Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. -1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NIV)
Christmas Series: What Child is This?
Exploring the true identity of Jesus.
Five Ways the Bible Describes Jesus:
1. The Prophet - 12/3
2. The Priest - 12/10
3. The King - 12/17 (Kids’ Program)
4. The Savior - 12/24
5. The Shepherd - 12/31
Today’s sermon in one sentence: Jesus is the perfect priest who has offered the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Understanding The Role of the Priest
- Priests were intermediaries between God and his people.
- They communicated with God on behalf of the people, and with the people on behalf of God.
What Did Priests Do?
1. Offered sacrifices, conducted worship services.
2. Prayed / sought God’s will.
3. Spoke blessings over the people.
Other Duties As Assigned:
1. Physician
2. Judge
3. Teacher
4. Administrator
Jesus in the Book of Hebrews
One of the central themes in Hebrews is the fact that Jesus is the perfect high priest:
“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.” -Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)
Hebrews 5:1-6 Talks About Jesus’ Role as High Priest:
“Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” 6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” -Hebrews 5:1-6 (NIV)
Key Phrases: Represent the people, offer gifts and sacrifices, you are a priest forever.
Bible Scholars N.T. Wright and Michael Bird Describe A Key Theme in Hebrews:
“The letter [Hebrews] points out that Israel’s scriptures were always looking ahead to something yet to come: a new covenant, a new type of priesthood, a new altar, a better sacrifice, a city to which the present Jerusalem would only be an advance signpost. We could summarize Hebrews this way: the scriptures had always pointed ahead to something new and better, and it has now arrived in Jesus.” -N.T. Wright and Michael Bird, The New Testament in Its World (p. 711)
Old Covenant Worship:
1. Imperfect Priest
2. Animal Sacrifices
3. Physical Temple
4. Temporary Blessing
New Covenant Worship:
1. Perfect Priest
2. Sacrifice of Jesus
3. Spiritual Temple
4. Eternal Blessing
Jesus Is the Perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:23-28)
“23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.” -Hebrews 7:23-28 (NIV)
Five Key Truths About Jesus, the High Priest:
1. He lives forever.
2. He offers complete salvation.
3. He’s actively interceding for us.
4. He meets our needs.
5. He’s the perfect sacrifice for sin.
Jesus is the Mediator of a New Covenant:
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” -Hebrews 9:15 (NIV)
Application: Embrace Your Role as a Priest.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” -1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
Shepherding Groups: Hebrews 10:11-25.
Church of the Week: Valley Bible Church (Shafter)
Invitation
Tap here to Respond to today’s message
Questions? Contact Bryan: (609) 356-3147 or bfojtasek@westsidelife.org.