SUBJ: The glory of the work of grace
in the believer through Christ our Lord.
AIM: To encourage a cultivation of the
realization that God has chosen to glorify Himself in saving us in
Christ.
INTR: Paul here makes a comparison of
that which was outwardly glorious to that which is spiritually glorious
and shows the superiority the second. 1. Consider some thoughts on
Hebrews 12:28-29 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved,
let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence
and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire. 2. The use of the
Lord’s name is common. We must, also, beware of using His name casually.
3. In this passage Paul refers to the glory that attended the giving of
the Law in its visible effects. He is not demeaning or irreverent in any
way. He does so that he might make comparisons in that ministry and his.
THESIS: That which is of God is
glorious. There is that which is revealed in Jesus Christ that exceeds
in glory.
I. The effect of the Law compared with the work of the
Spirit (vv. 7-8) 1. Consider the wilderness experience and the
effect. 1) On Moses 2) On they that looked on 2. Compare that
which is graven in stone with that which is written in our hearts. 3.
The Law most assuredly discovered the reason of death is herein compared
to that commandment which is unto life. – “God with us…” 4. John 7:39
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should
receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was
not yet glorified.) 5. They stood at a distance while we are brought
nigh: Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit
unto the Father.
II. The condemnation of Law works and that which
brings righteousness (vv. 8- 1. The things that continued in the
Tabernacle and the Temple (and the attempt to be saved by works) are
compared to that which produces true righteousness. 2. See the
righteousness of God revealed: Romans 1:17 For therein is the
righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The
just shall live by faith. 3. It is a righteousness without the Law:
Romans 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the
righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon
all them that believe: for there is no difference: 4. See verse 10
and consider that the “New” eclipses the “Old.” 5. Turn to 1
Corinthians 15:41ff 6. As a further illustration: Job 25:5 Behold
even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his
sight.
III. That which remains and the hope which attends it (vv.
11-15) 1. There was a priesthood that did not continue: Hebrews 7:23
And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to
continue by reason of death: -- The priesthood of Christ “remains.”
2. And, that which is remains is secured by the ongoing High Priestly
work of Christ. 3. Consider then that which remains and “excels.”
1) Glorious Power: Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might,
according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering
with joyfulness; 2) Glorious Gospel: 2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the
god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest
the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God,
should shine unto them. 3) It is unto glorious liberty: Romans 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of
corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 4) He
has redeemed a glorious Church: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it
to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such
thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 5) His is a
glorious body and c.: Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body,
that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the
working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 6)
We await His glorious appearing: Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed
hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus
Christ; 4. Is it any wonder then that Paul did not hesitate to use
“great plainness (boldness) of speech and that without a veil as did
Moses. 5. The vail that remains (v. 15)
|