Solomon built the temple…

• God had a permanent place to reside
• Solomon’s Temple – 959 – 587 BC (372 years)
• 2nd Temple (Nehemiah) 516 – 20 BC (496 years)
• Herod’s Temple – Renovations began in 20 BC – Destroyed in 70 AD.

 

• But in 30 AD… The Spirit of God left the temple, and there was no longer a need for the Temple.
• Animal sacrifices were no longer necessary.

 

• But what led up to that day?
• Thursday… Passover meal

 
 
Preparation for the Passover
Matthew 26:17-19
17 On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

• The Feast of the Unleavened Bread and the Passover are two different things.
• The “Feast” of the Unleavened Bread was an 8-day celebration that occurred simultaneously with Passover.
• Leviticus 23:5-6 - The Passover to the Lord comes in the first month, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the month. 6 The Festival of Unleavened Bread to the Lord is on the fifteenth day of the same month. For seven days you must eat unleavened bread.[1]
• The word “day” or “feast” was added to the original Greek text. Nor should it be capitalized.
• The first of the unleavened bread was the time of preparation before sundown.
• The disciples prepared the Passover meal w/ lamb on Thursday before sundown.
• The Last Supper occurred in the Upper Room after sundown on Thursday.

The Chagigah sacrifice was a special sacrifice made on Friday (15th day) at 9 AM.

• This is the hour that Jesus was crucified.

 
Death Was Arrested (North Point) -
 
 
 
Why is Good Friday Good?

• Good Friday is good because the price we couldn't pay got paid, and the stain we couldn't clean got clean.
• Good Friday is good because the world was without hope, but the lamb was without blemish.
• Good Friday is good because the worst thing that could ever happen was simultaneously the best thing that would ever happen.
• Good Friday is good because on that cross, on that day, the Great Shepherd of the sheep walked through the valley of the shadow of death for us.
• Good Friday is good because even though the cross isn't pretty, it's beautiful.
• Good Friday is good because we have a king who would rather die for his enemies than kill them.
• Good Friday is good because I am not good, but he is.
• Good Friday is good, because Friday is not the end of the story.

 
Sunday is Coming (Phil Wickham)
 
LUKE 23:44-46
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, 45 because the sun’s light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. 46 And Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.” Saying this, he breathed his last. [2]
 
JOHN 19:30
When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then bowing his head, he gave up his spirit.[3]
 
Because He Lives (Amen) (Matt Maher)
 
THE CLOSELY GUARDED TOMB
62 The next day, which followed the preparation day, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember that while this deceiver was still alive he said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come, steal him, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “You have a guard of soldiers,” Pilate told them. “Go and make it as secure as you know how.” 66 They went and secured the tomb by setting a seal on the stone and placing the guard.
 - Breaking a Roman seal would bring death.

• Matthew 12:40 – “For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.”[4]
• Not 72 hours… but parts of 3 different days.

 
RESURRECTION MORNING
MATTHEW 28:1-8
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week (Sunday) was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb.
 - Refer to Mark 16:1
2 There was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached the tomb. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken by fear of him that they became like dead men.
Refer to John 20:1
5 The angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”
8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell his disciples the news.[5]

• The women (minus Mary Magdalene) to the other 9.
• Mary Magdalene went to Peter & John who were running to the grave with a different message.
• End

 
1 CORINTHIANS 15:3-8
For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers and sisters at one time; most of them are still alive, but some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one born at the wrong time, he also appeared to me.[6]
 
My Jesus (Anne Wilson)
 
HEBREWS 10:19-24
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus--20 he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)--21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. [7]
1 CORINTHIANS 5:6-7
Don’t you know that a little leaven, leavens the whole batch of dough? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as indeed you are. For Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed.[8]

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Le 23:5–6). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Lk 23:44–46.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Jn 19:30.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 12:40). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Mt 27:61–28:8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (1 Co 15:3–8). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heb 10:19–25.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Co 5:6–7.

John 3:16 – “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”[1] This is the mission of God. The most memorized verse in the Bible. We quote it, we read it, and we hear it many times. It is expressed so much that little thought is put into the mission. Christopher Wright reminds us in The Mission of God’s People that this is God’s mission. Because it is God’s mission, He has chosen how to accomplish His mission. God’s way of achieving His mission is not the way parents would choose as a plan. But God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit’s plan always was. They always knew the whole world because they created them. They love what they created… you. Just as they chose the world by creation and out of love, they gave the world a choice to love in return. They offered eternity with them by a simple choice. Believe in Jesus, the Son of God, as Lord and Savior. But the plan was so much deeper than just a choice. The plan included a blood sacrifice that Jesus made with His own life. God gave up His Son to death so the world could have life. This is God’s mission.

            As believers in God’s mission, we are invited to participate in His mission with Him. There are several aspects of our involvement with God’s mission:
     1) The idea that the world's Creator, the Holy Trinity, would create us to include us in their relationship with them is unfathomable. We were created by God out of His love for us. Every individual in the world is special because we are His creation. Understanding and embracing that truth only causes us to worship God and His Glory. Because of God’s mission, believers choose to worship God. Jesus said, “But an hour is coming, and is now here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”[2] Jesus said genuine worship comes from the heart through understanding God's truths. We journey through this life, learning about God and growing in the knowledge of His mission. When that occurs, it is natural for us to worship the Creator.


     2) Believing that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord caused a transformation in our lives. Paul reminds us, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved and gave himself for me.”[3] Our old life was put to death, and now we live our life by another source, the Trinity. As we learn and grow in knowledge and wisdom about the Trinity, it begins to impact how we live out our lives. It is not a matter of being taught how we should live our lives but a more natural living out of our journey by the grace administered through the Spirit of God. When the universal Church learns about a spirit-filled life, the mindset changes from legalism to grace. This is the real adventure when we begin to trust God rather than relying on our own strength and abilities. Grace has two aspects to it. There is grace that brings salvation through Jesus. The other aspect of grace is the ability to live each day through God. We will spend the rest of our journey here on earth learning to live in this grace of another source.


