Boldly Approaching Grace: Jesus as Our High Priest
Summary
Today, we gathered at All Saints, a community deeply committed to worship, formation, and mission with Jesus. We began with a warm welcome and a reminder of our church's vision, emphasizing the importance of both the written Word of God and the ongoing voice of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This dual emphasis on Scripture and the Spirit's present voice sets the stage for a church that listens and responds to God actively.
We transitioned into a time of prophetic ministry, underscoring the importance of testing and discerning the words given, as advised by Scripture. This practice is not just about receiving words but also about aligning them with biblical truth and personal discernment, ensuring they edify and encourage the church body in accordance with 1 Corinthians 14.
Our main focus today was on Hebrews 4:14-16, where we delved deep into the concept of Jesus as our great high priest. This passage highlights Jesus' unique role as the mediator who has passed through the heavens, fully human and yet without sin, making Him uniquely qualified to empathize with our weaknesses. This profound truth invites us to approach the throne of grace boldly, to find mercy and grace in our times of need.
In discussing our church's practical affairs, I shared updates about the ongoing building refresh projects funded by the sale of church land last year. This stewardship of resources reflects our commitment to God's work, both locally and globally, as we support missions and church planting. I also extended an invitation to the congregation to participate more fully in these kingdom purposes through giving, emphasizing the joy and discipleship journey of becoming cheerful givers.
We concluded with a call to live out the truths we had explored: approaching God's throne with confidence, seeking His mercy and grace daily. This was not just a theological concept but a tangible invitation to experience God's presence personally and communally.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Dual Role of Scripture and Spirit - Our church holds a firm belief in the authority of Scripture as the foundational truth and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit who continues to speak today. This balance helps us stay rooted in truth while being responsive to the Spirit's movements. This approach is vital for a living, dynamic faith that engages with God in the here and now. [46:02]
2. Jesus, Our Mediator and High Priest - Hebrews 4:14-16 offers a profound insight into Jesus' role as our high priest. This passage not only underscores His divinity and humanity but also His empathetic capacity to understand our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way yet without sin. This makes Him the perfect mediator who can truly represent us before God. [01:15:55]
3. Boldness in Approaching God - The invitation to approach the throne of grace with boldness is a transformative truth that can change our daily spiritual lives. Understanding that we are welcomed to come before God with our needs and weaknesses encourages a deeper, more confident prayer life. This boldness arises from recognizing Jesus' advocacy and priesthood on our behalf. [01:28:06]
4. The Importance of Community and Stewardship - Today's discussion on the church's physical and spiritual refresh projects highlights the importance of community involvement and stewardship. By investing in our church's infrastructure and missions, we embody the practical aspects of our faith, ensuring that our communal space reflects our spiritual commitments. [01:09:13]
5. Encouragement to Participate in Giving - The call to participate in giving as part of our discipleship journey is a crucial aspect of our faith. It's not merely about financial transactions but about engaging in the kingdom work God is doing through our church. This practice of giving is an act of worship and alignment with God's purposes. [01:10:22]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
45:05 - Prophetic Ministry Introduction
46:02 - Biblical and Encouraging Words
52:13 - Community Updates and ESV Preference
59:24 - Emphasizing Scripture in Daily Life
01:07:20 - Announcements and Meetings
01:09:13 - Church Building Updates
01:10:22 - Invitation to Cheerful Giving
01:11:08 - Introduction to Hebrews 4
01:15:07 - Jesus Our High Priest
01:18:49 - Jesus, the Mediator
01:24:11 - Overcoming Temptation with Jesus
01:28:06 - Approaching the Throne of Grace
01:30:22 - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 4:14-16
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus' role as our high priest?
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main ways God speaks to His people today? [46:02]
3. How does the sermon describe the process of testing and discerning prophetic words? [46:47]
4. What updates were given about the church's building refresh projects? [01:09:13]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus is described as both fully human and fully divine in Hebrews 4:14-16? How does this dual nature impact His role as our high priest? [01:12:53]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of approaching the throne of grace with boldness. What does this boldness look like in practical terms? [01:28:06]
3. How does the practice of prophetic ministry, as described in the sermon, align with the teachings of 1 Corinthians 14 and 1 Thessalonians 5? [46:47]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between stewardship of resources and community involvement in the church? [01:09:13]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need for God's mercy and grace. How did you approach Him, and what was the outcome? How can you apply Hebrews 4:16 in your daily life? [01:28:06]
2. The sermon calls us to test and discern prophetic words. Have you ever received a prophetic word? How did you test and discern its validity? [46:47]
3. How can you balance the authority of Scripture with being open to the ongoing voice of the Holy Spirit in your life? What steps can you take to ensure you are rooted in biblical truth while being responsive to the Spirit's movements? [46:02]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of cheerful giving as part of our discipleship journey. How do you currently view giving, and what changes can you make to become a more cheerful giver? [01:10:22]
5. Think about the church's building refresh projects and the call for community involvement. How can you personally contribute to these efforts, either through giving or volunteering your time and skills? [01:09:13]
6. The sermon highlighted Jesus' empathy with our weaknesses. How does knowing that Jesus understands your struggles impact your relationship with Him? How can this understanding change the way you pray and seek His help? [01:13:57]
7. The sermon concluded with an invitation to live out the truths explored. What specific steps can you take this week to approach God's throne with confidence and seek His mercy and grace daily? [01:30:22]
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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes and teachings from the sermon, fostering meaningful discussion and personal application.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Scripture and Spirit in Harmony
Our faith journey is enriched when we balance the foundational truths of Scripture with the dynamic and ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit. This dual engagement ensures that our spiritual life remains both anchored and agile, capable of responding to the ever-changing contexts of our world while staying rooted in eternal truths. The authority of Scripture provides a solid foundation, and the Spirit's present voice guides us in applying these truths to our daily lives, making our faith a living, breathing experience that grows and adapts. [46:02]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How can you more actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in interpreting and applying Scripture in your life today?
