How to Live in this present World

Psalm 16 / Hebrews 10:11-25 .

Psalm 16:4 “The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names on my lips.”

Elect the right person / Depose the wrong person

Pass the right laws / Have judges strike down the wrong ones

Put mandates in place / Oppose mandates

Marry the right person / Leave the wrong person

Work to serve others and the community / Retreat and don’t interact

Vent your frustrations online / Correct other people’s venting with your own

Half of the people are stoned, and the other half are waiting for the next election. Half the people are drowned, and the other half are swimming in the wrong direction...

Leonard Bernstein / Paul Simon - 1971

These lyrics were written during the Vietnam War. The world seemed chaotic everywhere they looked.

Lately I have used the phrase often to describe the state of affairs in our world and nation as being a big dumpster fire.

In both settings many Christians began looking in every direction except Godward to find relief, answers, hope, and peace.

The book of Hebrews was a sermon, written down and circulated in letter form to a 1st century, primarily Jewish audience, who were overwhelmed and confused by the upheaval in their time; looking in all the wrong places for the same.

In their case, they were especially tempted to try to go back to the Old Covenant, to Moses, to Levitical priests and sacrifices; everywhere except to the fulfilled and sufficient work of Christ Jesus.

This message is an attempt to wake us to our folly and idolatry in looking elsewhere, and turn our attention; to firmly fix our gaze upon the only and all-sufficient savior - Jesus

In that vein, we will see in this text:

A foundation for our specifically Christian faith (v11-18)

Comfort and Assurance (v19-23)

Instruction and a reminder applicable today (v24-25)

Once for All Time - v11-18

Never repeated - v11-12

The atoning death of Jesus was sufficient; all other sacrifices have been symbolic, or else devilish imposters.

Genesis 4:3–5 ESV

3 In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.

1 Corinthians 10:19–20 ESV

19 What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons.

“It is finished.” - said from the cross; punctuated by his sitting down at the right hand of the Father

Until his enemies - v13-14

While we work FROM victory, it is not fully realized in this age.

Daniel 12:2–3 ESV

2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

John 5:28–29 ESV

28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

Those who are being sanctified are forever perfected; they shall be the number raised to life everlasting!

The Spirit Reminds - v15-18

These quotations from Jeremiah 31 reveal that the ministry of Jesus is to rescue sinners and is that which was foretold from the beginning.

In Christ alone is the restoration of Israel

In Christ alone is there peace with God

In Christ alone is the forgiveness of sins for everyone who believes!

You must believe the gospel is true

You must believe the gospel is enough

You must believe the gospel is for you

v18 - NO MORE OFFERINGS ARE NEEDED OR AVAILABLE!

Assured Hearts - v19-23

Assured Hearts (experience) - v19-22

confidence = trust = believing

the new way = directly through Jesus (the curtain)

Our Consciences Clean - v22

No condemnation

Romans 8:1 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Intentional obedience

1 Peter 3:21 ESV

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Christ is faithful - v23

John 6:40 ESV

40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

Cling More Closely - v24-25

Stirring each other up

(not to anger or hysteria)

Romans 12:10 ESV

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Not neglecting the local gathering

In the local church we find support

In the local church we find the means of grace

In the local church we find ballast for life’s storms

The Day is Near

We must remember for our own sake as well as for our loved ones that we are living in the last days. This is not a fear tactic, but a reminder to help us keep perspective and priority.

May the Lord today, and in coming days, bring us time and again back to Calvary, to the empty tomb, and to our church family; that we may find the help we need and be faithful to the calling upon our lives: Loving God supremely & Loving people genuinely