Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Sermon: When You are Afraid, Look to Jesus, Hebrews 2:9-18

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA. Almost two years ago I started a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep Your Eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for any who would like to watch these sermons. This sermon covers Hebrews 2:9-18 and is entitled "When Your are Afraid, Look to Jesus." I'll post the notes below (be aware that the video may not exactly follow these notes!), but here is the link for the video: Hebrews 2:9-18. The sermon starts around the 2:30 mark. 

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus Series

 When You are Afraid, Look to Jesus:  Hebrews 2:9-18

 

Intro: God uses hard times to develop godly character. Think of Daniel in the Lion Den or the three young men in the fiery furnace. As one of my pastor friends said, “Things may get awkward before they get awesome.” Suffering and pain can be a part of God’s shaping you into the character of Jesus. 


The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians facing a crisis (both a crisis of faith and perhaps a physical challenge). Since coming to Christ, life had not gotten better for many in the audience hearing this letter. It actually seemed to get more challenging. They may have even faced some sort of persecution from Rome. These Christians, like many of us, were facing frightening circumstances. They felt hopeless, frightened, abandoned. The author of Hebrews writes to encourage them to focus on Jesus who is superior to all others. The problem faced by Hebrews’ author is how does one reassure others in a time of trial when God seems absent? 


The author’s response is to give a word of encouragement by noting that God is not silent, he has spoken in Jesus. God is not absent, he is present with his people even in times of suffering. He has not abandoned his people. Jesus and his crucifixion are God’s expression of love and a reminder of his continued presence even in our worst situations. 


We sometimes face some frightening possibilities, don’t we? Life goes wrong, that diagnosis doesn't go as we wish, or a relationship falls apart, or jobs don’t come thru. Life plans often simply fall apart. We often find ourselves in frightening circumstances. What do we do when we are afraid?  When we are afraid, we need to see Jesus.  


Read Hebrews 2:9-18. Hebrews 2 gives us four points to remember when things get scary; 1) Jesus is our Pioneer; 2) Jesus is not ashamed of us; 3) Jesus shares our situation; 4) Jesus is our Provision. We need to Look to Jesus!

 

2:9-10—Look to Jesus: Jesus is Our Pioneer. The word "pioneer" here can mean “Leader” or “Champion” or “Source.” Glory Lost and Regained: The Bible tells a story of image bearers and glory lost, and in the story of Christ glory is regained. God’s intention for the human family was for the world to be subject to the one who has God’s image. Human rebellion in Eden caused a problem for that intention. Jesus comes to fulfill it, however, and in Christ humanity can realize its vocation and God’s intention (Col. 1:27—Christ in you the hope of glory; Psalm 8—crowned with glory and honor; Rom 5:1-2; Rom 8:18-21). Jesus tasted death for everyone so that he could restore to us the Life that was lost. Jesus’ death is not just for heaven, but it is to help us regain what was lost to Satan. 


Lower than angels, yet Lord over all; Jesus shared the human condition to die for us all. He suffered, and by doing so he is our source to persevere through suffering. Exalted to a position of authority; Able to bring us through suffering to glory; Jesus was “made perfect” through his suffering. The language speaks of being made fit as a high priest. Jesus was already perfect, so this refers to Jesus’ suffering on our behalf as our Mediator and Priest. Jesus matured through suffering, so also should we!


It was fitting—this was God’s plan, not an accident! Things that may bring fear are not necessarily accidents. God uses them to bring us to glory. Things will get awkward before they get awesome. Bill Lane says—”The exalted Son of God made the human condition, and especially its liability to death, his own in order to achieve for them the glorious destiny designed by God.” 


When you are afraid, look to Jesus; He has gone before you, and he will bring you through your trial. Look to Jesus!

 

2:11-13—Look to Jesus: He is not Ashamed of You. Jesus is our older brother—He is Family. In the movie, A River Runs Through It, the older brother couldn’t save the younger, but our story has a different ending. Jesus (our older brother) came into our situation. He became one of us, so that he could rescue us! He is family, and family stands together in adversity and trouble. Jesus accepts us as we are, but he loves us too much to leave us there. Yes, God will expose our sin, but he will not leave it graceless. He uses our circumstances to bring us to glory. Trials are often the means he uses to produce Jesus’ glorious character in us. The goal is to bring people to an experience of holiness (2:11) and to a reflection of Jesus’ character, and in pursuing that goal Jesus stands in solidarity with humanity who, in turn, stand under the call of God to be holy in Christ. 


When you are afraid, look to Jesus. He knows your situation, and he is not ashamed to be your brother. He is not ashamed to stand with you and for you. Look to Jesus!

 

2:14-16—Look to Jesus: Jesus Shared our Situation/He is one of us. He shared our fragile humanity. He came as a baby, he lived through teenage years, he experienced rejection, suffering, even death. He has been where you are/have been. He is not a stranger to your problems and trials. By his death, he destroyed the devil and the fear of death. Jesus’ death was not the result of human rebellion, but of his consecration to do God’s will. As a result, his death (and resurrection) rendered the devil’s power of death ineffective. 


When you are afraid, look to Jesus. He identifies with you. He shares our situation. As our champion Jesus comes to our aid (God is depicted in the OT as a warrior defending Israel: Isaiah 42:13; 49:24-26; 59:15-20). His death provides a means to freedom. Jesus is our champion who comes to our aid against our oppressor. Jesus became human to overcome death and give freedom to humans who are enslaved to death. Jesus shared our situation so that by his death he might destroy our adversary, Satan, who held the power of death; the reason for Jesus’ incarnation then is to overcome death and give freedom to humans who are enslaved to death. Jesus’ death destroyed the power of death, so we have nothing to fear (1 Cor 15:54-58 But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.) Look to Jesus!

