basists trying to in our government. 00:10:57.560 --> 00:10:59.600 There was none of that in the first century. 00:11:00.360 --> 00:11:02.240 Not with this church. 00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:03.200 Not in Rome. 00:11:03.600 --> 00:11:07.480 There was no space being made for Christians to protect them. 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:11.519 There was a lot of Christian bias in the first century. 00:11:13.980 --> 00:11:16.460 Now imagine the effect of that over time. 00:11:19.840 --> 00:11:21.279 How that could discourage you. 00:11:22.759 --> 00:11:25.500 How you can start asking the question, is this worth it? 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:27.539 Should I go to church? 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:39.060 So the first thing, the first concern that we see in the book of Hebrews is that the writer knows their background. 00:11:39.259 --> 00:11:40.000 He understands. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:44.519 They've experienced something very difficult right after becoming Christians. 00:11:44.519 --> 00:11:49.879 But the second area is the primary concern. 00:11:50.980 --> 00:11:52.679 And that is spiritual dullness. 00:11:53.460 --> 00:11:54.819 Spiritual lethargy. 00:11:56.519 --> 00:12:00.960 It can be the result of suffering over time where you just kind of check out. 00:12:01.600 --> 00:12:04.759 But spiritual dullness can also be a result of abundance. 00:12:05.439 --> 00:12:07.360 Remember the cycles of the book of Judges? 00:12:07.360 --> 00:12:17.000 So I actually originally wrote down seven examples of this dullness in the book of Hebrews. 00:12:17.080 --> 00:12:18.060 I'm going to share with you four. 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:23.700 So that you can see the concern that this author has. 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:25.300 It starts in chapter 2 verse 3. 00:12:25.400 --> 00:12:28.020 We're just going to do a little bit flyover of the book right now. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:29.879 Chapter 2 verse 3. 00:12:30.700 --> 00:12:33.320 He writes, 00:12:33.460 --> 00:12:39.800 How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? 00:12:42.200 --> 00:12:46.240 Neglect of this great salvation accomplished by Christ. 00:12:46.240 --> 00:12:47.659 Do you know what that's a sign of? 00:12:49.360 --> 00:12:50.740 Spiritual dullness. 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:54.200 It's not sharpness. 00:12:55.899 --> 00:12:58.360 But neglect is not a good thing. 00:12:59.379 --> 00:13:01.440 And they were neglecting first things. 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:05.220 If you flip into your Bibles to chapter 5 verse 11. 00:13:07.860 --> 00:13:11.500 The writer's talking about, just started talking about Jesus Christ. 00:13:12.039 --> 00:13:14.700 He is a new order in the line of Melchizedek. 00:13:14.700 --> 00:13:17.960 We'll get into that as we go into the sermon series. 00:13:18.100 --> 00:13:18.700 But he says this. 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:20.500 He wants to talk about that more. 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:21.060 And then he says, 00:13:21.440 --> 00:13:23.780 About this we have much to say and it's hard to explain. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:26.200 Since you have become dull of hearing. 00:13:28.780 --> 00:13:30.100 Spiritual dullness. 00:13:30.860 --> 00:13:31.660 Not sharp. 00:13:32.580 --> 00:13:33.640 In verse 13 he says, 00:13:33.900 --> 00:13:37.300 For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness since he is a child. 00:13:37.460 --> 00:13:39.379 He is saying you guys are immature. 00:13:40.220 --> 00:13:41.740 You perpetually need milk. 00:13:42.320 --> 00:13:44.120 You're unskilled in the word of God. 00:13:44.120 --> 00:13:47.440 Now, if you're a new Christian, it's okay to be immature. 00:13:47.840 --> 00:13:48.039 Right? 00:13:48.399 --> 00:13:49.759 There's no problem there. 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:53.580 The problem with this church is it was perpetual immaturity. 00:13:54.039 --> 00:13:55.179 They weren't growing. 00:13:56.539 --> 00:13:58.779 They were staying like children. 00:14:00.060 --> 00:14:02.799 Because they're spiritually dull. 00:14:02.799 --> 00:14:05.620 In chapter 6 verse 11. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:08.039 In 12. 00:14:08.839 --> 00:14:11.500 This is after a stark warning passage. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:17.519 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end. 00:14:18.019 --> 00:14:21.039 So that you may not be sluggish. 00:14:22.199 --> 00:14:25.799 But imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promise. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:26.939 Does anybody know? 00:14:27.039 --> 00:14:30.519 Is there anything kind of good associated with the word sluggish? 00:14:31.359 --> 00:14:32.120 There's not. 00:14:33.599 --> 00:14:35.479 It gets at the spiritual dullness. 00:14:35.480 --> 00:14:45.600 And then in chapter 12, if you flip back there, the writer of Hebrews starts talking about the church with a body metaphor. 00:14:46.180 --> 00:14:51.379 Just like the apostle Paul does in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians chapter 4. 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:59.659 And if you turn in chapter 12 and you look at verse 12 and 13, you've got some very interesting descriptions. 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:04.379 Think of the writer is addressing the church. 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:06.360 The your is a yawl. 00:15:07.100 --> 00:15:09.019 Therefore lift yawls drooping hands. 00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:11.659 Drooping hands. 00:15:12.179 --> 00:15:14.500 And strengthen your weak knees. 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:20.940 And make straight paths for your feet so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:22.799 Drooping. 00:15:23.840 --> 00:15:24.279 Weak. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:25.519 Lame. 00:15:26.379 --> 00:15:27.779 This is spiritual unhealth. 00:15:28.919 --> 00:15:30.460 This is spiritual dullness. