Joy in Forgiveness

 

If you weren't able to be with us in worship this morning, you can watch the entire sermon and service here.

Colossians 3 Tells us that forgiven people forgive. As we come to Hebrews Chapter 10 consider this question:

Do you live as someone who has been forgiven? What is the evidence of that? 

How is it seen and demonstrated in your life today?

This passage is the theological high point of Hebrews. 

Here’s the basic outline of the sermon: 

1. Understand Sin (vv. 1-6)

The OT sacrificial system did not bring change of heart. The law was merely shadow. If it had worked, it wouldn’t have gone on. The Israelites were still conscious of their sins - meaning they still felt the guilt. Their sin problem wasn’t fixed

God took no pleasure in their sacrifice because there were merely going through the motions.

They were openly worshiping idols then coming to offer sacrifices to God. 

(Do you think He didn’t notice?)

It’s often the same for us.

You can do all of the “serve God” things

And it not come from the heart.

You can look very spiritual outwardly and be living a sinful, disobedient life.

The ultimate question, the one that we must all deal with... 

The one that will haunt you and follow you and bear down on you and surround you…

How do I deal with my sin?

Just like the Old Testament system could not bring true sanctification. 

You cannot accomplish sanctification with your own efforts and in your own power. 

We get frustrated because we’re trying to do it on our own. What we need is:

2. Forgiveness (vv. 7-18)

Here’s where it gets good and captures our hearts: Christ’s offering brings the sanctification that our own efforts can’t. God had alway planned for Jesus to come and be the final, ultimate, effective sacrifice for sin. The blood of goats and bulls was never intended to truly take away sin.

A. Real Sanctification

Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we have been sanctified. This is our new position in Jesus.

B. He Sat Down

After the single, once-for-all offering, Jesus sat down because He has actually taken sin away. We certainly do have much in our salvation. BUT - there’s so much more to come!!!

C. The Ultimate Conclusion

The sufficiency of Jesus Christ.

He has done all that needs to be done.

There’s nothing else to do

No one else to turn to

No other sacrifice to be made

The concluding promise in verse 17 here is amazing:

their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more

In Christ - our sins and lawless deeds are forgotten!.

The Summary of Hebrews 

where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Meaning - when you have received forgiveness, you don’t need anything else

There’s no need for another offering

How do we experience freedom from guilt?

That’s the real question that this passage answers:

1. Understand and acknowledge the difference between 

Moral Guilt and Perceptional Guilt

   Moral = guilty before God. 

   Perceptional = knowing something is wrong. 

2. Remember Christ’s Sacrifice 

We need greater remembering. Remembering that God has forgotten our sins because of what Jesus did. 

3. ASK for Help

James tells us You do not have because you do not ask

It’s far too easy to just wallow in our own self-misery instead of asking and trusting in what He has done. 

4. Worship

Never underestimate the importance of gathering with your brothers and sisters in Christ to worship God together.

5. Discipleship

Are you involved in a Titus 2 Discipling relationship? 

Get in touch with me and I’ll help you get connected in a relationship that will help you think through your own spirituality in a deep way. 

Soli Deo Gloria!

Pastor Rob