Obedience
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Hebrews 4:14-5:14 (ESV)
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5:1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Sermon Outline
Holding to what we believe (4:14) requires obedience as part of the maturing process (5:12-14).
1. Learning obedience
5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
4:15 one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin
5:7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears
2. Practicing obedience
5:14 the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil
5:11 it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing
3. Benefitting from obedience
5:7 loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard
5:9 being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him
5:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses
5:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy and grace, we draw near to you now in a time of need. We need forgiveness. We need direction. We need encouragement. We need help. We admit our weakness. We acknowledge our disobedience. We recognize our pride, our folly, our stubbornness, our selfishness, and many other roots in our dishonorable choices and actions. Instead of drawing near to you with confidence, we have withdrawn because of fear, shame, lack of faith, and being ensnared in sin. Thank you that Jesus sympathizes with our weakness, and that he was faithful to death on our behalf. Thank you that you offer us forgiveness, as well as help. Teach us, lead us, and grow us. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What feelings does the word “obedience” stir up in you? Why?
What are you most likely to be obedient to or most trusting of: your feelings, authority figures, or the principles of some kind of system? How do you work through situations where those don’t align?
Why is obedience part of a learning process? What else is needed for obedience to be a healthy part of learning?
How should what we do in church be part of an integrated weekly pattern of learning, applying, reflecting, acting, refining, etc.? What connections are there between what happens in our worship service and how you live during the week? Think both of leaving church/going into the world and returning to church.
Where do you turn for help? Who is most helpful to you in times of need, and why?
How does Jesus perfect obedience help us?
Do you believe Jesus sympathizes with your weakness? What do you believe about God’s mercy and grace? How do you access it? How can it make a difference for you?
What keeps you from drawing near to God for help? Why?
As you enter 2022, what do you need to help you be more active in your faith?