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:36.759 And the writer of Hebrews is deeply concerned about that for this church. 00:15:37.340 --> 00:15:38.659 And that's why he's writing. 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:42.159 The causes of dullness are many. 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:51.399 In the book of Hebrews, in chapter 12, we are told, we are hinted at, you can see it in verse 15. 00:15:51.719 --> 00:15:53.600 See that no one falls to obtain the grace of God. 00:15:53.839 --> 00:15:56.059 That no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble. 00:15:56.379 --> 00:15:58.339 There's some infighting going on in this church. 00:15:59.039 --> 00:16:02.279 In 16, that no one is sexually immoral like his brother. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:03.399 If you look at 13, 4. 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:05.659 Let the marriage bed be held in honor among all. 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:08.360 There's sexual immorality in the church. 00:16:08.360 --> 00:16:09.779 And then in 13, 5. 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:11.480 Keep your life free from the love of money. 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:13.180 There's greed in the church. 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:18.600 These are the classic culprits that lead to spiritual dullness. 00:16:18.820 --> 00:16:22.899 But what they all have in common is an unbelieving heart. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:35.399 Spiritual dullness is the primary concern of the writer of Hebrews. 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:40.019 He doesn't want them to remain dull. 00:16:40.860 --> 00:16:49.960 He wants them to, in the words of Hebrews 2.1, to pay careful attention to these things that we have heard. 00:16:50.079 --> 00:16:50.559 The gospel. 00:16:50.559 --> 00:16:50.899 The gospel. 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:57.600 So the first point, I hope you're seeing it. 00:16:58.740 --> 00:17:05.460 The concern of this writer is the spiritual dullness of this congregation who have been out. 00:17:05.920 --> 00:17:07.440 They've been through some hard things. 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.480 They've hit the wall. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:12.400 They're out of gas. 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:17.900 And when that happens, you enter into a spiritual danger zone. 00:17:17.900 --> 00:17:22.280 Which now brings us to the purpose of this book. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.500 Exhortation. 00:17:26.100 --> 00:17:28.500 If you turn into Hebrews 13. 00:17:29.600 --> 00:17:33.380 To the benediction or the final greetings in verse 22. 00:17:34.740 --> 00:17:41.519 Listen to what the author of Hebrews, how he describes his own epistle. 00:17:41.820 --> 00:17:42.780 His own letter. 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:48.359 He says, I appeal to you brothers, bear with my word of exhortation. 00:17:49.119 --> 00:17:50.399 For I have written to you briefly. 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:58.279 So the writer of Hebrews sees this 13 chapter letter book as a word of exhortation. 00:17:58.279 --> 00:17:59.279 Exhortation. 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:08.680 And exhortation is a kind of communication, whether written or spoken, that carries this sense of urgency and concern. 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:11.379 And it calls for action. 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:16.299 So this entire epistle is one long exhortation. 00:18:16.299 --> 00:18:20.039 For those who have hit the wall. 00:18:21.359 --> 00:18:22.779 Who have become discouraged. 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:23.819 Distracted. 00:18:24.339 --> 00:18:25.000 Even dull. 00:18:26.659 --> 00:18:28.480 Does anybody know what's happening later tonight? 00:18:28.639 --> 00:18:29.579 There's something going on. 00:18:32.859 --> 00:18:35.099 I think there's a football game later. 00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:38.339 It's called the Super Bowl. 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:43.619 Kansas City Chiefs v. Philadelphia Eagles. 00:18:43.619 --> 00:18:46.739 Imagine this. 00:18:48.979 --> 00:18:55.259 In the first half, Chandlin Hurts and Saquon Barkley of the Eagles proved to be unstoppable. 00:18:57.939 --> 00:19:00.319 The Kansas City Chiefs don't have an answer for him. 00:19:01.239 --> 00:19:04.359 At halftime, the Eagles are up two touchdowns. 00:19:06.379 --> 00:19:09.179 Kansas City Chiefs go into the locker room. 00:19:09.279 --> 00:19:11.839 Head coach Andy Reid gets in front of his team. 00:19:11.839 --> 00:19:14.500 And do you know what kind of speech he's going to give? 00:19:15.879 --> 00:19:17.220 A word of exhortation. 00:19:19.000 --> 00:19:20.799 He's going to say, we need to stop doing this. 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.619 And we need to start doing that. 00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:25.699 We need to stop the bleeding. 00:19:26.839 --> 00:19:27.199 Defense. 00:19:27.439 --> 00:19:27.779 Come on. 00:19:28.819 --> 00:19:30.059 Mahomes, you need to get rocking. 00:19:30.439 --> 00:19:31.519 You and Kelsey, let's go. 00:19:32.919 --> 00:19:34.599 It's going to be a word of exhortation. 00:19:36.659 --> 00:19:36.980 Urgency. 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:37.659 Concern. 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:38.579 We can win the game. 00:19:38.639 --> 00:19:39.259 I believe in you. 00:19:39.319 --> 00:19:40.079 Let's do this. 00:19:40.079 --> 00:19:44.299 You know, a Super Bowl is just a football game. 00:19:45.079 --> 00:19:47.199 It has very little eternal bearing. 00:19:48.240 --> 00:19:54.119 The book of Hebrews has massive eternal significance. 00:19:55.099 --> 00:19:57.619 And this whole book is a word of exhortation. 00:19:57.799 --> 00:19:58.980 There is warnings. 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:02.359 There are warnings and there are encouragements. 00:20:02.359 --> 00:20:02.439 warnings. 