Jesus, the Son of the Living God! -- Loyal OK Peace UCC

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. So He became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is superior to theirs.

In the Greek text these verses comprise one majestic sentence and they read like the opening of a formal Greek oration rather than the customary "greetings" of a letter.

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become Your Father?” Or again, “I will be His Father, and He will be My Son?”

And again, when God brings His firstborn into the world, He says, “Let all God's angels worship Him.” In speaking of the angels He says, “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire."

But about the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has set You above Your companions by anointing You with the oil of joy."

He also says, “In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end."

To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet?” Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

For the past several weeks I had been planning on starting a series on the book of Romans today. However, when it came time to start writing this message, I felt God directing me to a study on the book of Hebrews….

The book of Hebrews is considered by many to be the most “polished” book in the Bible. It is the only New Testament writing that develops the concept of Jesus’ high priestly ministry. We do not know who the author of Hebrews is. But we do know that the Holy Spirit inspires all scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

1. The Christology (study and work of Jesus Christ) in Hebrews is richly varied with over 20 names and titles used to describe Him.

Christ is better than the angels, and better than the Old Testament mediators.

4. Finally, Hebrews warns about the dangers of spiritual apostasy (abandoning your faith) more than any other New Testament writing.

Today our focus is on worship. “Worship” comes from an Old English word, “worth ship.” The idea is reverence or devotion for a deity.

1. We are to worship in spirit and in truth, according to Jesus. (John 4:23)

This means worship is to be in complete sincerity and in tune with God. Jesus said of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except by Me.”

2. Worship will include sacrifice… the sacrifice of praise, not of animals.

3. Worship generally includes both singing and spoken testimony. Some songs are directed to God, others are directed to people. The ones directed to people are testimonies and exhortations. All of this is perfectly scriptural.

4. Worship should include confession of sin. Confession to God, not the congregation!

5. Worship should include prayer – talking to God. In can be corporate prayer or silent prayer, but each person should talk directly to God! NEVER allow the pastor or worship leader to do all of your prayer!

7. Holy Spirit manifestations should be expected… God always wants to move among us. The problem is that we aren’t always sure we want to allow it! (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Where is the focus of your worship? What relaxes you! If you cannot enter into God’s presence in your private prayer time you and God need to have a serious talk!

1:1-2 “Spoken to us by His Son.” God speaks to us through Jesus Christ. If you will use Jesus as your role model you will never go wrong. But do not limit your theology to “the words in red” in your Bible, for 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 applies here – all scripture is God-breathed!

1:3 “Sat down at the right hand.” This was after Christ purchased the forgiveness of our sins through His death on the cross, when He took His place of authority at God’s right hand. He now serves as our:

1:9 “Loved righteousness and hates wickedness.” As God’s children we love righteousness… or at least we are supposed to! The question for us this morning is this. DO WE HATE SIN AND WICKEDNESS? We are to love those who are caught up in sin, and should expend every effort ministering to them. “Rescue the Perishing,” as the old gospel song says!

1:14 “Angels ministering spirits.” Among the other things angels do, they rejoice over sinners who repent (Luke 15:10). They serve on behalf of God’s people (Daniel 3:25, 6:22, Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14). They observe the life of the Christian congregation (1 Corinthians 11:10). They bring messages from God (Acts 10:1-8). They bring answers to prayer (Daniel 9:21-23). They strengthen God’s people in trials (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43). They fight against the demoniac forces (Rev 12:7-9). And they carry the saved to heaven (Luke 16:22).

God is committed to your success. I challenge us to spend time in true worship every day of our lives. Spend time alone with God. Share His Word and teachings with others. Be quick to tell of His love toward you.

When you fail, take the blame… when you succeed, praise God! As you magnify His holy name, He will bless you in ways you never dreamed of!

Then you can truly say with the writer of the old hymn, “What a fellowship, what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms!”