The Supreme Revelation

Hook:

Recap:

Last week we looked at the introduction to the book of Hebrews.

Author: Unknown maybe Apollos. Remember: the author knew his audience, was a friend of Timothy, wrote the letter from Rome or somewhere else in Italy, and received the Gospel second-hand.

Audience: Jewish believers, based on the content found within the epistle. Topics include prophets, angels, Moses, and the high priest.

Date: 64-67 A.D.

Theme: Christ is superior to all. Greater than angels, prophets, priest, and old covenant institutions. Because of that we are not to neglect such a wonderful salvation that He has laid before us. We are all called to persevere in our walk with the Lord, and to encourage our brothers and sister to do likewise.

Introduction:

This morning we are going to get into our overview of our 1st or 6 sections of Hebrews entitled The Greater Revelation.

Starting next week we will go a bit deeper into Hebrews. Today’s study is to get us familiar with our 1st section.

Mankind has alway felt an inner drive to live forever in a perfect world. It is clear that the culture we live-in desires to not only live forever but to also live in a perfect society. For some that is a political party, for others its wokeness.

I believe that every man, woman, and child has the law of God written on their hearts. Romans 2:14-15

Romans 2:14–15 ESV

14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

You see mankind has sensed an inner need to search and find out if there is a God, and if there is, to please Him and gain His approval and acceptance. This is where so much religion has come from. From the inner struggle of men to find God.

One might argue with me saying that they are atheist, and that they don’t believe there is a God.. Well instead of searching for an outside source to guide them, they like satanist are looking to be their own god.

The real tragedy is this: men have groped and grasped after God as though they were in a dark world that gave no evidence of God.

This is simply not true. There is no need for man to be in the dark about God. Why you might ask? Because God has revealed Himself, and He has revealed Himself in many different ways.

Through nature or what might be called a revelation of His supreme deity and power. A person can look at nature and clearly see God’s deity and power.

Psalm 19:1–2 ESV

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Romans 1:20 ESV

20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Through conscience or what might be called an inner witness or sense of duty to God. Romans 2:15

Romans 2:15 ESV

15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them

Through law or what might be called a revelation of Supreme justice. Romans 3:19-26

Romans 3:19–26 ESV

19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Through religion or what might be called a revelation of how to worship and become acceptable to God. James 1:27

James 1:27 ESV

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Through prophets and priest or what might be called the revelation of God through human spokesmen and mediators. Hebrews 1:1

Hebrews 1:1 ESV

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,

Honestly this list can go on and on, but the point is that God has revealed Himself to man, and each revelation has been very important for our understanding of God.

Despite all these revelations, something vital is missing. If man is to ever know God, there is only one way, the very same way that man gets to know anybody. Man can know about a person, know all the facts about a person’s life; but until he personally meets the person and associates and fellowship with him, he doesn’t personally know them.

If man was to ever know God, God had to reveal Himself in the most supreme way possible: He had to come to earth and show Himself to man, revealing exactly who He is and what He is like. This is the whole point of these four chapters. In fact, it is the point of the whole book. The supreme revelation of God is Jesus Christ, God’s very own Son. God has revealed Himself in the most glorious way possible: He has sent His very own Son into the world.

[Section 1] Christ is > the Prophets

Hebrews 1:1-3

When it comes to the Christ being greater than the prophets we are going to go into this particular topic more in-depth next week. But there are several points i’d like to prepare you for next weeks bible study.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we see this I believe throughout scripture and here the author of Hebrews only needs three verses and we are going to 8 different proofs pointing to the Godship of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and His supremacy.

Jesus is the spokesman of God. vv. 1-2

Jesus is the appointed Heir of all things. v. 2

Jesus is the Creator and Maker of the universe. v. 2

Jesus is the very glory of God Himself. v. 3

Jesus is the exact representation of God. v. 3

Jesus is the Sustainer of the universe. v. 3

Jesus is the Redeemer of mankind. v.3

Jesus is the exalted Lord and Mediator. v. 3

While we go through this very different epistle this sermon, one things is absolutely clear. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and only through Him can one be saved.

Somethings to study in preparation for next weeks bible study would be John 1 and Colossians 1.

John 1:1–4 ESV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 1:14 ESV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Colossians 1:15–20 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

[Section 2] Christ is > the Angels

Hebrews 1:4-14

Hebrews continues its focus on the supremacy of Christ compared to angels. One thing to keep in mind is the Jewish superstition surrounding angels. This is one of the main reasons the author of Hebrews so vehemently shares that Christ is greater.

In a couple of weeks we will go a little more in-depth about angels and the different types that God created.

Angles have the glorious privilege of living in God’s presence and of serving Him day and night. Because of of their high and exalted position, some people have tended to look to angels instead of Christ.

We must realize that angels are servants, and they are not the Lord Jesus nor the Lord of our lives. Christ alone is Lord- both of the angels and us. Meaning, He and He alone is to be the focus of our attention, thoughts, honor, and worship.

Now here are the comparisons between Christ and angels.

Christ has a superior name, the name of God’s only Son. Angels have an inferior name. vv 4-6

Christ’s superior name > the angels inferior name.

Christ is God’s heir. While angels are only created subjects of God. vv 7-9

Christ is God’s heir > Angels are created beings

Christ is the Creator and Sovereign Lord. Angels are created subjects and ministering spirits. vv 10-14

Christ is Creator of all > Angels are ministering spirits

[Section 3] 1st Danger: Neglecting Salvation

Hebrews 2:1-4

We now come to the first of 5 warnings the author gives us. It is a warning to believers: There is the danger of neglect- of drifting away from salvation.