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:09.859 And the warnings are designed like a smelling salt to dull Christians. 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.779 To wake you up. 00:20:13.939 --> 00:20:18.199 There are five warnings in the book of Hebrews. 00:20:18.299 --> 00:20:20.000 Let me just show you some of them. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:22.799 In Hebrews chapter 2. 00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:28.720 1 through 3. 00:20:28.880 --> 00:20:29.880 We've read some of it already. 00:20:30.000 --> 00:20:33.359 Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard. 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:33.920 Gospel. 00:20:34.400 --> 00:20:35.940 Lest we drift away from it. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:38.079 Warning. 00:20:39.160 --> 00:20:41.920 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable. 00:20:42.039 --> 00:20:45.240 And every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution. 00:20:45.240 --> 00:20:48.140 How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:49.740 Warning. 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.380 In chapter 3. 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:55.000 7. 00:20:55.220 --> 00:20:56.539 Through chapter 4. 00:20:56.640 --> 00:20:57.059 13. 00:20:57.359 --> 00:20:58.980 There is an extended warning. 00:21:00.240 --> 00:21:03.940 And the way this writer does it is with elegance and class. 00:21:04.440 --> 00:21:04.960 Do you know what he does? 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:11.340 He exposits Psalm 95 and applies it to this church. 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:16.120 And in verse 12. 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:16.660 He says, 00:21:16.920 --> 00:21:20.500 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart. 00:21:20.600 --> 00:21:22.440 Leading you to fall away from the living God. 00:21:22.539 --> 00:21:23.519 But exhort one another. 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:25.440 Every day, as long as it's called today. 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:28.140 That none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:30.740 For we have come to share in Christ. 00:21:31.860 --> 00:21:32.400 It's a warning. 00:21:32.400 --> 00:21:35.360 Don't be like Israel. 00:21:36.280 --> 00:21:39.880 Who hardened their hearts and God did not bring them into his rest. 00:21:40.720 --> 00:21:41.240 It's a warning. 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:43.560 Chapter 6. 00:21:43.960 --> 00:21:44.780 4 through 8. 00:21:44.860 --> 00:21:46.740 Many of you are familiar with this already. 00:21:48.040 --> 00:21:51.620 For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened. 00:21:51.820 --> 00:21:53.200 Who have tasted the heavenly gift. 00:21:53.580 --> 00:21:54.960 And have shared in the Holy Spirit. 00:21:55.140 --> 00:21:57.200 And have tasted the goodness of the word of God. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:58.620 And the powers of the age to come. 00:21:58.860 --> 00:22:01.920 And then have fallen away to restore them again to repentance. 00:22:02.400 --> 00:22:04.480 Since they're crucifying once again. 00:22:05.060 --> 00:22:06.800 The son of God to their own harm. 00:22:06.880 --> 00:22:08.880 And holding him up to contempt. 00:22:09.840 --> 00:22:10.480 That's a warning. 00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:13.120 10. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:13.720 26. 00:22:14.060 --> 00:22:14.759 Through 31. 00:22:15.220 --> 00:22:16.160 More warning. 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:18.500 For if we go on sinning deliberately. 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:20.360 After receiving the knowledge of the truth. 00:22:20.440 --> 00:22:22.640 There no longer remains a sacrifice for sin. 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:25.120 But a fearful expectation of judgment. 00:22:25.120 --> 00:22:28.360 And a fury of the fire that will consume the adversaries. 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:29.940 That's some stark warning. 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.340 12. 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:30.340 12. 00:22:30.400 --> 00:22:30.720 25. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:32.080 Is another warning. 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:33.720 And these warnings. 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:37.880 Are spoken in love to this church. 00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:46.240 They're addressing the unbelief in their hearts. 00:22:48.080 --> 00:22:50.640 To snap them out of it. 00:22:51.400 --> 00:22:52.340 Smelling salts. 00:22:52.680 --> 00:22:53.980 This is not who you are. 00:22:54.320 --> 00:22:55.820 Why are you going down this path? 00:22:55.819 --> 00:22:55.899 Death. 00:22:57.899 --> 00:22:58.339 Now. 00:22:58.700 --> 00:22:59.859 For many of you. 00:22:59.960 --> 00:23:01.379 You've probably grown up a church. 00:23:01.599 --> 00:23:02.419 And you've heard. 00:23:02.720 --> 00:23:04.779 A word of assurance of salvation. 00:23:04.779 --> 00:23:06.019 That goes something like this. 00:23:06.819 --> 00:23:07.599 Once saved. 00:23:07.740 --> 00:23:08.500 Always saved. 00:23:09.679 --> 00:23:11.119 That's not entirely wrong. 00:23:12.179 --> 00:23:13.439 But in the book of Hebrews. 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:14.779 You do not see. 00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:16.039 That kind of language. 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:17.480 Once saved. 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.339 Always saved. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:18.859 No. 00:23:18.939 --> 00:23:19.039 No. 00:23:19.259 --> 00:23:20.419 The book of Hebrews. 00:23:20.559 --> 00:23:21.700 Approaches assurance. 00:23:21.899 --> 00:23:22.759 In a different way. 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:25.319 More along the lines of Matthew 24. 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:25.779 13. 