Embracing the New Covenant: Letting Go of Obsolescence
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the concept of obsolescence, both in our everyday lives and in our spiritual journey. We began with a personal anecdote about the obsolescence of certain practices and items, such as the belt in schools, fur coats, and old technologies like VHS tapes and typewriters. This led us to reflect on how some things, though once significant, become outdated and lose their purpose over time.
We then transitioned to the book of Hebrews, which emphasizes the obsolescence of the old covenant and the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Written to Jewish converts facing persecution, Hebrews encourages them not to revert to their old ways but to embrace the new covenant established through Jesus. The old covenant, with its rules and regulations, is described as inadequate and obsolete compared to the new life in Christ.
Hebrews 1:1-3 and Hebrews 8:6 were highlighted to show that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. The new covenant, mediated by Jesus, is far superior to the old one. The sermon also touched on the practical applications listed in Hebrews 13, urging us to focus on love, hospitality, remembering the less fortunate, and maintaining the sanctity of marriage, among other things.
The message concluded with a call to let go of the obsolete and embrace the new life in Christ, encouraging us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the New Covenant: The old covenant, with its rules and regulations, is obsolete. Jesus Christ has established a new covenant that offers a superior relationship with God. Embrace this new life in Christ, which is abundant and free. [01:02:52]
2. Jesus as the Exact Representation of God: Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. Knowing Jesus is knowing God. This profound truth should deepen our faith and understanding of who God is. [01:04:14]
3. Let Go of the Obsolete: Just as old technologies and practices become obsolete, so do old ways of living that do not align with the new covenant. Let go of what is outdated and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. [01:09:08]
4. Practical Christian Living: Hebrews 13 provides practical applications for Christian living, such as loving each other, showing hospitality, and remembering those less fortunate. These actions reflect the new life in Christ and should be integral to our daily lives. [01:14:12]
5. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: In the face of difficulties and temptations to revert to old ways, fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He endured the cross for our sake, and by focusing on Him, we can persevere in our spiritual journey. [01:16:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[53:10] - Personal Anecdote: The Belt
[53:52] - Obsolete Practices and Items
[54:24] - The Good Old Days?
[54:57] - Obsolete Technologies
[55:20] - The Return of Vinyl
[56:02] - Cameras and CDs
[56:34] - Old Pictures
[57:12] - Obsolete Tools
[57:43] - The New Creation in Christ
[58:22] - The Book of Hebrews
[59:26] - Supremacy of Jesus
[01:01:06] - God Spoke Through the Prophets
[01:02:21] - Jesus: The Radiance of God's Glory
[01:02:52] - The New Covenant
[01:03:22] - Letting Go of the Old
[01:04:14] - Knowing Jesus is Knowing God
[01:05:11] - Jesus' Superiority
[01:06:17] - Embracing the New Life
[01:07:25] - Church Debates and Obsolete Rules
[01:09:08] - The Old Covenant is Finished
[01:10:01] - Let Go and Let God
[01:11:04] - Jesus: The Way, The Truth, and The Life
[01:12:03] - Moving Forward in Faith
[01:13:06] - Practical Applications in Hebrews 13
[01:16:16] - Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 1:1-3: "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."
2. Hebrews 8:6: "But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises."
3. Hebrews 13:1-4: "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some examples of obsolete items and practices mentioned in the sermon? [53:52]
2. According to Hebrews 1:1-3, how has God spoken to us in these last days?
3. What does Hebrews 8:6 say about the new covenant compared to the old one?
4. What practical applications for Christian living are listed in Hebrews 13:1-4?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is the exact representation of God's being? How does this deepen our understanding of who God is? [01:04:14]
2. How does the concept of obsolescence in everyday items help us understand the obsolescence of the old covenant? [01:09:08]
3. What might be the significance of the practical applications listed in Hebrews 13 for our daily Christian living? [01:14:12]
4. How can fixing our eyes on Jesus help us persevere in our spiritual journey, especially in the face of difficulties? [01:16:16]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon encourages us to embrace the new covenant and let go of the obsolete. Is there an old way of living or thinking that you need to let go of to fully embrace your new life in Christ? [01:09:08]
2. Reflect on the statement that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. How does this truth impact your faith and relationship with God? [01:04:14]
3. Hebrews 13 urges us to love one another, show hospitality, and remember the less fortunate. What specific actions can you take this week to live out these principles? [01:14:12]
4. The sermon mentioned the temptation to revert to old ways in the face of difficulties. What are some practical steps you can take to keep your focus on Jesus during challenging times? [01:16:16]
5. The old covenant is described as inadequate and obsolete. How can you ensure that your faith is rooted in the new covenant and not in outdated practices or beliefs? [01:09:08]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage. How can you honor and strengthen your marriage or support others in their marriages? [01:14:12]
7. Consider the call to let go and let God have His way in your life. Is there a specific area where you need to surrender control and trust God more fully? [01:10:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the New Covenant
Description: The old covenant, with its numerous rules and regulations, has become obsolete. Jesus Christ has established a new covenant that offers a superior relationship with God. This new life in Christ is abundant and free, providing a deeper connection with God that the old covenant could not offer. Embracing this new covenant means letting go of the old ways and fully accepting the grace and freedom that Jesus provides. This transition is not just a theological shift but a practical one, impacting how we live our daily lives and interact with others. [01:02:52]
Hebrews 8:13 (ESV): "In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away."
