Power of the Gospel Hebrews 9:13-28 pg 1868 pg 1188

1st Century Jews who accepted Jesus were returning to their old ways of Judaism (dead works) 1st Century Jews who accepted Jesus were returning to their old ways of Judaism (dead works) fear fear love of money love of money false teaching false teaching Review

Purpose of Hebrews Purpose of Hebrews To persuade Jewish believers to remain faithful to Christ To persuade Jewish believers to remain faithful to Christ To persuade fallen believers to return to Christ To persuade fallen believers to return to Christ Review

Show the superiority of Christ Show the superiority of Christ Show that the Old Covenant is obsolete (not in effect anymore) Show that the Old Covenant is obsolete (not in effect anymore) Show that the New Covenant is now in effect (with its promises in tact) Show that the New Covenant is now in effect (with its promises in tact) Give encouragement to continue growing Give encouragement to continue growing Approach 5

1.Dwelling on the past Past sins Past sins Past glories (good ole days) Past glories (good ole days) Past sins of others toward you Past sins of others toward you Road Blocks to Growth

2.Bathing in guilt, shame, rejection leads to isolation (physical, emotional, spiritual) leads to isolation (physical, emotional, spiritual) “if people knew the real me, they would...” “if people knew the real me, they would...” Road Blocks to Growth

3.Escape/numb reality use of illegitimate pain reducers use of illegitimate pain reducers sex, drugs, alcohol, cutting, career, media, video games, materialism sex, drugs, alcohol, cutting, career, media, video games, materialism problem: temporary relief, worse off in the long run problem: temporary relief, worse off in the long run Road Blocks to Growth 8

4.Entrapped in Besetting Sin Deception: Deception: “I can quit if I want to.” “It’s not that bad.” “This will be the last time.” “I’ll stop tomorrow.” Road Blocks to Growth

Vicious Vortex of Destruction (VVD) Dwelling on Past Dwelling on Past Bathing in guilt shame, rejection Bathing in guilt shame, rejection Escap e Reality Escap e Reality Entrapped in besetting sin Entrapped in besetting sin

Vicious Vortex of Destruction (VVD) 11 Dwelling on Past Dwelling on Past Bathing in guilt shame, rejection Bathing in guilt shame, rejection Escap e Reality Escap e Reality Entrapped in besetting sin Entrapped in besetting sin James 1:14-15 each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14-15 each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

How to get out?? 12 Dwelling on Past Dwelling on Past Bathing in guilt shame, rejection Bathing in guilt shame, rejection Escap e Reality Escap e Reality Entrapped in besetting sin Entrapped in besetting sin

1.Purified Conscience “True freedom is freedom in the conscience, to think without being plagued by thoughts of the past.” Results from Christ’s Work 13

2.Forgiveness of all sin Jeremiah 31:34 “For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” Results from Christ’s Work 14 Hebrews 9:22...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

3.Eternal Inheritance/Assured Rescue Hebrews 9:15. “he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance...” Hebrews 9:28. “Christ...will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Results from Christ’s Work 15

3.Eternal Inheritance/Assured Rescue Hebrews 9:15. “he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance...” Hebrews 9:28. “Christ...will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Results from Christ’s Work

4.Jesus is interceding for us Hebrews 9:24. Christ has entered...into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Results from Christ’s Work 17 Hebrews 7:25 Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25 Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

1.Purified Conscience 2.Forgiveness of all sin 3.Eternal Inheritance/Assured Rescue 4.Jesus is interceding for us Results from Christ’s Work 18 Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Getting out of the VVD 1.Know the Gospel 2.Preach the Gospel to yourself 3.Cling to the hope of the Gospel at all times (delay gratification) 4.Surround yourself with others that will remind you of the Gospel 19

Personal Testimony

Are you caught in the VVD? Are you caught in the VVD? Do you want help? Do you want help? Isolation will destroy you! Isolation will destroy you! Jesus can rescue you! Jesus can rescue you! Participating in His community can heal you. Participating in His community can heal you. Jesus can use you to help others! Jesus can use you to help others! Where are you?

Comments/Questions?

Corporate Prayer