 

2:17-18—Look to Jesus: Jesus is our Provision/He is our Priest. Jesus is our high priest. As priest, he shares the following with the image of Jesus as a champion: 1) Representation—He represents us (Champion—battle; Priest—before God); 2) He is one of us—both the champion and the high priest are chosen from among the people. He is like us in every respect, except for sin. In fact, it was necessary for him to be like us. The necessity of the Incarnation required for Jesus to be like the rest of us “in every respect.” Only by standing with us in human solidarity could the exalted Son of God be qualified to participate in the life of the people as a merciful and faithful high priest. Only by standing with us in human solidarity could the exalted Son of God provide atonement for his people. Jesus’ Incarnation was the appropriate and necessary means of delivering God’s people from the devil’s tyranny and the fear of death. In doing so, he is our Salvation/Rescue. Jesus is our encouragement because he suffers with and for us—he shares our situation and gives us what we need in the midst of it (Road to Damascus—”Paul, why do you persecute me?”).


Jesus is our encouragement; he shares our situation and gives us what we need in it. When you are afraid, look to Jesus! He shares our situation; He is the source of Rescue/Salvation. Look to Jesus!

 

Conclusion:  Remember: “We must trust to be rescued, but at the same time trust doesn’t guarantee rescue.” 


The mountain of vision is won by no other road than the one covered by thorns. If Jesus suffered, we will no doubt face situations that bring fear. When we face situations that make us afraid, we need to remember that God has provided a pioneer, a brother, a champion, and a rescue in Jesus.


We do not Face these things Alone. Through Jesus we can face any circumstance with the promise that God will work his glory in us. The Goal is Christ like Character (“Christ in you, the Hope of Glory”). Will we trust him?  What does that look like?

 

Application: Hebrews 3:1—Fix your eyes on Jesus

C. S. Lewis memorably portrayed the growing Christian’s experience of an ever-enlarging Christ in his Chronicles of Narnia. Lucy, caught up in her spiritual quest, saw the lion Aslan—Christ—shining white and huge in the moonlight. In a burst of emotion Lucy rushed to him, burying her face in the rich silkiness of his mane, whereupon the great beast rolled over on his side so that Lucy fell, half-sitting and half-lying between his front paws. He bent forward and touched her nose with his tongue. His warm breath was all around her. She gazed up into the large, wise face. “Welcome, child,” he said.  “Aslan,” said Lucy, “you’re bigger.”  “That is because you are older, little one,” answered he.  “Not because you are?”  “I am not. But every year you grow, you will find me bigger.”  His largeness overcomes your trouble; in His suffering and death He secured your victory.

 

This week: 1) Take a hard look at your situation—where are you “suffering”? What are your trials? When the scary situations come along, focus on what Christ has done and is doing. Instead of trusting your circumstances, trust God and his Word.  Rely on him. 


2) Pay attention to God’s Word—it is a mirror to reflect who we are; are we reflecting Jesus? If not, where can we repent? How can we change our focus? (read 2 Kings 2; Psalm 16; Matthew 10; Galatians 5). 


3) Rely on family.  The body of Christ is an extension of our Lord. When in crisis, do not forsake their embrace. Be open, transparent, and ask for help. Do not hide. 

 

Have we caught the excitement and grandeur of this provision for our lives?  Are we living “inglorious” lives in spite of our glorious calling? How enthralled are we at the depth of God’s love and caring for us in providing this “glory”? 

 

Where are we being exposed to testing or trial? When we experience these, how can we remain quiet in Christ’s provision?  How does Jesus as our champion provide encouragement and peace?

 

How can we appropriate the reality of the Incarnation to deal with this fear? Do we really believe that Jesus destroyed the devil’s ability to enslave us to the fear of death? Can anyone tell by looking at how we live?

 

How can you respond to those times in light of this passage? How do you respond when you feel that “no one understands my situation”? How can you allow the reality of Jesus’ flesh and blood experience to explode your consciousness with the confidence created by your Champion and High Priest?

 


Monday, January 29, 2024

Did you ever want to be a hero? (Repost)

 Here is a note I wrote almost 16 years ago, and it rings true today. I hope is blesses you all. 

Heb 11:32-40

“32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38(men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” NASU



There are several stories represented in this passage from Hebrews—stories of daring action, bold attacks, thrilling suspense, and even political intrigue and romance. Read this list above again—these people conquered kingdoms, shut lions’ mouths, quenched fire, became mighty in war, etc.

Remember when you were growing up and you would pretend to be a soldier in a war, or a superhero fighting crime, or a “man alone” against evil? Did you ever dream of conquering kingdoms by yourself? Did you fight the odds? Did you defeat the evil ones with your super powers? Did the “good guys” win the fight?

I remember playing at superheroes and war when I was a child. None of my brothers or friends would choose to lose. We wanted to be the hero, the one who changed the tide of battle so that the “good guys” won. We wanted to perform daring deeds; we wanted to walk with a swagger, to be swashbucklers for good!

We wanted to be John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, Captain America. We wanted to be heroes standing against the evil doers!

We wanted to be like those listed here in Hebrews 11. We wanted to be amazing, to be daring, to be bold, to be courageous.

Where are we now?

What kind of heroes have we become at the end?

Where are our tales of daring, of bold actions?

