Sermons from January 2023
Hebrews 13:7-9, 17-19
In Hebrews 13:7-19 the author focuses on the need of the church to submit to leaders. They are to consider the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. This passage shows the high calling leaders in the church have as well as the obligation of church members to submit.
Proverbs 6:6-11
In Proverbs 6:6-11 Solomon speaks about the sin of laziness. Hard work is a virtue that Christians ought to strive for. Solomon explains how nature itself teaches this: the ant works hard to store up food even without anyone telling them they need to.
Hebrews 13:1-6
In the exhortations in the book of Hebrews the author has highlighted the need to strive together for faith. In Hebrews 13:1-6 he gives practical instruction concerning how christians ought to love one another so as to edify one another and strengthen the body for perseverance.
Proverbs 6:1-5
In Proverbs 6:1-5 Solomon speaks about the danger of putting up security for a stranger. The reason this is dangerous is because people are sinful. Belief in the general goodness of mankind is pervasive, but it is also wrong and leads to foolish decisions.
Hebrews 12:25-29
In Hebrews 12:25-29 the author gives a final exhortation not to turn away from the Lord. Since there are greater privileges in the New Covenant associated with approach to Mt. Zion, the christian ought not to refuse him who speaks from heaven. This all the more since he has received as unshakeable kingdom.
Proverbs 5:15-20
In Proverbs 5:15-20 Solomon encourages his son to rejoice in the wife of his youth rather than go after an adulteress. Sexual intimacy in marriage is a good thing to pursue and is a check against sexual sins.
Hebrews 12:18-24
In Hebrews 12:18-24 the author uses the figures of Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion to highlight the differences between the Old Covenant and the New. The New Covenant is both more glorious and provides more sure access to God. Those who approached God in the Old Covenant did so with fear and trembling. Now through the blood of Christ we can approach with confidence.
Proverbs 5:1-14, 21-23
In Proverbs 5:1-14, 21-23 Solomon warns against the adulteress who tempts young men to sin. Though sexual sins appear tempting, they lead to death. The wise are able to understand this and live in the fear of the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14-17
In Hebrews 12:14-17 the author exhorts the church to pursue peace and holiness. Pursuing these things ought to be done in the context of the church as a whole, with every member seeking to encourage others.
Proverbs 4:20-27
“Religion is mainly in the affections” (Richard Sibbes). God wants the heart. In Proverbs 4:20-27 Solomon tells his son to keep his heart above all else. Let your heart be reserved for God. You have been betrothed to one bridegroom, O Christian. Let your heart and everything else be devoted to God.