https://youtu.be/Hb5A-vNHa2Y

Matt 1:18-25 - celebrateMerry Christmas! Man- who else is done with 2020? I am! That’s why I’m celebrating Christmas earlyIm  Purist- no Christmas before thanksgiving but based on this year- I need some Christmas joyI need it in my spirit- I also need some Christmas cookies- so I’m doing that as wellThis is the birth announcement of Jesus- the arrival of the king- the reception of the saviorWe all know the story- heard it many times- but just like a friends good story- its always good to hear it again- my kids will say, Dad, tell that story again- there’s some stories that never get oldWhats going on- Matthew is recounting the birth story. Mary is bethrothed to joseph, she’s a virgin, but she’s pregnant by the HS. Joseph was going to pull her away, but an Angel speaks to him in a dream and tells him to not be afraid, its God, call him Jesus and he’s going to change the world. Matthew shares once again- this is a fulfillment of prophecy. (Connection to Jewish audience) and then Joseph is obedient to what the angel of the Lord told him (insert sermon on obedience)Before we get into the sermon- I need to talk a moment about the virgin birth- because its so vitally important and the backdrop to this story- fully human without a taint of sin, fully God and fully man, and because God himself comes to us, able to save us from our sinTitle- Lets celebrate Christmas!

Lets celebrate Christmas- God speaks20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,The Lord speaks in a dream to Joseph through an angel- and its two fold- Don’t be afraid, here’s whats going to happen and heres what you do v20-21Can you imagine if you hadn’t been with your betrothed and she came up pregnant and you’re wondering what you’re going to do? Full of despair,  not sure what to do next?God- knew- and God sent a prophetic angel to speak directly to Joseph at the exact right time to comfort him, explain to him, and direct himThis is God’s ways- when he moves he tells the people who need to knowBeen this way- Dt 18:18-22  READ-  will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.God spoke in the OT, the NT and now. God speaks- That’s a theme of Christmas to celebrateLuke 1:70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began,Why? Because in this backwards make no sense world, we need God to speak to us- we need him to speak and he does.Amos 3:7 7 Surely the Lord God does nothing,Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.Prophecy is a huge part of living for God- it comforts his people, explains to them, and directs them.This is the verse that Matthew was waiting for- Isaiah 7:14 14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.What does it mean to you?Do you believe in prophecy? Do you seek after the prophetic?1 Corinthians 14:1  Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.Now- I’m all about flowing in the prophetic- but not the pathetic- If you can’t hear from God what you need to do to manage the simple details of your life- he’s probably not speaking through you to arrange the affairs of others lives.Prophecy first starts with you- what is God speaking to you, and about you- this is  a step many skip-This prophecy to Joseph was for HIM not what he was going to tell othersMany people want to be the prophet without responding to direction from the HS1 Cor 14:3 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.Discern that which comforts men- you don’t have to speak everything the HS tells you- some of it is just for you- but its not about YOU and you can’t push it- no school of prophets2 Peter 1:21  for prophecy never came by the will of man,

https://youtu.be/lKgVZn-7OCk

Honor the Builder, Not the House    (Hebrews 3:1-6)               *Verses in NKJV*

- “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.”

- Do you know what the tallest building in the world is? (Ask them what else they know about it.)

          - The tallest building in the world is the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

          - 2,717 ft tall, twice as tall as the Empire State building.

          - 163 floors, 58 elevators with a top speed of 33 ft per second, or 22 mph.

- Originally named Burj Dubai (Dubai Tower), but they ran short on money, Sheikh Khalifa, the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, stepped in with the rest of the money (Total of 1.5B).

- Who was the architect? An American named Adrian D. Smith. (Have you heard of him??)

          - The most important fact: It took 22 million man-hours over 6 years, to complete.

- (From an article) “Critical reception to Burj Khalifa has been generally positive, and the building has received many awards. However, there were numerous complaints concerning migrant workers from South Asia who were the primary building labor force. These centered on low wages and the practice of confiscating passports until duties were complete. Several suicides were reported.”

- This building was named after the “money man”, but was built by the blood of unnamed men.

- This building is really just metal, concrete, and glass. Without the Builder, the building doesn’t exist.

- The building is just a visible representation of the skill and care of the one who created it.

- Jesus is the builder of our house. By His blood we have a hope to rejoice in, and a firm rock to stand on.

