John 6:35-37

"I'm not really a religious person," he said, "but there was just no other avenue for me to explain anything or to experience anything. So I asked for the chaplain on the Navy ship. I saw him and the cross on his chest, and I broke down in tears. I don't think humanity has evolved to the point of being able to comprehend what we're looking at right now, because it was otherworldly.”

Reid Wiseman, Artemis II 

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by[f] him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

Colossians 1:15-22

No man ever saw Christ truly and was left unchanged.

Charles Spurgeon

“I looked back at the previous ten years of VeggieTales videos and realized that a lot of what we were teaching kids was:

‘God made you special, and He loves you very much.’

That’s true. But it’s not the whole story.

We weren’t teaching kids that they were sinners, or that they needed a Savior.”

Phil Vischer, Creator of VeggieTales

ZACCHAEUS, THE WITNESS WHO WAS NEVER THE SAME

He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”

Luke 19:1-7

What is needed in order for a person to first SEE Jesus, rightly?

Sin.

JESUS, FRIEND OF SINNERS

9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came…”

Luke 19:9-10

Jesus came to:

“To show people what a good person looks like.”

“To teach people how to get to heaven.”

“To die on the cross for the sins of the world.”

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:9-10

We know nothing aright in religion, if we think the sense of sin should keep us back from Christ. To feel our sins, and know our sickness is the beginning of real Christianity… Happy indeed are they who have found out their soul’s disease! Let them know that Christ is the very Physician they require, and let them apply to him without delay.”

J.C. Ryle

The Danger of Spiritual CIP (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain)

Congenital Insensitivity to Pain (CIP): a rare genetic disorder where a person cannot feel physical pain.

JESUS, THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Luke 19:8-10

22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Luke 18:22

What does ‘coming’ mean? It means that movement of the soul which takes place when a man, feeling his sins, and finding out that he cannot save himself, hears of Christ, applies to Christ, trusts in Christ, lays hold on Christ, and leans all his weight on Christ for salvation. When this happens, a man is said, in scriptural language, to ‘come’ to Christ.

J.C. Ryle

JESUS, THE ONE WHO NEVER LEAVES

“No, wait” — we say, cautiously approaching Jesus—“you don’t understand. I’ve really messed up, in all kinds of ways.”

I know, he responds.

“You know most of it, sure. Certainly more than what others see. But there’s perversity down inside me that is hidden from everyone.”

I know it all.

“Well—the thing is, it isn’t just my past. It’s my present too.”

I understant.

“But I don’t know if I can break free of this any time soon.”

That’s the only kind of person I’m here to help.

“The burden is heavy—and heavier all the time.”

Then let me carry it.

“It’s too much to bear.”

Not for me.

“You don’t get it. My offenses aren’t directed toward others. They’re against you.”

Then I am the one most suited to forgive them.

“But the more of the ugliness in me you discover, the sooner you’ll get fed up with me.”

Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

Dane Ortlund

No man ever saw Christ truly and was left unchanged.

Charles Spurgeon

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

John 6:35-37

22 But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on either side. 25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pushed against the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall. So he struck her again. 26 Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam's anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” 30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”

31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face.

Numbers 22:22-31

We were wired to belong.

People are willing to go to great lengths to be known by others, but God has gone farther.

24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 

John 17:24

How far is God willing to go in order to be seen?

Witness: a person who sees, hears, or experiences an event firsthand; particularly a crime or an accident.

Balaam is the picture of your “spiritual” person today who will try it all but will not serve any specific god; they are their own god.

So Balak the son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, 5 sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River[a] in the land of the people of Amaw, to call him, saying, “Behold, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth, and they are dwelling opposite me. 6 Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me.

Numbers 22:5-6

7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and gave him Balak's message. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” 

Numbers 22:7-8

Balaam is a witness to

1. The God Who Speaks

12 God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 

Numbers 22:12

• God speaks clearly:

“This command… is not too hard for you… the word is very near you.”

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 (paraphrase)

“Write the vision; make it plain…”

Habakkuk 2:2

“I have spoken openly to the world… I have said nothing in secret.”

John 18:20

• God speaks truthfully:

“God is not man, that he should lie…”

Numbers 23:19

“It is impossible for God to lie…”

Hebrews 6:18

“The Father of lights… with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

James 1:17

• God speaks effectively:

“My word… shall not return to me empty…”

Isaiah 55:10-11 (paraphrase) 

the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”

Psalm 19:8

• God speaks personally:

“It is impossible for God to lie…”

Hebrews 6:18

“The Father of lights… with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

James 1:17

1. The God Who Warns

22 But God's anger was kindled because he went, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as his adversary. Now he was riding on the donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, with a drawn sword in his hand. And the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. 

Numbers 22:22-23

1. The God Who Pursues

28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

Numbers 22:28 

1. The God Who Turns Curses Into Blessing

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[h] for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

Galatians 3:13

1. The God Who he Belongs to

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32

“You say, ‘I want to see more.’ What more do you want than the Son of God crushed under the wrath of God for sinners?”

Paul Washer

“The greatest display of God’s love is the cross of Christ. If that does not win your heart, nothing will.”