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:26.700 Where Jesus says. 00:23:27.379 --> 00:23:28.940 Those who endure to the end. 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:29.579 Will be saved. 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.640 The assurance. 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:34.180 That is spoken of. 00:23:34.220 --> 00:23:34.920 Is not just. 00:23:35.259 --> 00:23:37.640 Just the finished work of Jesus. 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:39.099 It is that. 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:39.920 That's the basis. 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:43.279 But it's this idea. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.460 That a saving faith. 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:46.079 Is a persevering faith. 00:23:46.079 --> 00:23:49.419 A genuine faith. 00:23:49.419 --> 00:23:51.859 Will endure to the end. 00:23:52.699 --> 00:23:53.919 A faith. 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:56.179 That is true. 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:58.460 Will hold fast. 00:23:58.699 --> 00:23:59.720 To Christ. 00:23:59.919 --> 00:24:02.099 All the way to the end. 00:24:06.419 --> 00:24:08.240 And what this fosters. 00:24:09.279 --> 00:24:11.819 Is an ongoing dependence on Jesus. 00:24:11.819 --> 00:24:12.700 So. 00:24:16.079 --> 00:24:17.079 What you need to see. 00:24:17.319 --> 00:24:17.599 Is that. 00:24:17.700 --> 00:24:18.399 The book of Hebrews. 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:19.799 It has. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.220 Warning. 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:20.720 After warning. 00:24:20.779 --> 00:24:21.240 After warning. 00:24:21.399 --> 00:24:22.500 But it's just not. 00:24:22.619 --> 00:24:22.919 Warning. 00:24:23.059 --> 00:24:24.259 There are some serious. 00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:24.939 Encouragements. 00:24:25.019 --> 00:24:25.460 In fact. 00:24:25.619 --> 00:24:26.579 I have 12. 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:27.419 I'll just do five. 00:24:28.879 --> 00:24:29.299 Two. 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:29.539 One. 00:24:33.500 --> 00:24:34.359 Here's the encouragement. 00:24:34.559 --> 00:24:34.740 Therefore. 00:24:34.919 --> 00:24:35.500 We must pay. 00:24:35.899 --> 00:24:36.659 Closer attention. 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:37.480 To what we've heard. 00:24:38.139 --> 00:24:38.539 Encouragement. 00:24:40.679 --> 00:24:41.079 Pay. 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:41.519 Pay. 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:44.700 Careful attention. 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:45.539 To what we've heard. 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:46.819 What we've heard. 00:24:46.819 --> 00:24:47.559 About Christ. 00:24:47.659 --> 00:24:48.399 And what he's done. 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:48.799 His death. 00:24:48.839 --> 00:24:49.639 And his resurrection. 00:24:50.220 --> 00:24:51.599 He is the great high priest. 00:24:52.679 --> 00:24:53.679 Pay careful attention. 00:24:53.679 --> 00:24:54.019 To that. 00:24:54.119 --> 00:24:55.139 Set your heart on that. 00:24:55.460 --> 00:24:56.720 Believe in that. 00:24:59.079 --> 00:24:59.480 Three. 00:24:59.559 --> 00:24:59.759 Five. 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:00.200 And six. 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:03.139 Here's some encouragement. 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:05.960 Now Moses. 00:25:06.119 --> 00:25:06.480 With faithful. 00:25:06.599 --> 00:25:07.359 In all of God's house. 00:25:07.419 --> 00:25:07.899 As a servant. 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:08.799 To testify. 00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.399 To the things. 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:09.720 That were. 00:25:10.039 --> 00:25:10.939 To be spoken later. 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:11.700 But Christ. 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:12.400 Is faithful. 00:25:12.400 --> 00:25:13.320 Over God's house. 00:25:13.320 --> 00:25:14.019 As a son. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:15.320 And we are his house. 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:15.779 If indeed. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:16.620 We hold fast. 00:25:16.620 --> 00:25:17.620 Our confidence. 00:25:17.620 --> 00:25:18.680 And our boasting. 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.420 In our hope. 00:25:20.340 --> 00:25:20.779 Encouragement. 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:21.519 Hold fast. 00:25:22.660 --> 00:25:23.700 Boast in our hope. 00:25:24.259 --> 00:25:24.860 Forward looking. 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.500 414. 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:28.980 Since. 00:25:29.279 --> 00:25:29.420 Then. 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:29.840 We have. 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.660 A great high priest. 00:25:30.660 --> 00:25:31.340 Who has passed. 00:25:31.500 --> 00:25:32.240 Through the heavens. 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:32.720 Jesus. 00:25:32.840 --> 00:25:33.400 The son of God. 00:25:33.600 --> 00:25:34.080 Let us. 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:34.860 Hold fast. 00:25:34.920 --> 00:25:35.640 Our confession. 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:37.980 You see what's going on? 00:25:37.980 --> 00:25:39.500 In light of who Jesus is. 00:25:39.579 --> 00:25:40.480 You press on. 00:25:40.660 --> 00:25:40.880 Brother. 00:25:41.120 --> 00:25:41.380 Sister. 00:25:44.579 --> 00:25:45.779 I love 416. 00:25:46.279 --> 00:25:46.740 Let us then. 00:25:46.819 --> 00:25:47.339 With confidence. 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:47.819 Draw near. 00:25:47.900 --> 00:25:48.700 To the throne of grace. 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:49.799 And we may receive mercy. 00:25:49.799 --> 00:25:50.559 And find grace. 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:50.980 To help. 