WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.500 If you would open up your Bibles to Hebrews chapter 13. 00:00:05.900 --> 00:00:10.720 I'm going to read Hebrews 13, 20 through 25. 00:00:11.099 --> 00:00:10.720 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:57.019 Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. 00:00:57.760 --> 00:00:58.120 Amen. 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:00.780 I appeal to you, brothers. 00:01:00.939 --> 00:01:03.939 Bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 00:01:04.980 --> 00:01:09.599 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 00:01:10.259 --> 00:01:11.819 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. 00:01:12.239 --> 00:01:14.099 Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 00:01:15.400 --> 00:01:17.359 Grace be with you all. 00:01:18.120 --> 00:01:19.459 May God bless the reading of his word. 00:01:20.439 --> 00:01:22.239 Anybody been to Yosemite National Park? 00:01:23.519 --> 00:01:23.939 No? 00:01:24.120 --> 00:01:24.359 Nobody? 00:01:24.640 --> 00:01:24.879 Okay. 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:34.299 Yosemite, if you've been there, is home of El Capitan, a 3,000 foot sheer vertical granite rock face. 00:01:34.739 --> 00:01:39.619 And El Cap is the center of the rock climbing world. 00:01:39.620 --> 00:01:52.320 On June 3rd, 2017, Alex Honnold made rock climbing history by free soloing the free rider route from base to summit. 00:01:52.439 --> 00:01:54.680 It took him a little less than four hours. 00:01:54.680 --> 00:02:04.480 Now, if you're wondering what is free soloing, free soloing is rock climbing without ropes, without anchors, and without a climbing partner. 00:02:06.340 --> 00:02:11.439 And to free solo El Capitan is extraordinary, if not insane. 00:02:11.659 --> 00:02:12.100 Do I have an amen? 00:02:12.099 --> 00:02:12.219 Amen. 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:21.199 I mean, if you think about what Alex did, you start thinking that the only thing from keeping him falling off that vertical granite 00:02:21.199 --> 00:02:24.699 was his ability to hold fast by his fingertips. 00:02:24.699 --> 00:02:29.780 One slip, one mistake, certain death. 00:02:30.739 --> 00:02:31.659 Now, that's terrifying. 00:02:33.199 --> 00:02:35.819 Especially when you're 2,000, 3,000 feet up in the air. 00:02:36.619 --> 00:02:43.780 You know, it's said of free soloists that it's just a matter of time before a free soloist dies of free soloing. 00:02:43.780 --> 00:02:50.520 Now, this may be a little overly dramatic, but bear with me. 00:02:52.159 --> 00:02:57.560 Imagine your life is like climbing a rock face. 00:02:58.759 --> 00:03:13.759 Your 70 to 80 years on this face of this planet is you climbing and making your way on the route of holiness to the summit. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:17.240 The base is your birth. 00:03:17.319 --> 00:03:18.439 The summit is your death. 00:03:20.060 --> 00:03:30.860 Is your salvation dependent solely on your ability to hold fast to Christ until you summit? 00:03:32.800 --> 00:03:34.680 Now, that should be terrifying to you. 00:03:36.060 --> 00:03:37.280 And maybe many of you have lived there. 00:03:37.319 --> 00:03:38.020 I know I have. 00:03:38.620 --> 00:03:41.080 I used to think that my salvation depended on me. 00:03:41.980 --> 00:03:44.400 And not only was I terrified by that, I was miserable. 00:03:46.460 --> 00:03:51.900 There are no free solo Christians. 00:03:53.100 --> 00:03:55.439 Your salvation does not depend solely on you. 00:03:55.560 --> 00:03:58.720 Our salvation is dependent solely on Christ. 00:03:59.040 --> 00:04:01.939 And because our salvation depends solely on Christ, 00:04:01.939 --> 00:04:04.359 We've got to hold fast to Christ. 00:04:05.400 --> 00:04:06.439 To the end. 00:04:07.060 --> 00:04:07.780 Till we summit. 00:04:09.159 --> 00:04:11.060 We've come to the end of the book of Hebrews. 00:04:11.840 --> 00:04:15.240 And in these verses, we have a very helpful conclusion to the book. 00:04:15.599 --> 00:04:17.019 And I'm going to summarize it this way. 00:04:17.019 --> 00:04:19.899 We are held fast by Christ. 00:04:20.839 --> 00:04:23.439 So we hold fast to Christ. 00:04:23.799 --> 00:04:25.719 We are held fast by Christ. 00:04:25.799 --> 00:04:27.519 So we hold fast to Christ. 00:04:27.639 --> 00:04:28.740 It's not either or. 00:04:29.019 --> 00:04:30.120 It's both and. 00:04:30.399 --> 00:04:32.939 But it all depends upon Christ. 00:04:33.939 --> 00:04:38.060 So two points in your outline for your sermons in your bulletin. 00:04:38.719 --> 00:04:39.859 We are held fast. 00:04:39.860 --> 00:04:42.060 So we hold fast. 00:04:42.060 --> 00:04:42.540 Okay. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:44.600 This side of the room. 00:04:45.240 --> 00:04:46.300 You say after me. 00:04:46.680 --> 00:04:47.580 We are held fast. 00:04:49.860 --> 00:04:51.379 So we hold fast. 00:04:53.060 --> 00:04:54.540 We are held fast. 00:04:55.759 --> 00:04:57.240 So we hold fast. 00:04:58.560 --> 00:04:59.660 Everybody together. 00:05:00.439 --> 00:05:01.900 We are held fast. 00:05:02.280 --> 00:05:04.720 So we hold fast. 00:05:05.100 --> 00:05:06.920 We are held fast by Christ. 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:09.060 So we hold fast to Christ. 00:05:09.060 --> 00:05:10.759 Let's unpack this. 00:05:12.139 --> 00:05:13.439 In verses 20 and 21. 00:05:14.420 --> 00:05:18.120 I want you to see how we are held fast. 00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:19.959 When I was a youth pastor. 00:05:20.879 --> 00:05:22.639 Many, many years ago. 00:05:23.680 --> 00:05:27.699 I would take groups of students on these things called adventure trips. 00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:29.500 And it was during the summertime. 00:05:29.840 --> 00:05:33.000 And we would tour Wisconsin over a number of years. 00:05:33.079 --> 00:05:34.840 And we do a variety of different stuff. 00:05:35.079 --> 00:05:37.199 But usually we were rock climbing somewhere. 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:41.920 And rock climbing is a very powerful lesson in trust. 00:05:42.159 --> 00:05:45.860 Because you're literally putting your trust in someone else. 00:05:46.699 --> 00:05:47.779 The belayer. 00:05:47.779 --> 00:05:58.319 Now imagine stepping up to a six story basalt rock face at Interstate Park in St. Croix, Wisconsin. 00:05:59.479 --> 00:06:00.419 It is tall. 00:06:01.119 --> 00:06:02.139 And it's kind of scary. 00:06:02.799 --> 00:06:04.979 You put on your climbing harness. 00:06:05.859 --> 00:06:08.479 And there is a carabiner on the end of your harness. 00:06:08.919 --> 00:06:09.719 Solid steel. 00:06:09.959 --> 00:06:12.219 It can hold up to a max load of 2,000 pounds. 00:06:12.559 --> 00:06:13.079 You're safe. 00:06:13.079 --> 00:06:20.339 There's this rope that comes down from the very top of that six story cliff. 00:06:20.599 --> 00:06:24.959 And that rope you attach with the carabiner to your harness which is attached to you. 00:06:25.079 --> 00:06:27.459 And that rope is rated at 10,000 pounds. 00:06:27.579 --> 00:06:28.000 You're fine. 00:06:28.899 --> 00:06:34.259 That rope goes all the way up to where it is anchored in three different spots in basalt. 00:06:34.259 --> 00:06:36.339 Which is a hardened lava. 00:06:37.139 --> 00:06:40.500 And then it is kind of a pulley system over the top. 00:06:40.819 --> 00:06:43.199 And that rope comes back down behind you. 00:06:43.659 --> 00:06:46.000 Wraps around a giant tree trunk. 00:06:46.339 --> 00:06:49.240 And then is attached to another person. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:51.480 Into their harness. 00:06:51.759 --> 00:06:54.399 To which they have a breaking mechanism. 00:06:55.319 --> 00:06:57.159 That person is called the belayer. 00:06:57.160 --> 00:06:57.800 Belayer. 00:06:58.280 --> 00:07:01.140 And it's in his or her hands. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:03.600 That you are entrusting your life. 00:07:04.720 --> 00:07:06.880 And so when you are clicked in. 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:08.360 And you walk up to that basalt. 