Phillips Brooks says it like this:

“The great danger facing all of us—let me say it again, for one feels it tremendously—is not that we shall make an absolute failure of life, nor that we shall fall into outright viciousness, nor that we shall be terribly unhappy, nor that we shall feel that life has no meaning at all—not these things. The danger is that we may fail to perceive life’s greatest meaning, fall short of its highest good, miss its deepest and most abiding happiness, be unable to render the most needed service, be unconscious of life ablaze with the light of the Presence of God—and be content to have it so—that is the danger. That some day we may wake up and find that always we have been busy with the husks and trappings of life—and have really missed life itself.”



Have I lost my verve for life? Have I lost contact with the One who makes life worth living?

Have I fallen into the danger of complacency and mediocrity? Have I missed that “abundant life” because I forgot how much fun it was to “risk it all” to save someone from evil?

Have I allowed my contact with God to be minimal?

In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Aslan is described in this manner:

“’Safe?’ said Mr. Beaver, ‘Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.’”



God is like that.

He isn’t safe, he isn’t tame . . . in fact, God can be quite wild on occasions.

But he is GOOD.

We have to have contact with him, we have to be intimately attached to him for life to be good.

Oh, life may also be wild on occasions, and it will not always be safe.

But it will be GOOD. . . .

And abundant. . . .

When once we experience this intimacy with God, the hope is that we will become addicted. Addicted to God, what a great idea! As God in Christ fills all of our mundane existence, we will begin to see all of life as sacramental. Why? Because God is in it.

That’s our challenge, isn’t it? To live as though all those things Jesus said were true. As Charlie Peacock has said, we must learn to “live like heaven is a real place.”

May God grant us the grace to do so.

Thanks for reading!

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Advent 2023: My Annual Christmas Post--The Mystery of Christmas

 Hello everyone:

I started this blog many years ago, and every year since I have posted a piece I wrote around Christmas in 2003. It kind of sums up for me what is the "Mystery of Christmas" as I meditate on the Incarnation and its implications for humanity (and perhaps for God as well!). The very idea of God becoming "one of us among us" (Immanuel) still fascinates and overwhelms me. 
God, the creator of all things, humbled himself, became of no reputation, and entered his own creation so as to renew and to redeem and to rescue us (and, ultimately, to do these things for all of creation as well). God, the Creator of all things, became flesh so that he might accomplish the plan to make his grace and glory known in humans and in all of creation. 
The One who had no beginning would now have a birthday. The creator would now be like the creature. The One who never knew death would die for sinners. The God who never knew sin would become sin for us. He would break the power of sin, condemn sin in his own flesh, and provide for all of us the rescue we need to become the people God always intended us to be. 
What amazing love! Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! As you celebrate the advent of our King, Jesus the Messiah, I hope you enjoy this rerun. Feel free to make comments if you'd like.
A little over 2000 years ago, a tiny child was born in some pretty bleak conditions. Oh, he wasn’t the only one born in less than optimal conditions. In fact, in some ways, he was one of the lucky ones. He and his mother actually survived childbirth. Still, this story is unique and amazing on several levels.

First, the life of this child would literally change the way time is reckoned in the world. His life and abilities would have such an impact on generations of others that a brand new movement would be created, one that would radically change the very face of the earth (sometimes for good, sometimes not). His name would become recognized among the names of the greatest of humans, yet he never forgot his own humble beginnings or lost a sense of who he was.

The second thing about this child is tied to the first in that this baby, this helpless lad full of spittle and mush, was born as the very Son of God. When Mary held his little head to her breast, he drank human milk. Yet, he was (and is) the God of the universe. Can you picture this simply ridiculous yet somehow poetic scene? God, who calls the stars by name, pressed to the human breast for sustenance. Humble yet awesome, this is how some folks would no doubt recall this child.

A little over 2000 years ago, God proposed that the only remedy for the human condition of sin would be if he humbled himself, stepped out of eternity and into human flesh, and suckled at Mary’s breast in preparation for the greatest, most impressive conversion of all. God, in Mary’s arms, toddling around Joseph’s home, learning to talk, learning to walk, tasting food, and touching things with human hands! As the Psalmist says in Psalm 139, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for us, we cannot attain to it!”

God knew that the only way to redeem us was if he did it himself. Haven’t you ever had that thought? You know, the one where you say, “If I want something done right, I’ll just have to do it myself?” Imagine God having that thought about bringing us to proper relationship with him. Imagine again that the only way he knew he could do that is if he came to earth as a baby. Think of it—-how vulnerable the almighty God was at that moment, how paradoxical that the God of all creation had to learn to walk! And why did he put himself in this situation? Out of his divine sense of justice and righteousness and mercy, out of his incredible love he acted in this manner.

God humbled himself, even to the point of death on a cross! The living God, incarnate as the Word, would know what it means to die. In a sense, he took on our insanity so that we may be sane. He became flesh so that we might walk in his Spirit. He took our sin so that we might be righteous. He became poor so that we might be rich. He who had the reputation of Creator became a humble servant with no reputation. He became a toddling, dribbling, helpless babe so that we could become mature humans in the image of the almighty Son of God. What wondrous love! What humility and service! How then can anything he asks of us be too difficult?

Father, during this Christmas season, remind us of your sacrifice and love so that we might be a light shining in darkness to others. Teach us to live a life of humble service like your Son did on our behalf so many years ago. As we celebrate the babe in the manger, may the glory he revealed in his life shine through us towards others that they may know God. May the grace of God and the peace of Christ rule in our families and our lives. Amen. 
Thanks for reading! Remember, God became one of us to reach us. He served humbly, what more can he ask of us? To love one another calls for humble service. It is enough.

May you all enjoy a very blessed Christmas!  May you know the blessings of the God who humbled himself and served! 