Day 2: Jesus, Our Empathetic High Priest
Understanding Jesus as our high priest, who is both fully divine and fully human, profoundly impacts our relationship with God. Hebrews 4:14-16 reveals that Jesus, tempted in every way as we are yet without sin, can empathize with our weaknesses. This unique position of Jesus allows us to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that our mediator truly understands our struggles and can intercede effectively on our behalf. This insight invites us to be honest and open before God, bringing our vulnerabilities and temptations to Him without fear. [01:15:55]
Hebrews 2:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace Jesus' empathy and intercession?
Day 3: Boldness at the Throne of Grace
The invitation to approach God's throne with boldness is a transformative truth that empowers our prayer life and daily spiritual walk. This boldness arises from understanding that we are not only allowed but encouraged to come before God with all our needs, weaknesses, and sins. Recognizing Jesus' advocacy and priesthood on our behalf changes how we view our access to God, moving from a posture of timidity to one of confidence and assurance that we will find mercy and grace to help in our time of need. [01:28:06]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: What fears or hesitations hold you back from approaching God with boldness, and how can you overcome them today?
Day 4: Community and Stewardship as Acts of Faith
Our commitment to stewardship and community involvement reflects our dedication to God's kingdom. By actively participating in the upkeep and enhancement of our church's infrastructure, as well as supporting missions, we practice tangible expressions of our faith. This stewardship is not just about maintaining buildings but about creating spaces that facilitate worship, community, and spiritual growth. Our involvement in these projects is a practical outworking of our belief in God's work through us, locally and globally. [01:09:13]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: How can you contribute more effectively to the stewardship and community life of your church?
Day 5: The Joy of Giving in Kingdom Work
Encouraging the congregation to participate in giving is about more than financial contributions; it's about engaging in the broader work of God's kingdom. This act of giving should be seen as an integral part of our worship and a reflection of our trust in God's provision and purposes. By giving cheerfully, we align ourselves with God's priorities, supporting the church's mission and outreach efforts, and experiencing the joy that comes from being part of something larger than ourselves. [01:10:22]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: What might be holding you back from giving more freely to God's work, and how can you begin to address these barriers today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's wonderful to be in a church where we treasure the scriptures, but then we have people ordinary people who hear from God during their busy work days." [59:24]
2. "Good morning. You sound like a bunch of angels in here. You sounded wonderful, didn't it? A little taste of heaven. Welcome to All Saints. We're a community of worship and formation on mission with Jesus." [45:05]
3. "If you don't you're missing out because God loves a cheerful giver and there is the scriptures teach it Old Testament and New Testament. God invites his people to participate." [01:10:22]
4. "We're going to see that Jesus is our great high priest. And this is a key theme that's developed in Hebrews. And you know what church this is not developed anywhere else in the New Testament. It's unique to Hebrews that you would have this meditation on Jesus the great high priest." [01:12:53]
5. "Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness. So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. This is the word of God." [01:15:07]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We have a youth parents meeting 1230 to 130. Is that in Fellowship? Chapel Chapel a youth parents meeting 1230 to 130 in the chapel for general information and upcoming events." [01:07:20]
2. "We sold some land last year that has enabled us. We've invested the money there so that we could refurbish things like the parking lot and like having new lighting. And flooring that's coming in. So I've mentioned that we want to steward our building and our property." [01:09:13]
3. "And we know, let me ask you, how does God first and foremost speak to his people? Say it again. Yeah, the word, the written word of God. But we're also seeing even in Hebrews that the author of Hebrews will say, the Holy Spirit says this." [46:02]
4. "Jesus has paved the way for us into the very Holy of Holies. Are you seeing it? We're going to linger with this idea of him being a high priest, but Jesus has gone through into the heavens and he's opened the very presence of God." [01:29:02]
5. "Jesus is the sympathetic sinless priest. But look at verse 16. This is just marvelous here. Let us therefore in view of these things about Jesus approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [01:26:15]
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