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:52.000 In time of need. 00:25:52.000 --> 00:25:52.819 I need help. 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:53.799 Pressing on. 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.400 And Jesus. 00:25:54.539 --> 00:25:55.059 On his throne. 00:25:55.180 --> 00:25:55.860 Is our help. 00:25:59.140 --> 00:25:59.819 618. 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:00.380 Through 20. 00:26:00.380 --> 00:26:05.600 So that by two unchangeable things. 00:26:05.660 --> 00:26:06.440 In which is impossible. 00:26:06.440 --> 00:26:07.240 For God to lie. 00:26:07.760 --> 00:26:08.720 We who have fled. 00:26:08.880 --> 00:26:09.680 For refuge. 00:26:09.920 --> 00:26:11.140 Might have strong encouragement. 00:26:11.140 --> 00:26:12.040 To hold fast. 00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:12.960 To the hope. 00:26:13.300 --> 00:26:14.320 Set before us. 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:15.380 We have this as a sure. 00:26:15.460 --> 00:26:15.980 And steadfast. 00:26:16.080 --> 00:26:17.100 Anchor of the soul. 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:19.220 In the logo. 00:26:19.420 --> 00:26:20.320 For the sermon series. 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.300 There is hold fast. 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.260 And there's this anchor. 00:26:22.400 --> 00:26:23.020 Behind it. 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.400 This is a reference. 00:26:25.400 --> 00:26:26.080 To that anchor. 00:26:27.420 --> 00:26:28.800 We hold fast. 00:26:28.900 --> 00:26:29.660 Because we've been. 00:26:29.660 --> 00:26:31.160 We are being held fast. 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:34.480 A hope that enters. 00:26:34.700 --> 00:26:35.960 Into the inner place. 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:36.759 Behind the curtains. 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:38.380 Where Jesus has gone. 00:26:39.540 --> 00:26:40.360 Hold fast. 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.240 Press on. 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:42.320 12. 00:26:42.440 --> 00:26:43.019 1 and 2. 00:26:44.600 --> 00:26:45.800 Many of you know this passage. 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.300 By heart. 00:26:47.040 --> 00:26:47.720 Therefore since. 00:26:48.060 --> 00:26:48.519 We are surrounded. 00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:49.900 By so great a cloud of witnesses. 00:26:50.080 --> 00:26:51.160 Let us also lay aside. 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:51.759 Every weight. 00:26:52.100 --> 00:26:52.420 And sin. 00:26:52.519 --> 00:26:54.180 Which clings so closely. 00:26:54.800 --> 00:26:55.320 And let. 00:26:55.660 --> 00:26:56.080 Us. 00:26:56.440 --> 00:26:56.759 Run. 00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:57.420 With. 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:58.180 Endurance. 00:26:58.360 --> 00:26:58.779 The race. 00:26:58.920 --> 00:26:59.360 That is set. 00:26:59.359 --> 00:27:00.119 Before us. 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:01.319 Looking to Jesus. 00:27:02.439 --> 00:27:03.419 Hold fast. 00:27:03.479 --> 00:27:03.979 To Christ. 00:27:04.299 --> 00:27:04.879 By faith. 00:27:04.979 --> 00:27:05.819 All the way to the end. 00:27:07.379 --> 00:27:07.919 Encouragement. 00:27:08.079 --> 00:27:08.559 Encouragement. 00:27:08.699 --> 00:27:09.159 Encouragement. 00:27:10.179 --> 00:27:11.579 These are God's. 00:27:11.659 --> 00:27:12.939 Life giving words. 00:27:13.339 --> 00:27:14.559 To our weary. 00:27:14.899 --> 00:27:15.740 And possibly. 00:27:15.919 --> 00:27:16.500 Dull hearts. 00:27:16.799 --> 00:27:17.619 To help us. 00:27:17.779 --> 00:27:18.819 Press on together. 00:27:18.819 --> 00:27:18.919 Together. 00:27:21.079 --> 00:27:22.240 The author of Hebrews. 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:22.380 Hebrews. 00:27:22.380 --> 00:27:23.240 Is repeatedly. 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:23.319 Is repeatedly. 00:27:23.319 --> 00:27:24.200 Is exhorting. 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:25.400 His audience. 00:27:25.400 --> 00:27:26.960 Both by way of warning. 00:27:26.960 --> 00:27:28.440 And encouragement. 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:31.240 So that they would hold fast. 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.339 To Jesus together. 00:27:33.380 --> 00:27:34.620 Do you remember how I mentioned. 00:27:34.620 --> 00:27:35.460 That this church. 00:27:35.819 --> 00:27:38.000 Is likely a Jewish background church. 00:27:38.000 --> 00:27:38.619 church. 00:27:38.619 --> 00:27:41.380 When things get hard. 00:27:42.380 --> 00:27:43.259 We are tempted. 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:43.839 To go back. 00:27:43.900 --> 00:27:44.640 To what's familiar. 00:27:46.640 --> 00:27:47.799 And likely. 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:49.119 These Jewish Christians. 00:27:50.180 --> 00:27:51.299 Suffering for Jesus. 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:52.539 We're like. 00:27:52.599 --> 00:27:52.920 Well maybe. 00:27:52.920 --> 00:27:53.980 If I could just go back. 00:27:54.060 --> 00:27:55.400 To the Jewish religious systems. 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:56.320 Things will be okay. 00:27:59.200 --> 00:28:00.320 And what the author. 00:28:00.320 --> 00:28:00.880 Of Hebrews. 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:01.320 Is saying. 00:28:01.440 --> 00:28:02.060 Is don't. 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:03.200 Go back. 00:28:03.620 --> 00:28:04.539 There is no. 00:28:04.840 --> 00:28:05.360 Salvation. 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:05.980 There. 00:28:07.460 --> 00:28:08.360 Hold fast. 00:28:08.420 --> 00:28:09.240 To your salvation. 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:11.160 Jesus Christ. 00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:15.080 This book. 00:28:15.200 --> 00:28:16.120 Is one long. 00:28:16.400 --> 00:28:16.820 Exhortation. 00:28:16.980 --> 00:28:17.500 It's the purpose. 00:28:17.580 --> 00:28:17.980 Of the book. 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:20.300 But now. 