20-0119p Transcript

The scripture reading was not recorded.

Preacher: Steve Cain

(0:03) Taking my lesson again out of the Hebrew letter. (0:06) There’s so many things in the Hebrew letter (0:09) that intrigue me to no end. (0:13) And the one I want to talk to you about tonight (0:16) is the message that is here.

(0:22) Hebrew starts out by saying, (0:24) in the past God spoke to our forefathers (0:27) through the prophets at many times and in various ways. (0:30) But in these last days, he has spoken to us by his son, (0:34) whom he appointed heir of all things (0:37) and through whom he made the universe. (0:40) And then he talks about how the son (0:42) is the radiance of God’s glory (0:44) and the exact representation of his being, (0:47) sustaining all things by his powerful word.

(0:50) And after he had provided purification for sins, (0:53) he sat down at the right hand of the majesty in heaven. (0:57) So he became as much superior to the angels (1:01) as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. (1:07) When we reflect upon God speaking to his people, (1:12) probably one of the, well, there’s at least two occasions.

(1:17) Abraham is one, and of course Moses is the other. (1:20) And Moses is the one that is referred to (1:23) in the passage that I wanna share tonight. (1:26) This morning, we were looking at faith (1:29) and we were looking at Abraham’s faith.

(1:33) And that was chapter 11 (1:34) and how that the faith had to be steadfast and sure (1:38) and that you were absolutely sold on the idea (1:42) that there is a God and that he is a rewarder (1:44) of those who diligently seek him (1:46) and that he divinely and providentially works in our lives (1:50) and that he has made steadfast and sure (1:54) our hope of eternal life in heaven (1:57) because of God, because of his love for us through Jesus (2:00) and how that Jesus made it possible for us (2:02) to have that anticipation of the fulfillment (2:05) of that hope that we have. (2:08) And we’re as sure of that as anybody can be. (2:12) And that’s the sureness that these people had (2:16) in the 11th chapter (2:19) and especially when he’s talking about Abraham.

(2:22) And so these individuals went to their graves (2:27) in horrendous ways, being just plain butchered (2:34) and because of their belief in God (2:36) and their belief in Jesus as being the Christ. (2:40) And so they had to be absolutely certain (2:43) if they were gonna go to die for this cause, (2:46) they have to be absolutely certain. (2:49) And so that’s the message that I get (2:52) is that I need to be that sure of my salvation.

(2:58) I need to be that sure that God has worked out my salvation (3:03) and that I will be with him eternally in heaven. (3:06) And that’s the faith that is required (3:09) that God will credit with righteousness. (3:12) And so that’s where we are.

(3:14) But God speaks to us in various ways, (3:17) has spoke to us in the past in various ways. (3:20) And probably the Hebrew letter at this point in time (3:23) is trying to show the authority that Jesus has (3:28) and that the message that he had (3:30) was just as important for them to listen to as Moses’s was. (3:35) And we see that he’s referring to these things (3:39) in the first few chapters of Hebrews, (3:42) how the individuals realized (3:46) that Moses handed down information (3:50) that he received from God.

(3:53) But not only that, (3:55) this was information that they heard firsthand. (3:59) We can see the account given to us in Exodus, (4:02) the 19th chapter. (4:04) And we won’t turn to that tonight, (4:05) but if you really wanna see what they went through (4:09) in order to receive the message from God (4:12) and the assurance and the proposition that he gave them (4:16) about them being his people (4:19) and that he would curse those who cursed them (4:21) and bless those who blessed them.

(4:24) And that they needed to pay attention (4:27) and heed the rules and regulations that he had. (4:31) And if they should violate those rules and regulations, (4:36) they were to be put to death, (4:39) usually by stoning to death. (4:41) And so that’s one of the points (4:43) that Paul wants to make here (4:44) is that you’re listening to Moses (4:49) and you give great credence to the message that he got (4:51) and how did it came from God.

(4:54) Well, listen, (4:56) and that’s the reason why I had the passage read this morning (4:59) or just now in Acts, the third chapter, (5:03) because Peter is restating (5:06) what actually occurred in Deuteronomy. (5:10) Deuteronomy 18, 18. (5:12) If you see the account there, (5:14) you will see how the Israelites (5:19) were becoming very concerned about Moses' age.

