Embracing Our Privileges as Believers in Christ
Summary
In the discourse by Dr. Benny M. Abante, Jr., the focus is on the passage from Hebrews 10:19-25, which emphasizes the privileges of believers due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The message begins by highlighting the hope and anticipation for the glorious appearance of Jesus Christ, as well as the pursuit of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The speaker encourages reflection on personal messages for the new year and the importance of spending time with family in prayer and encouragement, rather than just in festivities.
The speaker urges parents to teach their children to rely on God rather than on themselves, emphasizing the importance of making a stand for God alone. Senior citizens, even if homebound, are called to be prayer warriors, while singers and instrumentalists are reminded that their talents should be used to serve God, not just to showcase their abilities.
The message addresses the issue of doubt, which is often sown by the devil, and the need to hold fast to the profession of faith without wavering, as God always speaks the truth. Believers are encouraged to consider one another, to provoke love and good works, and to make a public pronouncement of their faith. The term "provoke" is explained as a call to encourage and challenge one another to love God, His word, His work, and to be faithful.
The speaker also touches on the importance of not forsaking the assembling of believers, as it is a time for mutual encouragement and exhortation. The regular gathering of the ecclesia (church) is seen as a testimony to the confidence that Jesus Christ will come again. The speaker emphasizes that every believer, not just pastors and preachers, should encourage others to serve God.
The message also delves into the Old Testament sacrifices, which are now obsolete because they were a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The speaker explains that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament are no longer applicable in the New Testament era, as Christ's sacrifice was once and for all. The priesthood of all believers is introduced, highlighting that every believer has the privilege and responsibility to intercede for others.
The speaker further explains the significance of the temple layout in the Old Testament and how it relates to the work of Christ. The tearing of the veil in the temple at the time of Jesus' death symbolizes direct access to God through Christ, who is now the high priest. The central message of Hebrews 10 is to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith, holding fast to the profession of faith without wavering, and considering one another to provoke love and good works.
The speaker concludes by reflecting on the challenges and beauty of the ecclesia, which is made up of imperfect people but is also a body of believers saved by grace. The ecclesia is described as a refuge, a training ground, a bearer of burdens, and a family united in love and fellowship. The message ends with a call to submit to God's divine providence for the coming year.
Key Takeaways:
- The sacrifice of Jesus Christ has granted believers the privilege to approach God with confidence, emphasizing the importance of living out this truth through a steadfast profession of faith and mutual encouragement among the community of believers. This privilege is not based on religious rites or ceremonies but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. [19:59]
- Encouragement and exhortation within the ecclesia are not solely the responsibilities of church leaders but of every individual believer. Each person is called to provoke others to love and good works, which is a challenge to live out the faith actively and support one another in the journey of faithfulness to God. [28:34]
- The regular assembly of believers serves as a vital space for spiritual growth and preparation for the return of Christ. It is a reminder that the ecclesia is not just a gathering but a family of faith, where burdens are shared, hope is given, and hearts are invited to restoration. [01:01:30]
- The concept of faith as a gift from God underscores the idea that belief is not innate but is bestowed by the divine. This gift enables believers to draw near to God and trust in His promises, despite the doubts and challenges that may arise. [22:19]
- The ecclesia, while often perceived as a place of perfection, is in reality a gathering of sinners transformed by grace. It is a place where the broken are made whole, the weary find rest, and the faithful are equipped for service. This understanding fosters a compassionate and authentic community of believers. [01:07:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Hebrews 10:19-25 (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. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