-  Hebrews 3:1-6, Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house. 3 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. 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. 5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, 6 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.

Point #1: Consider Christ!

- Hebrews 3:1-2, Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His (Jesus’s) house. 

- The author is speaking directly to believers, new converts, not to non-believers although they were certainly listening. This is import because your growth and knowledge doesn’t end at conversion, it is only beginning.

- Consider Christ, using the filter of our knowledge of his authority and superiority, and reflecting on the fact that he is our confessed Savior. Not just AN example to consider, THE example.

- “Jesus who was faithful to Him who appointed him…”  Jesus came, in the flesh, to do the work of the Father.

- John 6:38, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

- Hebrews 5:7-10, who, in the days of His flesh,

https://youtu.be/m6rbjhTmdlE

Today we start a new book of the Bible- Matthew- Its got the best name in the BibleThe book of Matthew is at the beginning of the NT because at the time they believed it to be the first Gospel written. This Gospel is the most concerned with Judaism as it relates to Christ. It transitions from OT to NT. It contains everything that was needed for the Early Church.Jesus miraculous birth, liturgy, discipleship law, teaching and Jesus life and death, spread wordChurch tradition holds that the former tax collector Matthew is the Author, the former tax collector turned disciple, who was an eye witness of the life of JesusArranged in 7 parts it outlines the life of Jesus well- it’s a ride- we’ll walk through it together!Matthew wants to teach people what it means to be part of Jesus’ kingdom and spread the good newsWritten to a Jewish audience. Jesus is presented as Messiah and the promised descendant of King David and the promise of a time of peace and JusticeLots of quotes from the OT and big emphasis on fulfillment of OT propheciesMain points- Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is the King, Jesus is the SaviorOpens with who Jesus is- The Messiah. Closes with what we should do Make disciples for Him.READ Matthew 1:1-17- What does all this lineage mean?Establishing Jesus lineage, very important to Jewish audience, connecting to Abraham and David, showing that he is the rightful king- Kingship and kingdom are very important in MatthewWhat do we get out of this lineage?

God is ok with you waitingScrip- Isaiah 40:31  But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.Before we get into the text- I want to give you a bit of background on where we’re at with Matthew. Malachi 4 READ and then READ Matthew 1:1About 400 years between those two scriptures- called the intertestamental periodGod spoke to his people in the OT through many prophets- they were used to it400 years changes a lot of things- under Persian rule in Exile- now under Roman rule as they have returned. Political, religious, cultural, and civil matters had changedGod speaks through Malachi and then is silent through his prophets for 400 years. His silence was his plan. He was setting up the strongest statement he could ever make- through JEsusGod is a God of order. Generally speaking- God typically allows a desperate situation to carry on for a while before he brings deliverance. Clear pattern- Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Judges, Esther, etc. Man must be frustrated before God intervenes.It wasn’t until man was at the end of himself that God would show up and save the day!During these 400 years there was 6 different eras the Jews lived under- Persian era, Greek era, Egyptian era, Syrian era, Maccabean era, Roman eraI don’t have time to cover all the eras, but the most important one to understand is the Roman era, in that it is the era immediately preceding the arrival of Jesus- its not by accidentThe Romans were ruthless people. They killed and conquered.They brought law and order (often brutally) but it bought “peace” and a stable governmentRomans brought systems, government processes, specific ways of doing things, taxes, slaveryit is estimated that in the Roman Empire, five out of every seven people were slavesRome made roads. All over the Roman empire. Connected the empire so Rome could spreadYou may notice how this is a great set up for Messiah and the church- to spread the Gospel

Why is the background so important?One- it shows that waiting seems pointless until fulfillmentTwo- it shows that God knows what he’s doingThree- it should give you context as to why Matthew says what he does and people receive itThere’s no words from the Lord for 400 years and then John the Baptist shows up as ...

https://youtu.be/hwE9rSiPKzc

Oh man, so that was some great worship. man, it’s so good to be together with the family of God, singing his praise! - nofear

So let’s keep it up! Let us continue to worship through the preaching of the Word. OK? Preaching isn’t a solitary sport. It’s not time to sit back and spectate. this isn’t a concert and you are not an audience. Right? This is worship! Preaching the Word of God is Worship that the body of Christ engages in together. As the preacher opens up the Word, the body seeks to understand and accept and treasure that Word. amongst other things that should include praying God would consume the preacher, would accompany the preaching with power and give faith to the hearers and it should include each you taking that word and preaching it to your own soul. Alright? So let’s do this! I’m pumped.

