The Battle of Pride

Jesus Defeats the Devil: The Battle of Pride

 MATTHEW 4:1-11

 

THEME: Jesus definitively triumphs over Satan to show us how to live for spiritual priorities instead of succumbing to the temptations to live for our pride, prestige, and glory.

RELEVANCE: Jesus is tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the great Conqueror. This temptation is necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The devil will encourage us to adopt a value system that places an unhealthy emphasis on physical and material things, but Jesus un-mistakenly points out our real priorities. In addition, He exposes Satan and his schemes, while crushing him most convincingly. Because of Christ’s victory, we can win against the temptations of pride.

INTRODUCTION:

It is important to note that Jesus faced the enemy as a man, not as the Son of God. We must not think that Jesus used His divine powers to overcome the enemy, because that is just what the enemy wanted Him to do! Jesus used the spiritual resources that are available to us today: the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 4:1), and the power of the Word of God (“It is written”).

LESSON:

Jesus Defeats The Devil (Matt. 4:1-11):

I. The Attacks of the Adversary (Matt. 4:2-11)

This period was a necessary time under God’s direction—another occasion where the Son obeyed and endured until the tests were completed. Hebrews 5:8, says, “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”.

The Son of God never sinned, so He did not learn “obedience” in the sense of overcoming personal rebellion. Rather, He experienced “obedience” in a tangible, flesh-and-blood way. By living as a man, He chose to submit to the Father’s will in real-time and real-world situations.

Now Jesus, our great High Priest, can truly sympathize with our struggles. By experiencing suffering and choosing obedience through it, Jesus became the qualified and perfect source of salvation for us all. 

THE SECOND ATTACK OF SATAN—LIVE FOR PERSONAL PRIDE, PRESTIGE, AND YOUR OWN IMMEDIATE GLORY (Matt. 4:5-7). 

A The Temptation of Pride (Matt. 4:5-6): Prove you are the Son of God; jump off the highest point of the Temple!

 

1.     The Second Temptation Took Place In Jerusalem On The Pinnacle Of The Temple.

a.      The devil challenged Jesus to throw Himself down as a spectacular display of His divine Sonship to gain popularity and acceptance. The Lord Jesus was taken to a pinnacle of the temple, probably about 500 feet above the Kidron Valley.

b.     Satan knew of the protection promised to the Messiah by God in Psalms. Psalm 91:11-12, For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. [12] They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

c.      Satan made a subtle suggestion to Jesus as the Messiah. He may have been reminding Jesus of Malachi’s prophecy (Mal. 3:1). The people expected Messiah to suddenly appear in the sky, coming down to His temple. Satan was saying, in essence, “Why don’t You do what the people are expecting and make some marvelous display? After all, the Scripture says His angels will protect You as You come down!”

d.     Beloved, be alert to any power, strength, ability, gift, talent, beauty, or prominence you may possess! This could become a source of pride and independence of God!   

2.     The Temptation Was For Jesus To Demonstrate That He Was Messiah By Performing A Sensational Stunt.

a.      Jesus could achieve glory without suffering; He could bypass the cross and still reach the throne. But this action would be outside the will of God.

b.     John describes this appeal as “the pride of life” (1 Jn. 2:16). It resembles the “tree desirable to make one wise” (Gen. 3:6) in the Garden of Eden, as both were a means of achieving personal glory while ignoring God’s will.

c.      This is a desire to attain religious prominence apart from the fellowship of His suffering. We seek great things for ourselves, then run and hide when difficulties come our way. When we ignore God’s will to exalt ourselves, we tempt God.

d.     Satan challenges Jesus to prove His divine identity. He is tempting Jesus to take matters into His own hands rather than submitting to God's intended path of suffering and obedience.

e.      Ignoring God's will to exalt ourselves leads to spiritual separation, misplaced priorities, and an inevitable downfall. Pride fosters arrogance and self-reliance, while true purpose and honor come from surrendering to God's plan and serving others.

f.      Aligning your will with God's shifts your focus from earthly recognition to serving others, ultimately allowing Him to guide, honor, and elevate you in His perfect timing.

g.     God repeatedly warns us against pride, describing it as a spiritual barrier that invites destruction, brings shame, and causes individuals to exalt themselves above God. These passages caution that self-reliance without God ultimately leads to a fall. 