Now lets look at the warning:

The warning: We must listen and obey the things we have heard lest we slip away from them. v. 1

Reason 1: Judgement under the law was strict. v. 2

Reason 2: Judgement under salvation will be even more severe. vv. 3-4

Many of us and others throughout the ages have struggled with what the author writes here.

But why is judgement more severe?

It is because the Lord Himself gave the word of salvation, the Gospel was given to us by the source. There is no other way to be saved then through Jesus Christ.

[Section 4] Christ Secures Supremacy for Man

Hebrews 2:5-13

This is a pretty fascinating passage of Scripture. It reveals God’s eternal plan for the world, His plan for man and for Jesus. It offers a glorious hope for man and his world.

Verses 6-8 are a quotation from Psalm 8:4-6

Psalm 8:4–6 ESV

4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? 5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet,

Here is what is fascinating about this. This Psalm concerning mankind. But the words can be applied to man and to Christ. We will actually tackle this in a future sermon. But I believe that it is speaking of the human race and that God looks upon the human race in order to help or to benefit it.

Before you think that the title “son of man” used here doesn’t have the definite article “the.” Without the the it isn’t the same title used by Jesus. God would even address Ezekiel as “son of man” about eighty times in his book.

All of these seems to point to verse 6 -8 applying to man. God’s eternal plan for man- his glorious purpose for creating man- is what is being revealed.

Meaning God planned for man to rule and reign with His Son, Jesus. With Christ man is to have dominion over the whole universe. But note: it is only with Christ. It is Christ who has secured supremacy for man.

[Section 5] Christ Secures Victory

Hebrews 2:14-18

In light of Christ elevating his own to a new level of supremacy, there is a recognize a startling truth. We are defeated beings… We have lost the glory, honor, and dominion that God have us at creation.

We lost it at the Garden of Eden, our perfect world and our control over it. Mankind has fallen from our exalted position in the original creation. Not only are we enslaved by a corruptible world, we are held in bondage:

Bondage to death and to the fear of death.

To the sufferings of this world, the sufferings of all kinds of trials and temptations such as disease, accidents, age, war, murder, abuse, adultery, greed, selfishness, neglect, insensitivity, loneliness, and emptiness.

Left to ourselves there is no hope of salvation. We are defeated and doomed to suffer all kinds of trials and temptations throughout our lives, and then we are doomed to the final fate… death.

Praise God for Christ.

Christ became mankind’s great deliverer. vv. 14-16

Christ became mankind’s great High Priest. vv. 17-18

[Section 6] Christ is > Moses

Hebrews 3:1-6

Jesus is superior to all men. No matter who the person is, Jesus is greater. There was a book published not that long ago that named the most influential Jewish people. And Jesus was second and Moses was the first.

Moses is considered by the Jews and many others to be one of the greatest men who ever lived.

The emancipator of the Jewish people from slavery and the great leader of the Jewish nation. His greatest feats were the fact that he is considered the great law-giver.

Jesus is greater then all men, no matter how great their contributions to society. No person comes close to being as great as Jesus is nor making contributions to the world that Jesus has.

[Section 7] 2nd Danger (part 1): Unbelief- Hardening Your Heart

Hebrews 3:7-19

The second warning we have in Hebrews comes in the second half of Hebrews chapter 3. The warning is directed to the apathetic and unbelieving.

The judgement is missing God’s rest. The importance of this warning and the danger of disobeying is pointed out in two ways.

First, the word “says” in verse 7 is in the present tense. Meaning the Holy Spirit is still speaking today!

Second, God is speaking today through His Son Jesus- who is someone greater than the prophets, greater than angels, and greater than Moses. This shows that One so supreme is to be obeyed supremely. Man must believe and obey Christ.

Believe His promise of salvation and of eternal rest in the promised land of heaven.

[Section 8] 2nd Danger (part 2): Fear of Missing Out

Hebrews 4:1-13

Family this passage should be preached to believers time and again. It is a passage that discusses the glorious promise of God’s rest, but it is also a warning- a warning desperately needed by all: a fear of missing out on God’s rest.

We will go further at a later time, but this is something that we need to study. Because family we can waste our lives and still be saved. Let us fear God and be consistent in our obedience.

After all Jesus said: John 14:15

John 14:15 ESV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Application:

The importance of this book is to recognize how great Jesus Christ truly is. Lets look at the passage in Colossians one more time but including verse 21-23.

Colossians 1:15–23 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Family you see Jesus truly is greater than anything else in your life. There is no one else, no one else to live for. There isn’t anything that comes close to how great He truly is.

Has your work died on the cross for your sins? Has any of your family sacrificed themselves to satiate the wrath of God? Has your wealth and riches provided true satisfaction or rest?

The answer is a resounding NO! So why look to those things… Why are we so caught up with the cares of this world (the things that have no true lasting power), instead of Christ.

I don’t care if 100’s of people come to our church. My prayer is that we have people who are grounded deep in God’s word allowing it to transform their lives and the lives of those in their sphere of influence.

Live for Jesus. Rekindle your passion for His glory and His Word. Be students and disciples of Christ. Let us be about our Father’s business, there for one another, living life together. With the motive to give God all of the glory...

I Surrender All

Verse 1

All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give

I will ever love and trust Him

In His presence daily live

Chorus 1

I surrender all

I surrender all

All to Thee my blessed Savior

I surrender all

Verse 2

All to Jesus I surrender

Humbly at His feet I bow

Worldly pleasures all forsaken

Take me Jesus take me now

Chorus 1

I surrender all

I surrender all

All to Thee my blessed Savior

I surrender all