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:22.860 Point three. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:24.920 The heartbeat. 00:28:25.140 --> 00:28:25.680 Of the book. 00:28:28.940 --> 00:28:30.279 I have in parentheses. 00:28:31.600 --> 00:28:32.700 The jet fuel. 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:34.240 Of Christian endurance. 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:39.620 When you're in an endurance race. 00:28:40.660 --> 00:28:41.220 Apparently. 00:28:41.580 --> 00:28:42.340 Not in them. 00:28:44.160 --> 00:28:45.360 Actually running in them. 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.500 When you hit the wall. 00:28:50.320 --> 00:28:51.740 You run out of gas. 00:28:52.019 --> 00:28:52.779 And your body. 00:28:52.920 --> 00:28:55.180 Is out of energy. 00:28:56.220 --> 00:28:57.539 The best thing you can do. 00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:59.140 Is to put energy. 00:28:59.140 --> 00:28:59.960 In your body. 00:29:00.460 --> 00:29:01.560 So that you can continue. 00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:02.140 In the race. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:04.140 Now. 00:29:05.300 --> 00:29:06.039 Marathon runners. 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:07.080 Have these little packs. 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:07.740 Of like. 00:29:08.279 --> 00:29:08.720 Liquid. 00:29:09.840 --> 00:29:10.660 Liquid sugar. 00:29:10.820 --> 00:29:11.779 That they put in their bodies. 00:29:13.120 --> 00:29:14.100 And it instantly. 00:29:14.320 --> 00:29:14.860 Gives them strength. 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:16.420 So they can keep going on. 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:17.660 The writer of Hebrews. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:18.560 Gives. 00:29:18.980 --> 00:29:19.259 Us. 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:19.900 Something. 00:29:20.080 --> 00:29:20.779 Better than that. 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:21.579 Jesus. 00:29:21.579 --> 00:29:20.980 That. 00:29:23.039 --> 00:29:23.779 Jesus. 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:27.379 The jet fuel of Christian endurance. 00:29:28.879 --> 00:29:30.420 Jesus is our strength. 00:29:30.420 --> 00:29:33.519 In Hebrews. 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:33.680 Hebrews. 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.680 In spectacular. 00:29:34.680 --> 00:29:35.259 In spectacular. 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.560 Fashion. 00:29:37.519 --> 00:29:38.759 Gives us. 00:29:39.060 --> 00:29:40.759 A remarkable. 00:29:41.759 --> 00:29:42.440 Christology. 00:29:43.640 --> 00:29:45.320 In understanding. 00:29:45.680 --> 00:29:46.320 Of the truths. 00:29:46.320 --> 00:29:48.080 About who Jesus is. 00:29:48.460 --> 00:29:49.539 And they're designed. 00:29:49.640 --> 00:29:50.779 To strengthen us. 00:29:50.779 --> 00:29:53.720 To help us. 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.460 To hold fast. 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:55.299 To endure. 00:29:55.460 --> 00:29:56.480 And do that with joy. 00:29:56.480 --> 00:29:57.700 All the way to the end. 00:29:58.139 --> 00:29:59.180 And so again and again. 00:29:59.379 --> 00:30:00.639 The author of Hebrews. 00:30:00.639 --> 00:30:02.019 Is going to point us. 00:30:02.160 --> 00:30:02.920 To Jesus. 00:30:03.399 --> 00:30:04.899 And fix our eyes on him. 00:30:05.599 --> 00:30:06.720 And he does it. 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:09.480 In a special way. 00:30:11.680 --> 00:30:12.779 In Hebrews 1. 00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:13.079 1. 00:30:16.079 --> 00:30:17.160 Steve opened us up. 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:18.339 Open us up. 00:30:18.579 --> 00:30:19.420 Listen to 1 and 2. 00:30:20.380 --> 00:30:21.620 There's something going on there. 00:30:22.759 --> 00:30:23.380 Long ago. 00:30:23.440 --> 00:30:24.039 At many times. 00:30:24.100 --> 00:30:24.640 In many ways. 00:30:24.720 --> 00:30:25.860 God spoke to our fathers. 00:30:25.860 --> 00:30:26.800 By the prophets. 00:30:27.400 --> 00:30:27.800 Jeremiah. 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:28.580 Ezekiel. 00:30:28.720 --> 00:30:29.019 Isaiah. 00:30:29.840 --> 00:30:31.259 But in these last days. 00:30:31.340 --> 00:30:32.180 He has spoken to us. 00:30:32.300 --> 00:30:33.039 By the son. 00:30:33.480 --> 00:30:34.180 Do you know what that is? 00:30:35.519 --> 00:30:37.420 That's a how much better argument. 00:30:38.800 --> 00:30:39.019 Hey. 00:30:39.180 --> 00:30:39.580 You know what? 00:30:39.860 --> 00:30:40.759 The prophets spoke. 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:41.519 It was good. 00:30:41.880 --> 00:30:42.460 But now. 00:30:43.220 --> 00:30:44.519 God has spoken. 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.180 Through Jesus. 00:30:45.340 --> 00:30:46.080 The greatest. 00:30:46.560 --> 00:30:47.019 Fullest. 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:48.220 And final revelation. 00:30:48.220 --> 00:30:48.840 Of God. 00:30:49.740 --> 00:30:50.599 Jesus is better. 00:30:51.799 --> 00:30:52.720 Jesus is greater. 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:57.259 In 1. 00:30:57.299 --> 00:30:57.519 5. 00:30:57.599 --> 00:30:57.879 Through 2. 00:30:57.899 --> 00:30:58.099 8. 00:30:58.179 --> 00:30:59.459 We have this extended passage. 00:30:59.619 --> 00:30:59.939 In which. 00:31:00.559 --> 00:31:00.879 Jesus. 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:02.619 Is the son of God. 00:31:02.819 --> 00:31:03.759 Is being shown. 00:31:04.119 --> 00:31:05.119 To being greater. 00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:07.059 Than the angels. 00:31:09.039 --> 00:31:09.399 It's a. 00:31:09.519 --> 00:31:10.559 How much better. 00:31:10.759 --> 00:31:11.039 Greater. 00:31:11.199 --> 00:31:11.559 Argument. 00:31:12.439 --> 00:31:13.399 Don't go back. 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:14.859 Jesus is greater. 00:31:15.099 --> 00:31:16.079 They can't save you. 00:31:16.199 --> 00:31:16.819 He can. 00:31:16.819 --> 00:31:16.819 00:31:18.839 --> 00:31:20.399 Chapter 4. 