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Sermon: Jesus is the Subject (Hebrews 2:5-9)

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, Virginia. About a year and a half ago (April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled "Keep your eyes on Jesus." I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case there are those who may want to watch. this is the fourth sermon (from May 29, 2022) which covers Hebrews 2:5-9. The notes are available below, and you can use this link to watch the sermon: Jesus is the Subject. There are some announcements prior to the sermon, so the sermon actually starts around the 5:00 mark. 

Jesus is the Subject—Hebrews 2:5-9

Intro—2:1-4, first warning—against drifting—the danger of slipping away from the word spoken to us in these last days through God's Son Jesus. In chapter 1 Jesus is described as superior to angels.The author reveals Jesus’ superiority to angels so that he can warn us to stay focused on Jesus and Jesus' word without drifting. Now he returns to the contrast between Jesus and angels. He does this by focusing on Jesus as the subject. Jesus is the subject of Hebrews, but he is particularly the focus of 2:5-9.

The writer of Hebrews maintains a persistent focus on the superiority of Jesus as God’s Son. In this passage, he shifts to the historical incident of the incarnation. He brings his discussion to the earthly ministry of the Son of God in these verses.

Five times some version of “subject/subordinate/submit” is used here: verses 5 (once) and 8 (4 times). Psalm 8 is referenced in this passage as a Messianic passage referring specifically to Jesus. Subjection of the world to humanity at creation is the focus of Psalm 8. This authority was to some degree lost (or damaged) by the fall. The incarnation then is presented as the means of reinstating that dominion over the earth.

The main point today is that Jesus is the subject and all things are subject to him.

Heb. 2:5-9: God’s intention for humanity will be realized through Jesus. The central fact that our author shares with his readers is that Jesus is a person who actually shared our situation—the Incarnation gives information about God’s intention and provision for humanity.

Point 1—Jesus, not angels (v. 5)—The world was not subjected to angels but to God’s Son. The author may be responding here to some issues among the Jewish Christians of his church. They may have been thinking, “If the Son of God is greater than the angels, having obtained a more excellent name than they (1:4), then how does this fit with His becoming human, since humans are lower than the angels? Furthermore, how does this fit with His dying on the cross since angels never die? How then is Jesus superior to the angels?” Remember, there was an ancient Jewish belief that God appointed certain angels over particular nations of the world. 

Deuteronomy 32:8 CSB: “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance and divided the human race, he set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the people of Israel.”

In the book of Daniel, angels are designated as the “prince of Persia” and the “prince of Greece”.  Michael is the “great prince” who watches over the nation of Israel.  The New Testament also echoes this concept. Even Paul mentions the role of supernatural beings in ruling over the earth in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.”

This is a contrast between two worlds. There’s the world to come, and that’s what is explicitly stated in Hebrews 2:5. There is also a future world which will replace this present world. The coming world is not subject to angels, but it will be subject to Jesus.

The author responds by showing that God did not subject the world to come to angels but to man. To support this point, he cites from Psalm 8 (LXX).

The subject is Jesus. The world to come will NOT be subject to angels, but it will be subject to Jesus. Jesus’ authority to rule then is tied up in his role as the Incarnate God and God’s chosen Messiah. The author turns to Psalm 8 to explain how Jesus fulfills what Adam and Eve failed to accomplish. Jesus is the subject and not the angels. Jesus is the subject and not Adam.

Point 2—Jesus, not Adam (vv. 6-8a)—Psalm 8—a psalm of astonishment on the honor God bestows on humanity. God’s intention for the human family: the world subject to the one who has God’s image. This intention was frustrated by human rebellion in Eden.

God’s original intent for humanity was for us to exercise dominion through and with him over his creation. Human destiny has always been higher than angels.

Psalm 8: Notice that the author is quoting the Septuagint rather than from the Hebrew which may explain the apparent discrepancy here. Instead of “a little lower than God,” the Septuagint has “a little lower than the angels.” The author of Hebrews sees first and second Adam in this Psalm. The phrase, “a little lower than the angels,” is ambiguous. It can mean either “by a small degree” or “for a short time.” The former sense fits the psalm as applied to Adam, who lacks the supernatural powers of the angels. The latter sense fits the psalm as applied to the Son of Man, who laid aside His glory for a short time to take on human flesh while on this earth (see Philip E. Hughes, A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews [Eerdmans], p. 85).

This Psalm reflects on the high position to which God appointed Adam and Eve, putting them over all creation. Nonetheless, the author adds, “we do not yet see all things subjected to him” (2:8). The unstated but obvious event that overturned humanity’s high position was the fall. God created humans as the apex of His creation, giving them great glory and honor. He gave them a position of authority, to rule over all other creatures. Humanity’s original high position of honor shows how utterly inexcusable the fall was!

Verse 8: The question is, does “him” here refer to humans or to Messiah? It may refer to humanity in the first place, but also beyond humanity to Messiah as the representative Adam (see F. F. Bruce, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews [Eerdmans], p. 37). As Bruce explains (ibid.), “The writer confesses that it is not easy to recognize in man the being whom the psalmist describes as ‘crowned with glory and honor’ and enjoying dominion over all the works of the Creator’s hands.” But, as he will explain in verse 9, man’s failed purpose is fulfilled in Messiah.

 In verse 9, Hebrews will show that Jesus (the first use of his name in the book, obviously emphasizing His humanity) was crowned with glory and honor because of his death for us. He recovered what humanity lost in the fall. Although God’s original purpose for humanity was lost, it will be recovered through Jesus the Messiah. But how? This position cannot be regained by force, but it must be gained by humility, by obedience, by submission to God. Jesus, not Adam, is the one who will set things right, who will bring humanity to the fulfillment of God’s original intent. It will be Jesus, and not arrogance that will bring this intention to reality. Our last two verses tell us that Jesus is the subject and not arrogance.