     3) Learning to live out of this grace changes our lives. Paul encourages the Church to “Do everything without grumbling and arguing,  so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, by holding firm to the word of life.”[4] Peter also says, “But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.”[5] These scripture passages are typically taught as commands to obey in our behavior. But if the Church understands it is about their identity rather than their behavior, these truths become very natural. The Church has been made holy and blameless because of what Jesus did on the cross. We must rest in this truth and just “be” rather than “do.”


     4) When believers discover their identity in Jesus, a transformation in the mind takes place, significantly impacting their behavior. Joy is already present in the Spirit but is now discovered by the believer. It is realizing they are forgiven and made holy. They know they are the righteousness of Christ—not just that God views them as righteous, but they have been made righteous… past tense. When this realization has occurred, it becomes natural for them to talk about the best news ever. Knowing your identity in Christ becomes the most incredible “evangelism tool” and becomes more than just information being communicated. When the Church knows its true identity, it begins to express the Good News to those around it. Our world is being taught that it is more about them than others. So, this focus on what they can become through Jesus is attractive to them.


     5) As the Church grows in spiritual maturity, it is natural for the believers to edify and disciple one another. God intended the Church to live together in community, which was intentional as it created a desire for others to be included in this group. Nobody would want any part of this community if it is focused on something other than God's intentions. This is displayed in the Bible through the role of the Pharisees. For the Pharisees, it was all about their behavior. Their behavior dictated more about what they would become and their role. This is the opposite of God’s intentions. He made believers supernatural beings; we naturally behave and accomplish things from that transformation. As a body of believers, we are to teach and encourage our fellow believers in their identity so they may live out of this daily grace supplied by God. Proverbs says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”[6]

     6) The final intention of God’s mission is that the Church lives together in community and fellowship so they can provide for the needs of one another. This is modeled in Acts, “Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”[7] This is the model church as God intended it to be. We are to live together in harmony and help one another walk this journey here on earth.

This is God’s mission for the New Covenant Church. Therefore, it is my personal mission as well. I not only have to battle the worldview, but I also have to battle (or avoid) the religiosity of the Church. God never intended for us to be religious. Jesus said, “ A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”[8] I believe that we can have a full and abundant life here on earth and not have to wait until we die and go to heaven. May God continue to reveal Himself and empower me to accomplish His mission.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Jn 3:16.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Jn 4:23–24.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ga 2:20.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Php 2:14–16.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), 1 Pe 1:15–16.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Pr 27:17.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ac 2:43–47.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Jn 10:10.

Review:

• Moses received The Ten Commandments

 
Exodus 21 – Laws about injuries
Exodus 22 – Social Matters
Exodus 23 – 3 Annual Festivals
Exodus 24 – Covenant Confirmed
7 He then took the covenant scroll and read it aloud to the people. They responded, “We will do and obey all that the Lord has commanded.”
8 Moses took the blood, splattered it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you concerning all these words.”[1]
 
16 The glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day he called to Moses from the cloud. 17 The appearance of the Lord’s glory to the Israelites was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop. 18 Moses entered the cloud as he went up the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights.[2]
 
Exodus 25-31 – Tabernacle Revealed
EXODUS 25
25 The Lord spoke to Moses: 2 “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me. You are to take my offering from everyone who is willing to give. 3 This is the offering you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and fine leather; acacia wood; 6 oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx along with other gemstones for mounting on the ephod and breastpiece.,
8 “They are to make a sanctuary for me so that I may dwell among them. 9 You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings.[3]
 

• Ark, table & lampstand

 
THE ARK
10 “They are to make an ark of acacia wood, forty-five inches long, twenty-seven inches wide, and twenty-seven inches high. 11 Overlay it with pure gold; overlay it both inside and out. Also make a gold molding all around it. 12 Cast four gold rings for it and place them on its four feet, two rings on one side and two rings on the other side. 13 Make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14 Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark in order to carry the ark with them. 15 The poles are to remain in the rings of the ark; they must not be removed from it. 16 Put the tablets of the testimony that I will give you into the ark. 17 Make a mercy seat of pure gold, forty-five inches long and twenty-seven inches wide. 18 Make two cherubim of gold; make them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub at one end and one cherub at the other end. At its two ends, make the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat. 20 The cherubim are to have wings spread out above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and are to face one another. The faces of the cherubim should be toward the mercy seat. 21 Set the mercy seat on top of the ark and put the tablets of the testimony that I will give you into the ark. 22 I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the testimony; I will speak with you from there about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. [4]
 

• Exodus 26 - Curtains & walls
• Exodus 27 – Altar, court & oil
• Exodus 28 - Priestly Clothing
• Exodus 29 – Consecration/Ordination of the Priests
• Exodus 30 - Anointing Oil, Altar & Incense
• Exodus 31 - The Sabbath

18 When he finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. [5]
 
Exodus 32 – Golden Calf

• The scene now changes, and we see what was happening down in the Israelite camp, while Moses was still up in the heights of Sinai receiving the instructions for the Israelites' worship.
• The people were already apostatizing (renouncing their beliefs) and were devising their own form of worship.

7 The Lord spoke to Moses: “Go down at once! For your people you brought up from the land of Egypt have acted corruptly. 8 They have quickly turned from the way I commanded them; they have made for themselves an image of a calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and said, ‘Israel, these are your gods, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.’ ” 9 The Lord also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave me alone, so that my anger can burn against them and I can destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”[6]
 
19 As he approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses became enraged and threw the tablets out of his hands, smashing them at the base of the mountain. [7]
 
Exodus 33-34 – Covenant Renewed

• God’s Glory (Moses’ veil)

EXODUS 33
12 Moses said to the Lord, “Look, you have told me, ‘Lead this people up,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found favor with me.’ 13 Now if I have indeed found favor with you, please teach me your ways, and I will know you, so that I may find favor with you. Now consider that this nation is your people.”
14 And he replied, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
15 “If your presence does not go,” Moses responded to him, “don’t make us go up from here. 16 How will it be known that I and your people have found favor with you unless you go with us? I and your people will be distinguished by this from all the other people on the face of the earth.”
17 The Lord answered Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and I know you by name.”
18 Then Moses said, “Please, let me see your glory.”
19 He said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name ‘the Lord’ before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 20 But he added, “You cannot see my face, for humans cannot see me and live.” 21 The Lord said, “Here is a place near me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when my glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take my hand away, and you will see my back, but my face will not be seen.” [8]
 