#### Observation Questions
1. What privileges do believers have according to Hebrews 10:19-25?
2. How does the passage describe the way believers should approach God? ([00:43])
3. What does the term "provoke" mean in the context of Hebrews 10:24? ([26:35])
4. Why is it important not to forsake the assembling of believers according to the sermon? ([44:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith"? How can believers practically live this out? ([16:28])
2. How does the tearing of the veil in the temple at Jesus' death symbolize the new access believers have to God? ([14:29])
3. In what ways can believers "provoke" one another to love and good works? How does this challenge the typical understanding of the word "provoke"? ([26:35])
4. Why is mutual encouragement within the ecclesia essential for spiritual growth and preparation for Christ's return? ([01:01:30])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal faith journey. How can you draw near to God with a true heart and full assurance of faith this week? ([16:28])
2. Think about a time when you doubted God's promises. How did you overcome that doubt, and what can you do to hold fast to the profession of your faith without wavering in the future? ([21:33])
3. Identify someone in your church or small group who might need encouragement. What specific actions can you take to provoke them to love and good works this week? ([26:35])
4. How can you make a stand for God in your daily life, especially in situations where it might be easier to rely on yourself or others? ([01:11:57])
5. Reflect on the importance of regular church attendance. How can you prioritize assembling with other believers, and what steps can you take to encourage others to do the same? ([44:41])
6. Consider the talents and gifts God has given you. How can you use them to serve God and the church community rather than just showcasing your abilities? ([01:14:51])
7. The sermon emphasized the role of senior citizens as prayer warriors. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine, regardless of your age or physical abilities? ([01:13:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence in Divine Access
Believers are invited to approach God with boldness, assured by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This confidence is not rooted in personal merit but in the transformative work of the cross. It is a call to live out faith with conviction and to support one another in the journey toward spiritual maturity. [19:59]
Hebrews 4:16 - "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: How does understanding Christ's sacrifice change the way you approach God in prayer and in daily life?
Day 2: Provoking to Love and Good Works
Each believer carries the responsibility to inspire others toward love and good deeds. This provocation is not one of irritation but of encouragement, challenging the community to embody the teachings of Christ in every action and interaction. [28:34]
Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Reflection: Who can you encourage today to live out their faith more fully, and how will you do it?
Day 3: The Ecclesia as a Spiritual Family
The gathering of believers is essential for spiritual nourishment and preparation for Christ's return. It is within this family of faith that individuals find support, share burdens, and experience the transformative power of communal worship. [01:01:30]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth of your church family this week?
Day 4: Embracing Faith as a Divine Gift
Faith is a divine endowment, not a human achievement. This gift empowers believers to trust in God's promises and to draw near to Him, even when faced with doubts and life's uncertainties. [22:19]
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: How can you exercise your faith today in a situation where you typically rely on your own understanding?
Day 5: The Ecclesia as a Refuge for Sinners
The church is not a showcase for saints but a sanctuary for sinners saved by grace. It is a place where brokenness is met with healing, weariness with rest, and service with joy. [01:07:01]
James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you help create a more welcoming and healing environment within your church community?
Quotes
"God will always speak the truth and God is always true, so therefore we ought always to come to God by faith without wavering." [24:39] (Download)
"Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and unto good works; the word provoke means to encourage, to challenge. Let me challenge you, let me encourage you to love the Lord more, to do what God wants us to do." [26:35] (Download)
"Nobody who is a True Believer of Christ will be quiet about his faith; he is bound to tell it to somebody else. You won't be quiet about it." [27:42] (Download)
"The faith that the Lord gave to us is a strong faith because God, because the one who gave us that faith is The Sovereign God. Let us draw near with a True Heart in full Assurance of faith." [35:12] (Download)
"Is it only the job of the pastors to exhort, or is it the job of everyone to exhort? Tell me, is it the job of everyone to exhort or just the pastor or just the preacher? Everyone." [57:40] (Download)
"Do you know why we ought to encourage someone to love the Lord more, someone to serve God more? Do you know why? Because the day is approaching, and so much the more as you see the day approaching." [01:00:31] (Download)
"We are not the one that produced that faith it was God God gave us that faith and because of that faith we are able to believe do you realize that huh it is not innate in our nature to have faith it did not come from me that Faith come from my God." [22:19] (Download)
"Ecclesia is a body of Believers bound as brothers and sisters by eternal love, a Holy Ground where Sinners stand as equals before the throne of grace." [01:07:01] (Download)
"Can you imagine the privilege given to us by God through Jesus Christ that we now have the right to come to God's Throne? We have privileges that God gave to us as Believers, and the first privilege was Drawing Near to God's Throne with a True Heart in full Assurance of faith." [17:25] (Download)
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, realizing therefore that Jesus Christ died for us, realizing therefore that it was Christ's sacrifice that allows us this steadfastness." [19:59] (Download)
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