Point 3—Jesus, not arrogance (vv. 8b-9)—Jesus will have rule over all things. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s original intention for humanity. In Messiah humanity can realize God’s purpose. Psalm 8 is read as a confession of the dignity of Jesus. However, that reality has not come to pass completely as of yet. God’s intention in its fulness has not been reinstated, even though Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return establish the beginning of the fulfillment of this new reign. The reality is that the start is not the completion. So, “we do not yet see everything subjected to him” quite yet.

So what is going on when Christ does not seem to be in control? Here is the reality. Following Jesus often involves some sort of significant sacrifice and even suffering. The reign of God cost Jesus his life, after all! The fact that there is good in the world is a testament to the God who is good. The fact that there is evil in the world is a testament to man’s free will which rebels against the good God. The reign of Jesus has been inaugurated and is already a reality, but we won’t see the full impact until the consummation at the end of the age.

The order of thought here follows Paul’s treatment of Jesus’ humility and glory in Philippians 2:5-11. There, Jesus who existed in the form of God emptied Himself of His glory, took on the form of a servant, and became obedient to death on a cross. Therefore, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name. Hebrews 2:9 reminds us that Jesus tasted death for all of us. To “taste death” means not to nibble at it but to experience death to the fullest degree.

Conclusions from verse 9: In the person of Jesus we see displayed the actual character of our human vocation. Jesus being “a little while” lower than the angels does not call into question his superiority to them. For the first time the author uses the proper name “Jesus.”

Jesus shared in the human condition so that he could taste death for all humans.

Jesus was crowned with glory and honor because he suffered.

Bill Lane—”The exalted Son of God made the human condition, and especially its liability to death, his own in order to achieve for them the glorious destiny designed by God.”

To recap, Messiah's incarnation and death did not in any way imply his inferiority to angels. This is supported by the fact that God ordained that humans will rule angels in the world to come. Psalm 8 shows that this was God’s original intent. That intent was hindered by the fall, but now has been recovered in the second Adam, the Lord Jesus Christ. Through His death, resurrection, exaltation on high, and coming again to reign, we will reign with Him.

Jesus, not angels or Adam or arrogance, is the way to proper relationship to God and to the reinstatement of human dominion under God’s leadership. Jesus is the subject!

Conclusion—How do we respond?         

First, recognize that the present fallen world is not the end of the story. Sin, fallenness, evil, and their accompanying issues are not the end of God’s intention for humanity. So, how do we respond when we encounter frustrations like we do and like we will have until Christ brings us home? We need to develop and maintain an eternal perspective of God’s goal in Messiah so that we can endure our present trials. If Jesus had to suffer first and then enter His glory, so do we. By faith we should see Jesus and marvel at what He did for us and that we are now in Him (2:9). He left the splendor of heaven and not only took on human flesh, but also went to the cross on our behalf! “Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” (Charles Wesley). We need to focus on him. Jesus, not the world. He is where we need to firmly “tie” our lives and efforts. Take time this week to focus on Jesus. Spend five to ten minutes each day contemplating all the good things Jesus has given in this life and the things he has promised in the life to come.

Second, one of the best ways to see Jesus it to see God’s work through him in the Bible. We see Jesus when we look to his Word. We see Jesus when we open up the Scriptures and the Spirit of Messiah helps us take every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah. We see Jesus when we see in the Scriptures and come to believe that he is the yes, the amen to all of the promises of God. This week, spend some time in these passages to see God’s plan for you in Jesus: Psalm 67. Psalm 97, Revelation 22, John 17, and Ephesians 4.

Thanks for reading! 

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Sermon: Pay Attention--Hebrews 2:1-4

 Hello all:

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA, and over one year ago (in April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled: Keep Your Eyes on Jesus. I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case their are those who may be interested in watching these sermons. This third sermon (from May 15, 2022) is entitled "Pay Attention" and covers Hebrews 2:1-4. The notes are written below, and you can use this link to watch the video (NOTE: there were some difficulties with sound at the beginning, so you cannot hear the sermon until around the 17:30 mark--sorry for the problems): Forest Community Church, May 15, 2022.

Intro: In chapter two our author makes the turn, as he so often does in this epistle, from exposition, from the theological discourse if you will, to exhortation, to telling us as a church what to do with all of that really rich theology that was unpacked for us.

We saw in chapter 1 that Jesus is depicted as the Final Word of God. That idea has a tremendous impact on the verses in chapter 2. The superiority of Jesus is the background for what our author says in Hebrews 2:1-4. Because Jesus is incomparably greater that prophets or angels, we need to pay attention to Jesus! That is the author's message for this section. 

The author encourages us to pay attention, and he gives us three things that we need to pay attention to: 1) the appeal, 2) the admonition, 3) the evidence.

Point 1—Pay attention to the Appeal (v. 1). The need for personal responsibility and commitment, be careful of drifting away from Jesus. He calls his readers to a personal commitment and responsibility—they must be careful not to drift away from the foundation of Messiah.

Heed the Word—What Word? Chapter 1 tell us--Jesus is the Word. Andrew Lightner: “So, in short, we heard throughout the entirety of chapter one that the one who is the Son is fully God, always has been and always will be. Then for us in the fullness of time he became fully man as our second Adam, our better David, and our great high priest. Friends this is the gospel. That the word of salvation that we’re commanded to pay much closer attention to, it’s the hope of the world.” 

Jesus is the Word! The appeal is to focus on Jesus. 

Benjamin Hutson—“What we have heard refers to everything he just spoke about in chapter 1. It refers to the superior message of Jesus. It refers to the message that God became flesh and dwelt among us. It refers to the Gospel.” 