• New Tablets

EXODUS 34
29 As Moses descended from Mount Sinai—with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands as he descended the mountain—he did not realize that the skin of his face shone as a result of his speaking with the Lord., 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face shone! They were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called out to them, so Aaron and all the leaders of the community returned to him, and Moses spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near, and he commanded them to do everything the Lord had told him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever Moses went before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil until he came out. After he came out, he would tell the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 and the Israelites would see that Moses’s face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the Lord. [9]
 
Exodus 35-40 – Tabernacle Construction

• Materials
• Skilled Artisans
• The Ark
• The Courtyard
• Moses Inspects
• God’s Glory

EXODUS 39
43 Moses inspected all the work they had accomplished. They had done just as the Lord commanded. Then Moses blessed them.[10]
 
Exodus 40:34-38 -  34 The cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses was unable to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud rested on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
36 The Israelites set out whenever the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle throughout all the stages of their journey. 37 If the cloud was not taken up, they did not set out until the day it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and there was a fire inside the cloud by night, visible to the entire house of Israel throughout all the stages of their journey. [11]
 
 
LIVING BY FAITH
HEBREWS 11
1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by this our ancestors were approved.
3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away, and so he did not experience death. He was not to be found because God took him away. For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. 6 Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
7 By faith Noah, after he was warned about what was not yet seen and motivated by godly fear, built an ark to deliver his family. By faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11 By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the one who had promised was faithful. 12 Therefore, from one man—in fact, from one as good as dead—came offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and as innumerable as the grains of sand along the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. 14 Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they were thinking about where they came from, they would have had an opportunity to return. 16 But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, 18 the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring will be traced through Isaac. 19 He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff., 22 By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.
23 By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they didn’t fear the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter 25 and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26 For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.
27 By faith he left Egypt behind, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for Moses persevered as one who sees him who is invisible. 28 By faith he instituted the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn might not touch the Israelites. 29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned…
 
39 All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.[12]
 

• The greatest love story of all time…
• “Jesus, I Believe” – Big Daddy Weave

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 24:7–8.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 24:16–18.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 25:1–9.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 25:10–22.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 31:18.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 32:7–10.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 32:19.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 33:12–23.
[9] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 34:29–35.
[10] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 39:43.
[11] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Ex 40:34–38.
[12] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heb 11:1–40.

• Paul is responding to Titus based upon the word he had received while in Macedonia.

SOUND TEACHING AND CHRISTIAN LIVING
TITUS 2
1 But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching.

• The sound doctrine of which Paul was a minister is the Gospel of grace.
• The New Covenant is our foundation (2 Corinthians 3:6-7).
• Anything that violates this is not sound doctrine no matter how popular the teaching.

2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance.

• Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. [1]Paul seems to be equating older age with Christian maturity assuming that sound doctrine is held as one ages.
• Older men - In Paul’s first-century ad context, this refers to men over age 50.[2]
• This is why he encourages older men to behave in a loving manner.
• NASB – “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.” [3]
• Sober, sober-minded.
• Old men with time on their hands could linger too long over the cup.
• The older men should know what they believe, and their doctrinal convictions should accord with God’s Word.[4]
• Titus was young and Paul was encouraging Titus to not overlook the older men and women in discipling the younger generation.
• Youth Ministers come to a point where they realize the impact of parents is greater than their own ministry.

3 In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.

• The Christian home was a totally new thing, and young women saved out of paganism would have to get accustomed to a whole new set of priorities and privileges.
• Those who had unsaved husbands would need special encouragement.[5]
• Similarly, older women are to be examples for younger women of how to love their husbands and children.
• Christ breeds love in His children.
• The greatest priority in a home should be love.
• If a wife loved her husband and her children, she was well on the way to making the marriage and the home a success.
• In our Western society, a man and a woman fall in love and then get married; but in the East, marriages were less romantic.
• Often the two got married and then had to learn to love each other.[6]
• The more we know sound doctrine, the more we will see this love come forth.
• Also, important to note: According to this verse women were teaching in the early church.
• They are teaching younger women about godliness.
• So, evidently, Paul assumed that women were fully capable of teaching in the ministry context.
• Paul consistently encourages husbands and wives to submit to one another (See also Ephesians 5:21).
• Here the wife is in focus.
• The wife shows love to her husband by submitting to his needs and desires.
• This prevents the dishonoring of the word of God, or the Gospel, in a public atmosphere.
• People can see Christians living in unity with one another and consequently being attracted to the Gospel.
• So, the marriage is not to be a place of oppression for women or men. Rather, a place of submissive love and servitude.

6 In the same way, encourage the young men to be self-controlled 7 in everything.

• Just as older men and women are to be of sound doctrine and love, so also are young men and women.
• Paul does not allow age to discount someone’s value and effectiveness in God’s kingdom.
• He is more concerned with spiritual maturity than age.

Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching.

• Good deeds are not synonymous with legalistic practices.
• Good deeds, or good works, always arise out of our new identity in Christ.
• Good deeds are Christ’s work within His children.
• As we allow Him to express fruit through us, we produce good works in the world.
• This is Paul’s consistent message to his readers.

8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.

• Paul encourages Titus to instruct people to live at peace with one another while maintaining pure doctrine.
• This puts to shame those who are antagonistic to Christians and the Gospel message.  

9 Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back 10 or stealing,

• Paul likely has the employee in mind.
• In Greek culture slaves referred to those who were manual laborers, tutors, and other jobs often held for a family or individual.
• Paul does not have in mind an oppressive system of slavery.

but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

• The good works being encouraged by Paul are decorating sound doctrine.
• As we express Christ to people light is shined on the sound doctrine of the Gospel.
• People will see the fragrant aroma of Christ amongst Christians and inquire about the source of their joy.
• Christ’s life within us is attractive to the world.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

• God, through Jesus, did not die for some people or a select group.
• Jesus died for the whole world because He wants all people to believe.

12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age,

• God’s grace teaches people to live godly lives.
• This, in contrast, to the Old Covenant law which is a ministry of condemnation and death.
• So, Paul’s point is that grace saves us and teaches us.
• As we rest in grace, we will see Christ’s life shine through our own lives in beautiful ways.

