Let Us . . . Serve

Hebrews 10:19-25

First Baptist Church, Winona, TX  - In View of A Call – Sunday, May 18th, PM

Those on the outside looking in sometimes see it as just a bunch of rules and regulations

·      Sometimes people outside the church looking in see the same thing

·      They just see a bunch of “thou shalt nots”

·      They don’t realize the freedom we have in Christ

·      Freedom FROM some things and freedom to DO some things

Hebrews 10:19-25

Some folks in the New Testament days were experiencing some of the same obstacles

• In Old Testament days, there were some special places in the Temple
• The courts (open to everyone to worship), the Holy Place (only for the priests) and the Most Holy Place (only the high priest could enter, once a year)
• That has all changed after the cross
• Now rather than living under the law, we live under grace
• Living under law was only a challenge to obedience – fulfilled by the process
• Living under grace requires us to exercise faith, but allows us to live in freedom
• Still, there were those who were uncomfortable with this new covenant
• Verse 14 says “With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
• Verse 15 tell us that it is the Holy Sprit that is going to keep the covenant with us, and goes on in verse 16 to say “This is the agreement I will make with them at that time’, says the Lord. ‘I will put my teachings in their hearts and write them on their minds.” Then he says: ‘Their sins and the evil things they do – I will not remember anymore.’

Text – The “Let Us” passage – Hebrews 10:19-25

19Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

\\ Since . . .we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place (presence of God)

Since . . .the broken body of Jesus opened up the way for this to happen

Since . . . we can have a relationship with Jesus Christ – Lord of the church

Let Us Draw Near To God (v. 22)

22let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

• A walking, talking, living, breathing relationship with Almighty God - Worship
• Hearts sprinkled – with blood – taking away our sin and our conscience
• Bodies washed with water – baptism – a cleansing

Let Us Hold Unswervingly (v. 23)

23Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful

• You can trust in Jesus – He who promised is faithful
• Commitment, commitment, commitment
• Salvation is not a one-time act, it’s a process

                        (Regeneration, Sanctification, Glorification)

Let Us Spur One Another On (v. 24)

24And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

• Easy to say, easy to agree with, but sometimes difficult to follow
• We all know how to stir things up in a negative way, but this is more exhortation
• What about when you don’t agree with someone’s philosophy?
• What about when you know someone is wrong?
• What about when you know you are wrong?

Let Us Not Give Up Meeting Together (v. 25)

25not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching

• You encourage others by your attendance, leadership, etc.
• There are many purposes for being here, worship, fellowship, etc.

Where do you find yourself when you compare yourself to this passage?

·      Are you living a life committed to a daily walk with Jesus?

·      Are you committed to living your life by the Word of God and learning His Word?

·      Are you encouraging others? Living a life so others will be drawn in?

·      Are you committed to the gathering together of God’s people as your church schedules?