Hebrews #05: an exposition of Hebrews 2:10-18. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, May 4, 2014.
Intro:
Faith in Christ does not eliminate fear, frustration or doubt. To live for Christ in this fallen, broken world is a struggle. Those people who say, “Trust Jesus and all will be well,” lie to you about other things too! When you come to faith your biggest problem is removed. You are no longer the enemy of God. You no longer stand under his wrath. You’ve passed from death to life. You are now declared righteous in God’s sight. However, you are not righteous yet. At the new birth you begin a journey toward righteousness. You begin the process of becoming holy and that is a lifelong process. That process will be marked by ups and downs. Victories and setbacks as you progress in holiness. Life remains hard. You will find yourself in an epic battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. There will be times when you feel overwhelmed. Times when you think you just cannot go on. You may even think, “It’s not worth it.” How do you fight on? Where do you find the strength and courage to continue along the path?
They were a small struggling house church in the capital city of the Roman Empire. Rejected by family, scorned by their friends, outlawed by the government, it was just too much. Some had already turned back. Others were considering it. “Maybe it’s best to cut our losses and go back to the old ways. At least our families will welcome us.” With love, patience and pastoral care the writer of Hebrews pleads with them to continue in the faith. In our text this morning he sets before them the glory and wonder of the gospel. He reminds them of just what Christ has accomplished in redemption and what it means to be in union with him. Our text this morning is found in Hebrews chapter 2 beginning at verse 10.
Text: Hebrews 2:10-18
- This is a rich and meaningful text.
- It reminds us that Christ has overcome our sin.
- He has overthrown the power of death.
- He enables us to overcome any temptation.
- This text is key for your spiritual growth and development.
It is here we discover that…
Thesis: Courage in the face of overwhelming circumstances demands a firm grasp of the wonder, the extent and the glory of our great salvation.
Three great truths are sounded in this text.
- Our Suffering Savior brings us to glory. (2:10)
- Our union with Christ delivers us from the paralyzing fear of death. (2:11-16)
- Our merciful, sympathetic, and faithful high priest bears our weakness and imparts power sufficient to overcome any temptation. (2:17-18)
Conclusion:
This is why the Christian life is Christ-centered or Gospel-centered. They way we live the life we’ve been called to is to focus on Christ. It is to glory in the wonderful truths of the Gospel. The way we overcome temptation, the way we stand up to death the way we remain faithful is to get a firm grasp on the wonder, the extent and the glory of our great salvation.
Knowing our Suffering Savior brings us to glory.
Understanding that our union with Christ delivers us from the paralyzing fear of death.
And that our merciful, sympathetic, faithful high priest bears our weakness and imparts power sufficient to overcome any temptation.