Tonight’s text and likewise tonight’s sermon has a specific goal in mind. And that Goal is to Embolden you… to fill you with courage to face life’s battles, to calm your trembling heart and fill it with cheerful expectation. It is to find in Jesus a mighty and spectacular and humble and brave Savior. A savior who would go to any lengths… would pay any price… would face any giant, in order to set His people free from sin and the fear of death.

So are you ready? Are you ready to find boldness? Are you ready to go to Jesus and receive from Him courage and strength to fight and take the victory?

Good. Listen to the Words of God…

(Hebrews 2:14-18)  Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 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. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood He himself likewise shared in the same. This first part of verse 14 matches up with the first part of verse 17. that says Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren.

That Jesus, (God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, by whom all things were made) would share in your same nature, to be subject to the same constrictions, to have a limiting body, to suffer pain and change, to feel betrayal, to feel hunger, to be exhausted and sleep, to be confronted with the unknown, to grow and fall ill, to be spat on and killed. How could that be? It’s an incredible mystery, but to say that Jesus wasn’t a man but only put on human form like an overcoat to cover up his divine nature for a time, is to strip Jesus of the human nature that he stooped down at great cost to inhabit. And to do that, is to strip yourself of the forgiveness of sins and hand yourself over, completely defenseless, to your accuser.

But there’s another question, one that has an immediate and liberating impact. Why? Why would He do such a thing? The text explains why, like this…

that through death he might destroy him who had the power of death that is the devil.

He took on your nature so that He could die.

but, Why is it necessary for the devil to be vanquished through death and through the death of a man? Surely, if the devil could have been destroyed by any other means the Almighty would not have subjected himself to...

https://youtu.be/ZfrTTyeY3kk

Chapter 24, recounts the census David undertakes and God's judgment for him doing it - 1557

People differ why God was angered by the census. Pride? Self-reliance? Precursor to taxes etc

Whatever reason- the David the king does it and overreaches God as the true king of Israel

David realizes that he has sinned and confesses it to God and wants to make it rightGod uses this prophet Gad, tells David, 3 choices for your sin- 7 years of Famine, 3 months of running from your enemies, or 3 days plagues? V 13David chooses plague and v15 The Angel goes to work killing 70k of IsraelThe Killing stops, David realizes that he sinned, and then he proceeds to go and offer a sacrifice at the threshing floor of Araunah.

There’s a few key verses I want to cover with you today - costs nothingHere’s the one that Sticks out to me- David goes to this Araunah Guy- and is going to do an offering to God and Araunah says “ Hey man, I’ve got some oxen, some threshing instruments, use mine for free, you don’t need to pay me for them”But David doesn’t want the free road- he doesn’t want to take the free stuff.David says- I’ll buy it from you. Why does he say this? “Nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing”David has sinned. David has done God wrong. David wants to make it right- now in his mind, he says, if I’m going to offer something to God, its going to be costly not for freeNow lets not miss this here- I don’t want you to make a connection between this story and your sin and the means by which you have to work to get your forgivenessHave you ever seen an advertisement for a free and find out its not?Arby’s- donate a dollar- free slider- NEXT TIME you come! I was bamboozledSalvation is great and its FREE- we don’t make things right with God by moneyEph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.The Grace of God is FREE- Salvation is FREE you don’t do anything to earn it- you just believe iPeople will say that is “cheap grace” and honestly, I don’t know how else you could have itI want to show you a cool part about this storyDavid is disobedient, David sins, David chooses the plagues. (I think this is the worst one)He chooses the plagues because he knows that Gods mercy will prevail over the mercy of his enemies.V 14 Do not let me fall into the hands of manV 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the destruction, and said to the angle who was destroying the people “It is enough; now restrain your hand”In the midst of the destruction, BEFORE the sacrifice BEFORE David admitted his sin, the Lord had MERCY upon Israel

Why? Its his nature to show mercy - costs nothingDeuteronomy 4:31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them.Deuteronomy 7:9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;Psalm 25:10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.David comes to God and says “Sure I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, whay have they done? Let your hand be against me and against my fathers house”God shows mercy, and David steps up and says strike me. Put it on me. Don’t put it on others.Folks- this is a contrite heart. This is a heart that shows that he has been broken by his sin and wants to ma...

