moving forward as a body for his honor and glory. Next week, come and see how our first value shapes and conforms us into Christlikeness.
Welcome to the second message in our four- week series entitled “Living Intentionally”.
Just to recap what we learned in our first message. Our series is called Living
intentionally and we saw two biblical examples of two men, one man started out well but didn’t finish well, the other didn’t begin well but ended well. The difference was that the second man, the apostle Paul, continued to make his relationship with God the core of his life. He did the things God called him to do, it has been and still is all about you God.
One of the greatest needs in the church today is in leadership. Over the past three years, I’ve read a lot and written some on the topic of leadership. In the midst of doing this, I did a pilot case study on two failed and two successful pastoral transitions. Through it all, I’ve discovered how leadership transitions are never easy, but intentionality, and
execution are vitally important for the health, continuity, and strength of any ministry.
Let me briefly talk about a Uzziah type of church. From one of the case studies, I learned about a church which had unbelievable potential. I had the privilege of interviewing one of the deacons who was a part of this church to find out what went wrong as it is no longer in existence today. Without going into detail, three things happened. First, communication channels broke down, second, decisions by the leadership board were made but were not kept, and third, the leadership began living out of fear instead of faith.
As a result, it was impossible for this church to please God and be blessed. Sadly, this church, like Uzziah, started out well but ended up poorly. Ironically, the founding pastor of this church was known for this leadership quote: Everything rises and falls on
leadership. Whether from the corporate world or churches who have had effective leadership transitions one key factor when effective transitions happen the successor nearly always shares the same values, but not necessarily the same leadership style or temperament of his predecessor. One of the characteristics of an effective leadership transition is intentionality. This means it must be intentional.
Today, I like to talk with you about living intentionally, it’s vital to understand our WHY – our purpose for coming to church. Scripture teaches that our life’s ambition and
purpose should be to glorify God. Certainly, the chief end of man is the same as the church - to glorify God and enjoy him forever. But how is this done here, in this place? I think we can all agree on this. If you don’t know where the target is it’s really hard to hit it. In other words, how will you know you fulfilled it?
In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is practicing his archery. In addition to a bow and arrow, he carries a paintbrush and a bucket of paint. HE shoots the arrow toward the target, and wherever it lands he paints a bull-eye around it. When Lucy asks Charlie
about this, he says, “This way I always hit my target.” Sadly, many Christians are not living with intentionality. What are we aiming at as a church?
Our mission/vision as a church lets us know why we do what we do – it lets us know what we are aiming for and whether or not we’ve hit it.
There are numerous benefits on having clarity on your mission but to mention a few:
It helps us know what we are about – identity It sets the course of our church – direction It brings us together – unity
Our mission is not random. Rather it comes from Scripture an anchor in the world. It should be something we think about. It should energize our emotions. It ought to have a passion for our biblical purpose.
Many church attenders around the world lack this kind of big picture, biblical vision for the mission of the church to know how they fit within that mission. If we are honest, the biggest vision most people relate to getting married, having a decent job, having a ticket into heaven and hope their dog makes it, too. God is calling you to so much more.
Certainly, our overarching goal shouldn’t’ even be about us – it is about God – giving God the most glory possible. This is our overarching goal. The apostle Paul said it so well when he spoke the words in Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.”
1 Peter speaks into how this is done on earth as it says in 4:10-11, As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
I believe there are three main ways a church brings glory to God.
The first way we bring glory to God is through the exaltation of the Savior. Hebrews 7:26 says, “For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy
innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”
The second way we bring glory to God is through the evangelism of sinners.
The third way we bring glory to God is through the edification of saints.
Each of these core values are interrelated. As believers are built up in the knowledge of Christ, worship or exaltation flows naturally. As saints’ worship, the Lord is more central in our thoughts. As we worship and exalt Christ, we have a greater desire to share the treasure with others. We desire more people to come and worship this great God. And we desire what God desires – seeking and saving the lost. As sinners respond to this amazing message, they need to grow. Believers are called not to make converts but disciples.
Building them up into mature believers – as they grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, their lives become transformed lives, attracting others to the gospel.
glory of our glorious God. What a wonderful blessing that we get to be a part of this mission individually and corporately as a church body. Now if you were to ask me why I attend church, personally, I attend church for the following reasons (1) to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (2) to exalt the one who gave his life for me, and (3) to edify one-another - fulfilling the one another principle. This is done by encouraging one another during our gatherings and to do so all the more as you see the day of his return approaching (Heb 10:25).
The book of Hebrews was called Hebrews because it was written to Hebrew Christians.
The book of Hebrews doesn’t mention who the author is directly, nor the audience by name, city or region. However, evidently, the original audience had faced persecution in the past, some were suffering in the present, and the author’s expectation was that more of them would suffer more severely, in the future. Hebrews 10:32-35 says, “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with
sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction … Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.”
Likely, due to persecution many were wavering in their faith and their spiritual growth was stunted. They were still serving but they were sluggish (Heb 6:9-12). Some were struggling with doubt, some were drifting away and so there a need for encouragement.
The focus of this book is undeniably on Jesus. And the overarching purpose of the book is the exaltation of Jesus as Lord and Savior. We discover at least three themes woven throughout the narrative in the book of Hebrews.
