Hebrews #10: an exposition of Hebrews 4:14-16. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, June 15, 2014.
Intro:
Do you ever wonder if anyone cares? Do you wonder if anybody knows what you’re going through? Are there times when you wonder if God really has knows and if He does, does He care? He spoke and the world came into being. He is powerful, majestic, awesome why would He care about what goes on in your life? Why would He care how you feel? He has a universe to run. He’s concerned with the orbit of planets and the placement of stars. He is focused on fine tuning galaxies who are you to merit His attention? If by some strange fate He did look your direction how could He possibly understand how you feel? How could He possibly know what it’s like to have a rotten day? How could He know what it is like to stand in line forever in the express lane because some idiot, three people in front of you, can’t read, “10 items or less?” How can He understand and relate to everything from a child’s broken toy to a spouse’s bitter sorrow and loneliness? He can because in all honesty He can say, “I’ve been there.” That is the focus of our text this morning found in the fourth chapter of Hebrews.
Text: Hebrew 4:14-16
The biblical writer is concerned about a small, struggling congregation in Rome. These blessed saints have been buffeted by all kinds of trials and temptations. They have been ostracized by their families. These are Jews who have come to trust in Jesus as the Messiah. They have put their faith and trust in Christ. As a result their families want nothing to do with them. In addition they have faced the wrath of the Roman. They’ve experienced the first waves of persecution from the Empire. Everything in their world says to them, “Abandon your faith!” There is that part of them that is wondering if it is worth it to continue in belief. Maybe they should just turn back. Surely that would bring some relief. Many have done just that. With a pastoral love the biblical writer pleads with them to continue in belief. Continue to trust. Having heard the voice of God don’t harden your heart. Don’t turn back. He has warned them of the peril of unbelief. He’s told them there is a Sabbath rest for those who believe. For those who trust wholeheartedly in Christ. He began his letter with an argument declaring the superiority of Christ. Now he returns to the subject demonstrating that Jesus is a superior High Priest.
Our take away from this text is that…
Thesis: Faithfulness in difficult times demands a confident confession based on a biblical understanding, fueled by effectual prayer.
There are three things to note as this argument unfolds.
- Faithfulness in difficult times demands that you hold fast to your confession of Christ as great high priest. (4:14)
- Holding fast to your confession demands a clear, biblical understanding of Christ as your sympathetic, gracious, merciful high priest. (4:15)
- Such an understanding enables bold, honest and candid prayer laying hold of God’s grace. (4:16)
Conclusion:
Dear saint are you struggling? Beleaguered believer are you battle-worn? Child of God have you fallen? Look to Christ. Lay hold of your confession of Christ as apostle and high priest. Come with confident, honest candid prayer and find grace and mercy from the hand of your sympathetic high priest.