Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL

This passage is one of warning. However, the difficult question is "Who is it warning?" Much discussion has been given to this passage with a variety of interpretations. In the end it seems to be warning those who have been surrounded by Christians and the church yet at some point fall away because they are not saved. It is impossible from a human standpoint to bring someone back who has left the faith. Can a person like this be saved? With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

David's time in Gath caused him a great deal of fear about what men might do to him. However, in this psalm he rehearses and declares his faith in God to himself. This psalm is one that finds echoes in other parts of the Scripture due to the comfort it provides for believers.

In the book of Acts a commission is given to reach all of the world. In reading the book that commission is not accomplished as quickly due to wrong thinking and attitudes in the church. These attitudes can show up in churches and hinder the growth of the gospel in the world.

Jesus did not come to get rid of the Old Testament but came to give it fullness. Teaching of the OT and prophecies find fullness in Christ. The citizen of the kingdom takes great care to declare and live out what is found in the whole of Scripture. Their righteousness ought to be greater than the Pharisees.

These section is warning for people who check out when a topic of Scripture seems unnecessary or boring. The topic of Jesus as High Priest was started earlier in the chapter. The discussion will go on two more chapters. Some in the congregation were lazy. The danger of not hearing the word and doing something with it is stunted growth. Some Christians are still like spiritual babies because they do not consume the word of God and use it. They are not ready for stronger doctrines because they have not bothered with the easier ones.

The believer often finds themselves in turmoil both physically and spiritually. This turmoil is caused by multiple sources. However, the believer cannot stay in this depressed state. He/she must communicate to the soul truths about God and place trust in Him.

The reason that the citizens of the kingdom of heaven will be persecuted in this world. This is because they are salt and light in the world. They are to stall and reprove evil while pointing the world to Christ.

The priests of the Old Testament had to meet certain requirements. No got to chose to be a priest. The writer of Hebrews discusses 3 requirements for the priests and how Jesus meets and exceeds those requirements.

David had enemies on every side that he had to deal with. They caused him fear. However, the enemy that caused him to be furious was the one that had been his closest friend. This friend was out to hurt David. In the end David gives an example to believers of having a faith that casts burdens upon God.

This beatitude is shocking because initially it seems like no one would want persecution. However, persecution is something that citizens of the kingdom of heaven should expect in this world. The believer can rejoice in persecution knowing that God has prepared greater things for believers in eternity.