https://youtu.be/jK5-fBlYWdI

I am not ashamed Hebrews 2:5-13

Shame - a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviorShame lies to us and makes us not address the issues at handShame brings guiltMost people have felt ashamed of one thing or anotherThat has impacted how you behave, interact, - we are self-preserving peopleHebrew 2:5-13 (Read) ESVGod cares about man that he made his a little lower than angels, yet crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feetAnd given him full control of everythingThat due to sin, when Adam was kicked out – we no longer see everything that is subjected to us, but we see JESUSVs;9: But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.That through Jesus suffering, there is restoration of God original plan for man- a relationshipJesus is the foundation of salvation- the sanctificationJesus is not ASHAMED to call those who are sanctified (Who are made Holy through the blood of Jesus) brother and sisters

Who am I?

Who is man that you are mindful of him (Psalms 8:4)Have you ever taken a moment to think of that?That though God knows our heart, our desires and intention, He still loves us?Hebrew 4:12 - For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.Yet He still calls us His friendsJohn 15:15 No longer do I call you servants,[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.That He sent His son for us that He may restore relationshipJesus is not ashamed to call you brother or sister.John 1:12 - But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, - (Brothers and sisters of Jesus)Shame has kept lots of people from their true identity and hence has robed them on their inheritance

The prodigal sonThere was a man with two sons. Youngest – demands to be independentHe parties and just when he was about to be broke- There was a famine in the landHe has to eat so he looked for a job and go the worst job as a JewCleaning swine is unacceptable in the Jewish countySometime we go to such low places that we find ourselves in such placesYou have seen others do it and disgusted you- now you find yourself right thereYou try to get out and just when you think its may get better, it gets worseThat a big issue, but I think the biggest issue is when we let shame keep us prisoner in such areas.My friend there is hopeThe prodigal son came to his senses and wondered, how many of my fathers servant are eating well and have all they needHe said, I am going back home to be a servantI love that he made a speechBut Jesus giving the parable said;Vs 20:24 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.I want to believe that everyone wants to come home but fear stops themWhat is my dad going to say/ friends/co-workers?

https://youtu.be/gl_dP25CYUo

You Want to Be Mighty! 2 sam 23:8-39We’re coming to the end of our travels through 1-2 Samuel, and here we find a list of David’s mighty men.  There are 4 that are listed as most mighty, and then we get the list of 30To make the 30 is great, but to be listed as the mightiest, is a great accomplishmentIn the Christian life, we want to work towards holiness and rewards in heavenGod cares about how we live our lives, and we should have a mindset- that says- “I want to be known as mighty” We should want our lives to matter- We should want to live a life pleasing to God- And no one may notice, but God- and that’s ok- That our name is written in the book of life

The Mighty are miraculousThe first mighty man listed is-Josheb- Killed 800 men at one time v 8Now Josheb- Adino the enzite- the description of this act mirrors 1 Chron 11- mighty manThe act is- he kills 800 men at one time. Now, I’m not sure if you know how battle works- but this is quite the accomplishmentWe’re not going to get into the morality of this act- as much as we can all agree- it would be next to impossible to kill 800 people at once without a bomb- it would be a miracleGod was with Israel- He was a God of war- moving Israel forward- It took war and this was a miracle- and that’s a point I want to you get in your spirit- the mighty are miraculousWe sometimes drift away from the miraculous- we don’t desire it- but it changes thingsExodus 14:31Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.What miracles do- is make people take notice of God- when you can testify of a miracle- inevitably- it draws people into wonder of who is God and what is he able to doActs 14:33 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.This is all through the book of Acts- Acts 28:8 Acts 3:6 Acts 4:30 Acts 3:16These miracles of the Old and new testament were never meant to bring US glory but GODMiracles only for us are not the Goal- its to draw people to HIM