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:10.720 Before you put your hand on anything. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:12.860 You look back at your belayer. 00:07:13.040 --> 00:07:14.500 And you ask this question. 00:07:15.040 --> 00:07:15.720 Belay on? 00:07:17.240 --> 00:07:18.900 And you know what your belayer says to you? 00:07:20.080 --> 00:07:21.220 Belay on. 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:22.860 I gotcha. 00:07:22.860 --> 00:07:22.920 I gotcha. 00:07:24.600 --> 00:07:26.379 The Lord Jesus Christ has gotcha. 00:07:28.000 --> 00:07:28.800 Belay on. 00:07:29.500 --> 00:07:30.720 We are held fast. 00:07:31.540 --> 00:07:32.520 By Christ. 00:07:32.660 --> 00:07:34.120 Let me show you from this text. 00:07:34.260 --> 00:07:35.000 How that happens. 00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:37.840 The first thing I want you to notice. 00:07:38.960 --> 00:07:42.460 Is that we are held fast. 00:07:43.740 --> 00:07:45.720 By Christ. 00:07:45.940 --> 00:07:46.800 In verse 20. 00:07:47.480 --> 00:07:48.640 Now may the God of peace. 00:07:48.700 --> 00:07:50.320 Who brought again from the dead. 00:07:50.320 --> 00:07:51.140 Our Lord Jesus. 00:07:51.320 --> 00:07:52.980 The great shepherd of the sheep. 00:07:53.379 --> 00:07:55.620 By the blood of the eternal covenant. 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:58.300 Christ's death and resurrection. 00:07:58.860 --> 00:08:00.699 Has established a new covenant. 00:08:01.699 --> 00:08:03.879 And he will hold you fast forever. 00:08:04.160 --> 00:08:05.319 That's why the new covenant. 00:08:05.519 --> 00:08:06.800 Which we learned about in chapter 8. 00:08:07.259 --> 00:08:07.879 Is here. 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:09.399 Talked about an eternal covenant. 00:08:09.959 --> 00:08:11.199 Because that new covenant. 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:12.300 Established by the blood. 00:08:12.480 --> 00:08:13.519 And resurrection of Jesus. 00:08:13.740 --> 00:08:15.160 Will hold you fast. 00:08:15.480 --> 00:08:15.959 Forever. 00:08:15.959 --> 00:08:16.160 Forever. 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:18.439 By the blood. 00:08:18.899 --> 00:08:19.519 Did you see that? 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:21.919 It's a reference to Christ's death. 00:08:23.599 --> 00:08:25.419 Who brought again from the dead. 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:26.099 Our Lord Jesus. 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:27.859 It's a reference to the resurrection. 00:08:29.339 --> 00:08:30.659 It's the death and resurrection. 00:08:30.659 --> 00:08:31.799 Of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:08:31.799 --> 00:08:32.699 That has established. 00:08:33.100 --> 00:08:33.740 The new covenant. 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:35.019 That has bound. 00:08:35.559 --> 00:08:36.039 Christ. 00:08:36.519 --> 00:08:37.639 To us. 00:08:37.759 --> 00:08:38.159 A covenant. 00:08:38.460 --> 00:08:39.000 Is a promise. 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:40.600 God makes to his people. 00:08:41.159 --> 00:08:42.539 And he will make it happen. 00:08:43.179 --> 00:08:44.179 The new covenant. 00:08:44.559 --> 00:08:46.500 Is God promising to his new people. 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:47.460 The church. 00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:52.220 That on the basis of his death. 00:08:52.259 --> 00:08:52.799 And resurrection. 00:08:53.000 --> 00:08:53.919 All of our sins are forgiven. 00:08:54.919 --> 00:08:56.559 And that he will never leave us. 00:08:56.639 --> 00:08:57.500 Nor forsake us. 00:08:58.840 --> 00:09:00.399 The once and for all death. 00:09:00.519 --> 00:09:02.419 Of the great shepherd of the sheep. 00:09:03.179 --> 00:09:03.860 Has secured. 00:09:04.740 --> 00:09:05.039 Us. 00:09:06.019 --> 00:09:07.019 The good shepherd. 00:09:07.179 --> 00:09:08.980 Laid his life down for us. 00:09:09.039 --> 00:09:10.480 And then took it up again. 00:09:10.919 --> 00:09:12.720 In order to secure us. 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:13.679 To him. 00:09:14.500 --> 00:09:15.379 He's the greatest. 00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:16.379 Belayer of all. 00:09:16.500 --> 00:09:16.639 All. 00:09:18.559 --> 00:09:19.720 And the result. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:20.820 Of this. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:21.940 Work. 00:09:22.879 --> 00:09:23.840 Is in verse 20. 00:09:24.240 --> 00:09:24.440 May. 00:09:24.639 --> 00:09:26.519 Now may the God of peace. 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:29.340 Who brought again from the dead. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:30.139 It's peace. 00:09:30.379 --> 00:09:31.179 It's shalom. 00:09:31.820 --> 00:09:32.120 It's. 00:09:32.179 --> 00:09:33.799 It's no longer being fearful. 00:09:33.799 --> 00:09:34.960 That your sins. 00:09:35.440 --> 00:09:36.500 Stand against you. 00:09:37.059 --> 00:09:37.379 It's. 00:09:37.379 --> 00:09:38.779 It's realizing that. 00:09:39.259 --> 00:09:40.200 Your eternity. 00:09:40.460 --> 00:09:41.320 Has been secured. 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:42.759 By the death and resurrection. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:43.460 Of Jesus. 00:09:43.639 --> 00:09:44.879 And this new covenant. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:46.320 In which God has promised. 00:09:47.040 --> 00:09:47.840 It's all forgiven. 00:09:48.800 --> 00:09:49.920 And I'm all in. 00:09:50.540 --> 00:09:51.300 For you. 00:09:52.020 --> 00:09:53.060 All the way through. 00:09:54.400 --> 00:09:56.060 So the first thing you need to understand. 00:09:56.180 --> 00:09:57.620 In terms of being held fast. 00:09:57.840 --> 00:09:58.760 By Christ. 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.340 Is that you're held fast. 00:10:00.460 --> 00:10:01.360 By the new covenant. 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:02.580 Which he's established. 00:10:02.760 --> 00:10:03.980 By his death and resurrection. 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:05.080 And there's peace with God. 00:10:05.140 --> 00:10:05.600 Do I have an amen? 00:10:05.600 --> 00:10:05.780 Amen. 00:10:08.600 --> 00:10:09.400 Do I have an amen? 00:10:10.040 --> 00:10:10.480 Amen. 00:10:10.480 --> 00:10:11.820 That's what I'm talking about. 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:13.759 The second way that. 00:10:14.500 --> 00:10:15.440 We are held fast. 00:10:15.539 --> 00:10:16.460 Is we're held fast. 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:17.000 Through. 00:10:18.279 --> 00:10:18.920 Christ. 00:10:20.560 --> 00:10:21.000 So. 00:10:21.560 --> 00:10:22.019 God. 00:10:22.740 --> 00:10:23.740 The God of peace. 00:10:24.100 --> 00:10:24.639 Through the blood. 00:10:25.159 --> 00:10:26.700 And through the resurrection of Jesus. 00:10:26.860 --> 00:10:27.639 Through the new covenant. 00:10:27.800 --> 00:10:29.060 Which is the eternal covenant. 00:10:29.600 --> 00:10:29.740 He. 00:10:29.820 --> 00:10:31.060 He has equipped you. 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:32.019 With every good thing. 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:32.800 That you need. 00:10:32.860 --> 00:10:33.600 To do his will. 00:10:33.940 --> 00:10:34.879 Working in us. 00:10:34.940 --> 00:10:35.860 That which is pleasing. 00:10:36.060 --> 00:10:36.600 In his sight. 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:37.560 Through. 00:10:37.860 --> 00:10:38.139 Through. 00:10:38.139 --> 00:10:38.379 Through. 00:10:38.379 --> 00:10:38.580 Through. 00:10:38.740 --> 00:10:39.139 Through. 00:10:39.740 --> 00:10:40.139 Jesus. 00:10:41.120 --> 00:10:41.519 Christ. 00:10:42.560 --> 00:10:43.440 What he's getting at here. 00:10:43.500 --> 00:10:44.639 Is not only do you have peace. 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:45.360 With God. 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:47.320 You have power. 