Let Us Revive Our Desire to Worship God (Psalm 85:6)
Introduction:
1. Psalm 85:6 teaches 3 important principles that relate to "revival." a. First, God is the source of revival. b. Second, God's people need revival continually. c. Third, revival will cause God's people to rejoice. 2. Today we are concluding our series of lessons on worship with a request that is based on Psalm 85:6 -- "let us revive our desire to worship God." 3. We are concentrating on the information presented 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 (Acts 2). B. Notice the love and enthusiasm that existed in the Jerusalem church (vs. 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. 1. Some of the Lord's people had developed the habit of forsaking worship assemblies. 2. This problem can be overcome if the information presented in Hebrews 10 is taken to heart.
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 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. Appreciation for this blessing will help the Lord's people overcome the habit of forsaking worship assemblies. 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 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. Appreciation for this blessing will help the Lord's people overcome the habit of forsaking worship assemblies. 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 evilconscience" 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. Are the Lord's people "drawing near" when they forsake 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 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. Are the Lord's people "holding fast the profession of their faith" when they forsake 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 3:13. 3. Are the Lord's people "considering others" when they forsake worship assemblies? D. Fourth, vs.25 teaches us to assemble faithfully. 1. When we assemble we are to "exhort" [encourage] one another. 2. Can the Lord's people be exhorted or exhort others when they forsake 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. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. E. 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).
