Don't Gamble With Your Heavenly Prize

Expository Outlines on Hebrews (13. The Christian’s Privilege (Hebrews 10:19–39))

The Christian’s Privilege

Hebrews 10:19–39

The people in the Old Testament had to make sacrifices when they approached God. The Jewish priest would enter the holy place once a year to pray for the people. The death of Christ provided a way for us to enter God’s presence without a sacrifice. Christ became our sacrifice. We may pray directly to God, knowing He will answer us (Jer. 33:3). The great God of the universe is open to our prayers. What a privilege—to talk to God, and have Him answer.I. Access Achieved (vv. 19–25)A. Provision (v. 19). Through Christ’s blood we can come into the presence of God. The priest could enter the holy place only once a year to pray for the people. We may enter His presence at any time (see Eph. 3:12).B. Plan (v. 20). His death made a new approach to God (cf. John 10:9; Eph. 3:12).C. Priest (v. 21). See Hebrews 7:26. This priest is holy, harmless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and higher than the heavens. He is in touch with our feelings and our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15).D. Personal (vv. 22, 23). Draw near to God. Hold to the profession without doubting. Also remember, “He is faithful.”E. Practice (vv. 24, 25). Encourage each other. Don’t forget the church (see Ps. 122:1).II. Access Provided (vv. 26–31)A. Stubborn (vv. 26, 27). “If we keep on sinning because we want to after we have received and know the truth, there is no gift that will take away sins then. Instead, we will stand in front of God and on that day He will say we are guilty. And the hot fires of hell will burn up those who work against God” (NLT).B. Suffering (v. 28). Those breaking Moses’ law suffered death (see Num. 15:30; Deut. 17:2–6).C. Sorrow (v. 29). Great punishment will fall on those who have rejected God’s way of salvation.D. Scripture (v. 28). This is a quotation from Deuteronomy 32:35, 36. Later God will judge. His judgment will be fair.E. Sober (v. 31). It is a terrible thing to disobey God and then have to face Him.III. Access Appreciated (vv. 32–39)A. Suffering (vv. 32, 33). Remember how your Christian testimony brought persecution (cf. 2 Tim. 3:12).B. Solace (v. 34). People suffered with Paul, knowing there was a reward in heaven (Rom. 8:18).C. Steady (vv. 35, 36). Don’t lose faith. God can’t lie!D. Savior (v. 37). Soon He will return (John 14:1–3).E. Salvation (v. 38). Live by faith (Hab. 2:4). If we backslide we do not please God.F. Surrender (v. 39). Those who turn their backs on God seal their fate.This passage not only deals with our approach to God, it also speaks of resisting truth and backsliding. It warns of losing, or letting slip, those things necessary to us in the Christian life. John speaks of backsliding (John 6:66). Paul tells of Demas backsliding (2 Tim. 4:10).14