00:10:47.820 --> 00:10:48.580 From God. 00:10:49.659 --> 00:10:50.519 And power to do what? 00:10:53.060 --> 00:10:54.740 Empowered to do every good thing. 00:10:54.940 --> 00:10:55.779 To do his will. 00:10:55.840 --> 00:10:56.580 And what is his will? 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.500 That which is pleasing. 00:10:59.620 --> 00:11:00.019 In his sight. 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:01.160 He wants us. 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:02.500 And empowers us. 00:11:02.680 --> 00:11:04.019 To do that which is. 00:11:04.420 --> 00:11:04.899 Pleasing. 00:11:05.019 --> 00:11:05.860 In his sight. 00:11:05.860 --> 00:11:06.659 In what is pleasing. 00:11:06.740 --> 00:11:07.220 In his sight. 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:10.120 For us to by faith. 00:11:10.279 --> 00:11:11.080 Obey him. 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:12.419 All the way to the end. 00:11:12.820 --> 00:11:13.720 To live. 00:11:14.340 --> 00:11:14.779 For. 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:15.620 Him. 00:11:16.519 --> 00:11:16.919 In verse. 00:11:17.139 --> 00:11:17.680 Chapter 12. 00:11:17.800 --> 00:11:18.440 We learn that. 00:11:18.860 --> 00:11:19.180 We're to. 00:11:19.639 --> 00:11:20.680 Set our eyes on Jesus. 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:21.500 And that God has. 00:11:21.740 --> 00:11:22.779 Has laid out. 00:11:22.879 --> 00:11:23.500 A race for us. 00:11:23.560 --> 00:11:24.139 He's marked out. 00:11:24.220 --> 00:11:25.019 A race for us. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:25.279 To. 00:11:25.539 --> 00:11:26.320 To run. 00:11:26.500 --> 00:11:27.500 With endurance. 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:29.180 Just imagine this. 00:11:29.419 --> 00:11:30.320 This rock face. 00:11:30.379 --> 00:11:31.039 In front of us. 00:11:31.300 --> 00:11:31.539 It's. 00:11:31.700 --> 00:11:32.440 If we apply it. 00:11:32.519 --> 00:11:33.480 To rock climbing. 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:33.980 It's like. 00:11:34.300 --> 00:11:34.879 The Lord Jesus. 00:11:35.039 --> 00:11:35.800 Has a particular. 00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:36.779 The route for us. 00:11:36.859 --> 00:11:37.740 The route of holiness. 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:39.419 To scale. 00:11:39.639 --> 00:11:40.359 Life through. 00:11:40.500 --> 00:11:41.579 To until we summit. 00:11:42.519 --> 00:11:43.179 It's a mark. 00:11:43.839 --> 00:11:44.359 It's a race. 00:11:44.439 --> 00:11:45.199 Marked out for us. 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:45.500 It's a. 00:11:45.500 --> 00:11:46.879 It's a climbing route. 00:11:48.299 --> 00:11:49.259 It's God's will. 00:11:52.059 --> 00:11:53.359 That we live for him. 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:55.399 And Christ. 00:11:55.899 --> 00:11:56.659 Empowers us. 00:11:56.939 --> 00:11:57.299 To do that. 00:11:57.359 --> 00:11:57.959 Let me push that. 00:11:58.079 --> 00:11:58.939 Climbing illustration. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:00.079 A little bit more. 00:12:00.179 --> 00:12:01.199 This may sound ridiculous. 00:12:01.339 --> 00:12:02.039 But it'll make the point. 00:12:02.039 --> 00:12:04.059 You know that. 00:12:04.199 --> 00:12:04.860 That rope. 00:12:04.939 --> 00:12:05.899 That's attached to you. 00:12:05.939 --> 00:12:06.339 To Jesus. 00:12:06.459 --> 00:12:06.919 Your belayer. 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:09.360 Just imagine that rope. 00:12:09.419 --> 00:12:10.559 Not only secures you. 00:12:10.659 --> 00:12:11.179 That rope. 00:12:11.919 --> 00:12:12.620 That rope. 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:12.620 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:12.620 00:12:12.620 --> 00:12:14.240 Mediates power to you. 00:12:14.939 --> 00:12:16.919 Because you're attached to Christ. 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:18.879 He is empowering you. 00:12:18.939 --> 00:12:20.259 By the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.439 Through the new covenant. 00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:22.839 In order for you. 00:12:22.939 --> 00:12:24.419 To strive unto holiness. 00:12:26.059 --> 00:12:27.659 To make progress. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:31.539 We hold fast. 00:12:31.879 --> 00:12:32.679 We are held fast. 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:33.459 Through Christ. 00:12:33.559 --> 00:12:34.100 Which means. 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:35.759 Power. 00:12:38.639 --> 00:12:39.500 We have peace. 00:12:39.740 --> 00:12:40.459 We have power. 00:12:41.459 --> 00:12:42.319 And finally. 00:12:42.600 --> 00:12:43.919 We are held fast. 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:45.319 For Christ. 00:12:45.559 --> 00:12:46.319 Which results. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:48.579 In praise. 00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:51.439 In verse. 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:52.579 At the end of verse 21. 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:53.519 After we learn. 00:12:53.620 --> 00:12:54.220 That we've been equipped. 00:12:54.379 --> 00:12:55.839 With everything good. 00:12:55.919 --> 00:12:57.240 That you may do his will. 00:12:57.240 --> 00:12:58.159 Through Jesus. 00:12:59.060 --> 00:13:00.180 Says to whom. 00:13:00.840 --> 00:13:01.519 Be glory. 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:02.820 Forever and ever. 00:13:03.019 --> 00:13:03.560 Give me an amen. 00:13:04.019 --> 00:13:04.580 Amen. 00:13:06.180 --> 00:13:07.500 That word glory. 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:10.100 Comes from a Greek word. 00:13:10.340 --> 00:13:10.779 Doxa. 00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:12.279 D-O-X-A. 00:13:12.419 --> 00:13:12.879 In English. 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:14.860 That's where we get the word doxology. 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:16.560 Worship. 00:13:17.860 --> 00:13:18.340 Praise. 00:13:19.659 --> 00:13:20.779 Now scholars debate. 00:13:22.740 --> 00:13:24.220 Who is the whom. 00:13:24.899 --> 00:13:25.340 Here. 00:13:25.620 --> 00:13:26.500 To whom be glory. 00:13:26.580 --> 00:13:27.080 Forever and ever. 00:13:27.080 --> 00:13:27.860 Some say it's. 00:13:27.860 --> 00:13:28.759 God the father. 00:13:28.860 --> 00:13:29.460 In verse 20. 00:13:29.740 --> 00:13:30.660 Others say it's. 00:13:30.840 --> 00:13:31.540 Jesus Christ. 00:13:31.680 --> 00:13:33.060 I lean towards Jesus Christ. 00:13:33.200 --> 00:13:33.340 But. 00:13:34.139 --> 00:13:35.259 You could actually say. 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:35.900 It's both. 00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:37.440 Because. 00:13:38.080 --> 00:13:38.740 If you turn back. 00:13:38.820 --> 00:13:39.960 To Hebrews chapter 1. 00:13:42.560 --> 00:13:43.620 We hear this. 00:13:45.259 --> 00:13:46.120 Long ago. 00:13:47.400 --> 00:13:48.460 At many times. 00:13:48.520 --> 00:13:49.420 In many ways. 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:49.899 God. 00:13:49.899 --> 00:13:50.899 God spoke. 00:13:50.899 --> 00:13:52.019 God spoke. 00:13:52.019 --> 00:13:52.719 God spoke. 00:13:52.719 --> 00:13:53.939 To our fathers. 00:13:53.939 --> 00:13:55.379 By the prophets. 00:13:56.479 --> 00:13:58.179 But in these last days. 00:13:58.339 --> 00:13:59.259 He has spoken to us. 00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:00.399 By his son. 00:14:00.879 --> 00:14:01.959 Whom he appointed. 00:14:02.099 --> 00:14:02.959 The heir of all things. 00:14:03.079 --> 00:14:03.459 Through whom. 00:14:03.559 --> 00:14:03.899 Also. 00:14:04.039 --> 00:14:05.339 He created the world. 00:14:05.939 --> 00:14:06.279 He. 00:14:06.479 --> 00:14:07.179 The son. 00:14:08.139 --> 00:14:08.519 Jesus. 00:14:09.579 --> 00:14:11.259 Is the radiance. 00:14:11.259 --> 00:14:12.519 Of the glory. 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:13.279 Of God. 