July 1, 2007

Hebrews - Part 7 : Drawing Near to God

Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction

Finding security and a haven of rest in things that seem good but bring death

Superiority of Jesus

Three groups:
True believers: Need to take the next step. In danger of apathy
Intellectually convinced, but have not made a full commitment.
Those attracted to the gospel, but may not be truly convinced about Jesus
A stern warning: Don't drift. Stay on course.

Drawing Near to God
Hebrews 7: 18 - 19
Who Jesus is
Faith: fix your eyes on Jesus

God desires to communicate with you.

B. Jesus, Our Great High Priest

Hebrews 5: 1 - 10
Access to the Holy of Holies by our High Priest Jesus
Became a perfect sacrifice

Notice His submission to and dependence on the Father

Melchizedek, King-priest of Salem (Jerusalem) Genesis 14: 18 - 20

C.
Stern Warnings

Backward steps are difficult to recover from and even impossible in some cases
Hebrews 5: 11 - 14
They were not being obedient to what they knew

If you are not growing -- not responding to God, you are headed back to the wilderness.

If you are not fully engaged in these things you are in danger.

These things keep our hearts soft towards God and keep us hearing from God

D.
Severe Warnings

Hebrews 6: 1 - 6
First, I will tell you what it is not saying...

But, it is a chilling warning.

Hebrews 3: 6, 14
A slap in the face to cheap Grace

Matthew 13: 45 - 46
Jesus described it as a Pearl of great value

So costly you could never earn it! What is expected of the recipients of the marvelous grace?

E. Keep Moving!

Hebrews 6: 7 - 12
1 Corinthians 3: 12
What are you producing?

Hebrews 4: 13
We must give account.

Philippians 3: 16
Pressing on - only let us live up to what we have already obtained.

F. Conclusion

2 Corinthians 3: 18
What you struggle with should also be growing.

Hebrews 4: 14 - 16
Hebrews 6: 18 - 20
Hebrews 10: 19 - 23
We have an unshakable hope behind the curtain.

We must draw near