1.     Warnings about the Destructive Nature of Pride

a.      Proverbs 16:18, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

b.     Proverbs 11:2, When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

c.      Proverbs 29:23, A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

2.     Warnings revealing God's Opposition to Pride

a.      James 4:6, ...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

b.     Proverbs 16:5, Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

c.      Psalm 10:4, The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

3.     Mandates that Call us to Humility before Him

a.      1 Peter 5:5, Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

b.     Philippians 2:3, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

3. This Temptation Was Even More Subtle Because Satan Also Used the Word of God.

a.      “So You intend to live by the Scriptures,” Satan implied. “Then let me quote You a verse of Scripture and see if You will obey it!” Satan then quoted from Psalm 91:11–12 where God promised to care for His own. “If You really believe the Scriptures, then jump! Let’s see if the Father cares for You!”

b.     Satan May Have Thought If Jesus Could Quote Scripture To Him, He Could Quote It Too. However, he purposely did not quote Psalm 91:11-12 accurately. He left out an important phrase, “in all thy ways.” According to the psalmist, a person is protected only when he is following the Lord’s will. For Jesus to cast Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple in some dramatic display to accommodate Himself to the people’s thinking would not have been God’s will. Jesus’ response indicated that it would not be proper to test God and expect Him to do something when one is out of His will.

c.      Note Carefully Our Lord’s Reply: “It Is Written AGAIN” (Matt. 4:7). We must never divorce one part of Scripture from another, but we must always “compare spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Cor. 2:13). We can prove almost anything by the Bible if we isolate texts from the contexts and turn them into pretexts. Satan had cleverly omitted the phrase “in all Thy ways” when he quoted from Psalm 91. When the child of God is in the will of God, the Father will protect him. He watches over those who are “in His ways.”

d.     Satan tempts Jesus to prove He is the Son of God by jumping from the high pinnacle of the temple. The devil weaponizes scripture by quoting Psalm 91:11-12, trying to trick Jesus into foolishly testing God’s promise of protection for a cheap, spectacular show. 

 

B.   The Triumph Over Pride (Matt. 4:7): Do not presume to test the Lord or force Him to accommodate your will; respect the fact that He is God!

 

1.     Jesus Replied with Deuteronomy 6:16: “Thou Shalt Not Tempt The Lord Thy God.”

a.      We tempt God when we put ourselves into circumstances that force Him to work miracles on our behalf. The diabetic who refuses to take insulin and argues, “Jesus will take care of me,” may be tempting the Lord.

b.     We tempt God when we try to force Him to contradict His own Word. It is important for us as believers to read all Scripture, and study all God has to say, for all of it is profitable for daily life (2 Tim. 3:16–17).

c.      Jesus reveals that demanding God perform a miracle to prove His love or power is not faith; it is a lack of trust and an act of manipulation.

d.     God had promised to preserve the Messiah, but that guarantee presupposed living in God’s will. To claim the promise in an act of disobedience would be tempting God.

 

2.     Again, Jesus Resisted the Temptation for Immediate Glory, Prestige and Pride! 

a.      The time would come when Jesus would be revealed as Messiah, but the cross must come first. It is wise to wait on God’s timing.

b.     The altar of sacrifice must precede the throne. The crown of thorns must precede the crown of glory. Refuse to be afraid of sacrifices for the Lord’s sake. We are correct when we anticipate suffering, pain, investment, obligation and payment before any returns, privileges, or advantages.

c.      Jesus would await God’s time and would accomplish God’s will. Making a point of walking daily in the will of God is one way to demonstrate faith in it.

d.     A life of humility honors to the Lord and the Lord will honor a life of humility. Proverbs 22:4 says: “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” True reverence for God and a spirit of humility yields great spiritual rewards. The Lord exalts and honors the humble!

1.     Proverbs 15:33, The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

2.     Proverbs 18:12, Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility.

3.     1 Peter 5:6, Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.

 

CONCLUSION:

Jesus triumphs over Satan’s temptations of pride and independence! He was tempted so that every creature might know that Jesus Christ is the matchless Conqueror. This temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world.

Additionally, Jesus exposed Satan and his tactics, and He defeated Satan without a doubt. Because of Christ’s success, we can have many conquests over pride and the tempter.

By our experiencing various sufferings, inconveniences, hardnesses and choosing obedience to God through them, we become qualified comforters and perfect aids in the salvation and growth of others. Yes, we too can definitively triumph over Satan and live for God’s priorities instead of yielding to Satan’s temptations to live for pride, prestige, and glory.