What does it mean to youAre you walking in the miraculous? Do you even think about it or ask God for it?Perhaps your life isn’t mighty because you aren’t asking God to move miraculously1 Corinthians 12:10-12 It’s a promise of Scripture! We can walk in it TODAYJust few weeks ago- Ps John- Covid and Stroke- Talk this week- Almost normal. Should have diedJohn 14:1212 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.I’m just smart enough to believe that- There are 800 man armies that are and will come against you- and you need to believe and pray for the miraculous- for God to move through youAnd that takes COURAGE- You got to have some pluck-grit- whatever- let God move through you2When God moves- it will bring HIM glory and draw people to HIM2 Ti1:6says to  to stir up the gift of God which is in you ARE YOU STIRRING IT UP?Matthew 17:20Mark 16:17Romans 15:19

The mighty are fighters

Eleazar- Defied the philistines, attacked until his had was weary and stuck to the sword v10Now that’s a fighter! Fighting so hard that his hand stuck to the sword- now I’ve never fought with a sword- but I’ve held onto something- sledge hammer- waterski- pull up- you can hold it for so long- or so hard that you actually have to pry your fingers off the handle-That’s the picture here- a man who fought so hard for David his hand stuck to his swordZechariah 10:55 They shall be like mighty men, Who tread down their enemies In the mire of the streets in the battle.

https://youtu.be/Kp8phSGr630

Drifting

Hebrews 2:1-4 New King James Version (NKJV)

 Therefore we must give [a]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 [b]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[c] of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

One reason the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus and His revelation is to stress that those who have experienced salvation in Him must not be careless about their commitment to Him that it requires. The word here “drift” (Gk parerreo) has nautical overtones, as when a ship drifts past the harbor to shipwreck. Therefore, we must pay closer attention to the things that Scripture warns about. Neglect and apathy can be fatal.

The apostolic gospel was and still is confirmed to us by the Lord Himself, then the testimony of those who had heard and known Jesus first hand, and then its proclamation of salvation by “signs and wonders”. There was not just a testimony of words, but a testimony of the Spirit working and living among the people of God.

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? - drifting

Neglect is visited with penalty. The unrepentant murderer does not inherit eternal life, “For no murderer has eternal life abiding in him”. But, the writer of Hebrews tells us that “neglect” is enough to ruin us. A man who owns a business does not need to commit tax fraud to ruin himself, he need only to neglect his business. Sin does not have to ruin you, neglect will do it good enough. Most of the calamities of life are caused by simple neglect. By neglect, children grow up rebellious and disobedient. By neglect, a field of crops is overrun with weeds. By neglect, a house will fall prey to the environment and rot. There is nothing in earthly affairs that is valuable that will not be ruined if not attended to—how much more to the neglect of our soul? Neglect so great a salvation, not just by never believing in Christ and repenting from an old fleshly man; but by the neglect of your spiritual walk.

EX: I spent summers with my grandmother in California and she lived about 17 miles from the beach. My cousin Al and I would spend hours in the water. I remember this one time we were playing in the water as we do, with all the other kids on the beach, not paying attention to our surroundings and before you knew it, we had drifted about ½ mile down the coast. We looked up and there was no one in sight. We got out of the water and it took us 20 min to walk down the beach. We had been gone for hours and my grandmother had alerted the beach patrol to look for us.

Drift- be carried slowly by a current of air or water.

Are you aware that there is a current that is pulling us in a certain direction? It’s rarely the waves you have to worry about because those you can see, you should be concerned with the undercurrent. There is a spirit of deception strong at work, it is the spirit of the antichrist and it is unyielding and forceful, requiring that you obey it. Are you aware of this current or are you too busy playing in the water, not paying attention and drifting away from safety?

How to avoid drifting:

Make a covenant with your eyes to not lust.

Job 31:1 New King James Version 31 “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Wh...

https://youtu.be/gx7hjHgI-WQ

David’s Last Words (2 Samuel 23:1-7) *Verses in NKJV* - Last Words

- Read 2 Samuel 23:1-7

- Last week, Pastor Matt preached from Chapter 22 about “worshipping through the battle”, as David sang psalms of thanksgiving to the Lord for delivering him from the hands of his enemies.

- This week in Chapter 23, David is at the end of his reign, and reflects back on his kingship.

- These are not literally the last words David ever spoke out loud, but more like the final public expression of what he thinks is important for others to know and remember about him.

- Example: Like, “You got any last words?!” It’s what the cowboy in the old western movies would ask before they shoot the guy. It’s the moment to tell everyone listening what is important to you.

- The Lord spoke to David, and now David is speaking to you. You should listen!