John Piper

TEACHING TEXT:  Exodus 3:1-12,” Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” 

See the Power of God.

Exodus 3:2-6,”4 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” 5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”

Charles Spurgeon - “Where God is present, the place becomes holy ground, though it be a desert and a bush.”

Exodus 3:6,”6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”

Matthew Henry - “God's covenant-relation to us as our God is the best support in the worst of times, and a great encouragement to our faith in particular promises. When we are conscious to ourselves of our own great unworthiness we may take comfort from God's relation to our fathers,”

Charles Spurgeon - “A sense of the divine presence will make a man cover his face in humility. The nearer we come to God, the more conscious we are of our own unworthiness.”

Recognize who God is. 

Exodus 3:11-15,”11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.” 13 Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”15 God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ “This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.”

A. W. Tozer - “God exists in Himself and by Himself, and all other beings exist only because He wills that they should.”

God extends the call. 

Exodus 4:1-11 “Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” 2 Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. 3 The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.”Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 5 “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.” 6 Then the Lord said, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand into his cloak, and when he took it out, the skin was leprous[e]—it had become as white as snow. 7 “Now put it back into your cloak,” he said. So Moses put his hand back into his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his flesh. 8 Then the Lord said, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first sign, they may believe the second. 9 But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground.” 10 Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

Exodus 3:7-8,”7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—”

Moses sees → resists → God still sends 

God answers every excuse except one: unwillingness 

Charles Spurgeon - “The Lord’s eye is never closed to the sorrow of His people.”

1. Ask God to reveal His power to you.

1. Ask God to reveal His identity to you.

1. Ask God to send you.

 GOD ALONE SUSTAINS 
 

...

“20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Sheperd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross….” Hebrews 12:2

“20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Sheperd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

We are to live in the new covenant

Covenant: an agreement between God and people, where God makes promises and people respond in faith or obedience

“A covenant is a sovereign announcement of God which He establishes a relationship of responsibility between Himself and mankind. Covenants are unconditional in the sense that God obligates Himself in grace, by His declaration ‘I will’”- NKJV Study Bible

“5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Exodus 19:5-6

Old covenant
 I will be your God, and you will be my people.
 The law is how the people would live in this covenant

“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” Exodus 19:4

“The Lord reminded the people that up to then they had been the objects of His free grace. The law is not here proposed as a means of salvation but as a means by which Israel, already redeemed as a nation [from Egypt] might through obedience fulfill her proper destiny as a people of God’s possession, a holy nation, and a kingdom of priests.” – NKJV Study Bible

Old covenant:
 God, through grace, bringing a people to himself and the people responding to this means of salvation through obedience to the law

“None is righteous, no, not one” Romans 3:10

“I did not come to abolish (do away with) the law but to fulfill it.” Matthew 5:17

“Only a sinless savior could die for sinners. Only God could bear the weight of God’s wrath.”- R.C. Sproul

New covenant:
 God, through grace, bringing a people to himself and a people responding to this means of salvation through faith.

“8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God. 9 Not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Ex 19:6

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” 1 Peter 2:9-10

KINGS and PRIESTS

Kings deal with the horizontal areas of life
 how we relate to each other. 

• • Kings have dominion/ authority
• • Kings govern/ rule
• • Kings have responsibilities for kingdoms welfare
• • Kings serve rather than exploit

Priests deal with the vertical areas of life
 how we relate to God

• • Priests live a holy (set apart) life
• • Priests know the word of God
• • Priests intercede and act as mediators

“The chief privilege of a priest is access to God”- NKJV Study Bible

So, if we are called to live in this covenant by being kings and priests, then as kings       and priests      we have a picture of the cross       

“May the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead…through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete…to do His will…” Hebrews 13:20-21

“And they put upon His head the accusation written against Him: This is Jeus the King of the Jews”. Matthew 27:37

“If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.” Matthew 27:42

“Remember me when you come into your kingdom” Luke 23:42

“My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:34

“Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they do” Luke 23:24

“With his blood purchased us for God” and has “made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God.” Rev 5:10

LOOKING UNTO JESUS

“The Greek word for looking of this verse in Hebrews 12, is only used once in the New Testament. It means to stare.”- Chuck Smith

“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 me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Practically if we are to live into the new covenant, we need to ask 3 questions:
1) Am I a King like Jesus?

2) Am I a Priest like Jesus?

3) Am I looking onto Jesus?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1

Faith in Jesus is superior

vs. 4 By faith Abel offered God a sacrifice
vs. 5 By faith Enoch walked with God
 vs. 7 By faith Noah built the ark
 vs. 8 By faith Abraham left his home for the land God promised
 vs. 11 By faith Sarah believed God for a baby
 vs. 24 By faith Moses refused the comfort of Egypt pursing God’s promised land
 vs. 31 By faith Rahab believed she would be spared

vs. 4 By faith Abel “obtained witness that he was righteous”
vs. 5. By faith Enoch “had this testimony that he pleased God”
 vs. 7 By faith Noah “became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith”
vs. 8 By faith Abraham “received an inheritance”
 vs. 11 By faith Sarah “bore a child”
 vs. 29 By faith Moses “passed through the Red Sea on dry land”
 vs. 31 By faith Rahab “did not perish”

“And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell you of [all these others] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions…” Hebrews 11:32-33

Hall of fame 
 -people are added to the hall of fame because of something exceptional they did

-vs. 31 The faithful Rahab was also a prostitute
 -vs. 32 the faithful David- the man after God’s heart-also murdered a guy after he slept with that man’s wife and got her pregnant
 -vs. 8-12 the faithful Abraham and Sarah at one point doubted God’s follow through of the promise so they took matters into their own hands and Abraham made a baby with Sarah’s slave

He moves the standard off the person who lives by faith and onto the person of their faith.