13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

• Paul has an incredible optimistic view of Christ’s Second Coming.
• There is no room in Paul’s theology for the believer’s fear at Christ’s return.
• There is no movie of our bad works to be played. Instead, we will step into the full reality of our salvation.

14 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.

• “redeem” - The Greek word used here, lytroō, (lay-troe-o) means “to release” or “set free,” especially from slavery.[7]
• “lawlessness” - In our unsaved condition, we were rebels against God’s law; but now all of that has been changed.[8]
• Because Christians have a new heart, they are eager for good deeds.
• These good deeds are the fruit of the Spirit produced within us and through us.
• Christians are eager and zealous to live righteously.
• This is reality regardless of what we feel or experience.

15 Proclaim these things; encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.[9]

• Paul is not speaking of being combative with people but rather standing confidently in the Gospel of grace.
• He wanted Titus to bolster the church in their identity so that they would be confident during persecution and rejection.[10]

Be confident in who you are what you know… you have been entrusted with the Gospel… the Good News!

[1] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update (Tt 2:2). (1995). The Lockman Foundation.
[2] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Tt 2:2). Lexham Press.
[3] New American Standard Bible: 1995 update (Tt 2:2). (1995). The Lockman Foundation.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 264). Victor Books.
[5] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 265). Victor Books.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 265). Victor Books.
[7] Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., Whitehead, M. M., Grigoni, M. R., & Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Tt 2:14). Lexham Press.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 266). Victor Books.
[9] Christian Standard Bible (Tt 2:1–15). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[10]  Farley, Andrew. www.BibleCommentary.com. Titus 2.

• We spent 11 chapters talking about the supremacy of Jesus. Greater than…
• In Chapter 12 we were encouraged to walk in obedience to Jesus.
• Chapter 13 is stating the obvious and discussing behavior as result of what they already know and are.
• Sometimes you just have to state the obvious.
• Remember the circumstances here: This group of believers was separated from the Jews.
• They were entering a period of isolation.

FINAL EXHORTATIONS
HEBREWS 13
1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it.

• As Christians, these Hebrew people no doubt had been rejected by their friends and families.
• The deepest kind of fellowship is not based on race or family relationship; it is based on the spiritual life we have in Christ.[1]
• A church fellowship based on anything other than love for Christ and for one another simply will not last.[2]
• Where there is true Christian love, there will also be hospitality.
• This was an important ministry in the early church because persecution drove many believers away from their homes.[3]
• Angels is in reference to Genesis 18 where Abraham hosted 3 angels.

3 Remember those in prison, as though you were in prison with them, and the mistreated, as though you yourselves were suffering bodily.

• The imprisoned typically needed someone to provide them with food, water, and clothing.
• Paul relied upon his congregations to care for him while he was in prison [4]
• Our greatest need in the church is for each individual to be capable of identifying with the pain of the other individuals.
• This is how we minister.

4 Marriage is to be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, because God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

• The Greek adjective translated “pure” conveys the meaning “undefiled,” “unpolluted,” “untainted.”[5]
• State the obvious…
• This will be in contrast to what we watch on TV, movies or media in general.
• Sex outside of marriage is sinful and destructive.
• Sex within the protective bonds of marriage can be enriching and glorifying to God.[6]
• Notice the identity of those who will be judged.
• Identity of habitual sinners.
• But beyond the obvious… the marriage bed mirrors God’s relationship with His people.

5 Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say,
The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?

• Deuteronomy 31:6
• Psalm 118:6
• Paul considered himself to be a wealthy man since true wealth was being content with what you have.
• When we have God, we have all that we need.
• In the midst of this economy… we have to trust that God will provide as He already has.

7 Remember your leaders who have spoken God’s word to you. As you carefully observe the outcome of their lives, imitate their faith.

• He already listed heroes of the faith in Chapter 11.
• The leaders of the church are described here less by their office and more by their function of preaching and teaching the Word of God.[7]
• When you recall that few Christians then had copies of the Scriptures, you can see the importance of this personal ministry of the Word.[8]
• I am OK with being gone. Then the sooner I leave, the sooner you can start depending on the Lord.
• Never build your life on any servant of God.
• Build your life on Jesus Christ. He never changes.[9]

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

• In reference to Jesus’ divine nature.
• In reference to earthly leaders who come and go.

9 Don’t be led astray by various kinds of strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established by grace and not by food regulations, since those who observe them have not benefited.

• He is being very protective here because most of their lives they were under a different system that had many food regulations (the Law).
• I am very protective about what I want you to hear… and not just from this platform.

10 We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp.

• The Levite Priests were forbidden to eat from the animals sacrificed on the Day of Atonement so they took the remains outside of the Tabernacle and burned them.

12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood.

• Jesus died outside the gates of Jerusalem, confirming that Law must be abandoned to partake of Christ.
• Isn’t it amazing that so many churches teach us to remain under the Law but it clearly shows us here that is not true?

13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace.

• Just as Jesus dies outside the camp, he is encouraging the Hebrew Christians to do the same.

14 For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come.

• The current Jerusalem at that time was only temporary.
• They knew there was a New Jerusalem to come.

15 Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.

• They were used to offering up animals and now he is telling them their sacrifice is to be praise.

16 Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.

• The actions, as a result from knowing who we are, are a sacrifice to God.
• Your obedience is a sacrifice enough.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, since they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account, so that they can do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

• What an awesome responsibility.
• How do I that? Trust.
• James 3:1 – Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment.[10]
• Judgment comes from those who sit under our leadership… Not from God. (Rom 8:1)
• What brings joy to godly leaders? Watching you mature spiritually.
• How do you measure maturity?
• It sure looks different than numerical growth.

18 Pray for us, for we are convinced that we have a clear conscience, wanting to conduct ourselves honorably in everything.

• We need prayer.
• Believers who have a guilty conscience lack the ability to tap into the power and authority they have been given.

 
19 And I urge you all the more to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.

• He was writing to them because he was physically away from them but desired to be with them.

 
BENEDICTION AND FAREWELL
20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus—the great Shepherd of the sheep—through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 equip you with everything good to do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

• “everlasting” – confirming our eternal security in God’s family.
• God is the One who equips me… not myself.