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:13.879 God. 00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:15.480 And the exact imprint. 00:14:15.799 --> 00:14:17.000 Of his nature. 00:14:18.279 --> 00:14:19.000 Yes. 00:14:20.059 --> 00:14:21.600 Through the son. 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:23.779 God is exalted. 00:14:25.559 --> 00:14:26.679 Jesus is. 00:14:26.899 --> 00:14:28.100 The incarnate majesty. 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:28.620 Of God. 00:14:28.799 --> 00:14:30.079 And when you look upon him. 00:14:30.139 --> 00:14:31.240 With eyes of faith. 00:14:31.600 --> 00:14:32.319 Do you know. 00:14:32.679 --> 00:14:33.439 What should. 00:14:33.620 --> 00:14:34.299 And must. 00:14:34.559 --> 00:14:35.199 Rise up. 00:14:35.319 --> 00:14:35.779 In you. 00:14:36.059 --> 00:14:37.159 It is glory. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:38.279 It's praise. 00:14:38.919 --> 00:14:39.579 It's saying like. 00:14:39.659 --> 00:14:40.419 You are awesome. 00:14:40.419 --> 00:14:42.099 There is no one like you. 00:14:43.860 --> 00:14:45.319 That's why we sing songs. 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.059 Like this. 00:14:47.079 --> 00:14:47.620 Don't worry. 00:14:47.679 --> 00:14:48.199 I'm not going to sing. 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:52.120 He will hold me fast. 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:55.299 He will hold me fast. 00:14:56.120 --> 00:14:58.159 For my savior. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:00.599 Loves me so. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:02.159 He. 00:15:02.500 --> 00:15:03.439 Will hold. 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.860 Me fast. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:06.839 We sing it. 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:09.799 We sing about his commitment. 00:15:09.799 --> 00:15:10.399 To us. 00:15:10.419 --> 00:15:14.319 There are no free solo Christians. 00:15:15.279 --> 00:15:16.459 We are held fast. 00:15:16.779 --> 00:15:17.699 By Christ. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:18.319 Peace. 00:15:18.799 --> 00:15:19.120 We are. 00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:20.079 Held fast. 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:20.819 Through Christ. 00:15:21.079 --> 00:15:21.439 Power. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:22.879 And we are held fast. 00:15:23.079 --> 00:15:23.919 For Christ. 00:15:24.419 --> 00:15:24.860 Praise. 00:15:25.099 --> 00:15:25.539 And so you know. 00:15:25.620 --> 00:15:26.379 What you can do every morning. 00:15:27.719 --> 00:15:28.659 You wake up. 00:15:28.779 --> 00:15:29.879 You bound out of bed. 00:15:30.240 --> 00:15:30.919 Pop down. 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:31.959 You're like. 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:32.959 I'm glad to be alive. 00:15:34.939 --> 00:15:36.159 And you turn to your belayer. 00:15:36.279 --> 00:15:36.480 And say. 00:15:36.539 --> 00:15:37.079 Lord Jesus. 00:15:37.319 --> 00:15:38.019 Belay on. 00:15:39.019 --> 00:15:39.579 And you know. 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.759 Your Lord Jesus is going to say to you. 00:15:41.759 --> 00:15:42.519 Belay on. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:44.559 I've got you. 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:46.500 I've got you. 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:47.799 I'm holding you fast. 00:15:48.460 --> 00:15:49.960 By my death and resurrection. 00:15:50.340 --> 00:15:52.500 By the power that I give to you. 00:15:52.559 --> 00:15:53.799 Whenever you need it. 00:15:54.799 --> 00:15:56.299 For my praise and my glory. 00:15:57.679 --> 00:15:58.319 Belay on. 00:15:58.720 --> 00:16:00.519 We are held fast. 00:16:00.519 --> 00:16:01.759 So. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:03.559 If 20 and 21. 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:07.059 Show us God's commitment to us. 00:16:07.480 --> 00:16:09.399 We are held fast. 00:16:10.220 --> 00:16:11.279 Verse 22. 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:12.740 Shows us. 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.379 Our response. 00:16:15.340 --> 00:16:17.879 So we hold fast. 00:16:18.019 --> 00:16:18.519 Point to. 00:16:19.059 --> 00:16:20.679 So we hold fast. 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:21.500 Verse 22. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:23.279 I appeal to you brothers. 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.059 Bear with my word of exhortation. 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:27.719 Is the last. 00:16:28.719 --> 00:16:29.199 Appeal. 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:31.179 Of the book of Hebrews. 00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:33.659 And the appeal. 00:16:33.939 --> 00:16:35.899 Is to bear with my. 00:16:36.419 --> 00:16:37.039 His word of. 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:38.859 Exhortation. 00:16:39.259 --> 00:16:39.539 Now. 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:40.519 In this context. 00:16:40.679 --> 00:16:41.559 The word to bear. 00:16:41.879 --> 00:16:42.119 Means. 00:16:42.359 --> 00:16:42.679 Simply. 00:16:43.019 --> 00:16:43.500 To take. 00:16:43.839 --> 00:16:45.019 What he has been saying. 00:16:45.279 --> 00:16:46.219 In these 13. 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:47.099 Chapters. 00:16:47.439 --> 00:16:47.959 To heart. 00:16:48.199 --> 00:16:49.339 And put it. 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.479 Into practice. 00:16:50.639 --> 00:16:52.000 To what he's calling us to do. 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:53.719 And that is to draw near. 00:16:53.819 --> 00:16:54.779 And hold fast. 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:54.899 Fast. 00:16:55.659 --> 00:16:56.139 Again. 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:56.519 And again. 00:16:56.600 --> 00:16:56.939 And again. 00:16:58.339 --> 00:16:59.179 That word. 00:17:00.659 --> 00:17:01.220 Exhortation. 00:17:02.799 --> 00:17:04.700 Really means to spur you on. 00:17:05.819 --> 00:17:07.879 To move you. 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:09.259 The book of Hebrews. 00:17:09.460 --> 00:17:10.160 Is one. 00:17:10.799 --> 00:17:11.279 Long. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.059 Exhortation. 00:17:13.059 --> 00:17:14.399 To hold fast. 00:17:14.480 --> 00:17:15.039 To Christ. 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:16.359 Until we summit. 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.779 Till we breathe our last. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:21.299 And we are exhorted. 00:17:21.599 --> 00:17:22.559 In two ways. 00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:24.379 In the book of. 00:17:24.379 --> 00:17:25.539 In the book of Hebrews. 00:17:26.339 --> 00:17:27.799 By way of warnings. 00:17:28.679 --> 00:17:30.779 And by way of encouragements. 00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:33.220 And both work together. 00:17:33.720 --> 00:17:35.659 To catalyze us. 00:17:37.039 --> 00:17:38.460 To hold fast to Christ. 00:17:38.460 --> 00:17:38.539 Christ. 00:17:39.900 --> 00:17:41.180 There are five warnings. 00:17:41.740 --> 00:17:42.759 In the book of Hebrews. 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:44.279 I've tried to mark them for you. 00:17:44.299 --> 00:17:45.380 As we've gone through them. 00:17:46.500 --> 00:17:47.960 The first one comes in chapter 2. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.779 Verses 1 through 3. 00:17:48.840 --> 00:17:49.660 You don't need to turn there. 00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.160 But we are. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:51.460 We are warned. 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:53.920 Not to drift away. 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:54.980 From God. 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:56.440 By neglecting. 00:17:56.779 --> 00:17:57.140 This. