8^th November 2012

Hebrews 10: 19-25 (NIV) “Since we have … Let us”

I. OUR CONSCIOUS POSSESSIONS

 * The Privilege of Access to the Heart of God (19-20) “Since we have confidence to enter by the blood of Jesus”. The Cross - access to God. In Old Testament days the sanctuary and priesthood were hedged by  restrictions. When Jesus died, “the Temple Curtain was torn from top to  bottom” (Mark 15:38). No longer “Enter not” but “Enter in”. The blood  of Christ gives us free access to God (Eph 2:18; 3:12; Rom 5:2). Not now  the pain of death, but “the promise of life in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 1:1).

 * The Priesthood of Jesus as the Son of God (21) “Since we have a great priest”. See I Tim 2:5 “One God and one mediator, Christ Jesus, who gave  himself a ransom for all”. Both Priest and Sacrifice. “He entered by his own blood” (Hebs 9:12; 13:12).

2. OUR CONTINUING OBLIGATIONS                                                                      

 * The heart of daily Christian Living. Not spasmodic actions but a sustained  attitude. Three Christian graces: assurance of faith, profession of hope,  stimulus of love (I Cor 13:13; Col 1:4-5; I Thess 1:3).

 * How Daily Discipleship will be evident (Some say “Lettuce leaves”)

• “Let us draw near with assured faith” (22). An open access to God!  

•   “Let us hold unswervingly to our professed hope” (23) - not our casual idea of hope but based on the faithful Promiser, so often mentioned.

•   “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love” (24). “Consider Jesus” - developed in ch 3:1-6. Also consider one another by:

* Love (24) - the badge of discipleship (John 13:34-35).

* Good Deeds (24). Our salvation is not by works but is evidenced in doing the good works prepared by God for us (Eph 2:9-10).

* Fellowship (25). “Let us not give up meeting together as some do”   As today too! Practice the priorities of worship and fellowship

* Encouragement (25). “Let us encourage one another, all the more  as you see the Day approaching”. Our Lord’s coming again is a spur to our loyalty now. We shall all answer for ourselves (II Cor 5:10  and Rom 14:10). Don’t be ashamed (I John 2:28) but keep “growing in grace” (II Peter 3:14 and 18).         

A FINE PERSONAL CHECK-UP FOR CHURCH MEMBERSHIP:

How is faith, hope, love, daily actions, worship, fellowship, encouragement “ as you see the DAY approaching” (25).

Pray through it all  - and live it out!