1. According to John 4:23-24, the Father seeks true worshipers to worship Him. 2. True worshipers are those who worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." 3. Today's lesson is based on David's statement in Psalm 122:1 -- he was glad when it was said to him, "Let us go into the house of the Lord." 4. To help us in following David's example, we are studying the information given in Hebrews 10:19-25. 5. Before we study these verses, . . . Discussion: I. LET US MAKE SEVERAL OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE CHRISTIANS IN JERUSALEM
A. The Lord's church was established in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2). B. Love and enthusiasm abounded 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 were not following David's example. F. The information we are studying is designed to take care of this problem. II. (vs. 19-21) 2 SPECIAL BLESSINGS ARE MENTIONED 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 God at every opportunity, as David was (Psalm 122:1). C. Responsibilities accompany these 2 special blessings. III. (vs. 22-25) 4 SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES ARE MENTIONED 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. Following David's example will help us in "drawing near." 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." 4. Following David's example will help us in "holding fast the profession of our faith." C. Third, vs.24 teaches us to "consider one another." 1. This involves stimulating one another "unto love and to good works." 2. The purpose for this is given in Hebrews 3:13. 3. Following David's example will help us in "considering others." D. Fourth, vs.25 teaches us to assemble faithfully. 1. When we assemble we are to "exhort" [encourage] one another. 2. Following David's example will help us to assemble faithfully so we can encourage each other. Conclusion:
1. The Father seeks true worshipers to worship Him. 2. Let us follow David's example in being glad to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (Psalm 122:1).