22 Brothers and sisters, I urge you to receive this message of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.

• It’s brief… it only took me 5 months to get through it with you. Ha!

23 Be aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon enough, he will be with me when I see you.

• Timothy is released from prison. Not sure where.

24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who are from Italy send you greetings.

• The writer is in Italy or all the people working with the writer are from Italy.

25 Grace be with you all. [11]

• Grace – the desire and power to do God’s will… walk by His Spirit.
• Mediocrity will never allow us to experience life abundantly.
• It never has and never will.

May we walk on in faith and grow in our maturity!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[4] Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Heb 10:34). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
[5] Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. The New American Commentary (p. 609). Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[7] Allen, D. L. (2010). Hebrews. The New American Commentary (p. 611). Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group.
[8] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:7). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 13:7). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[10] Christian Standard Bible (Jas 3:1). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[11] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 13:1–25). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

WARNING AGAINST REJECTING GOD’S GRACE
HEBREWS 12
14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.

• This verse is not about identity but about behavior.
• This is how we respond out of knowing our own identity.
• We already have peace (Gal 2:20). We just need to choose it in our relationships.
• If you try to make peace and holiness with everyone without knowing who you are… you will labor and fail.
• Otherwise, it comes very naturally, and it will be obvious to others that you are a believer.
• God’s grace does not fail, but we can fail to take advantage of His grace.[1]

15 Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and defiling many.

• We are not talking about salvation grace… but daily grace… what we live by each day.
• If you live in the room of good intentions rather than the room of grace… you will fall into bitterness.
• I’d rather be freer with God’s grace than freer with God’s wrath.
• If you reject grace (that comes every moment) you will eventually blame God for your circumstances.
• When you accept grace… your view of circumstances and God changes.
• I might get labeled as “soft on sin” but the door to sharing with more people about their sin issue is much larger!
• Grace allows me to see God’s discipline in my life as a good thing… rather than a bad and causing bitterness to grow.

16 And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. 17 For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.

• The author is reminding the Hebrew Christians that their choice of returning to Judaism could cost them much… their lives!
• Esau sold his birthright thinking he could eventually get it back.
• He was sorry for his physical loss rather than the spiritual loss of the blessing therefore wasn’t repentant.
• Esau didn’t lose his salvation, just the physical and spiritual blessings that were rightfully his.
• Esau became bitter because he realized all that he lost.
• Author is warning the Hebrew Christians of this same loss and bitterness.
• Wes Cate: I was always curious why Esau was so despised, and Jacob was loved by God. Jacob is the conniving one, and Esau was just hungry. But looking at the inheritance of the Patriarch's: that inheritance wasn't the wealth of life; it was the Lord who blesses. I think Esau and Jacob both knew that; so, Esau was willing to give up the Lord for a meal and Jacob was willing to lie, cheat and steal to get to God. That would be an interesting lesson on faith vs law in itself!
  
  

It's my opinion that Jacob had watched his grandfather Abraham and his father Isaac walk before God, he knew their relationship and wanted it bad. That's why at the end of his life he could pray a beautiful prayer to a life-long friend; to someone he had grown up in--a matured, well-aged relationship: "The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil . . . bless the lads."
18 For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 19 to the blast of a trumpet, and the sound of words. Those who heard it begged that not another word be spoken to them, 20 for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned. 21 The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.

• In reference to Mt. Sinai that they could physically touch.
• They so feared God they asked Him to stop talking.
• Referring to returning to the Law.
• If they return to what was, the Law, they will experience terror and fear and miss out on the spiritual blessings.
• We sometimes feel comfortable in returning to what we already know.
• Stepping out in faith, allows you to experience additional blessings.

22 Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, 23 to the assembly of the firstborn whose names have been written in heaven, to a Judge, who is God of all, to the spirits of righteous people made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which says better things than the blood of Abel.

• Mount Zion (New Jerusalem) – walk by grace.
• Mount Sinai – life of bondage and Law.
• Author refers to OT believers who were perfected at the cross.
• At this new Mount… they are made righteous rather credited with righteousness at the old Mount.
• The blood of Abel only covered sin (atonement).
• Jesus’ blood was poured out on earth and offered in heaven.
• Abel’s blood only offered on earth.

25 See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven.

• It is Jesus’ sacrifice of blood that speaks to the Hebrew Christians.
• Moses warned them at Mount Sinai not to turn from God.
• A whole generation died in the wilderness because they refused to listen.
• Jesus is warning them now (from heaven) not to turn from His message.
• If they don’t return to the message, they will die in the destruction of 70 AD.

26 His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.

• Haggai 2:6

27 This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain.

• Tribulation & Second Coming of Christ.
• Believers will remain.
• Those who trust in daily grace… rather than the Law.

 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.[2]

• Our reverence and awe play out how?
• Attitude of devotion
• Worship
• Praise
• Ever been around a bitter Christian?
• Don’t miss out on what Jesus has already provided.
• It is a great life full of Spiritual blessings!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Heb 12:14). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 12:1–29). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Jesus being the perfect sacrifice and making a way to God was the previous 18 verses… Therefore…

EXHORTATIONS TO GODLINESS
HEBREWS 10
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters (Jewish believers), since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus--20 he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)--

• Think about the history of the Jew & Old Covenant.
• We have a hard time letting go of the Old Covenant today.
• They memorized and lived it out every day.
• Now it is all changed!
• Where only one man could go… now they all can.
• Jesus’ body is the veil torn open so we could have access to God.
• Jesus’ body was the barrier between God & man.
• Jesus’ blood forgave our sin.
• Jesus’ death allowed our own death (Gal 2:20 & Romans 6:6-7 - For we know that our old self, was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, 7 since a person who has died is freed from sin.[1]
• Our old self, sinful nature, Adamic nature has been eradicated.
• Now they (and we) are capable of speaking to God whenever we like. 24/7

21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God,

• Emphasis on “great”

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.