(5:23) I mean, he’s reaching 120 years old. (5:25) He died at 120. (5:27) I got 40 more years to go.

(5:31) But anyway, I’m not looking forward to 40 years. (5:37) Not in that respect. (5:39) But anyway, they were concerned about it.

(5:42) And they were concerned about (5:44) who’s going to take over the leadership (5:46) just as the disciples were concerned (5:49) about who was going to take Jesus' place. (5:51) Who’s going to help them through these trials (5:53) and tribulations that they were going to go through (5:56) and how that when he goes, (5:59) that he’s crucified and he goes into heaven (6:01) and there he’s going to be interceding for us. (6:03) But he told them that he was ahead of time (6:06) that he was going to be leaving them.

(6:08) And they were concerned. (6:10) Well, there’s been times when I’ve been concerned (6:13) about my coworkers and I get so reliant on my coworkers (6:18) and they do quite a bit of my work for me (6:22) and quite a bit of my thinking for me. (6:24) I said, wow, what am I going to do? (6:26) I’m going to have to take this over.

(6:29) And so this is the thing. (6:31) So they were concerned about Moses (6:34) and who is going to take over the leadership when he left. (6:38) And so Moses went to God in Deuteronomy, the 18th chapter, (6:41) starting with verse 18 and following, (6:44) you’ll see that he takes this concern to God (6:47) and he says, these people are concerned.

(6:50) And God says, rightly so. (6:54) And so he assures them that he’s going to raise (6:58) from among them a leader like unto Moses. (7:03) And they better listen to him and they better hear him (7:07) and they better pay attention and heed what he is saying.

(7:12) And that’s what Peter was relying or relating to us (7:16) in the third chapter of Acts. (7:18) He’s relating this particular thing. (7:20) And he’s saying that person that God assured (7:23) the Israelites would have that would take them (7:26) into the future is coming and he will be like unto Moses.

(7:34) And Peter says, Jesus is that one. (7:39) Jesus is the one that you crucified. (7:41) Jesus is the one that you put to death.

(7:43) Jesus is the one that God raised (7:44) from the dead, the resurrection. (7:48) And he is that prophet like unto Moses. (7:52) And so if Moses said, you better pay attention (7:55) to what he has to say in you (7:56) because your citizenship is dependent (7:59) upon what you do with that.

(8:02) And that’s exactly what is being recorded here, (8:05) not only in Deuteronomy 18, (8:07) but also in Acts the third chapter. (8:11) Peter is trying to point out to them (8:13) the seriousness of listening to this message. (8:18) The seriousness of this last message that God spoke to.

(8:23) Yes, he spoke to the people. (8:27) He spoke to mankind, humankind, (8:30) and he spoke to them and he told them (8:31) what he wanted to do, how he wanted to be worshiped. (8:34) He told them those things.

(8:35) And he did establish a worship service (8:39) and the way of worshiping in the wilderness there (8:43) on Mount Sinai through Moses. (8:47) And we come to know that as the Mosaic Law. (8:51) And we know that that was going to be displaced.

(8:54) We know that because in Jeremiah 31, 31, (8:58) points out to us that what Paul is alluding to (9:02) in Hebrews the eighth chapter and also in the 10th chapter (9:05) about how there’s gonna be a new covenant. (9:09) The covenant not like the one that God made (9:12) with your people in Mount Sinai (9:15) and in the plain of Egypt as they came out of Egypt. (9:20) He says it’s not gonna be like that one.

(9:22) It’s gonna be a different one. (9:24) And if you’re looking at Hebrews and you got it open, (9:27) you can take a look at the eighth chapter (9:29) because he reiterates what he says there (9:32) in Jeremiah 31, 31 as a prophet. (9:38) Starting in the eighth chapter (9:40) and it’s also recorded in the 10th chapter.

(9:42) It’s repeated twice. (9:44) This is the covenant that you and I are under today. (9:46) This is the covenant that Jesus is honoring and working from (9:53) for he says in starting with latter part of verse seven.

