Jesus Is Present When His Followers Worship (Matthew 18:20)
Introduction:
1. According to Matthew 18:20, Jesus is in the midst of those who gather together in His name. 2. Last Sunday morning we showed that Jesus is present when we eat His Supper. 3. In Matthew 26:29, when Jesus gave instructions for eating His Supper, He said He would eat it with His followers in the Father's kingdom. 4. This morning we are showing that Jesus is also present when we sing. 5. We are using Hebrews 2:9-12 as a foundation for our lesson. 6. To properly understand these verses, . . .
Discussion:
I. WE FIRST NEED TO EXAMINE PSALM 22:22
A. We need to do this because Hebrews 2:12 is a quotation of Psalm 22:22. B. David wrote this Psalm about 1000 BC. C. He wrote about the ways that he was mistreated when Saul was pursuing him. D. He also wrote about the ways that Jesus would be mistreated when He was crucified. 1. See vs.1a, vs.7-8, and vs.18. 2. Compare with Matthew 27:35, vs.39-43, and vs.46. E. Not only was David writing about his own experiences, but he was also writing about Jesus. F. Beginning at vs.22 of Psalm 22, attention turns to offering praise to God. G. Let us analyze this verse. 1. "I will declare thy name." 2. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren." 3. "In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." H. For our second point, we need to understand that . . .
II. HEBREWS 2:12 APPLIES PSALM 22:22 TO JESUS
A. In the context, the writer has shown that Jesus is God's spokesman (1:1-2). B. In ch.1-2, the writer showed that Jesus is far superior to angels, who have also served as God's spokesmen. C. (2:9) Even though Jesus is superior to angels, He was made a little lower than the angels so He could suffer death on our behalf. D. (2:10) It was necessary for Jesus to die so He could bring "many sons unto glory." E. (2:11) The writer continued by mentioning the close relationship that Jesus has with His followers. F. (2:12) As the writer quotes Psalm 22:22, he is showing that Jesus declares God's name to His brethren and sings praise to God in the midst of the church. G. The Lord's brethren are identified in Matthew 12:46-50. H. Since Jesus is present when we sing in worship, perhaps this is a good time for us to be reminded of several . . .
III. NEW TESTAMENT PRINCIPLES THAT RELATE TO SINGING
A. 1 Corinthians 14:15 B. Ephesians 5:19 C. Colossians 3:16-17
Conclusion:
1. (Matthew 26:26-29) Jesus gave instructions for eating His Supper, and He is present when we eat His Supper in worship today. 2. (Matthew 26:30) Jesus sang a hymn with His apostles, and He is present when we sing in worship today. 3. Let us always remember that the Lord is present when His followers gather together in His name. 4. This should motivate us to worship "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). 5. Have you become a member of His church? (Acts 2:47)