February 10, 2008 Summit AM

Willingly Accepting Responsibility

Introduction

A. Text – Heb.10:19-31

B. Who is responsible for the success of this congregation?

1. Preacher – he sets the tone – direction

2. Elders – they make decisions – plan the work

3. Question – do we ever think, “I am responsible”?

C. Text – Author pictures a reality for all Christians – enter Most Holy Place

1. Something that has only been seen from afar

a. Came to Temple – enter outer area only

b. At Altar priests met them – take their sacrifice

c. They could go no further

2. We however can confidently enter the Most Holy place

a. Place where God’s presence dwells – mercy seat

b. To literally come into God’s presence

1) Invited – wanted there

2) Honored – Eph.2:6 – to sit with Jesus

3) Our High Priest has made the way available – His blood

3. Challenges them - willingly accepting their responsibility

D. Pray

I. Our Personal Rwesponsibility

A. Draw near to God

1. To come close – have an intimate relationship with God

2. To truly know Him – 1 Cor.2:9,10

a) Things others don’t know

b) Mt.7:7 – ask; seek; knock (God is a good God)

c) No need to worry – to be fearful

3. To enter His presence in prayer

a) Confident that He will answer – 1 Jn.5:14,15

b. James 4:3 – have not because we ask not – limit selves

4. Approach His word with confidence

a) Wants you to understand & obey – James 1:5

b) Will open truth to you – Ps.25:14 (confides in)

B. Come with a sincere heart

1. Means – genuine; honest; without hypocrisy

a. A heart that full of gladness & enthusiasm

b. Thankful & appreciative for the privilege

c. Excited about the possibilities in His presence

2. Without insincerity or dishonesty

a. We know the price that has been paid – what has cost

b. Take position seriously – not want to corrupt or dishonor 3. Eph.4:17 – must no longer walk as the gentiles

a. Rise above futile thinking = empty, senseless & aimless

b. Continually lusting for more

C. In full assurance of faith

1. Full assurance = genuine commitment

a. Jer.3:10 - Judah failed to come with all their heart

b. No hesitation – looking back at world

c. We truly want to be in His presence

d. Acts 8 – Simon wanted Spirit for his own glory

1) Heart divided & thus unworthy

2) There was nothing for him spiritually

e. Deut.4:29 – those who find God seek God with whole heart

2. Means we do all we can to have faith - grow

a. Deal with doubts – not allow them linger

b. Seriously into the word – Rom.10:17

c. Absolutely convinced Jesus is the Messiah – savior

d. Holding fast to our hope – refusing to give up – 1 Cor.15:58

D. Conscience & body pure & clean

1. Fully accepting the forgiveness in Jesus

a. Recon selves dead to sin – Ro,.6:12

b. 1 Jn.1:7 – walking in the light as He is in the light

2. Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice

a. Belong fully to Him

b. Striving to live in holiness

II. Our Responsibility To Build Up The Church

A. To spur one another on

1. Consider = fix your attention here

a. Each has a personal responsibility to other believers

b. Not to shirk or ignore

2. Each has a responsibility to the other – to the whole body

a. One part hurts – all hurt

b. One part weak – affects all

c. Must do what I can to help others grow

B. Don’t forsake the assembly

1. Personally have a responsibility to assemble

a. Feel the necessity – for self & others

b. Know I have let Jesus down when I don’t

c. Lord is counting on me to be involved – help others

2. Why we don’t assemble

a. Fear ridicule of world – trying to be a secret disciple

b. No real love or concern for other brethren – selfish focus

c. Feel we can get by without assembling – OK as I am

Conclusion

A. Vs.26-31 – deliberately keep on sinning – no hope

1. Just ignore our responsibility – personally & corporately

2. Refuse to grow & build up church

B. Jesus gave His all – emptied Himself – what have you given?