The Righteousness of God III

 

“The Righteousness of God III”

Romans 10:11-21

 

SUBJECT: ISRAEL’S PAST

THEME: The Principle for Receiving God’s Righteousness is Faith and not Works; This is why Israel is Presently Set Aside as a Nation—Unbelief.

RELEVANCE: God’s righteousness is received by faith in Jesus Christ. If God is fair in his dealings with Israel, then the rest of humanity can unreservedly entrust their eternal future with him. The truth is anyone can rest in God’s salvation because it is received by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. The Nation of Israel missed God’s salvation and blessings because of their lack of faith and not the unfairness or inconsistency of God.

INTRODUCTION:

We discover the ‘righteousness of God’ and Israel’s current rejection in Romans 10. Paul is confident the gospel as the dynamic, saving power of God is available to everyone who believes. Salvation is obtained through faith—not works—revealing God’s righteousness, which is consistent from beginning to end. Yes, the ‘righteousness of God’ is the theme of the book of Romans, and it is further discussed in these following verses.

MESSAGE:

V.  THE SCOPE OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (Rom. 10:11-13).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).

While ‘scope’ may generally include things like opportunities, range, extent, leeway, freedom and even latitude, it is important to identify the focus here is on acceptability to God. There is a specific way to qualify for this ‘righteousness’ that God regards as acceptable. People may be impressed for multiple reasons and based on varying criteria, but God grants ‘righteousness’ exclusively to real believers.

So, the ‘righteousness of God’ is universally available to anyone who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of their background without even a remote possibility of disappointment (Rom. 10:11-13). This is the ‘extensive range’ of the gospel! Christ, “the same Lord over all,” bridges the divide between Jew and Gentile (worldwide), offering assurance through faith to every genuine believer. The promise of Joel 2:32, says to anyone—regardless of their past or heritage—if you genuinely call upon the name of the Lord you are guaranteed everlasting deliverance, eternal rescue, and forgiveness from God—salvation. 

Now we learn that there is no distinction as far as the availability of salvation is concerned. The Lord is not an exclusive God, but is Lord over all mankind. He is rich in grace and mercy to all who call upon Him.^[1]

Paul already demonstrated that everybody was indeed lost due to our inherent sinfulness; now he shows that everyone can be saved through faith in Christ. The “whosoever” (Rom. 10:13), mentioned here is encouraging, but the one in Revelation 20:15 is a warning of being “cast into the Lake of Fire” because of a sinful condition that rejects the gospel.

God’s glorious salvation is accessible to all people (anyone everywhere); there is no difference (vs. 12) or no distinction as far as the availability of salvation is concerned. Beloved, we are witnessing the universal scope of the grace of God. It is boundless towards you and me, and we are extremely grateful!    

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. To call on the Lord means to pray in faith for salvation.^[2]

God echoes this ‘whosoever believes’ standard repeatedly to welcome sinners like me and you to Himself.

Rom 9:33, As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 Pet 2:6, Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Acts 10:43, To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

John 5:24, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 John 2:1-2, My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: ² And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

APPLICATION: The scope of the gospel clearly includes all who will believe on Christ from a repentant heart; God’s saving grace is astoundingly available to “every creature” as He has repeatedly stated. Clearly these observations disprove the teaching of a limited atonement by the Calvinist, and it also contradicts the teaching of the Universalist who claims we all will be saved eventually but going about it differently. To the Calvinist God says “whosoever”!  And to the Universalist God says “whosever believeth!” 1 John 5:12-13, He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. ¹³ These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Paul had already proved that “there is no difference” in condemnation (Rom. 3:20–23); now he affirms that “there is no difference” in salvation. Instead of the Jew having a special righteousness of his own through the Law, he was declared to be as much a sinner as the Gentile he condemned.

This entire section emphasizes the difference between “Law righteousness” and “faith righteousness.”^[3]

Eternal life is a gift both in the Old and New Testaments, and is never earned^[4]

May we who are save always be thankful to the Lord and never forget that we too are sinners save by the grace of God. Let’s refuse to be hypocritical judges (Matt. 7:1-5). We must never act like a ‘judge’ of others who have not believed or behaving as if we are superior because we have evidence of a few changes in our lifestyle (Rom. 2:15-16, 29; 3:19-26). We are not “judges” at all; that is never our role. While it is always healthy to agree with God regarding any of his standards or expectations even in matters of eternal condemnation, we must never behave like someone’s judge or be judgmental. God fills that role entirely and he requires no replacement (John 12:44-50; Heb. 12: 5-11; Rom. 14:10-12; Rev. 20:11-15).  