Reflection: What old habits or beliefs are you holding onto that may be hindering your relationship with God? How can you begin to embrace the new life that Jesus offers today?
Day 2: Jesus as the Exact Representation of God
Description: Jesus is described as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. This profound truth means that knowing Jesus is knowing God. Through Jesus, we see the fullness of God's character, His love, mercy, and justice. This understanding should deepen our faith and transform our relationship with God, as we realize that in Jesus, we have a perfect revelation of who God is. This truth calls us to a closer, more intimate relationship with Jesus, knowing that in Him, we see the very nature of God. [01:04:14]
Colossians 1:15-16 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is the exact representation of God change your perception of Him? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus today?
Day 3: Let Go of the Obsolete
Description: Just as old technologies and practices become obsolete, so do old ways of living that do not align with the new covenant. The call to let go of what is outdated is a call to embrace the new life that Jesus offers. This involves a conscious decision to leave behind habits, beliefs, and practices that are no longer beneficial or aligned with the teachings of Christ. Embracing the new life in Christ means adopting new ways of thinking and living that reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. [01:09:08]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific old habits or practices do you need to let go of to fully embrace the new life in Christ? How can you start making those changes today?
Day 4: Practical Christian Living
Description: Hebrews 13 provides practical applications for Christian living, such as loving each other, showing hospitality, and remembering those less fortunate. These actions are not just moral duties but reflections of the new life in Christ. They demonstrate the transformative power of the new covenant in our daily lives. By focusing on these practical aspects, we live out our faith in tangible ways that impact those around us and reflect the love of Christ. These practices should be integral to our daily lives, shaping how we interact with others and live out our faith. [01:14:12]
Hebrews 13:1-3 (ESV): "Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."
Reflection: How can you show love and hospitality to someone in your community today? What practical steps can you take to remember and support those who are less fortunate?
Day 5: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
Description: In the face of difficulties and temptations to revert to old ways, the call is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus endured the cross for our sake, and by focusing on Him, we can persevere in our spiritual journey. This focus on Jesus provides the strength and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of life. By keeping our eyes on Him, we are reminded of His sacrifice, love, and the ultimate goal of our faith. This focus helps us to remain steadfast and committed to the new life He offers. [01:16:16]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions or challenges are preventing you from fixing your eyes on Jesus? How can you refocus your attention on Him and rely on His strength to persevere in your faith journey?
Quotes
1. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ He is a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come. Something far better has come. The old is gone. The new has come. The book of Hebrews spends a lot of time talking about obsolete. It was written in about AD 70. It's an anonymous book. It's the only anonymous book in the New Testament. It's the only anonymous book in the New Testament." [57:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The past is worth remembering. But sometimes you're required to let it go. And let it go completely. Often it serves no significant purpose. Many of the conversations I've had in churches are about things that are of no consequence. Some of the worst debates or best debates, how you want to put it, took place in my church experience based in trivia." [01:06:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus trumps the old covenant. It is inferior, inadequate, and not fit for purpose. The old covenant is finished. I hate to upset you if you like the Old Testament a lot. It's there for a historical reason. It's there to give us understanding. But it's obsolete if it comes to trying to have a new relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. The obsolete is replaced by a new covenant, by something far superior." [01:09:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Let go and let God have his wonderful way in your life. Embrace the new. And verse 3 reminds us what the new is. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being. A commentary I was reading recently says it's simple. It's Jesus. Only Jesus. Not Jesus plus. Not Jesus minus. Only Jesus." [01:10:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Jewish converts were under persecution and were tempted to go back to the obsolete, to the inadequate, to the past, to the inferior. What about you? Are you looking forward to moving on with the spirit of God in your heart and life as he seems to take us in new directions and new ways and new paths? Are you embracing new life in Christ? Are you moving on with him despite difficulties?" [01:11:04] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The best way to avoid going back is to go forward. I want to finish just by reading three verses from Hebrews chapter 12. Chapter 11 is very much about the faith of saints. But chapter 12 says, 'Therefore since we are surrounded by a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes in Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.'" [01:15:44] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The past is gone. It doesn't mean you don't refer to it, you don't reflect on it, and you don't learn from it. But it's obsolete in terms of trying to establish your relationship with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 7 verse 25 says, 'Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to end his life and to intercede for them.'" [01:06:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Jesus is superior. Something far better has come. The old covenant is redundant and it's obsolete. We are recipients of the new covenant. Do you know that? You became a Christian and you moved on. You adopted new life in Christ, abundantly free. Jesus Christ is your Lord and your mediator." [01:05:50] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you know Jesus, you know God. If you've seen Jesus, you've seen God. Show us the father, Jesus answered. Don't you know me? Anyone who has seen me has seen the father." [01:04:14] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The author of Hebrews, after he's tried to establish these fundamental basic truths, said please, please, please, please don't go back to the obsolete. Don't go back to belting children. Don't go back to a toilet of clothes. Don't go back to all things that are now of no value and no purpose and no significance other than maybe making you feel a wee bit more comfortable. Stick with what God is calling you." [01:13:06] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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