(9:58) Well, let’s just pick up a verse seven chapter eight. (10:02) For if there had been nothing wrong (10:04) with that first covenant, (10:06) no place would have been sought for another. (10:09) But God found fault with the people, (10:12) not with the covenant, but with the people.

(10:14) And so he’s adapting a covenant (10:20) that is compatible with the people. (10:25) And what is that that’s compatible with the people? (10:29) Forgiveness of sins. (10:33) That clear conscience that was mentioned (10:35) earlier this evening.

(10:38) The time is coming, declares the Lord, (10:42) when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel (10:45) and with the house of Judah. (10:46) It will not be like the covenant I made (10:49) with their forefathers when I took them by the hand (10:52) to lead them out of Egypt (10:53) because they did not remain faithful to my covenant. (10:57) And I turned away from them, declares the Lord.

(11:01) This covenant, this is the covenant (11:04) that I will make with the house of Israel (11:06) after that time, declares the Lord. (11:09) And here’s the new covenant. (11:11) This is the one that you and I are under.

(11:12) This is the one that Jesus is serving. (11:16) I will put my laws in their minds (11:18) and write them on their hearts. (11:21) I will be their God and they will be my people.

(11:24) No longer will a man teach his neighbor (11:26) or a man his brother saying, know the Lord, (11:29) because they will all know me (11:32) from the least of them to the greatest. (11:34) For I will forgive their wickedness (11:37) and will remember their sins no more. (11:42) That’s the covenant that we’re under.

(11:44) That’s the covenant that Jesus is honoring. (11:46) That’s the covenant that he died for (11:48) and is sprinkled with blood, (11:51) not just the ordinary blood of the lambs and the goats. (11:54) This covenant is sprinkled with his blood.

(12:00) And this is the one that he is honoring. (12:04) But Paul wants us to realize, (12:06) I believe Paul is the writer of the Hebrew letter, (12:08) and not that I have anything cemented about it. (12:13) It’s just, I believe he did.

(12:16) And so as we look about it, (12:19) but he’s saying here in chapter two, (12:24) God has spoken to us in times past (12:26) through various leaders and through various people. (12:29) And now he’s speaking to us through Jesus. (12:32) And so if listening to Moses was an important factor (12:37) and what Moses had to say was delivered by angels, (12:42) this is what the Hebrew writer is trying to point out to us, (12:45) how much more important is this message? (12:49) We need to be paying attention to what he has to say, (12:53) not Moses or anybody in the past, (12:56) because this is the message that we must be listening to.

(13:03) We must pay attention, more careful attention, (13:05) therefore, to what we have heard (13:07) so that we do not drift away. (13:11) For if the messages spoken by angels was binding (13:13) and every violation and disobedience (13:15) received its just punishment, (13:17) how much or how shall we escape (13:20) if we ignore such a great salvation? (13:24) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, (13:27) was confirmed to us by those who heard him. (13:31) God also testified to it by signs, wonders, (13:36) and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit (13:39) distributed according to his will.

(13:41) Where did you hear that phrase before? (13:44) Signs, wonders, and miracles? (13:46) That’s Peter’s sermon in Acts 2, (13:49) that God confirmed and affirmed and assured us (13:52) that Jesus was the Christ by signs, wonders, and miracles. (13:57) And so the Hebrew writer is saying the same thing. (14:03) God has testified to it by signs, wonders, and miracles, (14:06) and gifts of the Holy Spirit (14:08) distributed according to his will.

(14:11) It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, (14:16) but, which we are speaking, (14:18) but there is a place where someone has testified. (14:23) And so he goes on and talks about that. (14:26) Let’s go on down to chapter three, (14:28) not that we’re going to be missing anything (14:30) that’s extremely important, (14:33) but let’s go to chapter three.

(14:36) Therefore, holy brothers who share in the heavenly calling, (14:40) fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest, (14:45) whom we confess. (14:47) He was faithful to the one who appointed him, (14:50) just as Moses was faithful to all of God’s house. (14:55) Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, (14:59) just as the builder of a house (15:01) has greater honor than the house itself.

(15:05) For every house is built by someone. (15:09) You’ve heard about the house of God, right? (15:11) Well, we’re talking about the same thing, (15:13) only this time we’re using Jesus as a title, (15:16) Jesus’s house, as opposed to Moses’s house. (15:20) They’re all basically referring to the same thing.