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:17:58.120 Great. 00:17:58.360 --> 00:17:59.000 Salvation. 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:01.039 That Christ has accomplished. 00:18:01.039 --> 00:18:01.700 For us. 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.180 In chapter 3. 00:18:03.240 --> 00:18:04.279 Verses 12 through 14. 00:18:04.440 --> 00:18:05.140 We are warned. 00:18:05.340 --> 00:18:06.600 Not to fall away. 00:18:06.740 --> 00:18:07.539 From the living God. 00:18:07.900 --> 00:18:09.259 Due to an evil. 00:18:09.600 --> 00:18:10.799 Unbelieving heart. 00:18:12.079 --> 00:18:13.420 In chapter 6. 00:18:13.500 --> 00:18:14.440 Verses 4 through 9. 00:18:14.539 --> 00:18:15.120 We are warned. 00:18:15.420 --> 00:18:16.880 That it is impossible. 00:18:17.360 --> 00:18:18.440 To restore again. 00:18:18.640 --> 00:18:20.039 Those who've fallen away. 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:20.819 From Christ. 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:23.160 Because they have refused him. 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:26.559 In chapter 10. 00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:28.039 Verses 26 through 31. 00:18:28.620 --> 00:18:29.480 We are warned. 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:30.620 That for those. 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:32.759 Who go on sinning deliberately. 00:18:33.420 --> 00:18:35.259 For refusing Christ. 00:18:36.100 --> 00:18:37.259 There is no longer. 00:18:37.420 --> 00:18:39.340 Any sacrifice for sin. 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:41.259 Because they have trampled. 00:18:41.460 --> 00:18:42.579 The son of God. 00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:43.640 Underfoot. 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:45.259 And they have profaned. 00:18:45.380 --> 00:18:46.039 The blood. 00:18:46.240 --> 00:18:47.079 Of the new covenant. 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:49.140 These are warnings. 00:18:49.840 --> 00:18:50.740 That's the fourth warning. 00:18:50.740 --> 00:18:51.460 The fifth warning. 00:18:51.460 --> 00:18:52.539 Is in chapter 12. 00:18:52.900 --> 00:18:54.160 25 to 29. 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:56.859 That those who refuse him. 00:18:56.980 --> 00:18:58.900 Who is warning from heaven. 00:18:59.559 --> 00:18:59.880 Jesus. 00:19:00.299 --> 00:19:01.980 Who seated at the right hand of God. 00:19:03.339 --> 00:19:05.839 There is the terrible promise. 00:19:06.339 --> 00:19:07.240 Of judgment. 00:19:07.640 --> 00:19:08.759 It is a terrible thing. 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:09.660 To fall into the hands. 00:19:09.660 --> 00:19:11.220 Of the living God. 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:12.660 He is a consuming fire. 00:19:12.660 --> 00:19:16.040 All these warnings. 00:19:16.040 --> 00:19:18.320 Are aimed at Christians. 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:20.220 Who are waffling. 00:19:20.620 --> 00:19:21.480 In their faith. 00:19:23.120 --> 00:19:24.880 They are fearful. 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:27.540 Of being identified with Christ. 00:19:28.100 --> 00:19:28.660 Fearful. 00:19:28.860 --> 00:19:30.160 For suffering for Christ. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:30.860 Because remember. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:32.019 The original audience. 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:32.680 Was a church. 00:19:32.940 --> 00:19:33.860 That had suffered. 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:35.160 And were continuing to suffer. 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:37.880 These warnings. 00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:41.019 Are God calling us. 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:43.380 To not give up. 00:19:43.380 --> 00:19:44.460 On Christ. 00:19:45.460 --> 00:19:46.400 Don't let go. 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:48.860 Hold fast. 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:52.440 Don't turn. 00:19:53.160 --> 00:19:55.160 To false belayers. 00:19:56.440 --> 00:19:58.120 Don't put your trust. 00:19:58.240 --> 00:20:00.380 In things that cannot save you. 00:20:00.380 --> 00:20:05.140 Your belayer. 00:20:05.320 --> 00:20:06.100 Is saying to you. 00:20:08.640 --> 00:20:09.000 Don't. 00:20:09.360 --> 00:20:10.460 Don't put your hand. 00:20:10.460 --> 00:20:11.360 On that outcropping. 00:20:11.500 --> 00:20:11.640 That. 00:20:11.720 --> 00:20:11.900 That. 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.200 That will not help you. 00:20:13.300 --> 00:20:14.320 That's just going to fall away. 00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:15.840 Let me tell you where to put your hand. 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.520 Put your hand right there. 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.380 Strain ahead for that. 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:20.460 Get your. 00:20:20.580 --> 00:20:21.620 Get your foot up there. 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.700 Get a toe hold there. 00:20:24.320 --> 00:20:25.200 Your belayer. 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:27.020 Is wanting you. 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.600 To summit. 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:29.560 For him. 00:20:30.380 --> 00:20:32.060 And your belayer. 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:32.620 Is saying. 00:20:33.820 --> 00:20:34.420 Don't. 00:20:34.820 --> 00:20:36.340 Don't put your trust. 00:20:36.560 --> 00:20:37.740 In another belayer. 00:20:39.460 --> 00:20:40.480 These warnings. 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.560 Are intended to. 00:20:42.080 --> 00:20:43.340 Make us uncomfortable. 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:49.100 They are for those. 00:20:49.280 --> 00:20:50.160 Whose faith. 00:20:50.280 --> 00:20:51.280 Has grown cold. 00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:51.720 Who. 00:20:52.040 --> 00:20:52.760 Chapter six. 00:20:53.180 --> 00:20:54.640 Have become sluggish. 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:56.100 In their faith. 00:20:57.120 --> 00:20:57.580 And this. 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:58.680 These warnings. 00:20:59.160 --> 00:21:00.060 This discomfort. 00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:01.339 A divine discomfort. 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:02.679 Is intended. 00:21:02.819 --> 00:21:03.839 To catalyze. 00:21:04.240 --> 00:21:04.599 Faith. 00:21:04.919 --> 00:21:05.799 To press on. 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:06.740 To hold fast. 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:08.279 To step back in. 00:21:08.379 --> 00:21:08.539 But. 00:21:09.039 --> 00:21:09.779 Isn't it good. 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:10.319 That Hebrews. 00:21:10.319 --> 00:21:12.299 Is not just one series. 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:13.099 Of warnings. 00:21:14.599 --> 00:21:16.179 It also contains. 00:21:16.419 --> 00:21:17.019 Repeated. 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:18.639 Christological. 00:21:18.919 --> 00:21:19.359 Glory. 00:21:22.179 --> 00:21:22.700 Again. 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:23.059 And again. 00:21:23.059 --> 00:21:23.539 The author. 00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:23.539 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:24.220 Shows us. 00:21:24.220 --> 00:21:24.819 That Jesus. 00:21:24.819 --> 00:21:25.440 Is better. 00:21:26.279 --> 00:21:26.980 That Jesus. 00:21:27.179 --> 00:21:27.839 Is greater. 00:21:28.839 --> 00:21:29.079 And so. 00:21:29.139 --> 00:21:29.299 He's. 00:21:29.940 --> 00:21:30.240 Simultaneously. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:30.879 Throughout the book. 00:21:30.980 --> 00:21:31.579 Is saying. 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:32.879 Don't let go of Christ. 