The Correct Way to Preach
The writer used OT scripture (vs. merely a summary opinion) to make his point about Jesus being in a position above all others (e.g., angels and Moses).
“The Lover of God’s Law Filled with Peace” – Spurgeon (January 2, 1888)
The Word of God can take care of itself, and will do so if we preach it, and cease defending it. See you that lion. They have caged him for his preservation; shut him up behind iron bars to secure him from his foes! See how a band of armed men have gathered together to protect the lion.
“The Lover of God’s Law Filled with Peace” – Spurgeon (January 2, 1888)
What a clatter they make with their swords and spears! These mighty men are intent upon defending a lion. O fools, and slow of heart! Open that door! Let the lord of the forest come forth free. Who will dare to encounter him? What does he want with your guardian care? Let the pure gospel go forth in all its lion-like majesty, and it will soon clear its own way and ease itself of its adversaries.
Mt 24:35
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Jas 1:21
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Salvation!!!
God’s Word is, indeed, so powerful that it not only saves us at salvation, proper (positional sanctification = ‘from the penalty of sin’),... but also daily (experiential sanctification = ‘from the power of sin’).
Heb 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.
Omnipotence!
Whatever the Word says, it WILL happen. Dan 5, Is 55:11
The 5 Warnings to the Congregation in Hebrews
- The peril of ignoring the veracity of the Word as delivered by the Son of God. (Heb 2:1-4)
- The peril of refusing to believe God’s Word. (Heb 3:7-19)
- The peril of falling away from the faith. (Heb 5:11-6:12)
- The peril of disloyalty to Christ. (Heb 10:19-39)
- The peril of refusing God’s grace. (Heb 12:14-29)
Don't Panic!
When things are bad, you run TOWARDS the Word of God, not away from it!
Jas 4:8a
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you...
More Nautical Analogies
Eph 4:14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
Safe Harbor
The safest, calmest, most protected state of being for a child of God is at port, anchored inside the harbor, away from the stormy seas (aka life). If you want stability in your life, then you need to stay as close as possible, at all times, to God’s Word.
Draw Near!!
This world is crazy, but we have a place of perfect refuge in Christ. The only danger to this reality is our lack of commitment to Him. Heb 6:19, Jas 4:8a
Nccdighton.org under "Publications"
"The Gospel of Jesus Christ: The Boat Analogy"