(15:24) It’s a house of worship, it’s a house of honor, holiness. (15:30) Moses was faithful as a servant in all of God’s house, (15:34) testifying to what would be said in the future, (15:36) that Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house, (15:40) and we are his house if we hold on to our courage (15:44) and the hope of which we boast. (15:47) So there’s the encouragement to stay steadfast and sure (15:50) and firm in your faith.

(15:53) Be absolutely sure, because this is what we have to hold to, (15:59) the hope of being with God eternally in heaven, eternally. (16:06) And of course, this is what we…​ (16:09) So then he goes on. (16:12) So, as the Holy Spirit says, (16:14) today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts (16:17) as you did in the rebellion (16:19) during the time of testing in the desert (16:21) where your fathers tested and tried me.

(16:24) Of course, he’s talking to the Jewish community (16:26) right at the moment. (16:28) And for 40 years saw what I did, (16:31) and that is why I was angry with the generation, I said. (16:34) Their hearts are always going astray (16:36) and they have not known my ways, (16:38) so I declared in my oath, in my anger, (16:41) they shall never enter my rest.

(16:45) Sound a little snooty there, doesn’t it? (16:48) That’s the way I intended it to. (16:51) So what is he telling us? (16:55) I think he’s telling us that if we miss out on it, (16:58) it’s because of our attitude. (17:02) If we miss out on heaven, (17:04) and if we miss out on the grace and the glory (17:08) that God wants to give to us, (17:12) it’s our attitude.

(17:14) We have our ears set, I ain’t believing. (17:18) We have our hearts set, you can’t prove it to me. (17:22) Those are all particular attitudes.

(17:26) And so that’s what they had out in the wilderness. (17:30) If you remember, and just briefly, (17:32) when the Israelites came out of Egypt (17:36) and they crossed the Red Sea, they were impressed. (17:40) Wouldn’t you be? (17:41) The water separated so that they could come across (17:44) on dry land.

(17:45) They were impressed. (17:48) But then shortly after that, probably not even 24 hours, (17:53) they get on the other side and they’re looking out (17:56) and they’re seeing this vast, what? (18:01) Territory. (18:05) And no sooner do they see that, (18:08) why are you brought us out over here? (18:11) Wasn’t there enough graves in Egypt to bury us? (18:15) That’s all they saw.

(18:19) And so they said, they turned on him. (18:24) And he said, they never got over that attitude. (18:29) They saw everything I did for them.

(18:31) I gave them water when they were thirsty, (18:35) have water come out of the stone when they were thirsty. (18:37) I had manna, I had all these birds and everything (18:41) that comes, a quail that came. (18:44) And I fed them until they were having flesh (18:47) out of their teeth and they were cursing me (18:49) because it was two months.

(18:53) He said, I just had it up to here (18:55) because they didn’t believe me. (18:57) And I swore that they will never, never see my rest. (19:03) And it’s depending on how you’re looking at this (19:06) as to what his rest is, (19:07) because you know, on the seventh day, God rested.

(19:14) And that’s what we’re looking at. (19:16) He’s talking about heaven. (19:19) He’s talking about when this life is over.

(19:22) He’s talking about, they’re not gonna see his rest. (19:26) They’re not gonna see the promised land. (19:27) They’re not gonna see Canaan.

(19:29) They’re not gonna see any of that. (19:31) And that’s what I had in reference to his rest (19:34) at that point. (19:36) But ultimately, the rest that we’re looking for is heaven.

(19:40) And they’ll never see it. (19:43) Why? Because of an attitude. (19:46) And that’s what it’s all about.

(19:48) It was an attitude. (19:50) So, see to it, brothers, that none of you (19:53) has a sinful, unbelieving heart (19:56) that turns away from the living God, (19:58) but encourage one another daily (20:00) as long as it is called today, (20:03) so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (20:08) We have come to share in Christ (20:10) if we hold firmly till the end (20:13) the confidence we had at the first.