00:21:32.879 --> 00:21:33.259 No. 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:33.419 No. 00:21:33.419 --> 00:21:33.559 No. 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:34.440 Hold fast. 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:34.720 To him. 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:35.559 And here's why. 00:21:37.059 --> 00:21:37.859 Chapter one. 00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:39.240 He is the final word. 00:21:39.899 --> 00:21:41.159 Greater than the prophets. 00:21:42.559 --> 00:21:43.139 Chapter one. 00:21:43.139 --> 00:21:44.359 He's greater than angels. 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.099 Chapter three. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:46.519 He's greater than Moses. 00:21:47.159 --> 00:21:47.940 Chapter four. 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:50.940 he is the great high priest. 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.559 And he's the great high priest 00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:54.180 because he will never die 00:21:54.180 --> 00:21:57.799 because he's from the order of Melchizedek, 00:21:57.960 --> 00:21:58.759 chapter seven. 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:01.120 In chapter eight, 00:22:01.220 --> 00:22:02.960 we learn that he is the guarantor 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:04.420 of a better covenant, 00:22:04.600 --> 00:22:05.400 a new covenant, 00:22:05.920 --> 00:22:07.680 an eternally lasting covenant, 00:22:08.059 --> 00:22:10.539 a promise by which God has said, 00:22:10.779 --> 00:22:12.380 I have forgiven all of your sins. 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:13.779 I have cleansed your conscience 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:16.320 and I will never leave you nor forsake you. 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:19.200 In chapters nine and 10, 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:21.220 this great high priest 00:22:21.220 --> 00:22:25.400 is the great once for all sacrifice 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:27.180 for our sins 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:29.440 because it's the blood of one 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:31.900 who's totally God and totally man 00:22:31.900 --> 00:22:33.620 and once for all, 00:22:33.880 --> 00:22:36.380 he has shed his blood for you. 00:22:37.620 --> 00:22:38.320 Hear this. 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.940 This is chapter 10, 00:22:42.279 --> 00:22:44.660 verses 11 through 14. 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:47.880 And every priest stands daily 00:22:47.880 --> 00:22:48.780 at his service. 00:22:48.900 --> 00:22:49.920 Every Levitical priest 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:53.460 offering repeatedly the same sacrifices 00:22:53.460 --> 00:22:55.680 which can never take away sins. 00:22:55.780 --> 00:22:57.960 They pointed to the ultimate sacrifice, 00:22:58.120 --> 00:22:59.780 but they could never take away sins. 00:23:00.080 --> 00:23:02.420 But when Christ had offered for all time 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:05.040 a single sacrifice for sins, 00:23:05.340 --> 00:23:07.340 he sat down at the right hand of God. 00:23:07.340 --> 00:23:07.840 Done! 00:23:10.160 --> 00:23:12.180 He sat down at the right hand of God, 00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:14.880 waiting from that time 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:16.440 until his enemy should be made 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:17.980 a footstool for his feet. 00:23:18.060 --> 00:23:18.900 We're living in the gap. 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:22.400 For by a single offering, 00:23:22.520 --> 00:23:24.260 he has perfected for all time 00:23:24.260 --> 00:23:28.020 those who are being sanctified. 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.840 To him we look. 00:23:32.040 --> 00:23:35.200 He is the founder and finisher of our faith, 00:23:35.600 --> 00:23:36.800 working in us 00:23:36.800 --> 00:23:39.120 that we can endure to the end. 00:23:39.180 --> 00:23:40.320 Remember Philippians 1.6, 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:42.059 he who began a good work in you 00:23:42.059 --> 00:23:43.059 will carry it unto completion 00:23:43.059 --> 00:23:44.240 until the day of Christ Jesus. 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.679 That's what we're talking about here. 00:23:46.460 --> 00:23:47.899 He's gonna hold you fast. 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:50.220 And so by faith, 00:23:50.639 --> 00:23:52.039 we hold fast to him. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.319 We endure. 00:23:53.579 --> 00:23:54.619 Remember chapter 11? 00:23:54.779 --> 00:23:58.439 All of those 20 plus Old Testament saints 00:23:58.439 --> 00:24:00.000 who by faith 00:24:00.000 --> 00:24:01.599 waited, 00:24:02.859 --> 00:24:03.740 pressed on, 00:24:04.220 --> 00:24:05.099 endured hardship, 00:24:05.659 --> 00:24:06.700 ran the race, 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:09.980 and they came through. 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:12.860 And they're waiting for us. 00:24:14.299 --> 00:24:15.680 We make our way up 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:17.299 the rock face of this life 00:24:17.299 --> 00:24:19.080 along the route of holiness 00:24:19.080 --> 00:24:21.519 and it will be looked down upon by many, 00:24:21.840 --> 00:24:23.259 but not by our Lord Jesus. 00:24:25.080 --> 00:24:26.940 Because in light of what Christ is, 00:24:27.080 --> 00:24:27.600 who he is, 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.440 and what he's done, 00:24:29.100 --> 00:24:30.039 brothers and sisters, 00:24:30.240 --> 00:24:31.400 we are Zion bound. 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.660 Our heavenly homeland awaits. 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:36.800 We're one day closer. 00:24:37.580 --> 00:24:39.800 It's a city whose architect 00:24:39.800 --> 00:24:41.620 and builder is God. 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:44.320 It's unshakable chapter 12. 00:24:45.360 --> 00:24:48.420 It's the home of all Christ's blood blot 00:24:48.420 --> 00:24:49.980 who's gone before us, 00:24:50.340 --> 00:24:51.800 holding fast to the end. 00:24:51.860 --> 00:24:52.500 And of course, 00:24:52.840 --> 00:24:55.320 what makes the new Jerusalem, 00:24:55.519 --> 00:24:56.440 the heavenly Jerusalem, 00:24:56.860 --> 00:24:57.880 worth everything 00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:59.980 is that it's God is there. 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:02.279 Jesus is there. 00:25:02.279 --> 00:25:02.880 Jesus is there. 00:25:05.660 --> 00:25:09.160 So we bear with this exhortation. 00:25:10.860 --> 00:25:12.180 Taking to heart 00:25:12.180 --> 00:25:14.660 both the warnings 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:17.380 and the encouragements 00:25:17.380 --> 00:25:18.560 looking to Christ 00:25:18.560 --> 00:25:20.980 in order to hold fast to Christ 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:21.840 to the end 00:25:21.840 --> 00:25:23.380 until we summit 00:25:23.380 --> 00:25:25.120 and breathe our last. 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:29.439 for those in the room 00:25:29.439 --> 00:25:31.079 who disregard 00:25:31.079 --> 00:25:32.699 these warnings 00:25:32.699 --> 00:25:34.119 and encouragements 00:25:34.119 --> 00:25:35.199 from the book of Hebrews, 00:25:35.939 --> 00:25:37.279 you are refusing 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:38.759 and rejecting 00:25:38.759 --> 00:25:39.119 Christ. 00:25:43.459 --> 00:25:45.779 God's great salvation. 00:25:46.939 --> 00:25:49.159 And you are in terrible danger 00:25:49.159 --> 00:25:50.119 of God's 00:25:50.679 --> 00:25:51.719 unrelenting judgment. 