VI.   THE PREACHING OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (Rom. 10:14-17).

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:14-15).

If God will save anyone who believes than we must be aggressive about preaching, proclamation, evangelizing, missions, and witnessing. 

But such a gospel presupposes a universal proclamation. Of what use is a salvation offered to Jews and Gentiles if they never hear about it? Here we have the heartbeat of Christian missions!^[5]

After proclaiming God’s gracious offer in Christ, Paul confronted the natural questions that arise, each additional question building on the key verb from the preceding question. God’s promise of salvation to “everyone who calls” on Him (v. 13) begins the process.^[6]

At this point it is imperative that we remind ourselves of the critical need to communicate the gospel generously and broadly.

• We are impressed with the importance of preaching the Gospel for salvation.
• We must emphasize the necessity of hearing the gospel message to believe in Christ.
• Our role as messengers is crucial; we must be sent to proclaim the good news.
• We are reminded that faith comes through hearing, and hearing through the word of God.
• Beloved, there is a chain of communication needed for real faith to develop in the heart.
• Most of all, we must stress the urgency of evangelism in spreading the gospel of God’s peace to everyone.

We are clearly confronted with an emerging pattern. Salvation is not based on adherence to the law but instead on faith in Jesus Christ. Remember Romans 10:9-10, teaches that if we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart, we are saved. Romans 10:14 is the bridge that connects salvation with hearing about Jesus. As a result, we connect the urgency for evangelism and preaching with our current mission.

(Since the Gr. word kēryssō, “preach,” means “to be a herald, to announce,” it is not limited to proclamation from a pulpit.) Carrying God’s gracious offer involves human beings whom God has brought to Himself and then uses as His heralds. They share God’s message of salvation because He will save everyone who calls on His name.^[7]

APPLICATION: Be certain we are frequently sharing Christ with others. How often do we present the gospel? I realize that some have greater opportunities than others but are we taking advantage of the opportunities we have? It is okay with God if we create new ways or another way to proclaim the gospel! Is there a chance at work during lunch? What about a gospel centered luncheon or dinner with the same gender? Can you change or add to your social media platforms witnessing opportunities? Maybe keeping some gospel tracks in your car is one workable approaches? Perhaps God is sending you out of your church with the message of hope in Christ. Be a witness!

Hodge points out that this is an argument founded on the principle that if God wills the end, He also wills the means to reach that end. This, as we have said, is the basis of the Christian missionary movement. Paul is here vindicating his preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, a policy which the unbelieving Jews considered inexcusable.^[8]

VII.  THE REJECTION OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS (Rom. 10:16-21).

The Jews rejected God’s righteousness and God rejected them! They did not feel they needed to be saved spiritually, they were zealous for God already, they were filled with pride and self righteousness, and they certainly misunderstood the purpose of their own law. As a result they rejected Christ and God rejected them!

But Paul’s ever-present grief is that the people of Israel did not all listen to the gospel.^[9]

    A.    ISAIAH HAD PREDICTED THIS REJECTION

"But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?... vs 20-21, But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people" (Rom.10:16,20-21).

Israel’s unbelief was not because of a lack of opportunity, but rather their own stubbornness—their perseverance in unbelief. Accordingly, God is extending His salvation to the Gentiles world, fulfilling ancient Old Testament prophecies.

Isaiah had prophesied as much when he asked, “Lord, who has believed our report?” (Isa. 53:1). The question calls for the answer, “Not many.” When the announcement of the Messiah’s First Advent was heralded, not many responded.^[10]

    B.    MOSES HAD PREDICTED THIS REJECTION

"But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you" (Rom. 10:19).

Did Israel simply misunderstand the Gentiles would be saved? Moses tells us (Deuteronomy 32:21) and Isaiah (Isaiah 65:1) that God planned to include “a foolish nation” in His salvation plan to provoke Israel to jealousy. Yet still (Isaiah 65:2), God is patiently reaching out with open arms, to reach a yet “disobedient and gainsaying” Israel.