00:31:20.480 --> 00:31:21.299 And chapter 5. 00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:22.179 Chapter 7. 00:31:23.419 --> 00:31:25.019 We start learning about Jesus. 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:26.419 As our great high priest. 00:31:27.679 --> 00:31:29.740 In the order of Melchizedek. 00:31:31.179 --> 00:31:31.379 Not. 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:31.800 Not. 00:31:31.800 --> 00:31:33.400 The Levitical priesthood. 00:31:33.800 --> 00:31:34.960 Marked by sin. 00:31:35.300 --> 00:31:36.420 And they too would die. 00:31:36.800 --> 00:31:37.020 No. 00:31:37.180 --> 00:31:39.640 He is from the order of Melchizedek. 00:31:39.800 --> 00:31:41.120 He is sinless. 00:31:41.340 --> 00:31:43.300 And he has an indestructible life. 00:31:43.720 --> 00:31:44.100 Don't. 00:31:44.100 --> 00:31:45.100 Go back. 00:31:45.520 --> 00:31:46.540 To that system. 00:31:46.700 --> 00:31:48.000 That cannot save you. 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:50.240 Hold fast to Jesus. 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:50.660 Who can? 00:31:52.360 --> 00:31:53.280 Jesus is greater. 00:31:56.060 --> 00:31:56.900 Chapter 8. 00:31:57.480 --> 00:31:59.180 Because Jesus is our great high priest. 00:31:59.500 --> 00:32:01.640 He has established a better covenant. 00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:06.259 He has fulfilled the promise of Jeremiah 31. 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:09.100 Where now we have full forgiveness. 00:32:09.240 --> 00:32:10.300 The cleansing of our conscience. 00:32:10.460 --> 00:32:12.259 And God writes his word on our hearts. 00:32:12.340 --> 00:32:13.480 So that we would obey him. 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:16.200 It made the old covenant obsolete. 00:32:16.560 --> 00:32:17.840 This is a better covenant. 00:32:18.080 --> 00:32:20.280 Established by the great high priest Jesus. 00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.700 Don't go back. 00:32:25.060 --> 00:32:25.940 Chapter 9. 00:32:25.940 --> 00:32:28.279 Because Jesus is our great high priest. 00:32:28.340 --> 00:32:28.940 He offers. 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:31.940 He serves in a better sanctuary. 00:32:34.320 --> 00:32:35.620 Back in the Old Testament. 00:32:35.900 --> 00:32:36.240 It was. 00:32:36.779 --> 00:32:37.900 It was a temple. 00:32:38.420 --> 00:32:39.700 A holy of holies. 00:32:39.820 --> 00:32:40.779 A dwelling place of God. 00:32:40.840 --> 00:32:41.740 Made by human hands. 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.740 And it was just copies. 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:44.240 Of the heavenly one. 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:45.799 Do you know where Jesus. 00:32:46.360 --> 00:32:46.700 Ministers. 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:49.340 In the actual. 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.120 Presence of God. 00:32:51.160 --> 00:32:51.980 And the holy holies. 00:32:52.360 --> 00:32:52.980 In heaven. 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:54.759 It is a sanctuary. 00:32:54.759 --> 00:32:54.960 Sanctuary. 00:32:55.099 --> 00:32:56.839 Made by God's hands. 00:32:57.900 --> 00:32:59.019 It's a better sanctuary. 00:32:59.500 --> 00:33:00.259 Jesus is greater. 00:33:00.940 --> 00:33:02.160 Not dealing with copies. 00:33:02.359 --> 00:33:03.900 He's dealing with the real thing. 00:33:05.640 --> 00:33:06.559 Chapter 10. 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:09.440 Because Jesus is our great high priest. 00:33:10.099 --> 00:33:11.440 He has offered. 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:13.400 A better sacrifice. 00:33:13.400 --> 00:33:16.580 Not. 00:33:16.580 --> 00:33:16.660 Not. 00:33:16.660 --> 00:33:19.680 Not the sacrifices of bulls and goats. 00:33:20.080 --> 00:33:21.360 Made repeatedly. 00:33:22.140 --> 00:33:23.700 Whose blood cannot. 00:33:24.280 --> 00:33:25.019 Wash clean. 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:26.519 A sinful conscience. 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:28.640 And then you got to do it again. 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.200 And again. 00:33:29.340 --> 00:33:29.759 And again. 00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:31.380 No. 00:33:32.380 --> 00:33:33.519 This high priest. 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:34.600 Offered himself. 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.540 Once. 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:36.420 And. 00:33:36.880 --> 00:33:37.200 For. 00:33:37.620 --> 00:33:38.000 All. 00:33:38.000 --> 00:33:39.200 One sacrifice. 00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:39.940 That. 00:33:40.339 --> 00:33:41.000 Makes perfect. 00:33:41.099 --> 00:33:41.759 For all time. 00:33:41.859 --> 00:33:42.720 Those who believe. 00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:43.140 They've been. 00:33:43.400 --> 00:33:44.400 Completely forgiven. 00:33:44.880 --> 00:33:46.039 Conscience is cleansed. 00:33:46.319 --> 00:33:46.759 It is. 00:33:47.099 --> 00:33:48.420 It is a greater sacrifice. 00:33:48.579 --> 00:33:49.779 Accomplishing a greater covenant. 00:33:49.920 --> 00:33:51.039 Built on better promises. 00:33:51.380 --> 00:33:52.460 In a greater sanctuary. 00:33:52.619 --> 00:33:54.000 Because he's our great high priest. 00:33:54.720 --> 00:33:55.700 Don't go back. 00:33:58.880 --> 00:34:00.259 Don't go back to Judaism. 00:34:00.519 --> 00:34:02.039 Don't go back to your hedonism. 00:34:02.339 --> 00:34:03.420 Don't go back to your. 00:34:03.420 --> 00:34:05.100 A better legalistic Christianity. 00:34:05.340 --> 00:34:06.840 In which it all depends on you. 00:34:07.500 --> 00:34:08.380 Trust in Christ. 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:09.860 Hold fast to him. 00:34:12.599 --> 00:34:13.480 Chapter 12. 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:14.340 Great high priest. 00:34:14.460 --> 00:34:15.800 He's a better example of endurance. 00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:17.039 Chapter 12. 00:34:17.119 --> 00:34:17.920 Our great high priest. 00:34:18.039 --> 00:34:19.659 Brings about a better kingdom. 