Big themes in the book:
1. It is a book of evaluation – The writer’s point in evaluating is to show the superiority of Jesus Christ and his salvation over the Hebrew system of religion. The writer uses a couples of words to describe how Jesus is superior.
a. He is better. The author tells us that the prophets were good, Jesus was better;
Angels were good, but Jesus was better; Moses, Arron, and Joshua were good, but Jesus was better; the Levitical priests and the law was good, but Jesus was better.
b. He is perfect. (Heb 10:14). This perfection could not be accomplished by the Levitical priesthood, by the law or by the sacrifice of untold number of animal sacrifices. Jesus willingly laid down his life once and for all for sin. Thru his death, burial and resurrection, we are made alive. And being sanctified believers are made perfect. And not just for a day or two but for all eternity.
2) It is a book of expectation – the writer’s attention was on the future. The writer
references “a world to come” (Heb 2:5), a time when believers will reign with Christ. The emphasis of the book is to not live for today, instead live for what God promises you tomorrow. Walk by faith not by sight.
3) It is a book of exaltation – the point of Hebrews is about exalting the person and work of Christ. The first three verses set this high and holy theme which is riveted throughout
the entire book. In the first three verses at least seven truths are given to prove the superiority of Christ over everything and leaves you singing, “Oh, What a Savior.”
Hebrews is a book for all who need encouragement to keep on trusting, to keep on growing, and to help you finish well. Pastor Lowell Johnson provides a helpful
alliteration from the first three verses in the book. From these three verses we discover at least seven ways Jesus is exalted above all others.
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A. Jesus is “Ruler of God’s Universe”. (v. 2)
“Whom He appointed Heir of all things.” This thought points forward to the end and crown of all history. Christ is appointed to inherit everything.
B. Jesus is the “Reason for God’s Creation” (v.2) “ 1. “All things were made through him” (John 1:3) 2. “By him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16)
3. “All things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:17) C. Jesus is the Radiance of God’s glory. (v. 3)
The ESV Study Bible states, “glory is often described as light”. The glory of God is the manifestations of all his divine attributes. It is the shining forth of His glorious Person.
D. Jesus is the “Revealer” of God’s power and character. (v. 3)
When the text states, He is “the exact imprint of his nature”, it references his character. Jesus perfectly displays the character of God – His deity so that we see God in his Son, Jesus. Furthermore, he “upholds the universe by his power. The word of Jesus is the word of power.
E. Jesus is the “Relentless” Christ, the sustainer of God’s Power. (v. 3)
“Upholding all things by the Word of His power.” The word “uphold” means to bear a load and speaks of support. Jesus is the “administrator” of God's Word to and in the world. The word of Jesus is the word of power. What Jesus says, He has the dynamic power to support.
F. Jesus is the “Redeemer” of God’s people”. (v. 3)
Having made purification for our sins on the cross – he made an atonement for our sin and its consequences once and for all. When Jesus said on the cross, “it is finished” – the price for our sin was paid! Now in heaven He is exalted on high.
G. Jesus is the Recipient of God’s honor. (v. 3)
“He sat down on the right hand of the majesty on high”. Christ having finished His work of redemption “sat down”. Having completed His work on earth sits down on the right hand of God, a place of honor, yet a rightful position to reign forever more.
The late well-known author and speaker, Jerry Bridges, said, “Awareness that faith is the gift of God should also arouse a sense of profound gratitude and worship in our heart.”
(Jerry Bridges, The Gospel For Real Life, 123.)
Conclusion: How do we as a church exalt the Lord together? As a church, we invite each member to prepare their hearts for worship before coming to church and then during the service we intentionally direct members to exalt the Savior by:
- Singing of music – expressions of worship (1 Cor 14:26) - Praying (Heb 13:15-16)
- Proclaiming Scripture
o Reading it publicly: in declarations and responsive reading o Preaching it to ourselves and heralding it to others
- Giving tithes and offerings - Celebrating ordinances of God
o communion o baptism
Psalm 139:23-24 says, “search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way
everlasting!”
I pray that your life might resemble the apostle Paul who not only gave lip service but life service to the words found in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” That’s being intentional. Would you join me by praying intentionally for two specific things this week?
(1) Would you ask the Lord to prepare your heart to be a sanctuary whereby you find yourself regularly uplifting and exalting the name of Jesus throughout the rhythm of your week?
(2) Would you participate by engaging with God alongside of his people asking for God’s anointed to serve here as an under-shepherd in the years ahead? We are praying not only for a pastor/shepherd to lead our congregation but one who is in lockstep with the purpose and mission of our church. Next week, we will look at how our second value which shapes the church.
We are in a series entitled: “Living Intentionally”. Certainly, to be intentional it’s important that we understand why God leaves believers in the world. When it comes to pastoral succession, the reason churches often don’t have a succession plan is because we as Christian leaders tend to think that God will take care of his church. However,
literature shows how an intentional plan has the best chance for succession. In addition, literature points to the fact that having a firm, honest, and consistent view of your identity as a church makes succession planning and a lead pastor search much easier. Nearly every church has a mission statement. Effective churches ask, “What are we uniquely