Collectively, the Gentiles did not seek after God; they were wrongly and ignorantly satisfied with their pagan religious convictions and ideas. But many of them did respond when they heard the message of hope in Christ. Relatively speaking the Gentiles response far exceeded the Jews.  While the Gentiles were flocking to the Lord, Isaiah portrays God standing with outstretched hands, pleading with the Nation of Israel, and their only response is disobedience and stubborn refusal. God is still yearning for His earthly people and I believe He wants to use you and me, us Gentiles to reach them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We should not only appreciate the Jews, but we should love them for Jesus’ sake and send the gospel to them!

Paul’s obvious answer to his question is that Israel had ample opportunity by both general and special revelation to respond to God. Certainly she heard.^[11]

And yet concerning Israel, God has been gracious in spite of her disobedience (a quotation of Isa. 65:2). Israel’s continuing rebellious and unbelieving disobedience was judged by God’s turning to the Gentiles (Rom. 10:20; cf. Acts 8:1–8, 10). At the same time God has not withheld salvation from Jews. He has held out His hands, imploring them to return to Him.^[12]

CONCLUSION: The principle for receiving God’s righteousness is faith and not works; this is why Israel is presently set aside as a nation—unbelief. The truth in this passage is that we can rest in God’s salvation because it is received by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. Israel missed God’s salvation and blessings because of their lack of faith and not the unfairness or inconsistency of God. God still holds people (everyone) accountable for their actions; He is not embracing the modern trend of renaming sin and offenses to please people or to remain popular. No, God will finally deal with the unrepentant heart; if anyone wants an eternity without Him, He will finally grant such desires. God is not being harsh; He is being consistent! 

1. Do you have the “righteousness of God” made available through the gospel?    

2. Are you attempting to establish your own righteousness while ignoring God’s?

3. Are you praying for someone or a specific group to be saved?

4. Are we evangelizing and witnessing to ‘whosoever’?

5. Are you making the mistake of ‘judging’ instead of ‘witnessing’?

6. Are you taking and creating opportunities to present the gospel regularly?

---

^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1722.

^[2] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 481.

^[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 547–548.

^[4] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 2 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 175.

^[5] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1722.

^[6] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 481.

^[7] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 481.

^[8] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1722.

^[9] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1722.

^[10] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1722–1723.

^[11] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 482.

^[12] John A. Witmer, “Romans,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 482.

Your Invitation

 “Your Invitation: Access to God through Christ”

HEB. 10:19-22

SUBJECT: AUTHORITY IN PRAYER          

THEME: Regularly Engaging in Prayer Communication with the Lord Becomes More Inviting When We Review Our God Given Privileges, Authority, and Power in the Light of Our Lord’s Cross. This is How We Begin to Appreciate the Power we Have with God and a Satisfying Relationship with Him.

RELEVANCE: Not realizing that we are privileged to access God as priests can greatly hinder any hope of true openness and boldness in approaching the throne of grace.  We must understand that we are not merely tolerated in His presence, but we are ushered in by Jesus Christ and have a right to be there because of His cross and blood sacrifice.  Therefore, without any reservations we should freely come to our heavenly Father with complete confidence in the finish work of Christ.  It’s not our merits that afford us access to God, but Christ’s cross! 

INTRODUCTION: 

Christ now sits at God's right hand as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 6:19-20; 8:1-2; 9:11-12, 24).  If we become too focused on our own performance then we’ll shy away from the presence of God in prayer, but if we maintain a constant focus on Christ’s perfection and complete sacrifice then we’ll always know that we are welcome in the King’s throne room!  We have access based on the presence of our high priest, not our performance!

FAITHFULLY CONSIDER JESUS OUR HIGH PRIEST!  Heb. 10:21-22

   1.  Because He is the New and Living Way.  Heb. 10:20, “By a new and living way”

Christ's body represents the veil that separated us from God's presence in the Most Holy Place (Heb. 10:20). Therefore, when he died on the cross, that veil was literally torn asunder (see Mark 15:38).  Through his flesh Jesus opened the new and living way.

       A.  Christ is the New Way!  Heb. 10:20

More than just the curtain was torn; Christ's body was also torn. As Christ's body was torn in his excruciating death on the cross, people received access to God. This open freeway into God's presence is "new" (recent fresh).

            1.  Because He Established the New Covenant.   Heb 10:19-20 (Also see Heb. 10:16-20).

It is not a part of the Old Covenant that "waxed [grows] old [and] is ready to vanish away" (Heb 8:12-13). 

This way was "new" because:

                   A.  It had not existed before under the Old Covenant.  It is not a way provided by the Levitical system (See Heb. 7:18-19, 22).