“And all these (people of faith), having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise.” Hebrews 11:39

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13

Faith is believing and receiving what God has revealed

“Faith is the willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to.”- David Guzik

“God having provided something better for us…” Hebrews 11:40

“They waited for His coming; we enjoy Him as having come”- Jamieson

“Hebrews 11 proves that the saints of all ages [those of the Old testament, those who were wavering in their faith at the time of the writing, and those of us reading it now] are essentially one. There is a link which unites them; a thrill which passes from one hand to hand around the circle.”- Meyer

“3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action,[b] and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:3,5-9,13

[charlotte Elliot pic]

(hymn all one slide-4 paragraphs)

Just as I am, without one plea, 
 But that thy blood was shed for me, 
 And that thou bid’st (tells) me come to thee, 
 O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about 
 with many a conflict, many a doubt,
 Fightings and fears within, without,
 O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, those wilt (will) receive, 
 wilt (will) welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
 Because they promise I believe, 
 O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love
 The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
 Here for a season, then above, 
 O Lamb of God, I come, I come

“Faith is very difficult when we live as ‘practical atheists’. This describes someone who may have a theoretical belief in God, but the belief doesn’t matter in what they do from day to day.”- David Guzik

Hall of fame says you get there because you are exceptional
 Hall of faith says you get there because Jesus is exceptional

”8 First he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin

offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”

—though they were offered in

accordance with the law. 9 Then he (Jesus Christ) said,

“Here I am, I have come to do your will.

”He sets aside the first (covenant) to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been

made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every

priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices,

which can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest [WHO IS JESUS CHRIST] had offered

for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 and since that time he

waits for his enemies to be made his footstool. 14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect

forever those who are being made holy. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he

says: 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them

after that time, says the Lord.

I will put my laws in their hearts,

and I will write them on their minds.

”17 Then he adds:

“Their sins and lawless acts

I will remember no more.

”18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary.”

Psalm 51:16-18,

” 16 For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it;

You do not take pleasure in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken

and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise. 18 By Your favor do good to Zion; Build the walls

of Jerusalem.”

GOD WANTS COMPLETE CHANGE IN YOUR HEART NOT EMPTY ACTIONS.

The old covenant changes your actions without heart change = The new covenant changes

your actions by changing your heart

Old Covenant: It is crazy…Burnt Offerings//Grain Offerings//Communion Sacrifices//Purification

Offerings//Reparation Offerings//Priests - Community - Tribal Leader - General Populace –

Hebrews 9:9,

”Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the

worshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to food, drink, and various washings,

regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.”

Hebrews 10:8 NASB,

”8 First he said,

“Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings

you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”

—though they were offered in accordance with the law.

The Better Sacrifice was Jesus- Jesus was the only one who could bring us into peace and unity with God.

“Only a sinless Savior could die for sinners; only God could bear the weight of God’s wrath.”— R. C. Sproul.

Hebrews 9:11-14,

” 11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things having

come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made by hands, that is,

not of this creation; 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own

blood, He entered the holy place once for all time, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if

the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled,

sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through

the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead

works to serve the living God?”

You were bought with a very high price.

Hebrews 10:9-12 NASB,

”9 Then he [Jesus] said,

“Here I am, I have come to do your will.

” He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy

through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 Day after day every priest

stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which

can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins,

he sat down at the right hand of God,

“

The lesser things of earth could never have never atoned for what is beyond us.

“The gospel is not ‘do,’ but ‘done.’”— Watchman Nee

New Covenant: Hebrews 8:1-13 NASB,

” 7 For if that first covenant had been free of fault, no

circumstances would have been sought for a second. 8 For in finding fault with the people, He

says,

“Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will bring about a new covenant With the

house of Israel and the house of Judah, 9 Not like the covenant which I made with their fathers

On the day I took them by the hand To bring them out of the land of Egypt; For they did not

continue in My covenant, And I did not care about them, says the Lord. 10 For this is the

covenant which I will make with the house of Israel After those days, declares the Lord: I will put

My laws into their minds, And write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, And they shall

be My people. 11 And they will not teach, each one his fellow citizen, And each one his brother,

saying,

‘Know the Lord,

’ For they will all know Me, From the least to the greatest of them. 12 For

I will be merciful toward their wrongdoings,And their sins I will no longer remember.

”13 When He said,

“A new covenant,

” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming

obsolete and growing old is about to disappear.”

Hebrews 10:19-25 NASB,

”19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to

enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for

us through the veil, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the

house of God, 22 let’s approach God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith,

having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with

pure water. 23 Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He

who promised is faithful; 24 and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and

good deeds,...

