Hebrews 4:14-16
Notes
Transcript
Hebrews 4:14-16
Hebrews 4:14-16
Theme of the book “Jesus is Better”
This section serves as the introduction to the writer’s main argument, which is that Jesus’s High priestly position is better than the Levitical priesthood
Jesus is better than angels, Jesus is better than Moses
As we saw last week, Jesus offers a better rest than Joshua
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
vs 14
Passed through the Heavens = He came to us
This is what makes Christianity unique
Not just the message of Christmas, this is the message of Christianity
Jesus = Human Name
Son of God = Divinity
Hold to = Cling to
Confession = Romans 10:9
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
vs 15
That great High priest is able to sympathize with us
For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Tempted in every respect as we are
Yet without sin
Unlike the Israelites, who gave in to temptation and fear
Who did not hold fast to their confession
Their temptation was not sudden, but gradual
We must follow the example of our Great High Priest
Who was tempted, and yet rejected sin
vs 16
“With confidence”
In light of verse 13, this is an amazing statement
All are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account, but instead of fearfully, we can come to him with confidence
Not a confidence based in our own worthiness
But because of the worthiness of the Great High Priest
“Draw Near”
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
The rest we discussed last week is still available
“That we should receive mercy and grace to help in time of need”
We think that we need Grace after we have failed
But here we see that we need Grace to rebuff temptation
Last week I mentioned John Owen’s Quote
Be killing sin, or it will be killing you
How do you kill sin?
You Draw near to God
You receive mercy and find grace
To strengthen your weakness
Conclusion
This is the time of year where we evaluate our lives
Last week I challenged you to examine your life
Look at your own failure, your own sin
Today I want to challenge you to fight
Sin is not inevitable
Failure and defeat are not inevitable
Jesus was tempted as we are, and was without sin
Temptation is inevitable
This year, this month, this week, today, this very hour
you can draw near to God
You can receive mercy and find grace
You can get help in the battle
Draw near to the throne of Grace this morning
Repent of your sin
Let the mercy and Grace of our Great High priest wash over you
No matter your struggle, no matter the sin
Jesus is better
Jesus is able
Jesus is sympathizing with you in your weakness
Don’t wait. Stop putting it off.
Draw near to the only one who can make dead men live
