Vox Dei

The Word Above All Words
August 21, 2022
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch Church

Hebrews 1:1-4 (NIV)
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Incentives For Paying Attention To Jesus

• He is the appointed heir of all things. (Hebrews 1:2)

Matthew 28:18 (NIV)
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it … .

• Through Him the universe was made. (Hebrews 1:2)

Jeremiah 33:1-3 (NIV)
While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”

James 1:5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault … .

• He’s the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being. (Hebrews 1:3)

• We see that He sustains all things by His powerful word.

• He has provided purification for our sins.

Hebrews 2:1 (NIV)
We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

Hebrews 2:9, 11-12 (NIV)
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

(vs. 11) Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

What Can We Do to Improve Our Hearing And Our Following?

• Fix your thoughts on Jesus.

Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

• Keep your heart tender.

In Three Different Scriptures These Words Are Repeated …

Hebrews 3:7-8, 15, 4:7 (NIV)
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts … .”

Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

What Can We Do to Improve Our Hearing And Our Following?

• Cultivate mutually encouraging relationships when it comes to the voice of the Lord.

• Remember that hearing and following His voice leads to rest.

Hebrews 4:9 (NIV)
There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God … .

Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”