God has come in the flesh to address human sin, human rebellion (John 1:14, 18). God has come to accomplish what humanity has failed to do! Jesus, the only one of his kind, has come to set everything right. Immanuel has come among us. God himself here to deliver humanity from bondage to sin, from living in a kingdom of darkness. God did for us what we could never do for ourselves. Jesus died for our sins and rose again on a Sunday morning. No other religious leader accomplished what Jesus accomplished. He died and rose again. None of the prophets, none of the patriarchs, none of them did what Jesus did. Jesus is totally unique in human history. We must pay attention to God, to put our focus on him and especially his revelation of himself in Jesus (John 1:18). That is the Word to which we must pay attention. We must have laser like focus on what Jesus is doing. What is the goal of Jesus? We need to focus on that! Jesus reveals God to us, and we must become obsessed with him. 

Andrew Lightner: “What does it mean to pay attention? Then on the flip side what it would look like to drift from that? Well in this opening verse it’s interesting that these two key words in verse one. The words that are translated in the ESV 'pay attention' and then 'drift away' are, in the Greek, sailing terms. . . . It is imagery of keeping a ship on its proper course and intentionally fighting the currents or the wind to keep it steadily pointed in the right direction.” Focus will keep us from drifting. Focus will help us avoid drift. 

Avoid drift—The first warning to these people was concerning neglect. Neglect is usually not a DELIBERATE thing. (Fishing Story—other areas of neglect?). The danger of drifting is a spiritual reality. Think of a boat tied to a dock, but the knot comes loose and the boat drifts away. This neglect is similar to what our author has in mind here. 

Marilyn Murphee: “The danger of drifting is not limited to the physical realm. Our scripture today gives the first of five warnings. Our spiritual life can drift toward destruction as well. Drifting requires no effort of us. It is a natural thing to move toward what is convenient and comfortable. Paying attention is hard work and it involves focusing. It involves focusing on not only hearing but obeying.”

Benjamin Hutson—“It has been proven that we have several tendencies. We have a tendency to forget who it is that has given us His Word. We have a tendency toward lightheartedness about the Word of God. Is it the overwhelming authority in your life? Do you feast from it daily? Make no mistake: A lightheartedness about the Word of God will lead to a lightheartedness about worship.” 

We have a tendency to drift from the things we have heard. We have a tendency to forget to focus. We have the Bible, God's revelation of himself to humanity. To neglect it is to set myself up for the danger of drifting. If we are not careful, mission drift can set in, and we may forget our mission. 

David Gibson: “You may have heard the story of the Mennonite Brethren movement. One particular analysis goes like this: the first generation believed and proclaimed the gospel and thought that there were certain social entailments. The next generation assumed the gospel and advocated the entailments. The third generation denied the gospel and all that were left were the entailments.” 

So when we come to verse 1 of chapter 2. It can be said this way: Because Christ is so much greater and the message of Christ is so much greater we need to focus on him. We need to be tied tightly to Jesus. He is the only sure foundation. Remember this is what he begins the book with and this is the overwhelming and overarching theme of the book of Hebrews: “Christ is better.” So in light of that idea, our author goes on to say that “we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard.” There are dire consequences of drifting. Because the content is better, our attention to it must be better. 

Point 2—Pay attention to the Admonition (v. 2-3). There are dire consequences if they drift. He warns his readers of dire consequences if they drift.

Andrew Lightner: “Now bear in mind that when we read in our text about the message declared by angels or delivered by angels, well that’s not a reference to some esoteric knowledge that’s out there in the ether. No, rather that’s a reference to the law that was given to Moses, and by extension to Israel on Mount Sinai in the book of Exodus.” 

In that the idea is that in the law, the law was binding. There was a legally binding requirement in the Law (that may have been provided by angels), so how much MORE important to us should be the word spoken through the incomparable Messiah. How MUCH greater is the failure if we do not heed or obey the word of God Incarnate! We need to connect with and listen to him because he alone is our life and our deliverance. We must keep the connection with Jesus fresh--we must NOT neglect our salvation or else we will drift. What one generation permits, the next generation accepts as law. Where have we slipped from our connection to the truth about God and Jesus? How have we experience mission drift? We need to focus all the more on the salvation that God has produced by the death and resurrection of Jesus. We need to fixate on and even obsess over what God has said in Messiah. God's salvation is the need here, and drifting from it is the danger. Why focus on God's salvation? 

a) Our salvation is great because of its price (the life and death of the Savior--Jesus the Messiah)

b) Our salvation is great because of what it procured for us (eternal life with God himself)

Point 3—Pay attention to the Evidence (v. 4). Remember the message of salvation. He calls them to renewed focus on the message of salvation. 

a) Our salvation was declared by the Lord--our focus should be on what Jesus says about salvation and how it is given and received. The words of Jesus are the focus. We need to pay attention to what Jesus is saying. Look at Jesus. See how he lived, how he treated people, how he spoke of God. Jesus declared salvation from God! 

b) Our salvation was confirmed by the Apostles--God has given us historical evidence in how Jesus affected the lives of his followers. We can find confirmation in how Jesus changed the lives of those before us! 

c) Our salvation was demonstrated true by God in: 1) Signs, 2) Wonders, 3) Miracles, and 4) Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

First, we ought to be obsessed with Jesus. Do you know him? If not, why not turn from (repent of) your sins and turn to Jesus. Acknowledge him as boss, as Lord, as King. Serve him, obey him. He took our rebellion against God and paid the price by dying on the cross. He rose again after paying for our sins. Jesus promised eternal life and is the firstborn of the resurrection. Acknowledge your rebellion against Jesus. Confess your sins, and turn from (repent of ) them. Trust Jesus as the only means to save you. He is the ONLY way to God. Today, go to him as ask for his salvation. 