(20:18) You remember when you were baptized? (20:20) You remember when you made the decision (20:22) that you were gonna become a Christian? (20:24) I do. (20:26) I do. (20:29) Oh, it was a glorious time.

(20:31) I could just see my folks making over me and everything. (20:37) I could just see it. (20:39) But you know, 70-some years later, (20:44) 65 years later, we see.

(20:49) What have I done? (20:51) Have I allowed time and everything to discourage me? (20:55) Have I allowed time and everything to disappoint me? (20:59) Have I allowed all of life’s experiences (21:03) to come along and discourage me (21:05) and decided, I’ve had enough. (21:08) I don’t need any more of this. (21:14) He’s saying, don’t allow it to happen to you.

(21:18) Hold on to it. (21:20) Hold on to it. (21:23) Keep that ever before you.

(21:27) Don’t let it. (21:30) We have come to share in Christ (21:33) if we hold firmly till the end of the confidence (21:38) we had at the first, (21:41) just as has just been said. (21:45) Today, if you hear his voice, (21:47) do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.

(21:52) The question then is, (21:53) who were they who heard and rebelled? (21:58) Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? (22:01) And with whom was he angry for 40 years? (22:05) Was it not those who sinned, (22:07) whose bodies fell in the desert? (22:10) And to whom did God swear (22:12) that they would never enter his rest, (22:15) if not to those who disobeyed? (22:20) So we see that they were not able to enter (22:23) because of their unbelief. (22:26) Don’t let it happen to you. (22:30) Let’s don’t let it happen to us.

(22:33) Let’s encourage one another. (22:36) Let’s keep up the faith. (22:40) And so what is expected of us? (22:43) We’re expected to grow.

(22:44) We’re expected to be mature. (22:46) We’re expected to do things. (22:48) And I want to make this one last point, (22:50) and I will have given you the whole bale.

(22:56) Let’s look at chapter six. (23:04) He’s talking about the fact that they ought to be teachers. (23:07) We can pick up with verse 11 out of chapter five.

(23:11) We have much to say about this, (23:13) but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. (23:17) In fact, though, by this time, you ought to be teachers. (23:20) You need someone to teach you the elementary truths (23:23) of God’s word.

(23:24) Over all over again, you need milk, not solid food. (23:30) Anyone who lives on milk being still an infant (23:34) is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. (23:40) But solid food is for the mature (23:44) who by constant use have trained themselves (23:47) to distinguish good from evil.

(23:50) Now notice here, the ability to know good from evil (23:53) has to be trained, has to be developed. (23:57) And where are you going to get that? (23:59) Here, out of God’s word. (24:02) That’s the only way you’re going to pick up on it.

(24:04) You’re not going to pick up on it in some taverns (24:08) along the way. (24:09) You’re not going to pick up on it at your work. (24:10) You’re not going to pick up on it (24:12) just on street education.

(24:15) The only place you’re going to pick up on (24:17) how to distinguish good from evil is right there. (24:22) That’s it. (24:24) So how do I do that? (24:27) So chapter six.

(24:29) Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings (24:32) about Christ and go on to maturity, (24:35) not laying again the foundation of repentance (24:38) from acts that lead to death and of faith in God, (24:42) instructions about baptisms, the laying on of the hands, (24:45) the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. (24:49) God permitting, we will. (24:51) What did he call these things? (24:54) Elementary teachings, right? (24:56) So there’s the basic stuff.

(24:58) This is the ABCs. (24:59) This is the rudiment of Christianity. (25:03) This is what we have to have.

(25:05) So then he goes on and he says, (25:07) it is impossible for those who have once been enlightened (25:11) to have tasted the heavenly gift, (25:14) who have shared in the Holy Spirit, (25:16) who have tasted the goodness of the word of God (25:19) and the powers of the coming age. (25:21) If they fall away to be brought back to repentance (25:24) because of their loss, (25:26) they are crucifying the Son of God all over again (25:29) and subjecting him to the public disgrace. (25:32) And that is a pity.

(25:36) That is a pity if that happens. (25:40) So here’s what he’s encouraging us to do. (25:45) Notice, and this is the point that I wanna make tonight.