• Moses was required to do two things for his sons to act as high priests.
• 1) sprinkle them with the blood of an animal (Lev 8:30)
• Their sins and their bodies had to be purified.
• The difference for the NC believer vs Aaron & Co. was the freeing of the conscious of sins.
• Aaron’s sins were not forgiven… just covered.
• Our sins are completely forgiven and eradicated.
• 2) and wash them in water (Lev 8:6).
• Aaron’s cleansing was on the outward body.
• Our cleansing was on the inside.
• New heart, new spirit, new creation, new man.
• Only mention of “pure” water in the Bible.
• Some interpret that “our bodies washed in pure water” means water baptism is necessary for salvation.
• Nothing pure about the water in the Jordan River… trust me.

23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful.

• Hold fast to their salvation. It is secure.
• He is responsible for keeping us saved.

24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works,

• Love is mentioned before good works.
• Know the Father intimately first.
• Good works for others will follow.

25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

• They had been gathering but were now afraid to due to persecution.
• The day of destruction that was coming in 70 AD.
• Jesus spoke about this day in Matthew 24:2 & Luke 21:6, 20-24.

 
WARNING AGAINST DELIBERATE SIN
26 For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth,

• They willfully continued to make animal sacrifices knowing that Christ’s offering was all that was needed.
• This is different than sins committed in ignorance.

there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,

• Old Covenant sacrifices of animals was no longer necessary.
• Jesus’ sacrificed voided all remaining sacrifices.

27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries.

• If this one verse meant we would lose our salvation then it would contradict everything we have studied so far.
• This is not about eternal judgment.
• If they remained in Jerusalem and sacrificing animals at the Temple, they would lose their life as it was destroyed in 70 AD.
• They all fled before the Romans arrived.

28 Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses.

• In Heb 3:1-6, the author compared Moses to Jesus with Jesus being greater. Why wouldn’t the punishment be even greater?

29 How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?

• 1) “Trampled on the Son of God” – dishonor
• 2) “Regarded as profane the blood of the covenant” – Christ’s blood was no different than any other man… possibly unholy blood?
• 3) “Insulted the Spirit of grace.” – identifying himself (not making) with the generation of Jews who blasphemed the Spirit in Jesus and would perish in 70 AD.
• Under the Old Covenant, God responded to disobedience by bringing on physical death.
• These Hebrew Christians would experience the same if they refused to abandon the idea of returning to temple sacrifices.
• Is there removal from their flesh a sign of grace from God?
• Corinthians man… Ananias & Sapphira?

30 For we know the one who has said,
Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, and again,
The Lord will judge his people.
31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

• The consequences of our sin can be terrifying.
• We are talking about earthly natural consequences not eternal judgment or it would wipe out the results of the cross.
• Remember… Losing our salvation is impossible.

32 Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions (in the public theater), and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. (because you chose to hang out with other believers) 34 For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession.

• These verses confirm this letter was written to believers in Jesus.
• He is reaffirming them in all the things they have already endured.
• Our inheritance is reserved in heaven.
• Greater things are to come.

35 So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised.

• Sometimes we just cruise along in our faith and we become independent.
• No need for God.
• It is when we go through crisis that we seek out God.
• In crisis… we either give up on God or cling to Him.
• “Throw away our confidence” does not mean “throw away our salvation”. This is impossible.
• The quality of the believer’s works in the journey will be rewarded… not the quantity.
• What works are rewarded? Those done in faith… in His strength.
• Why would one want to toss away this confidence?
• They can lose their physical lives.
• They can lose their rewards.
• They can’t lose their salvation.
• We need to accept God’s grace into every moment of our lives.
• We can receive what has already been promised and provided.

37 For yet in a very little while,
the Coming One will come and not delay.
38 But my righteous one will live by faith;
and if he draws back,
I have no pleasure in him.

• Habakkuk 2:3-4
• The same promise He made to Habakkuk He is also making to these Hebrew Christians.
• He wants us to have pleasure that comes from obedience in Jesus.

39 But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.[2]

• This confirms once again their salvation is not in question.
• “destroyed” – perdition means more than the loss of a physical life. It is utter destruction… complete ruin.
• “Faith” comes from God… we just have to claim it.
• “Help me with my unbelief”.
• It is something we already have… open the gift… use it.
• You have enough faith to finish the race.
• It is through our daily faith and grace that we can obtain an incredible life of adventure here on earth… today!

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 6:6–7). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 10:19–39). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• This is a summary of what has already been written.
• Wash, rinse & repeat!

THE PERFECT SACRIFICE
HEBREWS 10
1 Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the reality itself of those things, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year.

• Shadow – outlines an object.
• They all knew something better was to come.
• What was to come? Jesus
• Good things to come – Jesus’ life, fulfilling the Law, death and His resurrection.
• Colossians 2:17 - These are a shadow of what was to come; the substance is Christ.
• Colossians 2:20-23 - If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: 21 “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. 23 Although these have a reputation for wisdom by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self(fleshly)-indulgence.[1]
• No one wants religion.
• They want the real person.
• Perfect – reach an end, finished or complete.
• What keeps us from God now? Our sin.
• Totally perfect in our person to access God.
• We have been made perfect and have access.

2 Otherwise, wouldn’t they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, purified once and for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?

• It never happened in the Old Covenant.
• This is where the battle happens today.
• The evil one accuses us and reminds of our sin.
• He even prompts us to work on our sin… the devil.
• Christ said, “It is finished.”
• We are to live our lives consciously free of sin.
• What does repentance look like?

 
3 But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

• Sins were not forgiven… only atoned… covered.
• Impossible!
• Bull blood for the High Priest (Lev 16:11)
• Goat blood for the people (Lev 16:15)
• Jeremiah 31:33 - “Instead, this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—the Lord’s declaration. “I will put my teaching within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them”—this is the Lord’s declaration. “For I will forgive their iniquity and never again remember their sin. [2]

5 Therefore, as he was coming into the world, he said:

• (Psalm 40:6-8)

You did not desire sacrifice and offering,
but you prepared a body for me.
6 You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “See-- it is written about me in the scroll-- I have come to do your will, God.”
8 After he says above, You did not desire or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law), 9 he then says, See, I have come to do your will.

• Sacrifices and offerings did not accomplish forgiveness.
• Prepared a body – Jesus, God’s son lived in the body.
• Jesus chose through faith to do His Father’s will and died for the sin of man.

He takes away the first to establish the second.