“Today, if you hear his voice,
 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

Hebrews 3:12-19

BETTER DELIVERER

Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Hebrews 3:12-19

“They shall not enter my rest.”

6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
 do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on.

Hebrews 3:12-19

Green Day - American Idiot “Don’t want to be an…”

Rage Against The Machine - Killing in the Name “I won’t do what you tell me”

JONATHAN EDWARDS(photo)

70 Resolutions by Jonathan Edwards

Resolution one: “I will live for God.”

Resolution two: “If no one else does, I still will.”

Resolution six:“I won’t live halfway — I’m going all in while I have time.”

Resolution seven: “I’m going to live now the way I’ll wish I had at the end of my life.”

Deliverance: the action of being rescued or set free

Deliverance is not a transition from something bad to something neutral, it’s going from some bad to something good.

According to Morris, the ancient Rabbis considered Moses to be the greatest man ever, greater than the angels.

The writer to the Hebrews does nothing to criticize Moses.

David Guzik

7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,

“Today, if you hear his voice,

8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
     on the day of testing in the wilderness,

9 where your fathers put me to the test
     and saw my works for forty years.

10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation,
 and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart;
     they have not known my ways.’

11 As I swore in my wrath,
     ‘They shall not enter my rest.’”

12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 

Hebrews 3:7-12

What they did —> What that shows us about God —> The outcome

1. Moses - (OUT)

What Moses did: freed God’s people from 400 years of oppression

What that shows us about God: God cares deeply about rescuing us from our burdens

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

The Outcome: It was not enough for them

1. Joshua - (IN)

What Joshua did: Brought God’s people into the Promise Land after 40 years of wandering

What that shows us about God: God cares deeply about fulfilling our desires

The Outcome: It was not enough for them

19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

Hebrews 3:15-19

One can truly believe God, yet be occasionally troubled by doubts. There is a doubt that wants God’s promise but is weak in faith at the moment. Unbelief isn’t weakness of faith; it sets itself in opposition to faith.

David Guzik

Your unbelief is your fault, not your misfortune.

Charles Spurgeon

6 Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news failed to enter because of disobedience, 7 again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
 do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

Hebrews 4:6-10

1. Jesus - (NOW)

What Jesus did: Paid for sin with His own life once and for all.

What that shows us about God: What God cares most about is our DEEPEST good.

“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire: well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but only to arouse it, to suggest the real thing. If that is so, I must take care, on the one hand, never to despise, or be unthankful for, these earthly blessings, and on the other, never to mistake them for the something else of which they are only a kind of copy, or echo, or mirage. I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others do the same.”

C.S. Lewis

The Outcome: Jesus is enough and can be en...

Hebrews 2:14-18

What will we choose to connect our heart to: the shadow or the substance?

Better Son

The Biblical Understanding of the human heart is more skeptical and more hopeful than any other viewpoint.

1. The Danger of the human heart (The undertow)

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Hebrews 2:1

The writer had the drifting of a boat in mind, and such drifting happens naturally without an anchor to something solid. If we are not securely set in the truth of the supremacy of Jesus, we will drift into danger with the currents of the world, the flesh, and the devil.

David Guzik

The human heart is prone to drifting away from Jesus. 

“The Christian life is very much like climbing a hill of ice. You cannot slide up. You must cut every step with the ice axe.”

Charles Spurgeon

Rip Currents Are Invisible

The Ocean Is Constantly Moving

The Ocean Is Stronger Than Concrete

“The ocean is both mother and monster.”

Maritime Folklore

The heart is deceitful above all things,

    and desperately sick;

    who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Hebrews 2:1

A heart that is unanchored looks for visible saviors.

“The more we are exposed to the opinions of others, the more unstable we become unless we are rooted in Christ.”

Timothy Keller

1. The Beauty of the human heart (The Surfer)

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,

    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

4 what is man that you are mindful of him,

    and the son of man that you care for him?

5 Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

    and crowned him with glory and honor.

6 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

    you have put all things under his feet,

7 all sheep and oxen,

    and also the beasts of the field,

8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

    whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

Psalm 8:5-8

GARRETT MCNAMARA Photos*** (Big waves)

6 The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted?[b] And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for[c] you, and you must rule over it.”

Genesis 4:6-7

29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 

Romans 8:29

 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1

1. The Anchor for the human heart (The Lifeguard & Surfboard)

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 2:14-18

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

“Hebrews is basically a book that encourages [exhorts] discouraged Christians to continue on strong with Jesus in light of the complete superiority of who He is and what He did for us.”- David Guzik. 

The messenger vs. the message 

“Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” Hebrews 1:14. 

“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” 

the message > the messenger

Christ is not another messenger. He is the message

“GOD, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” Hebrews 1:1-2. 

“The Bible is the record of the different places and different ways by which God has spoken to man. In the book of Genesis, we find God speaking to man by angels; they were the messengers…then God began to speak through anointed men such as Moses and Joshua…. Then God spoke to them through priests…then as time progressed God raised up prophets…But God’s final revelation was given to man through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to bring man the final, the ultimate message of God. The ultimate understanding of God. So, all that man is to know about God can be discovered in and through Jesus Christ. This revelation is superior than all of the other revelations. His revelation through the Son is superior than the revelation through the angels.”- Chuck Smith.