(25:51) Land that drinks in the rain, often falling on it, (25:56) land that drinks in the rain, soaks it in, brings it in, (26:02) allows it to come and penetrate itself. (26:05) Land that drinks in the rain, often falling on it, (26:09) and that produces a crop useful to those (26:12) for whom it is farmed, receives the blessing of God. (26:17) But land that produces thorns and thistles and worthlessness (26:22) and is in danger of being cursed, (26:24) in the end, it will be burned.

(26:29) So what is he telling us? (26:34) He’s telling us, be receptive. (26:38) Be receptive of God’s word. (26:41) Be receptive of the things that God wants you to do.

(26:45) Be receptive of developing. (26:50) Be receptive of what God is offering you (26:54) and allow it to become a part of you. (26:58) And if you do, you’re gonna be providing (27:01) that which is useful to the person who owns it.

(27:05) What is he saying there? (27:07) I own some farmland, I go out and I till it (27:12) and I get it ready and I put a crop on it. (27:16) It doesn’t matter what crop, (27:18) whether it’s beans or corn or wheat, (27:20) whatever the crop is, (27:23) that land, if it allows itself to soak in the rain, (27:28) if it allows itself to do all the things (27:31) that the farmer wants to put to it, (27:33) and it starts to grow the crop that he wants, (27:37) that land is useful to him. (27:43) If we allow ourselves to grow the way God wants us to grow, (27:48) it will be useful to me.

(27:54) But the opposite is true too, isn’t it? (27:57) The opposite is true that if I will not yield (28:02) and if I will not cooperate (28:05) and if I will not do these things, (28:09) I am not gonna be useful to the person who developed me. (28:14) So if you got a field out there, (28:16) my dad says, if it can’t grow weeds, it ain’t worth nothing. (28:24) So if it’s not gonna do anything, (28:30) somewhat like the person had the tree, (28:34) what was the olive tree, the fig tree, (28:36) what was the tree? (28:37) I can’t remember what kind of tree it was, (28:39) but anyway, the landowner looks at the tree (28:43) and he says, it’s not producing anything.

(28:45) Cut it down. (28:47) And then the guy that’s taking care of the land for him says, (28:52) just wait a minute, let me dig around him. (28:54) Let me do all these things for him.

(28:56) Let me do these things. (28:57) And then if he doesn’t produce the crop, (29:03) the fruit that we wanted to produce, (29:05) then I’ll cut him down and burn him up. (29:10) And that’s exactly what is happening here.

(29:12) And that’s exactly what Paul wants us to realize. (29:16) If we’re going to be resisting, (29:18) and if we’re going to say no more, (29:22) I’m not gonna cooperate with you. (29:26) I’ve seen farmers set fire to their crops, their fields.

(29:34) It’s a last resort. (29:35) But they’re hoping that it will get rid (29:39) of whatever the fungus is, (29:41) or whatever is keeping their field (29:43) from doing what it’s supposed to do. (29:45) And it’s also adding ashes and the various other things (29:50) and nutrients that it wouldn’t get otherwise.

(29:55) On a last ditch hope that that piece of property will produce (30:03) otherwise it’s gonna be burned. (30:10) So then the issue then is, where are we? (30:15) Have we allowed God to develop in us? (30:19) Have we allowed God to make something out of us? (30:25) Where are we in that? (30:28) And the question is, if that’s the case, (30:32) we’re in jeopardy of being in hell fire. (30:41) So consider those things.

(30:43) If you’re here this evening and need to respond (30:47) to God’s invitation and to become a child of God, (30:52) God is offering that to you. (30:54) And this is the reason why he says, (30:57) don’t let this message go by. (31:01) Consider who is speaking.

(31:02) Who is speaking? (31:06) It’s Jesus. (31:07) And it’s God speaking to us through Jesus. (31:12) Become a disciple of me.

(31:15) That’s what Jesus would say. (31:17) Become a disciple of me. (31:19) Make disciples of them, baptizing them (31:22) in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, (31:25) so that he might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (31:28) and have the forgiveness of their sins (31:31) to be able to rise to walk in this newness of life.

(31:35) I’d like to extend to you the opportunity to respond (31:37) if that’s what you need to do. (31:39) Father, together we stand and sing tonight (31:41) the song of encouragement.