                   B.  It was new because this was the "new covenant," opening the way to fellowship with God.  The way is new because the covenant is new.

             2.  Because He Truly Is "The Way" Itself (John 14:6).

John 14:6,  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

                   A.  The Way to Approach God Boldly.

Because of Christ, all believers may walk into God's presence at any time (Heb. 4:16).  Though it is the path of eternal life, it was not opened by Christ’s sinless life—it required His death. See Heb. 2:17,18; 4:16.

                   B.  The Way to Life and Liberty.

The Hebrews were invited to embark on this way which is characterized by the eternal life of the Son of God who loved them and gave Himself for them (John 14:6; Gal. 2:20).

                   C.  The Way to Live by Faith.

The Christian faith was known as “the Way” among the Jews of Jerusalem (Acts 9:2) as well as among the Gentiles (Acts 19:23). Those receiving this epistle understood quite clearly that the writer was inviting them to become steadfast Christians—to join those who had been persecuted for their faith. True believers in their midst were even then suffering persecution, and those who had not committed themselves to the Way were asked to become targets of the same persecution.

APPLICATION:  Do not miss the amazing reality in these words. We believers have access to God -- the sovereign king of the universe!  There is no other way to approach a thrice holy God with complete confidence and assurance.  No other priest, institution, nor even your own goodness could secure this for you!  When was the last time you utilized the full value of this privilege? The presence and closeness of God is available to you.

       B.  Christ is the Living Way!   Heb. 10:20  “By a new and living way”

It is "living" because Christ "ever liveth to make intercession" for us (Heb 7:25).   It is called a "living way," because it is a method that imparts life, or because it leads to life and happiness.

APPLICATION:  Christ is the new and living way! We come to God through Him, our High Priest over “the house of God” (the NT believer, see Heb 3:6). When His flesh was torn on the cross, and His life sacrificed, God tore the veil in the temple. This symbolized the new and living way now opened for all who believe.

On the basis of these assurances - that we have boldness to enter because we have a living High Priest - we have an "open invitation" to enter the presence of God. The Old Covenant high priest visited the holy of holies once a year, but we are invited to dwell in the presence of God every moment of each day. What a tremendous privilege!

   2.  Because  He is Christ, Our Great High Priest!  Heb.  10:21, “And having an high priest”

We not only have great confidence when we enter the presence of God; we also have a great high priest residing over the household of God. So what exactly is Christ doing right now? What has Christ provided?

 The Bible tells us: 

 *  Christ presides at God's right hand, a place of distinction, uniqueness, and power (Heb.1:3; 8:1).

 *  Christ intercedes for us before God (Heb. 7:25; 9:24).

 *  Christ stands as our mediator (John 14:6; 1 Tim 2:5).

 *  Christ functions as the head of the church (Eph 4:15).

 *  Christ, through the Holy Spirit, leads and guides us (John 14:26; 16:13).        

But there is more to His present ministries that has greater application to our prayer lives.

         A.  Because Christ is the High Priest, the Entire Household of God are Also Priests.  Heb.  10:21

We come to God through Him, our High Priest over “the house of God” (the NT believer, see Heb 3:6).  Because of His ministry before the Father, we have a ministry to the Father and humanity.

               1.  Only Aaron’s Sons Were Allowed to Be Priest; Those of His Own Household. 

A careful study of the phrase “Aaron’s sons” in the book of Exodus and Leviticus would demonstrate that only His ‘household’ were to be priests.  Consider the following verses: 

Exodus 28:1,  And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons.

Exodus 28:40,  And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

Leviticus 1:5,  And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 8:24,  And he brought Aaron's sons, and Moses put of the blood upon the tip of their right ear, and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and upon the great toes of their right feet: and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about.

Leviticus 9:12,  And he slew the burnt offering; and Aaron's sons presented unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar.  (Also see Lev. 1:8;1:11; 2:2 ; 3:2 ; 3:5; 3:8; 8:13; 9:18). 

Service in the office of a priest was exclusively the privilege of Aaron and his sons.  Aaron was the high priest, therefore his sons served as priests.  No other Jew had a right to this opportunity.

                 2.  Every Individual Believer is a Priest in the Household of God.  Heb.  10:21

Aaron's sons typify Christians who have been made priests in Christ.

Hebrews 10:21,  And having an high priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 3:6,  But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.   