“39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” John 5:39

“It isn’t so much that Jesus brought a message from the Father; He is a message from the Father. He has revealed something no other prophet could”- David Guzik. 

“(Jesus)who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Hebrews 1:3-4

“He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over-all creation.16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:15-18. 

Preeminent: surpassing all others; having the highest rank, importance or excellence. 

Gnosticism: salvation comes through special, hidden knowledge.

Agnostic: without knowledge. 

Who Jesus is:

#1 Heir (“Heir of all things” Heb 1:2) 

#2 Creator (“he made the worlds” Heb 1:2) 

#3 Revealer (“the brightness of his glory and express image of His person” Heb 1:3) 

#4 Sustainer (“upholding all things” Heb 1:3) 

#5 Ruler (“of His power” Heb 1:3) 

#6 Redeemer (“He had by Himself purged our sins” Heb 1:3)

#7 Supreme (“sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” Heb 1:3-4)

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 

“9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name” Philippians 2:9.

Jesus’ names: 

• Second Adam (1 Cor 15:45)
• Advocate (1 John 2:1)
• Almighty (Rev 1:8)
• Alpha and Omega (Rev 1:8)
• Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2)
• Bread of life (John 6:32)
• Christ (Luke 9:20)
• Cornerstone (Ps 188:22)
• Creator (John 1:3)
• First and Last (Rev 1:12)
• Good Shepard (John 10:11)
• Great High Priest (Heb 4:24)
• Holy One (Acts 3:14)
• I am (John 8:58)
• Immanuel (Is 7:14)
• Jehovah (Is 26:4)
• King of Kings (1 Tim 6:15)
• Lamb (Rev 13:8)
• Light of the world (John 8:12)
• Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5)
• Lord of Lords (1 Tim 6:15)
• Man of Sorrows (Is 53:3)
• Mediator (1 Tim 2:5)
• Messiah (Dan 9:25)
• Mighty God (Is 9:6)
• Prince of Peace (Is 9:6)
• Redeemer (Job 19:25)
• Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
• Rock (1 Cor 10:4)
• Root of David (Rev 22:16)
• Savior (Luke 2:11)
• Son of the Highest (Luke 1:32)
• True Vine (John 15:1)
• Truth (John 1:14)
• Word (John 1:1)

“Jesus’ supreme status is demonstrated by a supreme name, which is not merely a title, but a description of His nature and character”- David Guzik. 

“What do you think about the Christ?” Matthew 22:42. 

Hebrews invites us to see the fullness of the message found in Jesus

2 for he has founded it upon the seas
     and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
     And who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
     who does not lift up his soul to what is false
     and does not swear deceitfully.

5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
     and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
     who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Psalm 24:1

2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

THE CROSS WAS NOT EASY FOR JESUS.

Endure: to suffer patiently

THE AGONY OF THE CROSS WAS WORTH IT BECAUSE THE REWARD OUTWEIGHED IT.

THE REWARD THAT OUTWEIGHED THE CROSS FOR JESUS WAS PEOPLE.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 

John 17:1-3

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[b] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
     the world and those who dwell therein,

Psalm 24:1

“We don’t bring God into culture—God is already there, calling it home.”

Leslie Newbigin 

1. DECLARING > CONVINCING

We are called to announce good news, not argue people into belief.

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants[c] for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:5-6

2 And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 

Acts 17:2-4

2. STEWARDSHIP > OWNERSHIP

3 for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 4 For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?

5 What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.

1 Corinthians 3:3-9

3. THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT > THE POWER OF METHODS

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

Zechariah 4:6

2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men[c] but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:2-5

Sections

1. Our Enemy
2. Our Gameplan

OUR ENEMY

1. Name - Orchestrator of Death
   
   
2. Name - Counterfeiter 

 Isaiah 40:31 ESV,”But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” “We want cattle who can finally become food; [the enemy] wants servants who can finally become sons.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis

3. Name - Pride Manifest

“In God you come up against something which in every respect is immeasurably superior to yourself.” “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis

1 Peter 5:8 ESV,”Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

4. Name - Father of Lies

Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV,”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

“It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” - Screwtape Letters; CS Lewis -
 

We fight through focus.

OUR GAMEPLAN

Focus on Jesus’ Victory

Colossians 2:15 (ESV) “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Focus on Father God’s love

Focus on the work of the spirit. 

“Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.”

1 Timothy 4:7-10 NASB2020

 
 mission + intentionality
 

“I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:23-27 NASB2020

“The remembrance of all important things is impossible, but the remembering of the most important thing is essential.”

Reflection:

Where do you feel you wrestle the most right now?
 (school, friends, phone, anxiety, lust, pride, anger, loneliness)

Which enemy tactic shows up there most?

• Lie
• Pride 
• Counterfeit comfort
• Isolation
• Etc.

What is one way you will wrestle this week?

• Talk to God throughout my day
• Read one Psalm a day
• Start a Bible reading plan with a friend
• Ask someone to pray with you 
• Remove one distraction (social media, youtube, etc.)

