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Sunday Worship 12 March 2023 : “The firstborn into the world”

Text: Hebrews 1-4
12 March 2023

INTRODUCTION

1. The Lord Jesus had many glorious titles

2. Each title features a distinctive aspect of the Lord Jesus

3. The method of comparison was applied

a) The Lord Jesus compared to the angels of God   (Hebrews 1)
b) The Lord Jesus compared to Man in general   (Hebrews 2)
c) The Lord Jesus compared to Moses   (Hebrews 3)

ANGELS OF GOD

1. They are mighty in power and authority

2. Instances where they are featured

a) The angel Gabriel had authority to render Zacharias dumb   (Luke 1)
b) Shepherds quaked before the presence of an angel   (Luke 2)

THE LORD JESUS COMPARED TO ANGELS

1. Much better than angels

“Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”   Hebrews 1:4
a) A more excellent name
i) Declaration
ii) Decree of God
b) By inheritance
i) Conferred by God
ii) Confirmed by God

2. Angels are to worship the Son

But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.”   Hebrews 1:6
a) The Lord Jesus is called “the firstborn”
b) This is not a reference to His creation
c) This is a title that describes His position
d) Mighty angels are to worship Him

3. Angels are only ministering spirits

And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits
And His ministers a flame of fire.”   Hebrews 1:7
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?   Hebrews 1:14
a) Angels are spirit-beings
b) They are God’s ministers (servants)
c) They are sent to minister to believers

IN COMPARISON TO MOSES

For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house. Hebrews 3:3

1. Faithfulness

Who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.   Hebrews 3:2
a) Moses faithful serving God in His house
b) The Lord Jesus was faithful to God in His appointed ministry

2. Faithfulness as servant

And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward   Hebrews 3:5
a) Moses was a faithful servant
b) This was a good testimony he earned

3. The Lord Jesus as a Son

But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.   Hebrews 3:6
a) The Lord Jesus is described as a Servant too
“Behold, My Servant whom I behold”   Isaiah 42:1
b) He is a Son over His own house
i) He does not have to serve, but He does
ii) He is the Son of God
iii) He has every right to authority and power
To cleanse the Temple
16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”
17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”
John 2:16-17

DANGERS THEN AND NOW

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward,

3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

Hebrews 2:1-4

1. Drifting away

2. Transgression

3. Disobedience

4. Neglect

CONCLUSION

1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ”

Hebrews 4:1-3

1. Let us fear the LORD

2. Let us exercise faith

3. Let us take heed that we do not become like the children of Israel in the days of Moses