Second, Are you currently drifting? If so, where do you need to tighten your rope to Jesus? This week, spend some time looking at your life and your language. Ask God to show you any areas where you are neglecting God or where you seem to be drifting. Get some accountability with someone to help you tighten your grip on the Lord.

Third, Are you listening to this message of salvation? How is your time in God’s Word? This week, spend time in the following chapters and ask God to direct your steps. Psalm 8, Psalm 24, Luke 4, 1 Corinthians 10, and Ephesians 2. Reflect on what God has done to purchase salvation for you, and then ask God how you can tighten your connection to him and his ways to avoid drifting.

Thank you for reading! 


Thursday, June 29, 2023

Sermon: The Incomparable Majesty of Jesus (Hebrews 1:5-14)

 Hello all:

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA, and about one year ago (in April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus. I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case their are those who may be interested in watching these sermons. This second sermon (from May 1, 2022) is entitled "The Incomparable Majesty of Jesus" and covers Hebrews 1:5-14. We celebrated communion in this service, so the sermon begins around the 24 minute mark on the video, and you can use this link to watch it: Forest Community Church on Facebook

Intro: The author of Hebrews has introduced a variety of important themes in his introduction, and now he brings OT quotations to support his themes. In this passage, Jesus’ superiority to the angels is confirmed by no less than 7 OT quotations. Cockerill (Hebrews: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, p. 39): “The writer of Hebrews develops a comparison between the Son and the angels by using a series of Old Testament quotations. He shows how these quotations relate to one another and how they demonstrate the superiority of the Son.”

Point 1—Jesus is superior to angels in His Relationship with God (vv. 5-6)— Since God has declared Jesus to be his unique, one of a kind Son, this passage reveals two ideas: The Son’s superior position with relationship to the Father and the inferior position of the angels. To do this, the author uses the OT as an authoritative source to show God’s claims about his Son and his angels.

Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14—used to describe the king and his relationship as God’s representative/Son. These quotes probably refer to Jesus’ induction to his royal position of King because of his resurrection and ascension. They were read at the enthronement ceremony of David’s descendants as a reminder that they represent God and belong to God. They are his vice-regents. Verse 5 (and again in vv. 7 & 13) the author uses a rhetorical question about the angels. The expected answer is that “no angel” received such a spoken word or exclamation from God.

God is his father, and Jesus is the firstborn. Cockerill: “Hebrews 1:6, by contrast, gives us what God did say in relation to the angels, as found in Deuteronomy 32:43. The way in which this quotation is introduced is of great importance. The Son is referred to as the firstborn (Heb. 1:6).” 

The son is “heir of all things” (1:2). The point of it all is: The one some thought to be subordinate to angels is the very one whom the angels are commanded to worship as their creator!

The angels are to worship Jesus. That shows their inferiority. The inferior one worships the greater and not the other way around.

Importance of “firstborn”: The Jews dedicated their “firstborn” sons to Yahweh. The “firstborn” were important to families. This term is used of Messiah predominantly to refer to his resurrection (cf. Romans 8:29; Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 1:5) but may also reflect his position as the Second Adam.

Point 2—Jesus is superior to angels in His Reign for God—the nature of angels versus the nature of the Son (vv. 7-12): First, Jesus creates while angels are simply servants (v. 7, contrast angels as created versus Jesus as Creator). Second, Jesus reigns over God’s kingdom (vv. 8-9). Third, Jesus’ kingdom is eternal in contrast to the angels who are created (vv. 10-12).

v. 7: Jesus is the creator while the angels are merely created as servants. Angels are part of creation, and Jesus the Creator makes them what they are. 

vv. 8-9: Jesus reigns forever (fulfilling the Davidic promise and showing divinity). He also reigns in righteousness. Luke Timothy Johnson (Hebrews: A Commentary, p. 80): "The choice of Psalm 44 is bold and brilliant. Bold, because it is originally an ode for a royal wedding in the Davidic dynasty and is redolent of a royal ideology that is entirely this worldly--to suggest that this Psalm 'speaks' of a crucified Messiah requires a courageous interpreter! The choice is also brilliant, because the Psalm uniquely offers a combination of thematic elements that fit the powerful yet paradoxical Christology of Hebrews." 

vv. 10-12: The Never-Ending Story—Jesus’ reign will never end. These verses draw attention to the Son’s eternal nature and to the eternal nature of his rule. In contrast, the rest of the world/universe is temporary and will be ended and replaced. Hebrews 1:10, quoting Psalm 102:25, affirms the Son’s work in creation.

Point 3—Jesus is superior to angels in His Reward from God (vv. 13-14): Jesus’ reward means a seat of high authority. David DeSilva (Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrew, p. 101): "In the ancient world, seating order was based on the appraisal of relative worth or honor. The most distinguished people enjoyed the best seats. By applying Psalm 110:1 to Jesus, the author claims for him the place of highest honor in the Jewish-Christian cosmos, namely, a seat at the right hand of God. Lane correctly observes that session at God’s right hand ‘would convey to contemporaries an impression of the Son’s royal power and unparalleled glory.’"

Jesus sits beside God while angels act as ministers to Christians who belong to Jesus.

DeSilva (p. 103): "Christians are thus named as beneficiaries of God’s favor and deliverance. This 'salvation' is a benefaction yet to be conferred, and thus the hearers must remain firm in their hope and trust, remaining 'connected' to their patron through loyalty and reverent service. The identity of 'heirs of deliverance' is very positive, particularly in light of the alternative. The audience should thus have little trouble accepting this delineation of 'who they are.'"