• God did not take away the Law… for the unredeemed.
• But it is taken away from the redeemed.
• The Old Covenant animal sacrifices were done away with when Jesus died for the New Covenant to be ushered in.
• The Old Covenant is now null and void.
• Review the circumstances the Hebrew Christians are under in their choice.
• Persecution or going back to the Old Covenant.
• Legalism or freedom?

10 By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.

• Sanctified – to be made holy, set apart, made a saint.
• Not just declared to someday attain when we die.
• Not positional – we are holy but not holy.
• Sanctified in the Greek is in the perfect tense which communicates past completed action with a resulting state of being.
• We have been made forever holy.
• You can never be more holy than you are right now.
• It is not your behavior that makes you holy.
• It is only Jesus.

11 Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins.

• This was a lot of daily work for the priests.
• Constantly on their feet.

12 But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.

• We are a forgiven people.
• We live in a state of forgiveness.
• All sin forever… all sin for mankind.
• It is through faith & repentance that one receives this forgiveness made available to all.

13 He is now waiting until his enemies are made his footstool.

• Even though they have already been defeated at the cross… the footstool is yet to happen.

14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified.

• Perfected – past tense, completed action with a resulting state of being. We are perfected.
• Sanctified – present tense… it is happening now. An ongoing process.
• NIV says “who are being made holy.”
• What is being sanctified now? Our behavior.
• What you do is not who you are.
• Who you are has a great impact on what you do.
• Your soul & spirit have been perfected.
• Your behavior is being sanctified.
• Sanctified is in the passive voice meaning that it is God who will sanctify our behavior, not us.
• Believers were made perfect forever.
• It is impossible to lose our righteousness.
• Can you complete the race? Done deal.
• Perseverance… is about intimacy with God.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after he says:

• The Holy Spirit gets credit for speaking through Jeremiah.

16 This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, the Lord says, I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds,
17 and I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts.
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.[3]

• Forgiveness has occurred.
• Does God have a list of your sins? NO!
• Why would you continue with your sacrifices?
• Why do you keep asking for what you already have?
• This letter greatly impacted these Hebrew Christians.
• Not a single one of them perished in destruction of the Temple in 70 AD.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Col 2:17–23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Je 31:33–34). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 10:1–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Let me reiterate what I said last week…
• The Old Covenant originated in the Old Testament…
• Do not disregard the Old Testament.
• Learn to distinguish Old Testament from Old Covenant.
• The non-believing Jews worshipped the system described in the Old Covenant. They did this in both the Old & New Testaments.
• Today we put more value on our local churches (systems) than we do our relationship with Jesus.

OLD COVENANT MINISTRY
HEBREWS 9
1 Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary.

• Offerings & sacrifices in the tabernacle.

2 For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves.

• This was before Solomon’s & Herod’s temples.
• Descriptions can be found in Exodus 35-40.
• The outer court was 150 feet long and 75 feet wide.
• The court was 45 feet long and 15 feet wide.
• Holy Place was 30 feet long by 15 wide.

3 Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place.

• Holy of Holies was 15 feet long and 15 feet wide and 15 feet high.

4 It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.

• All three items represented Israel’s rebellion.

5 The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.

• The Mercy Seat covered their acts of rebellion.
• The Mercy Seat was soon the place where sin was to be forgiven

6 With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. 7 But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.

• General priests went in and out of the Holy Place performing duties.
• The High Priest went into the Holy of Holies at least twice on the Day of Atonement.
• Once to offer a sacrifice for his sins and a second time to offer a sacrifice for all other sin.
• Obvious sins could be dealt with any day of the year.
• “sins of ignorance” were covered on the Day of Atonement only.
• “sins of ignorance” – hidden sins or sins they had forgotten.

8 The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing.

• The closest place a common Jew could get near to God was the outer court.
• Only the High Priest had access to God one day a year.
• They were limited to the access of God because their sins had only been covered and not forgiven.

9 This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience.

• Symbol – picture of the real thing. A copy.

10 They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.

• The covering only dealt with the outward behavior and not the problem that existed within.
• They still had a sinful nature.
• “Time of restoration” – to make right or correct.
• All the sins during the OT were dealt with at the cross.

 
NEW COVENANT MINISTRY
11 But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation),

• Jesus entered the tabernacle pitched by the Lord in Heaven.
• Ephesians 2:6 - He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus,[1]
• Jesus has provided us access to God 24/7.

12 he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.

• The high priest entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of bulls/calves for his own sin.
• He then reentered with the blood of goats for the people.
• Jesus entered one time with His own perfect blood.
• Jesus’ one time entry was for all eternity. (secure)

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh,

• Atonement was only for behavior

14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?

• Christ’s blood & forgiveness was for the renewing of the soul, spirit and body.
• Our old sinful nature was removed and replaced with a new nature.
• Ezekiel 36:26 – I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.[2]
• We became saints who sometimes sin… and not lowly sinners saved by grace.
• Jesus did this through the Spirit… the same Spirit that lives in you and me.
• We have been empowered.

15 Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant,

• Mediator – one who intervenes between two parties to ratify a covenant or peace.

so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

• The OT believers were saved at this point.
• Saved through repentance and faith.
• They believed in the Messiah that was to come.
• They were credited righteousness. Genesis 15:6

16 Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established.

• Whoever makes a will can change it as long as they are alive.
• But the will goes into effect when the person dies.
• It is binding, unalterable and irrevocable.
• Once again, we are secure.

17 For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living. 18 That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.

• God established the covenant with blood.
• It was the animals that died, not the initiator.
• Why blood? – Leviticus 17:11 - For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have appointed it to you to make atonement on the altar for your lives, since it is the lifeblood that makes atonement.[3]
• The life is in the blood.
• Blood is the symbol of death

19 For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, 20 saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you. 21 In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. 22 According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

• Blood was the symbol of death… if it was just the blood, the animals would not have to die.
• Death had to occur.
• Old Covenant was sealed with blood of animals.
• New Covenant was sealed with blood of Jesus.
• Moses’ actions pointed to what Christ was to come and do in the future.
• Once the Old Covenant was sealed with blood, it could not be altered.
• The New Covenant made the Old Covenant obsolete.
• It took the death of a perfect man to remove the sin of man.

