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Scripture Reading:  Hebrews 3:1-6

The Christian's Relation to Jesus

Intro.

1.  Our heart is to be close to God (Matt. 15:7-9). Has your “fear of God” become just a “commandment” to obey? (Isa. 29:13) 

2.  How close is your heart to the Lord?  How real is Jesus to you?

3.  NT reveals amazing relationships between Christ & Christians which secure & strengthen our faith; and which call & compel the lost to be saved in Him.

I.  JESUS IS THE APOSTLE OF OUR CONFESSION – Heb. 3:1.

   -(apostolos – “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders”, Thayer, 68)

   A.    Sent by the Father (with a word & a work).

      1.      His miracles testify to who sent Jesus – Jno. 5:36.

      2.      Jesus knows the Father because He sent Him – His miracles convinced many of this truth (the Christ) – Jno. 7:25-29.

   B.    Sent to Speak the Word of God – Jno. 3:34.

      1.      By His gospel, sent to relieve sinners - Lk. 4:16-21.

      2.      His words give eternal life, but also judge – Jno. 12:48-50.

   C.    Sent as Savior of the World – 1 Jno. 4:14.  (deliverer, preserver)

      1.      Sent to die to prevent man’s death & give eternal life – Jno. 3:12-17.

      2.      He was sent for the purpose of giving eternal life – Jno. 17:3.

   D.    Jesus Sent His own Apostles into the World in Same Fashion – Jno. 20:21 (cf. 1 Jno. 4:14).

II.   JESUS IS THE HIGH PRIEST OF OUR CONFESSION – Heb. 3:1.

   A.    The High Priest is Appointed for Men to Offer Gifts & Sacrifices for Sins – Heb. 5:1, 3 (cf. Aaron & sons, Heb. 5:4; Num. 3:10).

      1.      Jesus was appointed High Priest by God’s oath – Heb. 3:2; 5:5-6, 10; 7:20-21, 25-28.

      2.      Presented Himself as the offering for sins – Heb. 8:3; 9:11-12, 24-26.

   B.    The High Priest has Compassion for Sinners – Heb. 5:2.

      1.      Jesus is a merciful & faithful High Priest because He has suffered through temptations – Heb. 2:17-18.

      2.      His sympathy emboldens us to seek help from God – Heb. 4:14-16.

III. JESUS IS THE SON OVER GOD’S HOUSE – Heb. 3:2-6.

   -(Jesus is the Builder & Master of the house (church); Christians are the house!)

   A.    In the Church we are Brethren of Christ - Heb. 2:11-12 (Psa. 22:22).

      -[NT, brethren of Christ: (a) his brothers by blood; (b) all men; (c) apostles; (d) Christians].

      1.      We are of one Father – 2:11 (God’s family, heirs w/ Christ, Gal. 4:4-7).

      2.      Jesus was made like us, His brethren – Heb. 2:13-17.

      3.      Those who do the will of the Father - Matt. 12:49-50 (46-50).

   B.    In the Church we are Partakers of Christ – Heb. 3:14.  (fellowship)

      1.      metochos (1:9) – Partaker, partner, fellow (cf. 3:1; Lk. 5:7, “partners”).

      2.      We are companions with Christ in worship, temptations & trials – life!

      3.      We are friends of Jesus when we obey Him – Jno. 15:14 (Matt. 28:20).

Conclusion

1.  Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brethren – Heb. 2:11.

2.  Shall we be ashamed of Him? 

   a.    Of His testimony?  (2 Tim. 1:8; Rom. 1:16)

   b.    Of suffering for Him?  (2 Tim. 1:12)

   c.    Of being a Christian?  (1 Pet. 4:16)

3.  Or, will we be partakers of Christ by holding our confidence firmly to the end?  (Heb. 3:14)