WE WRESTLE WITH FLESH

“22 The children struggled together within her.” Gen 25:22 (ESV)

“15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good.17So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” Romans 7:15-20 (ESV)

Nature #1: the Flesh

Our flesh/sin nature is the part of us that actively opposes God.

Flesh is the traitor within

“14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” James 1:14-16 (ESV)

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the courseof this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—3among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Eph 2:1-3 (ESV)

The reality of nature #1: It is opposed to God. And it makes us dead

Nature #2: the Spirit

“4 ButGod, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

The reality of the wrestling: It actually is proof of the power of the cross

“Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (ESV)

“‘Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided, the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” Gen 25:23 (ESV)

“Whether it goes one round, or three rounds, or ten rounds, it will be a fight and a fight all the way.”- James J. Braddock

#1. Go to the corner

“20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” Ephesians 3:16 (ESV)

#2 Listen to the coach

“ Don’t sit down. You’re not tired. You don’t need it (chairs). You’re stronger than this guy! Don’t back up, don’t back off. This guy’s a bull rush. He’s gonna keep coming at you all night until you stop him. He can’t back up. You stop him!”

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

#3 do it every round

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

“…one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger” Gen 25:23 (ESV)

Genesis 32:22-26

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt

THIS IS NOT THE YEAR TO WATCH OTHERS FOLLOW JESUS.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control,[b] lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 

Philippians 3:12-15

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 

SOFT HEARTS, TOUGH SKIN

11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

Hebrews 12:12-16

WE CAN FORGET THE VALUE OF THE PROMISE

15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.

Hebrews 12:12-16

Esau’s thought wasn’t that he was so hungry that he would die without food. Instead, the idea was, “I will die one day anyway, so what good is this birthright to me?” He clearly did not consider the birthright a valuable thing.

David Guzik

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 Peter 1:3-5

“He that sees the beauty of Christ, will never be content without conformity to Christ.”

John Owen

“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward… it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”

C.S. Lewis

WE CAN FORGET THE ASSURANCE OF THE PROMISE

WE CAN SURRENDER TO THE ONE WHO ALREADY HAS THE VICTORY

Jacob didn’t wrestle with the Man. Instead, a Man wrestled with him. Jacob would have been happy to have been left alone, but God wanted something from him. God wanted the sacrifice of all of Jacob’s proud self-reliance and fleshly scheming, and God came to take these, by force if necessary. This is an invaluable place for everyone to come to: where God conquers us. There is something to be said for every man doing his wrestling with God, and then acknowledging God’s greatness after having been defeated. We must know we serve a God who is greater than us, and we cannot conquer much of anything until He conquers us.

David Guzik

The Jacob Generation is not the generation who has finally defeated their sin; they are the generation who has finally been conquered by God.

Jacob wrestled with God and lost. Have you?

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
 for from you shall come a ruler
     who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:1-6 

DAWN OF THE KING

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
 for from you shall come a ruler
     who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:1-6

IT’S PART OF OUR NATURE TO DESIRE TO BE LED.

IT’S PART OF OUR FALLEN NATURE TO DESIRE TO LEAD.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. 8 According to all the deeds that they have done, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are also doing to you. 9 Now then, obey their voice; only you shall solemnly warn them and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them.”

1 Samuel 8:4-9

1. KINGS RULE THROUGH POWER 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2

“Herod trembles at the report of Christ’s birth, because tyrants are tormented by the mere shadow of a rival.”

John Calvin

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 

Matthew 2:16

Augustus famously quipped it was “safer to be Herod’s pig than his son.”

“Herod’s actions fit precisely what we know of his character from history; Matthew is not inventing a villain but unveiling the true nature of power threatened by God.”

Craig Keener

1. KINGS RULE THROUGH HYPOCRISY

3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
     are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
 for from you shall come a ruler
     who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Matthew 2:1-6

They preach Christ to others and remain at home themselves. Thus God’s Word becomes a servant of pride rather than a call to repentance.

Martin Luther

“Those who know the Scriptures best are often the least prepared for the kingdom when it actually arrives.”

N.T. Wright

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 

James 1:24

YOU WILL BECOME LIKE THE PERSON YOU ARE FOLLOWING.

1. KINGS RULE THROUGH SACRIFICE 

12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

John 13:12-17

WHO WILL YOU FOLLOW?

Matthew 1:18-21

9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own,[b] and his own people did not receive him. 

John 1:9-10

DAWN OF THE SAVIOR

Greatest Story Book Cover Picture***

Man vs. Wild Picture***

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
     and they shall call his name Immanuel”

(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

THE BUILDING BLOCKS TO A PERFECT STORY:

Problem—>Conflict—>Savior—>Sacrifice—>Resolution

Iron Gian Photo*

Star Wars Photo*

21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:18-25

The Problem —> Sin

The Savior —> Jesus

The Resolution —> Saved, New Life, Escaping death

PEAKS AND VALLEY’S GRAPH***

CONFLICT (Roman Oppression)

SACRIFICE (Suffering King)

When we don’t allow God to be bigger than the conflict or suffering in our story, then we will write God out of the story as savior and in turn, write an ending without a resolution.