Point #1: Rule your kingdom justly, and fear the Lord. - Last Words

- 2 Samuel 23:2-4, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God. 4 And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, Like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’

- “Justly” means: According to what is morally right or fair. We get that standard from God’s word.

- Proverbs 28:5, Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand all.

- Psalms 106:3, Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!

- Proverbs 21:3, To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

- When the Bible refers to “the fear of God,” it means having a deep respect, reverence and awe for God’s power and authority. This leads to commitment and love, not to be scared and ashamed.

- Proverbs 1:7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

- David was the leader of his kingdom, but YOU are a leader of your own little kingdom too!

- You have a sphere of influence, and area you must step up and be godly. Even if it’s just you.

- Example: I have many to lead, in different ways, as a father to a daughter and a son, husband, pastor, Captain, brother and friend.

- Each requires something purposeful from me, but ALL require me to act justly, and lead godly.

- YOU are an employee, friend, boss, roommate, and a child of God. Whatever role you play, you must always act justly, and live godly in your dealings with others. That is God’s will for you!

- Proverbs 3:27, Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.

- God created you for this work, and this is what Godly leaders do, no matter the size of the territory.

- We should be ruling over our sphere of influence justly and with the fear of God.

- It is not enough to simply “do no wrong”. We must actively and purposely “do right”.

- If you live like this you will be a blessing to others, like the sunrise, and a morning without clouds. Halleluiah!

Point #2: Your rebellion is worse that sticker bushes! - Last Words

https://youtu.be/ICMUAPDqc9g

JESUS; He is a BIG deal! Hebrew 1:1-14 - Jesus Big Deal

The writer of Hebrew wants to make sure that we know that Jesus is God and that He is a Big Deal!Jesus reconciled all the ways that God spoke to the prophets in the pastOne way to Heaven and that’s through Jesus ChristJohn 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (Thomas’s question)We have Jesus come and literally change what they have been doing for years and tell them that now there is a new wayThis has people react differently – no one like changeThough we were offered a more excellent wayLike the times we in, we doing Church differently – No more check the box churchAnd that is what the writer of Hebrew is stating:The entire book is about Jesus and how He guarantee a new and better covenant

Hebrews 1 is about the supremacy of Christ Jesus. It paints a wonderful picture of how He is superior to the angels because of His redemptive work on the cross.Jesus is the exact representation of the Father and was sent to communicate to us the true nature of God. By understanding who Jesus is and what He said, we can know the fullness of God's nature and character

Unpack chapter 1

In the past God spoke through prophets to our FathersBurning BushAnimalsCloud of fireIn the last days, God is speaking to us through His SonThis are those Last days – We have an example of JesusWe have the Holy Spirit which Jesus left us as a helper – No excuseJesus has been appointed as heir of all thingsDeuteronomy 10:14 Indeed heaven and the highest heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it.God made all things through Jesus – In the beginning there was the Word and Word was with GodJesus is the brightness of His glory – Gods Glory, the image (Exact copy)Jesus beams the Glory of God – nature of God, look at JesusAnd He is an exact likeness of GodJesus upholds (Maintains) all things by the Word of His PowerJesus purged our sins – He did it for us, no one else could do it and we couldn’t do it for ourselvesHe now resides on the right hand of God – a position of Majesty, of honor, of glory and of a finished workJesus become much more than angelsIn the early Church there was a tendency to worship and the writer of Hebrews shows that Jesus is greater than theyColossians 2:18 (NLT) Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels,[a] saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than theyGod said to Jesus, I will be to you a Father and you will be a sonGod said, lets all the angels worship JesusGod said, sit at my right side, till I make your enemies my foot stepNo angel has God ever said that to themAngels are ministering Spirits to minister to those who will inherit SalvationYou too – If you inherit Salvation

**So why is the writer of Hebrew going to this extent and what does this all mean to us today? **

Jesus is Supreme – Better than angels - Jesus Big DealDispels ignorance of Who Jesus isProves that He is greater than angels (Super natural beings)And if He is greater, that means, He is greater than all your earthly comfort, issues, joys, Jesus is a BIG DEAL!We can’t understand the price that was paid unless we understand who paid it – Jesus is a BIG dealThis Jesus that is greater than angels and was there in the beginning and owns everything, died for you and ILet that sink in2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin t...