00:25:51.720 --> 00:25:53.240 But it's not too late. 00:25:53.380 --> 00:25:54.259 If you have ears to hear, 00:25:54.319 --> 00:25:55.200 you can turn to Him 00:25:55.200 --> 00:25:56.860 and you can throw yourself 00:25:56.860 --> 00:25:57.740 upon His mercy 00:25:57.740 --> 00:25:59.539 and you will find yourself 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:00.519 brought into 00:26:00.519 --> 00:26:02.079 the family of God. 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.819 For those of us 00:26:05.819 --> 00:26:08.720 who have taken to heart 00:26:08.720 --> 00:26:10.779 both these warnings 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.980 and encouragements, 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:14.880 we hold fast to Christ 00:26:14.880 --> 00:26:15.720 together. 00:26:15.720 --> 00:26:16.319 together. 00:26:17.600 --> 00:26:18.579 Our salvation 00:26:18.579 --> 00:26:21.079 is bound up together. 00:26:22.799 --> 00:26:24.200 There are no 00:26:24.200 --> 00:26:25.620 free solo Christians. 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:26.559 And so, 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:28.259 we take this to heart 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.960 and we strive 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.460 to the rest 00:26:31.460 --> 00:26:32.240 together. 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:34.380 Let me just read you 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:34.940 some passages 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:35.819 that emphasize 00:26:35.819 --> 00:26:37.799 that we're doing this 00:26:37.799 --> 00:26:39.759 together. 00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:42.500 Hebrews 3, 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:43.819 12-14. 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:44.500 Take care, 00:26:44.599 --> 00:26:44.920 brothers, 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:45.900 lest there be 00:26:45.900 --> 00:26:46.720 in any of you 00:26:46.720 --> 00:26:47.359 an evil 00:26:47.359 --> 00:26:48.559 in unbelieving heart 00:26:48.559 --> 00:26:49.700 leading you to fall away 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:50.539 from the living God. 00:26:51.220 --> 00:26:52.400 But exhort one another 00:26:52.400 --> 00:26:53.019 every day, 00:26:53.519 --> 00:26:55.140 as long as it's called today, 00:26:55.379 --> 00:26:56.339 that none of you 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:57.140 may be hardened 00:26:57.140 --> 00:26:58.099 by the deceitfulness 00:26:58.099 --> 00:26:58.879 of sin. 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:00.519 For we have come 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:01.799 to share in Christ. 00:27:02.119 --> 00:27:03.619 We have come 00:27:03.619 --> 00:27:05.039 to share in Christ. 00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:05.660 If indeed, 00:27:05.980 --> 00:27:07.359 we hold our 00:27:07.359 --> 00:27:08.420 original confidence 00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:09.680 firm to the end. 00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:12.119 Remember chapter 10? 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:16.539 Verses 23-25. 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:18.839 Let us hold fast 00:27:18.839 --> 00:27:19.940 the confession 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:21.359 of our hope 00:27:21.359 --> 00:27:23.039 without wavering 00:27:23.039 --> 00:27:24.379 for he who is promised 00:27:24.379 --> 00:27:25.599 is faithful. 00:27:26.039 --> 00:27:27.160 Great is thy faithfulness. 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:28.579 And let us 00:27:28.579 --> 00:27:29.599 consider how to 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:30.539 stir up one another 00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:31.759 to love and good works, 00:27:32.099 --> 00:27:32.960 not neglecting 00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.900 to meet together, 00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:35.180 as is the habit 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:35.680 of some, 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.680 but encouraging 00:27:36.680 --> 00:27:37.160 one another 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:38.420 and all the more 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:39.220 as you see 00:27:39.220 --> 00:27:40.039 the day 00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:41.860 drawing near. 00:27:42.620 --> 00:27:43.500 Chapter 12. 00:27:43.940 --> 00:27:44.140 Therefore, 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:45.500 since we are surrounded 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.400 by such a great 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:47.120 cloud of witnesses, 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:48.860 let us also 00:27:48.860 --> 00:27:49.400 lay aside 00:27:49.400 --> 00:27:50.059 every weight 00:27:50.059 --> 00:27:50.600 in sin 00:27:50.600 --> 00:27:51.100 which clings 00:27:51.100 --> 00:27:51.700 so closely 00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:53.039 and let us 00:27:53.039 --> 00:27:54.500 run with endurance. 00:27:54.860 --> 00:27:55.640 Let's climb 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:56.299 the rock face 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:56.740 together. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:59.039 The race 00:27:59.039 --> 00:27:59.500 that's been 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:00.880 set before us 00:28:00.880 --> 00:28:02.000 looking to Jesus, 00:28:02.940 --> 00:28:03.400 the author 00:28:03.400 --> 00:28:03.960 and perfecter 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:05.600 of our faith. 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.480 13-1. 00:28:06.800 --> 00:28:07.780 Let brotherly love 00:28:07.780 --> 00:28:08.360 continue. 00:28:08.780 --> 00:28:09.340 13-7. 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.420 Remember your leaders. 00:28:10.880 --> 00:28:11.740 13-17. 00:28:12.280 --> 00:28:13.040 Obey your leaders 00:28:13.040 --> 00:28:13.820 and submit to them. 00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:15.060 This is all about 00:28:15.060 --> 00:28:16.140 together, 00:28:16.320 --> 00:28:17.700 holding fast to Christ 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:18.680 all the way 00:28:18.680 --> 00:28:19.320 to the end, 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:19.920 all the way 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:20.740 to we summit. 00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.460 Our salvation 00:28:22.460 --> 00:28:24.620 is bound up together. 00:28:25.580 --> 00:28:26.960 We are on our way 00:28:26.960 --> 00:28:27.519 to the heavenly 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.440 Jerusalem together. 00:28:28.580 --> 00:28:28.840 Maybe, 00:28:29.040 --> 00:28:30.380 maybe this is a way 00:28:30.380 --> 00:28:31.100 to think about it. 00:28:31.600 --> 00:28:32.380 You can imagine 00:28:32.380 --> 00:28:33.540 yourself as belayed 00:28:33.540 --> 00:28:34.680 just to Jesus. 00:28:34.880 --> 00:28:35.460 It's just you 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:35.900 and Jesus, 00:28:36.100 --> 00:28:36.940 but it's not. 00:28:37.760 --> 00:28:39.060 On that rock face, 00:28:39.160 --> 00:28:40.240 on the route of holiness 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:41.080 to the summit, 00:28:41.560 --> 00:28:42.560 there's all of us. 00:28:43.880 --> 00:28:45.560 We're all belayed in 00:28:45.560 --> 00:28:45.560 00:28:46.520 --> 00:28:47.520 And we're somehow 00:28:47.520 --> 00:28:48.360 all attached 00:28:48.360 --> 00:28:49.060 to each other. 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.520 And we are encouraging 00:28:50.520 --> 00:28:51.000 one another. 00:28:51.060 --> 00:28:51.800 As long as it's called 00:28:51.800 --> 00:28:52.120 today, 00:28:52.300 --> 00:28:53.120 we're saying things, 00:28:53.200 --> 00:28:53.680 keep going, 00:28:53.800 --> 00:28:54.320 keep going. 