Sermon Outline July 6, 2008 Evening Service

Topic: God’s Perfect Spokesman  

Text:       God’s Perfect Spokesman  

Introduction

I.        The book of Hebrews has a unique format.

A.       There is no mention of the author’s name nor who received it.

B.       It begins more like an “essay” (Hebrews 1:1-3).

II.       But why it was written is quite clear:

A.       To encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith.

B.       To show the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant over the Old.

III.      That superiority is demonstrated through a series of contrasts.

A.       The first contrast is between Jesus and the Old Testament prophets.

B.       Today we will contrast how God spoke “in time past”, and how He speaks “in these last days”.

C.      We will notice how Jesus is “God’s Perfect Spokesman”. 

Text

I.        God’s Spokesmen “In Time Past” (verse 1).

A.       The expression “in time past” obviously must refer to the period of time prior to the coming of Jesus.

B.       “In time past” God spoke “to the fathers by the prophets”.

C.      God spoke “at various times and in different ways” (not all at once, but progressively at different times).

D.      So God has clearly revealed Himself as one who “speaks”; that is, He communicates His will to mankind!

II.      God’s Spokesman “In These Last Days” (vs. 2-3)

A.       The expression “in these last days”.

1.       Literally, “at the end of these days”, which may be understood as referring to either:

2.       The Old Testament often spoke of “the last days” (e.g., Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1).

3.       It often had special reference to the age of the Messiah.

B.       God “has spoken to us by his Son”.

C.      The excellence of God’s perfect spokesman.

1.       Jesus is “the appointed heir of all things” (compare verse 5 to Psalm 2:7-8).

2.       Jesus is “through whom He (God) also made the worlds”.

3.       Jesus is “the brightness of His (God’s) glory” (John 1:14).

4.       Jesus is “the express image of His (God’s) person”!

5.       Jesus is “upholding all things by the word of His power”!

6.       Jesus has also “by Himself purged our sins”!

7.       Jesus has “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high”!

Conclusion

I.        God is clearly a God who speaks.

A.       He always makes His will known to mankind!

B.       And now He speaks through His Son.

II.       How can one turn their back on Him?

A.       God clearly proclaimed, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5).

B.       Are you heeding the words of the beloved Son, “God’s Perfect Spokesman” (Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 2:10)?