We, as believers, are called “the house of God.”  In the Old Testament, God's "house" referred exclusively to his people, the Jews. But under the new covenant, God's "house" refers to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, accepting his sacrifice for their sins -- whether they are Jews or Gentiles. Over this house rules ‘a great high priest (Jesus Christ) who opened the way into God's presence. As the perfect Mediator, Christ accompanies Christians into the very throne room of God.

Therefore, as members of that house, we are encouraged to approach God: “let us draw near”  to God.  This agrees wonderfully with the other challenges to believers as priests.  

1 Peter 2:5, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9,  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Rev. 1:6,  And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

          B.  Because of Christ, the Veil No Longer Blocks Access to God.  Vs. 10:20

In order for us to have access into God’s presence, the veil had to be rent, that is His body had to be broken in death.  When Jesus’ flesh was torn at His crucifixion, so was the temple veil that symbolically separated men from God’s presence (Matt. 27:50-51).

APPLICATION:  This reminds us that we cannot draw near by Christ’s sinless life, but only by His death in our stead.  Only through the mortal wounds of the Lamb can we go in.  Every time we enter the presence of God in prayer or in worship, let us remember that the privilege was bought for us at a tremendous price!

          C.  Because of Christ, Human Nature No Longer Blocks Access to God.  Heb 10:20

                 1.  Here “flesh” is literally referring to Christ’s “body” (Heb. 10:10).   

                 2.  But, symbolically it refers to the human nature of mankind thus the use of  “flesh.”  The sinful flesh nature of man presented a formidable barrier for us before an holy God!  The penalty required for the sinful flesh nature was completely satisfied!  Christ's suffering in the “flesh” forever removes this barrier. As his body was torn on the cross, so the veil between God and men was torn,  giving us immediate access to God. 

When the High-Priest on the Day of Atonement entered the Holy of Holies, the people waited outside for him to return. When Christ entered the heavenly temple finally, He did not return. Instead, He opened the curtain and exposed the Holy of Holies so that we could follow Him in.  In Adam’s nature we are blocked, but in Christ’s new nature and broken body we have access to God.

ILLUSTRATION:                                   A NEW LEADER

“Every four years in American politics, voters look for a new vision, a new agenda, a new leader. Every day on the sandlot or basketball court, teams look for leaders to emerge, with victory hanging in the balance.

The "house of God" refers to you and all believers across the globe. The great High Priest, in ancient times the spiritual leader of God's people, is Jesus -- crucified once for sin, risen to life, ascended to heaven -- a leader for all times.

With this new leadership, you should.

*   Feel your own life has vitality and purpose, serving Jesus with energy and devotion.

*   Feel anew the hope of promises yet to come, following the leader to a heavenly home.

*   Feel the courage swell to carry your load, however heavy, with our leader close at hand.

*   Drop whatever holds you back and follow closely -- in prayer, study, and service -- every day.”-- (from The Life Application Commentary Series)

   3.  Because Christ Affords Us an Invitation and Access to God!  Heb. 10:22-23 “let us draw near”

This is the believer’s wonderful blood bought privilege!  

      A.  We Have a Special Invitation.    Heb. 10:22,  “let us draw near” 

Hebrews 7:19,  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

           1.  Not an Invitation From Some Celebrities, But God!

How exciting beyond all words and languages that we are actually invited to have audience, not with this world’s celebrities, but with the Sovereign of the universe!  The extent to which we value the invitation is shown in our response to it.

          2.  This Same Invitation Is Repeated Several Times.

Consider (James 4:8), where James reveals the corollary of drawing near to God: God will draw near to you.

James 4:8,  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Asaph taught that it is a good thing to draw near to God (Ps. 73:28).

Psalm 73:28,  But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

      B.  We Have a Spiritual Preparation.

This verse describes the prerequisites for entering the presence of God ( Ps. 15): sincerity, security, salvation, and sanctification.  There is a four fold description of how we should spiritually prepare ourselves for entering the throne room.

          1.  Come With a True Heart.   Heb 10:21-22

Of course, we must prepare ourselves spiritually to fellowship with God.  The word “true” carries the ideas of being sincere, genuine, and without ulterior motive (Jer. 24:7; Matt. 15:8).  It is with a true and sincere heart that we should come. We come:

           *   Not Halfheartedly or with Improper Motives or Pretense. 

           *   But instead with Pure, Undivided, and Sincere Worship.

This is one thing these particular Hebrews lacked: genuine commitment to Christ.

