Equipped to Follow the Great Shepherd
July 1, 2018 Preacher: Jeff Griffis Series: Hebrews
Scripture: Hebrews 13:20–21
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[Is this on point or off topic?] God’s will isn’t something we need to search for and pray to receive. God’s will is something already communicated that we need to seek to understand and pray to walk faithfully in. (I’m not saying we don’t pray for wisdom. )
God’s work in us to do His will
God WANTS to bless you to do his will
What God wills he provides
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God’s provision - Our response - Why we should pray like this
GOD’S PROVISION
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
- Now may God do this for His glory.
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
WOAH, that sounds so amazing to be equipped by God to follow Jesus like that! - But that begs a big fat question. What’s our part? - Or how should this prayer impact us?
OUR RESPONSE
Faith is our response to God’s initiative
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
As the answer to our need
But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?
For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
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. 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. 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.
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
[Conclusion]
WHY WE SHOULD PRAY THIS WAY
Are you reticent or ready to receive help?
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Have you been brought from death to life?
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Are you embracing the growth process as a child of God? - Right thinking for right living
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
God gives the growth, but will we…
-Will we pray like this for our hearts to be pleasing to God?
-Will we nurture our souls with God’s truth every day?
-Will we water the souls of those around us with comfort from God’s love and proclaim Jesus in grace and truth?
-Will we fight for one another for joy in God by together pruning and pulling weeds in our lives?
Our task is to stay focused on our need and God’s provision, staying focused on allowing him to make us part of His plan to make for Himself a people for the praise of His name.
[Corporate Song]
One important help for us to that end (staying focused on our need and God’s provision) is regular participation in the ordinance of the Lord’s Table.
Close with the Heb 13:20-21 Benediction Prayer
More in Hebrews
June 24, 2018
Helping Leaders LeadJune 17, 2018
Follow the Leader: Leading WellMay 27, 2018
Faith's Diet & Exercise (Part 2)