1. David's statement helps us to understand that worship is a special blessing for God's people -- we should be glad to assemble for worship. 2. We must also understand from the Lord's teaching in John 4:23-24 that worship is an important responsibility for God's people. 3. To help us better appreciate how worshipping God is both a blessing and a responsibility, we are studying the information given in Hebrews 10:19-25. 4. Before we study these verses, . . .
Discussion:
I. LET US MAKE SOME OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE CHRISTIANS IN JERUSALEM
A. The Lord's church was established in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2). B. Love and enthusiasm existed in the Jerusalem church (Acts 2:42-47). C. After about 30 years, tribulation was taking its toll on these Jewish Christians. D. Hebrews was written to encourage these people to remain faithful to the Lord. E. One particular problem is addressed in Hebrews 10:25 -- some of the Lord's people had developed the habit of forsaking worship assemblies. F. The information we are studying is designed to take care of this problem.
II. VS. 19-21 MENTION 2 SPECIAL BLESSINGS THAT GOD HAS PROVIDED FOR HIS PEOPLE
A. First, vs.19-20 show us that we have "boldness" [confidence, assurance] to enter the most holy place. 1. Under the Law of Moses, the most holy place was the section of the tabernacle where the Ark of the Covenant was located. 2. The most holy place for Christians is identified in Hebrews 9:24. 3. We are able to enter the holiest place "by a new and living way" ["by the blood of Jesus"]. 4. Jesus gave His life and shed His blood so we can come into God's presence. 5. Having boldness to enter the most holy place should cause us to be glad to worship God at every opportunity as David was (Psalm 122:1). B. Second, vs.21 shows us that we have a "high priest over the house of God." 1. The house of God is the church (1 Timothy 3:15). 2. Christ is identified in Hebrews 3:1 as our High Priest today. 3. He is described as "a merciful and faithful high priest" (2:17), "a great high priest" (4:14), a sympathetic High Priest (4:15), and a sinless High Priest (7:26). 4. Let us remember that the Lord is present when we worship (Matthew 18:20). 5. Having such a wonderful High Priest over God's house should cause us to be glad to worship Him at every opportunity as David was (Psalm 122:1). C. Responsibilities accompany these 2 special blessings.
III. VS. 22-25 MENTION 4 SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO HIS PEOPLE
A. First, vs.22 teaches us to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith." 1. This applies to those whose hearts have been "sprinkled from an evil conscience" and whose bodies have been "washed with pure water." a. We are cleansed from sin when we are baptized (1 Peter 3:21). b. To continue to be cleansed we must: 1) walk in the light (1 John 1:7) 2) confess our sins (1 John 1:9). 2. Is a person "drawing near" when he forsakes worship assemblies? B. Second, vs.23 teaches us to "hold fast the profession of our faith." 1. We are to do this "without wavering." 2. The writer showed earlier in Hebrews 3:6 that we are part of God's house if we remain faithful unto the end. 3. As encouragement, we are reminded that "he is faithful that promised." a. Has God ever failed to keep His promises? b. God is faithful, and He requires His children to be faithful to Him. 4. Is a person "holding fast the profession of his faith" when he forsakes worship assemblies? C. Third, vs.24 teaches us to "consider one another." 1. This involves "provoking" [stimulating] one another "unto love and to good works." 2. The purpose for this is given in Hebrews 3:13. 3. Is a person "considering others" when he forsakes worship assemblies? D. Fourth, vs.25 teaches us to assemble faithfully. 1. When we assemble we are to "exhort" [encourage] one another. 2. Can a person be exhorted or exhort others when he forsakes worship assemblies? 3. This encouragement was to increase as a certain day approached.
IV. WHAT WAS THIS "DAY" THAT WAS APPROACHING?
A. Near the end of His ministry Jesus said that Jerusalem would be destroyed. 1. He gave a number of signs so His followers would know when this was about to take place (Luke 21:20-22). 2. This would occur during that generation (Luke 21:32). B. Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians in Palestine around 65 AD. C. As the day of Jerusalem's destruction drew near, the Christians there would certainly need to exhort each other so they would not turn away from the Lord. D. When Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, no faithful children of God lost their lives.
Conclusion:
1. We are looking forward to another day -- the Lord's return. 2. We are responsible for encouraging each other so we can be ready for it. 3. Let us adopt David's attitude toward worship assemblies (Psalm 122:1).