00:28:54.980 --> 00:28:56.100 Keep your eyes 00:28:56.100 --> 00:28:57.340 focused on Him 00:28:57.340 --> 00:28:59.280 all the way 00:28:59.280 --> 00:28:59.940 to the end. 00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:01.900 And the way 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:02.580 we do this 00:29:02.580 --> 00:29:04.860 is in verse 25, 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:06.540 by God's grace. 00:29:07.640 --> 00:29:08.940 The final word 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:09.900 of the book of Hebrews 00:29:09.900 --> 00:29:10.580 is grace. 00:29:11.900 --> 00:29:14.300 Grace be with 00:29:14.300 --> 00:29:15.900 all of you. 00:29:16.760 --> 00:29:17.920 It's by God's grace 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:19.280 we hold fast to Christ. 00:29:19.620 --> 00:29:20.660 It's by God's grace 00:29:20.660 --> 00:29:21.240 that Christ 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:23.780 has held fast to us. 00:29:24.860 --> 00:29:25.820 And so we hold fast 00:29:25.820 --> 00:29:26.160 to Him. 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:27.260 Our great high priest 00:29:27.260 --> 00:29:28.340 in chapter 4, 00:29:28.340 --> 00:29:29.240 verse 16, 00:29:29.240 --> 00:29:30.500 calls us. 00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:30.880 He says, 00:29:31.220 --> 00:29:31.359 hey, 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:33.000 draw near to the throne 00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:33.519 of grace 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:35.059 when you are in a time 00:29:35.059 --> 00:29:35.420 of need 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:36.660 and you will have grace 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.720 in that need. 00:29:38.200 --> 00:29:39.559 He will provide strength 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.240 for you 00:29:40.240 --> 00:29:41.799 to summit, 00:29:41.799 --> 00:29:43.380 to press through, 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:44.640 to endure. 00:29:44.640 --> 00:29:47.800 the warnings 00:29:47.800 --> 00:29:48.860 and encouragements 00:29:48.860 --> 00:29:50.820 of this 00:29:50.820 --> 00:29:52.120 13 chapter 00:29:52.120 --> 00:29:53.259 exhortation 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:54.540 is designed 00:29:54.540 --> 00:29:56.320 to spur us on 00:29:56.320 --> 00:29:57.800 to hold fast 00:29:57.800 --> 00:29:58.900 to Christ 00:29:58.900 --> 00:29:59.960 until we summit. 00:30:02.360 --> 00:30:03.660 Isn't it good to know 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:05.880 that your risen 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:06.900 and reigning 00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:08.360 priest and king 00:30:08.360 --> 00:30:10.100 is right now 00:30:10.100 --> 00:30:11.900 interceding for you 00:30:11.900 --> 00:30:13.520 to that end? 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:20.680 There are no 00:30:20.680 --> 00:30:21.799 free solo Christians. 00:30:23.619 --> 00:30:26.279 No Alex Humbolds 00:30:26.279 --> 00:30:27.099 in our midst. 00:30:28.319 --> 00:30:29.160 None of us 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:30.220 is relying 00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:31.440 on our own strength 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:32.559 to get us 00:30:32.559 --> 00:30:33.180 to the summit. 00:30:34.460 --> 00:30:36.039 We are held fast 00:30:36.039 --> 00:30:37.019 by Christ 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:39.579 so we hold fast 00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:40.980 to Christ 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:42.740 together. 00:30:42.740 --> 00:30:42.859 together. 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:45.779 Before the throne 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:46.620 of God above 00:30:46.620 --> 00:30:47.960 I have a strong, 00:30:48.079 --> 00:30:48.880 a perfect plea. 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:51.000 A great high priest 00:30:51.000 --> 00:30:52.160 whose name is love 00:30:52.160 --> 00:30:53.819 who ever lives 00:30:53.819 --> 00:30:54.880 and pleads for me. 00:30:55.880 --> 00:30:56.599 My name, 00:30:57.700 --> 00:30:59.339 our names 00:30:59.339 --> 00:31:00.380 are graven 00:31:00.380 --> 00:31:01.339 on his hands. 00:31:02.579 --> 00:31:03.099 Our names 00:31:03.099 --> 00:31:03.859 are graven 00:31:03.859 --> 00:31:05.680 on his heart. 00:31:05.680 --> 00:31:06.759 I know 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:07.440 that while 00:31:07.440 --> 00:31:08.019 in heaven 00:31:08.019 --> 00:31:09.140 he stands 00:31:09.140 --> 00:31:10.000 and he stands 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:10.380 forever. 00:31:11.799 --> 00:31:12.460 No tongue 00:31:12.460 --> 00:31:13.200 can bid me 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:13.920 thence depart. 00:31:15.000 --> 00:31:15.980 No tongue 00:31:15.980 --> 00:31:17.140 can bid me 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:17.779 thence depart. 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.180 All right, 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:19.960 one last time. 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:20.519 Would you repeat 00:31:20.519 --> 00:31:21.000 after me? 00:31:22.900 --> 00:31:23.960 Christ is my 00:31:23.960 --> 00:31:27.680 risen and reigning 00:31:27.680 --> 00:31:30.799 priest and king. 00:31:30.799 --> 00:31:30.860 King, 00:31:31.440 --> 00:31:33.460 the anchor 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:34.720 of my soul. 00:31:37.100 --> 00:31:37.660 The same 00:31:37.660 --> 00:31:38.080 yesterday, 00:31:38.259 --> 00:31:38.500 today, 00:31:38.560 --> 00:31:39.019 and forever. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:43.320 He holds us 00:31:43.320 --> 00:31:43.860 fast 00:31:43.860 --> 00:31:46.620 so we hold 00:31:46.620 --> 00:31:47.420 fast to him. 00:31:47.420 --> 00:31:51.039 We are held 00:31:51.039 --> 00:31:51.460 fast 00:31:51.460 --> 00:31:55.000 so we hold 00:31:55.000 --> 00:31:55.460 fast. 00:31:56.860 --> 00:31:57.500 Let's pray 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:57.860 together. 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:01.240 God in heaven, 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:02.940 thank you 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:03.480 that in your 00:32:03.480 --> 00:32:04.300 grace and mercy 00:32:04.300 --> 00:32:05.080 from before the 00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:05.779 foundation of the 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.160 world, 00:32:06.759 --> 00:32:07.300 you set your 00:32:07.300 --> 00:32:07.980 love on us 00:32:07.980 --> 00:32:08.360 and you have 00:32:08.360 --> 00:32:09.200 sought us. 00:32:10.140 --> 00:32:10.900 Thank you for 00:32:10.900 --> 00:32:11.700 establishing the 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.100 new covenant 00:32:12.100 --> 00:32:12.700 in your blood. 00:32:13.740 --> 00:32:14.200 It is a 00:32:14.200 --> 00:32:14.700 tremendous 00:32:14.700 --> 00:32:15.400 source of 00:32:15.400 --> 00:32:16.120 confidence for 00:32:16.120 --> 00:32:17.400 us and we 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:18.040 will not be 00:32:18.040 --> 00:32:19.000 lax in this. 00:32:19.140 --> 00:32:20.100 We will strive 00:32:20.100 --> 00:32:20.920 to enter the 00:32:20.920 --> 00:32:21.580 rest that you 00:32:21.580 --> 00:32:22.060 have purchased 00:32:22.060 --> 00:32:22.580 for us. 00:32:23.540 --> 00:32:24.460 We will press 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:25.320 on and hold 00:32:25.320 --> 00:32:27.700 fast all the 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:28.280 way until we 00:32:28.280 --> 00:32:28.960 summit and we 00:32:28.960 --> 00:32:29.660 do this together 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:30.360 for the glory of 00:32:30.360 --> 00:32:30.700 your name. 00:32:31.600 --> 00:32:31.840 Amen.