Message Notes

(I) THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING CHRIST AS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest…” Hebrews 4:14

1. A special privilege

a) Need to recognise how privileged we are

b) No greater one to be our High Priest

c) A privilege given to all

d) We should not take for granted this privilege

2. “We have”

a) Begins with faith in the Lord Jesus

b) A wonderful relationship develops

i) We are His brethren (Hebrews 2:17)

ii) We are part His house (church) (Hebrews 3:6)

c) Great blessing in having Christ as great High Priest

(II) THE GREATNESS OF CHRIST AS HIGH PRIEST AS COMPARED TO THE OLD TESTAMENT HIGH PRIEST

1. The propitiation of Christ

“Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” Hebrews 3:17

a) The sacrifices of the OT High Priest

b) The propitiation that Christ makes for us

2. The position of Christ

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”Hebrews 4:14

a) In terms of access to God

i) The OT High Priest goes through the veil into the Holy of Holies…only a representation of the presence of God

ii) Christ has passed through the heavens…to the very presence of God

b) In terms of standing

i) The OT High Priest is only servant

ii) Christ is the Son of God who sits at His right hand

3. The personal commiseration of Christ

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”Hebrews 4:15

a) The Impersonal approach of the OT High Priest

b) The commiseration that Christ shows to us personally

4. The prayers of Christ

“So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him:…. who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear” Hebrews 5:5, 7

a) The perfunctory approach of the OT High Priest

b) The heart-felt intercession of Christ

(III) OUR APPROPRIATE RESPONSE TO CHRIST AS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

1. The challenge to see Christ…as the Great High Priest

“But we see Jesus…” Hebrews 2:9

2. Partake of the heavenly calling

“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,” Hebrews 3:1

3. Diligence to enter the rest

“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:11

4. Hold fast our confession

“Let us hold fast our confession.” Hebrews 4:14

5. Come boldly to the throne of grace

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16