Sermons

Let us Draw Near - New Year 2019

January 4, 2019 Preacher: Gareth Franks Series: New Year

Topic: The Church Scripture: Hebrews 10:19–25

Home Group Study - Sermon Date: 04 January 2019

Text: Hebrews 10:19-25

 

Opening Discussion: It seems that every December, many people make well-intentioned resolutions for the New Year, with premeditated bursts of enthusiasm and optimism which usually get abandon about the second week in January. Can you relate? What are some of the more peculiar New Year’s resolutions you have heard of? Share your story.

Observation - What does God’s word say?

In considering how to glorify God this New Year, in all that we do in our particular circumstances and callings, it is appropriate for us to establish and keep certain priorities and principles as we strive to love and follow Christ as His disciples, so that we might obey all that He has commanded us. To that end, the main goal of the writer of Hebrews is that we get near to God, that we have fellowship with Him, that we do not settle for a Christian life that is nominal or at a distance from God, that God not be a distant thought but a near and present reality - that we experience true fellowship with God.

What are your observations?

Read: 

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31
  • Colossians 3:17-23
  • Ephesians 6:6-7
  • Romans 14:6-8

Meaning - What does God’s word mean?

The book of Hebrews is all about the absolute superiority and sovereignty and supremacy of Jesus Christ. The writer shows us clearly comparing scripture with scripture that Christ is far superior than anybody or anything in the old testament. He clearly shows us how glorious and how wonderful the gospel is and as we are reminded of our fleshly, carnal religious desires to forget about the cross and turn to our idols we are confronted with Grace. We are pointed to the Cross and blood of Christ that has made a way for us to be cleansed of our sins so we may have fellowship with our sovereign Saviour. In the first four chapters, the writer of Hebrews demonstrates how Jesus Christ is superior to all in His person. From chapter 5 through 10:18, he shows how Christ is superior to all in His priesthood. But beginning at 10:19 and running to the end of the book, based on the truths that he has presented, he shows how Christ’s superiority should spur us on to enduring faith, even in the face of trials. He shows us here how to put our new position in Christ into practice, to respond to the truths we possess and profess.

On the basis of what has been said for 10 chapters and 18 verses, we must respond, because faith without works is dead! Based on our new position in Christ, we should draw near to God in faith, hold fast the confession of our hope, and consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. In 10:19-21, he briefly summarizes our position in Christ. Then (10:22-25) he shows how this position should affect our daily practice.

Read: James 2: 14-26

What are your observations from these verses?

Application

How must I change?

  •  Is there a Truth to be believed?

In verse 22 there is one imperative (command). The exhortation is, “Let us draw near” (to God). Under that command are four things that describe the regenerate person.               a) Can you identify the 4 characteristics?                                                                   b) Why are these four ingredients necessary to draw near to God?

  • Is there an Attitude to be fostered?

Verse 25 is not a fourth exhortation, but rather an explanation on how to carry out the exhortation of verse 24. We are to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds when we assemble together. You can practice faith and hope when you’re alone, but you can’t encourage others to love and good deeds when you’re alone! You have to gather with the saints to do it! Consider some practical ways that we (you) can do a better job of discipling each other. Share your ideas.

  • Is there a Behavior to be changed?

The writer of Hebrews is encouraging the church to be better disciple-makers. In the exhortation to encourage is the implication to encourage each other to good works so that our witness will be more powerful to a lost world around us.  Where is the balance between boldness and sensitivity in our witness? (See Eph 6:19-20, Col. 4:3-6 for a conclusive answer).

Conclusion

Do you frequently draw near to God through His Word and prayer? It is sad state of affairs when professing Christians do not spend consistent time in God’s Word and in prayer! The only time some of these professing Christians will read their Bible is when they go to church. The only time they pray is when they’re in a crisis. Drawing near is really the same thing as “seeking” the Lord.

  • Do you intentionally make it a priority to spend time alone with God?
  • Have you read the entire Bible yet? Why not make this a new year’s resolution?

As Christians, we need each other’s help, encouragement to draw near to God.  As God’s people, we grow best when we are in community with one another. God designed it to be that way. That is why discipleship is possible only within a community of believers. So, as God’s children, let’s obey Him and fulfill all his commands to make disciples of all nations.

 

Prayer Points:

  1. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help us be more consistent and more intentional in drawing near to God in faith.
  2. Pray that NLC would be more bold in holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering. 
  3. Pray that the Lord would help us improve in our consideration of how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, so we can be better disciple-makers.

More in New Year

December 31, 2021

Abiding in God's Word.

January 1, 2021

The Light of 2021

January 12, 2018

Joy