Sermons on 4th Commandment
Matthew 12:1-8
In Matthew 12:1-8, the Pharisees oppose Jesus because of his apparently lax views on the Sabbath. Christ shows that his position on the teaching is in line with Scripture, but more than that, Christ is greater than the temple and Lord of the Sabbath. He is the one who determines what is or is not appropriate on the Sabbath because He is its Lord. Every doctrine must be informed by our understanding of Christ. This passage shows us that works…
Hebrews 4:9-10
In Hebrews 4:9-10, the author speaks about a “sabbath rest” that remains for the people of God (v. 9). He then shoes how Christ has rested from his works as God did from his (v. 10), providing the basis for this rest. Pastor Grasso defends this reading of verse 10 and shows the ways in which Christ’s work of redemption is related to creation and, more particularly, the new creation.
Deuteronomy 16:1-17
In Deuteronomy 16:1-17 Moses gives instructions about the three annual feasts in Israel’s calendar: the Feast of Unleavened Bread (associated with the Passover), the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Tabernacles/Booths. All three of these feasts show that worship is communion with God, that it is based on past redemption, and that it rejoices in the blessings of salvation while looking forward to the consummation of all things in the New Heavens and New Earth. All of this…
Deuteronomy 15:1-18
Moses continues to expound the 4th commandment in Deuteronomy 15:1-18 by explaining the year of debt cancellation that was to happen every seven years. The seventh year points to an organic connection with Sabbath law, showing the significance of the Sabbath: it is a celebration of having our debt before God cancelled and being released from slavery. All of this is fulfilled in Christ through his great redemption.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29
In Deuteronomy 14:22-29 Moses gives instruction for the annual and triennial tithe laws for the people of God once they enter the land. These laws show that tithing ought to be done first for the maintenance of the worship of God and second to provide for the needs of the poor, especially among the people of God.