Cockerill (p. 45): “God has spoken these words to the Son. They are now in effect. The Son is now at the Father’s right hand with all the authority in the universe to help us come into the Father’s presence. Thus Psalm 110:1 is also the key to understanding our own situation. We live between the exaltation and the final judgment. Christ has finished His saving work. He has provided for us to be cleansed from sin. He now sits at the Father’s right with the power to bring us into God’s presence.”

DeSilva (p. 103): "In 1:5–14, then, the author has provided a demonstration from Scripture for his premise in 1:4. The addressees would no doubt agree with him every step of the way, appreciating his exegetical finesse in applying OT texts as well as his rhetorical art in shaping antitheses to establish his point. He has reminded them of the transient value of the material and visible creation, such that the only firm ground for hope and trust remains the Son (and not the recovery of material goods or honor in the eyes of the Son’s enemies). He has, in every way, established the significance of the Son, such that the consideration that should be moving to the forefront of each hearer’s mind will be, 'How shall I respond to this Son so as to remain in favor, and not fall into the number of his enemies?' This is precisely the sort of question that the author goes on to answer."

So, how should we respond to this information regarding the Son’s superiority? How should Christians respond to the incomparable majesty of God’s Son?

Conclusion

Our author has now brought Scriptural references to support his views of Jesus. He has given us evidence to back up his assertions. The bottom line is that Jesus is superior even to other supernatural entities because he is God. The angels are therefore subject to him. He is superior to angels. God has declared these things about Jesus, showing that Jesus experiences favored status with God.

One point is that Christians are never completely defenseless in this world. The angels are servants on our behalf. More importantly, God is our strength and shield. Truth will not fail.

Another is that God has taken thought of our situation. He knows what we face. He put us here for this time. He equips us to do his will.

A. The Son has a better name. He was established as king when he rose from dead. There are many things in our life which are good and have their proper place in God's order, but they must never take the place of Jesus as God's superior Son. Will you yield to this king? (Give gospel here)

B. The Son has greater status. The Son rules, angels serve. Jesus holds final and ultimate authority over this world and indeed the universe. We must learn to submit to that authority in all aspects of our life, and we cart rejoice that ultimately no power will ever prevail against him. Will you serve the Son? This week ask God to show you where you need to submit to his authority. Where is repentance needed? Courage? Make Jesus boss.

C. The Son has greater dignity. The Son receives worship. The angels render worship to him. Just as the angels have the privilege of worshiping Jesus, let us worship him as well with unbridled love and devotion. Will you worship the Son? Live your lives this week as though Jesus’ is in charge. Do our lives reflect his dignity?

D. The Son has greater function. The Son is eternal and creator, angels serve the created. Will you recognize he is eternal and you are not? Will you recognize he is the creator and we are the created?

This week, read the following passages and ask God how to obey his word: Hebrews 4, John 14, Psalm 128, Psalm 19, 2 Timothy 3.


Tuesday, May 09, 2023

Sermon: The Final Word Hebrews 1:1-4

 Hello all:

I have the privilege of preaching occasionally at Forest Community Church in Forest, VA, and about one year ago (in April 2022) I began a series on Hebrews entitled: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus. I decided to post the links to the videos for these sermons in case their are those who may be interested in watching these sermons. This first sermon is entitled "The Final Word" and covers Hebrews 1:1-4 (with some background notes). The sermon begins around the 15 minute mark on the video, and you can use this link to watch it: The Final Word.

Here is a brief outline of the sermon if you would like some of the notes.

Introduction: 

No book in the Bible focus our attention upon the deity and high priestly work of Jesus Christ like the book of Hebrews. Preached/written to an audience that was considering walking away from Jesus to return to a former way of life (Judaism), the book of Hebrews appears to be a sermon encouraging its hearers to fix their eyes on Jesus to the exclusion of ANY OTHER means of salvation or security. When facing a crisis (spiritual, physical, political, etc.), fix your eyes on Jesus. When tempted to sin, fix your eyes on Jesus. When you want to quit, fix your eyes on Jesus. When discouragement or problems come to you, fix your eyes on Jesus. The main point of Hebrews appears to be: Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Point 1) God’s final Word is God’s Full Disclosure (vv. 1-2a): Past and Present Communication

God’s revelation to his people through the prophets is finalized by his revelation through the Son. (vv. 1–2a).

Point 2) God’s final Word is a Full Representation of God’s plan for humanity (vv. 2b-4): a) Fully Human—Second Adam, b) Fully God—creator of the universe, c) Fully in Charge—seated at God’s right hand, d) Fully Exalted

The Son in his exalted place at God’s right hand perfectly represents the essence, character, and action of God. (vv. 2b–4).

"If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

Conclusion: 

A. The author clearly wants his readers to understand certain truths about God and Messiah as the foundation of his sermon. So we must seek to understand theological truth so we can then live appropriately.

B. The central force of the prologue is that "God spoke." This requires much of us. We must first acknowledge that God has spoken, then we must incline our hearts to hear what he has said and learn from him, recognizing that by virtue of his being God that he has a claim on everything that we are.

C. The affirmation about God speaking is that is has occurred through his Son. The truth is as commonly said as it is right: Jesus, God’s Son, must be at the center of all we do. He must receive our complete devotion and worship as God’s final revelation.

D. The mention of angels points out competitors for our attention. In our religious thinking we do not usually exalt angels, but there are many other things which compete for center stage. The only one who should hold that place is Jesus himself. Passages: Psalm 15; Psalm 18; Isaiah 55; John 1:1-18; Colossians 1. 

Thanks for reading!