“Christ is not called a Savior for saving us from rainstorms or poverty, but from God’s wrath, the devil, and sin itself.”

J.C. Ryle

When we allow God to write a story that includes conflict and suffering, then we allow God to be the savior and in turn, we fall into the story with a resolution.

3 You have enlarged the nation
     and increased their joy;
 they rejoice before you
     as people rejoice at the harvest,
 as warriors rejoice
     when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
     you have shattered
 the yoke that burdens them,
     the bar across their shoulders,
     the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
     and every garment rolled in blood
 will be destined for burning,
     will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born,
     to us a son is given,
     and the government will be on his shoulders.
 And he will be called
     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
     Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
     there will be no end.
 He will reign on David’s throne
     and over his kingdom,
 establishing and upholding it
     with justice and righteousness
     from that time on and forever.
 The zeal of the Lord Almighty
     will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:2-7

PACK THE HOUSE SLIDE*

2 The people walking in darkness
     have seen a great light;
 on those living in the land of deep darkness
     a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2-7

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 

John 1:9-11

DAWN OF THE PROMISE

9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.

10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:9-13

His [Matthew’s] occupation as a tax collector implies that he had training in scribal techniques and was thus able to write…

Crossway Study Bible, ESV

Matthew, The Chosen picture***

His [Matthew’s] occupation as a tax collector implies that he had training in scribal techniques and was thus able to write, while his identity as a Galilean Jewish Christian suggests his ability to interpret the words and actions of Jesus in light of Old Testament messianic expectations.

Crossway Study Bible, ESV

1 This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,

Isaac the father of Jacob,

Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,

3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,

Perez the father of Hezron,

Hezron the father of Ram,

4 Ram the father of Amminadab,

Amminadab the father of Nahshon,

Nahshon the father of Salmon,

5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,

Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,

Obed the father of Jesse,

6 and Jesse the father of King David.

David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,

7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,

Rehoboam the father of Abijah,

Abijah the father of Asa,

8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,

Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,

Jehoram the father of Uzziah,

9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,

Jotham the father of Ahaz,

Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,

10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,

Manasseh the father of Amon,

Amon the father of Josiah,

11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.

12 After the exile to Babylon:

Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,

Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,

13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,

Abihud the father of Eliakim,

Eliakim the father of Azor,

14 Azor the father of Zadok,

Zadok the father of Akim,

Akim the father of Elihud,

15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,

Eleazar the father of Matthan,

Matthan the father of Jacob,

16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.

Matthew 1:2-27

WHEN GOD MAKES PROMISES, HE FULFILLS THEM

The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

2 “I will make you into a great nation,
     and I will bless you;
 I will make your name great,
     and you will be a blessing.[a]

3 I will bless those who bless you,
     and whoever curses you I will curse;
 and all peoples on earth
     will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 12:1-3

All this may sound too good to be true, but it will be done. God – the LORD of all heavenly armies – has promised to accomplish this word

Charles Spurgeon

GOD’S PROMISES REQUIRE FAITH

18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[d] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 

Romans 4:18-22

"Oh, that men would see that all God’s ancient promises find their yes in Christ! But their eyes are blinded by expectation and prejudice, so they wander, seeking fulfillment elsewhere."

Charles Spurgeon

FAITH IS NOT BLIND, IT’S REASONABLE

Must be a descendant of Abraham
 (Genesis 12:1–3; 22:18)

Must be from Isaac (not Ishmael)
 (Genesis 17:19)

Must be from ...

Hebrews 9:27-28

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 

Philippians 1:21-24

9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

After writing much of the Book of Ecclesiastes from a common but false premise, one that excluded eternal accountability and the God of eternity, now the Preacher concludes, having led us to the conclusion of the whole matter. This is why it is so important to remember your Creator in this life; because when this life is over, one will answer to the eternal God and to eternity.

David Guzik

JUDGEMENT

14 And it shall be said,

“Build up, build up, prepare the way,

    remove every obstruction from my people's way.”

15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,

    who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

“I dwell in the high and holy place,

    and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,

to revive the spirit of the lowly,

    and to revive the heart of the contrite.

Isaiah 57:14-15

Eternity, Eternity! I wish that I could sound or shout that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. You’ve got to meet it, where will you spend Eternity?

Reverend John Ridley

14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

There is, and will be, an eternal accounting for everything we do. This is the complete opposite of believing that all is vanity or meaningless; it means that everything has meaning and importance, both for the present and for eternity. “If God cares as much as this, nothing can be pointless.”

Kidner

“The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly narcotic for the consciences of millions.”

A.W. Tozer

“We ask for a world of softness and mercy, but what we really demand is a world in which God has removed the consequences of human sin — a world that would make virtue meaningless and love impossible.”

C.S. Lewis

1. What’s At Stake?

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28

25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Matthew 16:25

“Die before you die. There is no chance after.”

C.S. Lewis

1. What’s The Standard?

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

1. How To Prepare?

1. Live by Faith

1. Live with Urgency

1. Live Holy

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Matthew 12:36

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

1. Live Close

24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’

Matthew 25:24-25

1. Live Looking

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 

2 Corinthians 4:17-5:2

“He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance with increase. This also is vanity.”