00:34:19.840 --> 00:34:20.940 Not one that is shaken. 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:22.480 One that is unshakable. 00:34:23.000 --> 00:34:24.420 One that's prepared by God. 00:34:24.480 --> 00:34:26.159 It's a city in Mount Zion. 00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:28.740 It is the heavenly Jerusalem. 00:34:28.740 --> 00:34:31.000 And it is our homeland. 00:34:31.119 --> 00:34:32.460 Awaiting for us. 00:34:33.420 --> 00:34:34.760 Hold fast. 00:34:38.139 --> 00:34:39.440 Jesus is greater. 00:34:43.059 --> 00:34:44.519 All of these warnings. 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:47.460 All of these encouragements. 00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:48.400 In the book of Hebrews. 00:34:48.740 --> 00:34:49.820 There are warnings. 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:52.320 Of falling away from Christ. 00:34:52.519 --> 00:34:53.820 Of giving up on him. 00:34:54.260 --> 00:34:55.539 Settling for things. 00:34:55.740 --> 00:34:57.320 That there is no salvation. 00:34:57.519 --> 00:34:58.639 And there's no life in. 00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:00.860 And all of the encouragements. 00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:02.920 Are Christocentric. 00:35:02.920 --> 00:35:03.800 Encouragements. 00:35:04.980 --> 00:35:06.079 Hold fast. 00:35:06.880 --> 00:35:08.139 Because salvation is found. 00:35:08.200 --> 00:35:08.760 In no one else. 00:35:13.880 --> 00:35:14.720 The heartbeat. 00:35:15.099 --> 00:35:15.760 Of Hebrews. 00:35:16.639 --> 00:35:17.860 Is Jesus Christ. 00:35:17.940 --> 00:35:18.840 Our great high priest. 00:35:22.700 --> 00:35:23.840 When you hit the wall. 00:35:25.500 --> 00:35:26.840 He's the one you need. 00:35:26.840 --> 00:35:29.900 He is your life. 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:34.800 Christian. 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:37.000 Have you hit a wall? 00:35:38.840 --> 00:35:39.860 Are you on a gas? 00:35:41.660 --> 00:35:43.039 Are you looking down the line. 00:35:43.039 --> 00:35:44.720 Of what it means to be a Christian. 00:35:44.720 --> 00:35:45.780 In our culture. 00:35:45.780 --> 00:35:46.620 At this time. 00:35:46.620 --> 00:35:47.059 And you're like. 00:35:47.059 --> 00:35:47.559 Hmm. 00:35:47.559 --> 00:35:51.340 Maybe not. 00:35:56.719 --> 00:35:58.400 If you haven't hit the wall. 00:36:00.019 --> 00:36:01.099 Chances are you will. 00:36:02.820 --> 00:36:04.299 Chances are you will know someone. 00:36:04.440 --> 00:36:05.199 Who hits the wall. 00:36:06.380 --> 00:36:07.639 They become discouraged. 00:36:07.759 --> 00:36:08.699 They become distracted. 00:36:08.900 --> 00:36:10.299 They become spiritually dull. 00:36:11.299 --> 00:36:12.000 Do you know what they need? 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:13.000 They need. 00:36:16.380 --> 00:36:17.039 They need. 00:36:17.380 --> 00:36:19.139 What this book provides. 00:36:19.320 --> 00:36:20.519 The concern of the book. 00:36:20.780 --> 00:36:21.599 Spiritual dullness. 00:36:21.780 --> 00:36:22.880 Of unbelieving heart. 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:25.079 And the exhortation of this book. 00:36:25.159 --> 00:36:26.159 The purpose of this book. 00:36:26.340 --> 00:36:27.900 To warn them. 00:36:28.059 --> 00:36:29.000 From drift. 00:36:29.340 --> 00:36:30.760 And to encourage them. 00:36:30.840 --> 00:36:31.780 To hold fast. 00:36:31.780 --> 00:36:33.099 And it's the heartbeat. 00:36:33.099 --> 00:36:33.719 Of the book. 00:36:33.860 --> 00:36:34.639 It's the jet fuel. 00:36:34.780 --> 00:36:35.559 Of Christian endurance. 00:36:35.559 --> 00:36:36.880 It's Jesus. 00:36:37.199 --> 00:36:38.440 Again and again and again. 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.779 In spectacular. 00:36:42.320 --> 00:36:43.639 Spectacular fashion. 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:44.579 He is better. 00:36:44.940 --> 00:36:45.779 He is greater. 00:36:46.099 --> 00:36:47.460 There is no one who compares. 00:36:47.980 --> 00:36:49.639 And he's worth our lives. 00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:51.940 He's worth suffering for. 00:36:52.199 --> 00:36:55.000 He's worth enduring for. 00:36:55.679 --> 00:36:57.340 So we hold fast to him. 00:36:57.799 --> 00:36:58.880 By faith. 00:36:59.519 --> 00:37:00.259 To the end. 00:37:01.480 --> 00:37:01.840 Or. 00:37:01.840 --> 00:37:04.280 We run. 00:37:04.680 --> 00:37:06.200 With endurance. 00:37:07.200 --> 00:37:08.320 The race. 00:37:09.039 --> 00:37:09.519 Marked. 00:37:09.720 --> 00:37:10.800 Out for us. 00:37:12.200 --> 00:37:12.840 Looking. 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:14.579 To Jesus. 00:37:16.380 --> 00:37:17.400 Will you pray with me? 00:37:28.840 --> 00:37:29.600 Lord Jesus. 00:37:29.780 --> 00:37:30.920 There is no one like you. 00:37:31.840 --> 00:37:33.420 And there is salvation found. 00:37:33.559 --> 00:37:34.320 In no one. 00:37:34.600 --> 00:37:35.180 No thing. 00:37:35.380 --> 00:37:35.720 Else. 00:37:38.160 --> 00:37:39.220 God would you. 00:37:40.660 --> 00:37:41.720 Strengthen us. 00:37:42.640 --> 00:37:43.720 By your word. 00:37:44.780 --> 00:37:46.120 Focused on Christ. 00:37:47.760 --> 00:37:49.480 That we would lay aside. 00:37:49.480 --> 00:37:50.320 Every weight. 00:37:50.559 --> 00:37:51.260 Every sin. 00:37:51.420 --> 00:37:51.980 That encumbers. 00:37:52.880 --> 00:37:53.920 And we would. 00:37:54.579 --> 00:37:54.940 Push. 00:37:55.340 --> 00:37:55.620 Through. 00:37:56.000 --> 00:37:56.539 The wall. 00:37:56.860 --> 00:37:57.620 By faith. 00:37:59.200 --> 00:38:00.340 Running with endurance. 00:38:00.340 --> 00:38:00.960 This race. 00:38:01.019 --> 00:38:02.120 You've marked out for us. 00:38:03.940 --> 00:38:04.340 Lord. 00:38:04.400 --> 00:38:05.300 And we will do so. 00:38:05.800 --> 00:38:06.519 With joy. 00:38:08.400 --> 00:38:09.740 Knowing that it was for joy. 00:38:09.860 --> 00:38:10.360 That you. 00:38:11.920 --> 00:38:13.400 Laid on your life for us. 00:38:15.400 --> 00:38:16.700 All glory to your name. 00:38:16.700 --> 00:38:18.140 Amen. 00:38:18.140 --> 00:38:18.280 Amen. 00:38:18.280 --> 00:38:19.740 And we will do so. 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740 00:38:19.740 --> 00:38:19.740