23 Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these.

• Why did the heavenly tabernacle need to be purified?
• Satan brought sin into heaven after he fell.
• He approached God in Job 1:6-7
• Revelation 12:10 says he is still accusing the brethren.

24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us.

• Jesus never entered into the Holy of Holies in the Temple (Herod’s) because He was not a high priest on earth.
• Now he represents all of God’s children in heaven.

25 He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another.

• Jesus’s blood sacrifice made it final… “It is finished.”
• One time only!
• He sat down.

26 Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself.

• Forgiveness occurred at one time.
• He doesn’t climb back up on the cross for any more sin.
• Sin is an issue that has already been dealt with and defeated.
• He died once… never to die again!

27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment--

• General statement – Lazarus died twice as well as others in the OT/NT that were raised from the dead.
• Enoch & Elijah never died at all.
• Judgment follows death
• Great White Throne Judgment for non-believers in Revelation 20:11-15.
• Judgment Seat of Christ in 2 Corinthians 5:10.
• Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,[4]

28 so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.[5]

• When Jesus returns, He will not be dealing with the sin issue… He already did.
• When we see Jesus face to face… He will not mention one single sin to you.
• We live in a constant state of forgiveness.
• The High Priest always came out to the people with confirmation that their sacrifices had been received.
• When Jesus returns, it will be confirmation that the Father was pleased with His Son’s offering.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Eph 2:6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Eze 36:26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Le 17:11–12). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Ro 8:1). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 9:1–28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Hebrews 7 – Melchizedek – eternal priesthood

A HEAVENLY PRIESTHOOD
HEBREWS 8
1 Now the main point of what is being said is this: We have this kind of high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

• If there is any one thing that I will keep repeating because it is so important is the high priesthood of Jesus in heaven.
• Right hand/side – regarded highly
• 200+ OT – 100+ NT = References
• If we are “in Christ”… where are we now?
• Earthly priests never sat down… too busy.
• Jesus sat down because the work was finished.
• In His redemptive work He is done and seated.
• In His encouragement work He stands.
• Acts 7:55 - 55 Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”[1]

2 a minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that was set up by the Lord and not man.

• Earthly priests worked in the tabernacle that was pitched by man.
• The tabernacle in heaven was pitched by the Lord.
• Which is greater?
• Exodus 25-31 and 35-40.
• 150’ long & 75’ wide.

3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; therefore, it was necessary for this priest also to have something to offer.

• gifts = a portion of their blessings. (commitment)
• sacrifices = an offering for their sin.
• Jesus offered His blood which is greater than the bulls and goats blood. It actually forgave sin.

4 Now if he were on earth, he wouldn’t be a priest, since there are those offering the gifts prescribed by the law.

• Jesus’ priesthood occurs in heaven.
• He was from the tribe of Judah… not Levi.

5 These serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was warned when he was about to complete the tabernacle. For God said, Be careful that you make everything according to the pattern (tee-pos = type) that was shown to you on the mountain.

• Moses’ earthly tabernacle was just a shadow of the actual tabernacle in heaven.
• A model.
• A shadow confirms that the real thing exists.

6 But Jesus has now obtained a superior ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been established on better promises.

• Old Covenant – based on conditional promises.
• OC was dependent on those who received the covenant to fulfill certain requirements in order for the results to be fulfilled.
• OC – If you obey the Law, will bless you. If you disobey the Law, you will be cursed.
• New Covenant – based on unconditional promises.
• NC – Even though the promise is guaranteed, we can still experience blessings and curses based upon logical consequences.
• God’s unconditional covenant with Abraham that he would have many descendants has occurred but we are dealing with the curse of his behavior still today as the descendants of Ishmael battle with the descendants of Isaac.
• OC only convicted people of sin.
• NC empowers people to overcome sin.
• Moses was the mediator of the OC.
• Jesus is the mediator of the NC.
• Who is greater?

 
A SUPERIOR COVENANT
7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion for a second one.

• The OC could not make a person righteous.
• The NC not only makes a person righteous but also empowers them to overcome sin on a daily basis.
• Living this life out today is not much different.
• You either have a church that is trying to attain righteousness or a church that is living in their righteousness.

8 But finding fault with his people, he says:
(Jeremiah 31:31-34)

• David, Jeremiah and other OT prophets knew there was another (better) covenant that was coming.
• The writer is saying, “Even Jeremiah knew…”
• “finding fault with them” – the Jews

See, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah--

• The divided kingdom had occurred after the death of Solomon.
• The house of Israel was the 10 tribes living in the northern part of Israel.
• The house of Judah was the 2 tribes (Judah & Benjamin) living in the southern part of Israel which included Jerusalem.
• Who made the covenant? God did.
• Who is responsible for carrying out the NC?
• Who is the beneficiary of the NC?

9 not like the covenant
that I made with their ancestors
on the day I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt.
I showed no concern for them, says the Lord,
because they did not continue in my covenant.
10 For this is the covenant
that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws into their minds
and write them on their hearts.
Deuteronomy 11:18–23 - “Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your fathers. 22 For if you carefully observe every one of these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, and remain faithful to Him— 23 the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you will drive out nations greater and stronger than you are.[2]

• phylacteries – Wore the Word on their head & hearts.

I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 And each person will not teach his fellow citizen,
and each his brother or sister, saying, “Know the Lord,”
because they will all know me,
from the least to the greatest of them.
12 For I will forgive their wrongdoing,
and I will never again remember their sins.

• This is a much greater promise than the Old Covenant.
• The sin issue is done.
• Jesus’ blood is the perfect offering.

13 By saying a new covenant, he has declared that the first is obsolete. And what is obsolete and growing old is about to pass away.[3]
    - The Old Covenant only atoned (covered) sin.
    - The New Covenant forgives sin.
    - “about to disappear” – The writer knew the Temple
       was about to be destroyed and it was just a few
       years later.
    - The sacrificial system of sacrifices in the Old
       Covenant ended in 70 AD when Titus annihilated
       the Temple.

Lord’s Supper – Jesus’ blood is the perfect sacrifice.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Ac 7:55–56). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (Dt 11:18–23). (2009). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 8:1–13). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.