“19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth.” Matthew 6:19

“19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

#1 Because earthly treasures will change: they can be corrupted (moth + rust) and they can be lost/taken (thieves).
 #2 Eternal, heavenly treasures remain
 #3 our hearts abide, where our treasures lie (our hearts are connected to our treasures). 

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7

We don’t carry our treasures, we store them

Where our heart is, our treasure is

Your treasure reveals your heart. Your heart reveals your devotion

When Jesus is our ultimate treasure, we will give him our earthly treasures

When earthly treasures are used for kingdom purposes, there is an effect made on eternal realities
 
 
 17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19

“The issue isn’t that earthly treasures are intrinsically bad, but they are of no ultimate value either. If this is the case, then it is wrong for the disciple of Jesus to dedicate his life to continually expanding his earthly treasures.”- David Guzik

“To seek first the kingdom of God is the fundamental choice everyone makes when they first repent and are convicted. Yet every day after that our Christian life will either reinforce that decision or deny it.”- David Guzik

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
 
 
 Lust of the flesh= passions
 Lust of the eyes= possessions
 Pride of life= positions

1) we declare our love for Christ > love of self /stuff.
 2) our earthly treasures become heavenly treasures.

“Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘one thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven…” Mark 10:21

“But he was sad, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:22

“Lydia was quick to perceive that what had been hers before her conversion-home, business, and possessions-now belonged to the Lord. She had a new partner-the Lord Jesus; a new purpose- to serve him; and a new satisfaction-seeking to be effective and successful in order to glorify the Lord”- unknown

Ecclesiastes 3:11-14

7 “Listen, my people, and I will speak;
     I will testify against you, Israel:
     I am God, your God.

8 I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices
     or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.

9 I have no need of a bull from your stall
     or of goats from your pens,

10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
     and the cattle on a thousand hills.

11 I know every bird in the mountains,
     and the insects in the fields are mine.

12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,
     for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13 Do I eat the flesh of bulls
     or drink the blood of goats?

14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
     fulfill your vows to the Most High,

15 and call on me in the day of trouble;
     I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Psalm 50:7-15

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,

Hebrews 9:27

"All Is Vanity”

“The Vanity of Wisdom”

“The Vanity of Self-Indulgence”

“The Vanity of Living Wisely”

“The Vanity of Toil”

11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

Ecclesiastes 3:11-14

“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth ‘thrown in’: aim at Earth and you will get neither.”

C.S. Lewis

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

We can live FOR this world and give up heaven. We can live FOR heaven and attempt to avoid this world. Or we can live IN CHRIST and experience the best of both.

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

WHEN WE FOCUS ON EARTH, WE CAN’T SEE HEAVEN

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:19-24

King Tut’s Coffin Photo*

It has been wisely observed that a moving truck full of possessions never follows a hearse. Everything one might take with them to the world beyond is left behind. The pharaohs of Egypt were buried with gold and treasures to take into the afterlife, but they left it all behind. Even further, though gold is a precious thing on earth, God uses it to pave the streets of heaven.

David Guzik

But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse. What happened was this: People knew God perfectly well, but when they didn’t treat him like God, refusing to worship him, they trivialized themselves into silliness and confusion so that there was neither sense nor direction left in their lives. They pretended to know it all, but were illiterate regarding life. They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.

Romans 1:19-23 (MSG)

22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Matthew 19:22

WHEN WE FOCUS ON HEAVEN, WE CAN’T SEE EARTH

30-32 Jesus answered by telling a story. “There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

Luke 10:30-32(MSG)

“Don’t be so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good.”

WHEN WE FOCUS ON CHRIST, WE SEE THE BEST OF BOTH

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:1-4

31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?” 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 

John 4:31-38

1. EVERY SEASON IS BEAUTIFUL

1. EVERY GIFT IS FROM GOD

1. EVERY TASK IS WORTH THE EFFORT

What really satisfies?

What really satisfies: amusements=pleasure and parties?

Solomon’s pleasures:

-gold, gold, and more gold

-throne of ivory 

-camels

-horses

-mules

-apes

-monkeys

-precious stones

-instruments of every kind

- silver, silver, and more silver

-fleet of ships

-1,400 chariots

-12,000 horse men

-servants

-700 royal wives and 300 concubines

“I said in my heart, ‘come now, I will test you with mirth (festivals/parties); therefore, enjoy pleasure.’. But surely, this also was vanity.” Ecc 2:1

What really satisfies: accomplishments=work?

Solomon’s work:

-Lord’s house and his house

-House of Forrest of Lebanon

-Hall of Pillars

-Hall of Jerusalem

-Hall of Judgement

-Cities

“I made my works great…So, I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem.” Ecc 2:4, 9

“I looked at all the works my hands had done and in the labor in which I had looked; and indeed, all was vanity and grasping for wind.” Ecc 2:11

“Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure. For my heart rejoiced in all my labor…” Ecc 2:10

“there was no profit under the sun.” Ecc 2:11

Nothing under the sun satisfies.

Every earthly pursuit is like vapor, wind, dust; it fades away

“If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

“where then do you get that living water?” John 4:11