1. The Bible teaches in Hebrews 1:1-3 that Jesus is God's spokesman today. a. According to vs.1, in past times God spoke to the Jewish fathers by the prophets. b. God spoke through the prophets: 1) "at sundry times": in many parts 2) "in divers manners": in many ways. c. In vs.2a, we learn that God has spoken: 1) "in these last days": at the end of the Jewish age 2) "unto us": those living under the new covenant 3) "by His Son": Jesus Christ. d. The writer continued in vs.2b and vs.3 by highly exalting Christ. 1) He has been "appointed heir of all things." 2) God "made the worlds" by Him. 3) He is the brightness of God's glory. 4) He is the express image of God's person. 5) He upholds all things by the Word of His power. 6) He has purged our sins Himself. 7) He is seated at God's right hand. 2. Since Jesus is God's highly exalted spokesman, we must pay careful attention to His Word. 3. In our lesson we are considering a number of principles that relate to "the Word of the Lord." 4. Let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE WORD OF THE LORD IS THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. The messages delivered to the Jewish fathers by the prophets are found in the Old Testament. B. According to Hebrews 9:15, Jesus is "the mediator of the new testament." C. The New Testament is far superior to the Old Testament (Hebrews 8:6-13). D. To help us appreciate the value of the Lord's Word, . . .
II. JESUS PAID A HIGH PRICE FOR HIS NEW TESTAMENT TO BECOME EFFECTIVE
A. Hebrews 9:15 mentions the Lord's death in connection with the fact that He is the mediator of the New Testament. B. Death is required for a testament to become effective (Hebrews 9:16-17). C. Since Jesus died so His new covenant could go into effect, we should appreciate its value.
III. THE LORD HAS GIVEN US A NUMBER OF RESPONSIBILITIES THAT RELATE TO HIS WORD
A. Some negative matters are addressed in: 1. John 12:48 2. Galatians 1:6-9 3. Revelation 22:18-19 (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; 1 Corinthians 4:6). B. Some positive instructions are given in: 1. John 8:31-32 2. Colossians 3:16-17 3. 2 Timothy 2:15 4. James 1:21-25.
Conclusion:
1. The Lord will bless Christians who keep His Word. 2. The Lord will bless congregations that keep His Word (Revelation 3:8, 10).
