Our Responsibility In Light Of Jesus' Superiority
Lesson 18
Part of Hebrews - Pastor's Bible Study
January 11, 2018

OUR RESPONSIBILITY IN LIGHT OF JESUS’ SUPERIORITY
HEBREWS 10:19-39

1. The “Therefore” Of Christ’s Sacrifice (vv. 19-21)

  • Therefore, because Jesus’ sacrifice is superior it has:

    1) Opened the way to a

    with God

    • We can enter in the true holy of holies anytime.

    • No worshiper under the old covenant would dare have been bold enough to enter into the holy of holies in the tabernacle.

    • Even the High Priest could only go into the holy of holies once per year and that was only because of ritual (ceremonial) cleansing.

    • The thick veil that separated the holy place from the holy of holies was really a barrier between God and the people.

    • Only the sacrifice of Jesus could tear that veil and open the way into the heavenly sanctuary were God dwells.
    • When Jesus died, the thick veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the way to God was now open.

    2) Established Jesus as our

    .

    • vs. 21 – We have a high priest over the house of God.
    • The phrase “house of God” in Hebrews 10 has reference to two things we see elsewhere in the New Testament: 1) the church as the temple of God, and 2) the bodies of believers as the temple of God. (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19)
    • The point the author wants to make here is that Jesus is not only OUR Great High Priest as believers; He is also MY Great High Priest.

2. The Commands Of The “Therefore” (vv. 22-25)

  • We have not only an invitation to draw near to God through Jesus. We have a duty to draw near.

    1) Let us draw near (v. 22)

    • Christ’s sacrifice gives us the privilege of drawing near unto God.
    • His sacrifice gives us the ability to have a true heart.

    • If the OT Priest went into the holy of holies unclean he would die. He had an unenviable position.

    • We today, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, have an enviable position. We can not only enter (boldly) into God’s presence, we can in God’s presence.

    2) Let us hold fast our confession (v. 23)

    • The author here is not asking the readers to hold on to their salvation. Their salvation is secure. He is asking them to hold on to their confession of .
    • A confession is a statement of allegiance. Hold onto your confession with both the you say and the you do.

    3) Let us consider (stir up) one another (vv. 24-25)

    • Part of my responsibility in light of Jesus’ superior sacrifice and priesthood has to do with my fellow believers.
    • As members of a local church, we have a responsibility to live our lives in faith and obedience so that we
      stir up others toward spiritual growth.
    • As an external expression of drawing nearer to Jesus, we should encourage the internal motivation of others – ; in turn, this internal motivation should manifest itself in external actions – . (v. 24)

3. The Warning Of The “Therefore” (vv. 26-31; cf. v. 38)

  • There is a strong warning here for those who would shrink back from an intimate fellowship with God, hide the light of their confession, or forsake the community of faith.
  • v. 39 – those who shrink back unto perdition (waste).

  • So who is the warning to? The

    .

  • Vs. 26 – For if we willfully

    sinning…

  • The author is here addressing the potential case of where a believer backs away from Jesus instead of drawing nearer to Jesus. He has withdrawn from the community of spiritual growth and encouragement and has become isolated from accountability.

  • As such, he has betrayed his confession of faith in the person and work of Jesus.
  • This person has been born again, but he goes on sinning – willingly, knowingly, and continually.
  • This isn’t just a stumble, a season of rebellion, or a constant struggle against temptation and sin. We all experience these.
  • This is outright opposition against the gracious, loving, merciful Father.

  • What can a Christian who is sinning in this way (i.e. willfully) expect? Severe

    .

4. The Comfort And Confirming Of The “Therefore” (vv. 32-39)

  • In vv. 26-31 the author

    the comfortable with strong warnings; now he the afflicted with great promises.

  • The writer didn’t expect these believers to despise the Word of God. They had already been persecuted and stood by others while they were persecuted.

  • Note the shift in pronoun usage: we – v. 26; he – v. 29; and them – v. 39.

  • v. 39 – The believer that draws back unto perdition lives by sight, not by faith.

  • The word perdition is used 22 times in the NT and is translated by various words: perish (Acts 8:20), die (Acts 25:16), destruction (Rom. 9:22), and waste (Mt. 26:8). The word can mean eternal judgment but does not in every case. “Wastes” is the best translation in this verse.
  • A believer who does not walk by faith goes back into the old ways and wastes his life.

  • Hang in there. The journey is almost over. The reward is worth it. The consequence for falling away and drawing back are too severe.

  • We are not of them who draw back, but of them who have faith to the saving of the soul (experience what this life is truly about).

Application:

  • Are we shrinking back or drawing near?
  • Where am I going in my spiritual life?
  • Am I drawing nearer to God or drifting away?
  • Am I standing firm in my confession of faith (verbally and externally)?
  • Am I gathering frequently and faithfully with God’s people or forsaking the assembly?
  • Am I actively stirring up my fellow believers to love and good works or damaging their walk?

  • Answer these and make a choice:

    or on the upward path of faith and obedience.