APPLICATION: Let us refuse to be like Israel, who would honor Him with their words, but their hearts were far from Him.  Jesus said of the Jews, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.”  (Matt. 15:8)   No! Our approach should be with utter sincerity!  May we be more like the Psalmist who said, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”  (Psalm 119:34).

We can know we have a sincere and “true heart” if we evaluate our thoughts and motives according to His Word.  “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12).

          2.  Come With Complete Confidence.  Heb 10:22 

“In full assurance of faith” is the second matter of spiritual preparation and grooming. See also Heb. 6:11.

Hebrews 6:11,  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

“Full assurance of faith”  means total confidence in the promises and provisions of God.  Such confidence will result in heartfelt assurance or security which will allow them to persevere through the coming trials.

             A.  Because We are Sure We Have Been Accepted.

The word "assurance" means with no doubt as to our acceptance when coming to God by the blood of Christ.  Christians can approach God boldly, free from guilt because of the work of Jesus Christ.

             B.  Because We Have No Doubts Lingering At All.

We can go to God without doubting, knowing that he will hear and answer us. James 1:6-8 carries this same thought.  Thus we draw near to God with complete confidence in the promises of God and with the firm conviction that we shall have a gracious reception into His presence.

ILLUSTRATION:  “Picture it this way. Imagine that you are an ice skater in competition. You are in first place with one more round to go. If you perform well, the trophy is yours. You are nervous, anxious, and frightened.

Then, only minutes before your performance, your trainer rushes to you with the thrilling news: “You've already won! The judges tabulated the scores, and the person in second place can't catch you. You are too far ahead.”

Upon hearing that news, how will you feel? Exhilarated!

And how will you skate? Timidly? Cautiously? Of course not. How about courageously and confidently? You bet you will. You will do your best because the prize is yours. You will skate like a champion because that is what you are! You will hear the applause of victory.…

The point is clear: the truth will triumph. The father of truth will win, and the followers of truth will be saved.”  — (From The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado)

          3.  Come With a Pure Conscience.   Heb 10: 22,   having your hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience”

              A.  Sacrificial Language.

We have had our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from an evil and guilty conscience. This is sacrificial language.

This purity can only be brought about only by the new birth.  When we trust Christ, we appropriate the value of His blood.   Figuratively speaking we sprinkle our hearts with it, just as the Israelites sprinkled their doors with the blood of the Passover lamb.  This delivers us from an evil conscience.  Our testimony is:

“Conscience now no more condemns us,

For His own most precious blood

Once for all has washed and cleansed us,

Cleansed us in the eyes of God.”  

   ---- Frances Bevan  

                  B.  Spiritual Language.

Hebrews 9:14-15,  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Under the new covenant, hearts and consciences are cleansed (Heb. 9:14) by the blood. This differed from the old covenant in that it completely cleansed the conscience, not partially or temporarily. The New Testament Christian must come to God with a pure heart and a clean conscience. This clean conscience allows people to enter God's presence with boldness.

          4.  Come With a Cleansed Life.  Heb 10:22,      “and our bodies washed with pure water” 

Again the language here is symbolic.

              A.  The Symbols of OT Ceremonial Cleansing.

The Old Testament priest had to go through various washings and the applying of blood on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16). Also, during the regular daily ministry, the priests had to wash at the laver before they entered the holy place (Ex 30:18-21).  This all illustrated cleansing before fellowship with God.

              B.  The Symbols of NT Spiritual Cleansing.

                  1.  Our bodies represents our lives. 

                  2.  The pure water might:

                        * Refer to the Word (Eph. 5:25, 26).

                        * Refer to the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39).

                        * Or refer  to the Holy Spirit using the Word in cleansing our lives from daily defilement. 

We are cleansed once for all from the guilt of sin by the death of Christ, but cleansed repeatedly from defilement of sin by the Spirit through the Word (Jn. 13:10).

              C.  The Significance of NT Internal Cleansing.

Fellowship with God demands purity (1 John 1:5-2:2).  Having our bodies washed with pure water. The imagery of an external action actually pictures an inward cleansing.  Just as baptism is an outward sign that represents the purification that Christ does inside us, so this washing speaks of an internal cleansing from sin. Once cleansed, Christians can approach God.  God certainly wants to begin cleaning up our insides and then move rapidly to cleaning up our outsides also!  We can be thankful for the cleansing power of the blood!