It’s Our Turn

The runner's strategy

Text: Hebrews Chapter 1 to 13

The key word of the book of Hebrews - Better

Chapters 1–4: Christ is Superior to Leaders and Angels

• Chapter 1: Jesus is established as the Son of God and the final revelation of God to humanity. He is described as superior to angels, who are merely "ministering spirits".

  
  

  

• Chapter 2: A warning against "drifting away" from salvation. It explains that Jesus became fully human to suffer and die, thereby defeating death and becoming a "merciful and faithful high priest".

  
  

• Chapter 3: Jesus is compared to Moses, the greatest leader of Israel. While Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house, Jesus is the Son over the house.

  
  

  

• Chapter 4: The author warns readers not to miss God’s "Sabbath rest" through unbelief, as the Israelites did in the wilderness. It also describes the Word of God as living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword.

Chapters 5–7: Christ as our High Priest

• Chapter 5: Jesus is identified as a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. The author chides the readers for their spiritual immaturity, noting they still need "milk" rather than "solid food".

  
  

• Chapter 6: A stern warning against falling away and a call to press on to spiritual maturity. It emphasizes the unchangeable nature of God’s promises.

  
  

• Chapter 7: Explains the mysterious figure of Melchizedek and why Jesus’ priesthood—based on an "indestructible life"—is superior to the temporary, hereditary Levitical priesthood.

  
  

  

  
  

Chapters 8–10: The New Covenant and Better Sacrifice

• Chapter 8: Jesus is the mediator of a New Covenant, which is "better" than the Old Covenant because it is written on the heart rather than on stone.

  
  

  

  
  

• Chapter 9: Contrasts the earthly tabernacle and animal sacrifices with the heavenly sanctuary. Jesus entered the Most Holy Place once and for all with His own blood to secure eternal redemption.

  
  

• Chapter 10: Declares that animal sacrifices could never fully take away sins, but Christ’s single sacrifice is perfect and final. It concludes with a call to persevere and not shrink back.

  
  

  

  
  

Chapters 11–13: The Life of Faith

• Chapter 11: Known as the "Hall of Faith," this chapter lists Old Testament heroes (like Noah, Abraham, and Moses) who lived by faith in God's promises despite not seeing their full fulfillment.

  

• Chapter 12: Encourages believers to run the "race" of faith, looking to Jesus as the author and perfecter of faith. It describes God’s discipline as a sign of His love for His children.

  
  

• Chapter 13: Provides final practical instructions on brotherly love, hospitality, and marriage. It affirms that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever".

  

In Chapter 11 the writer challenges the believer in Christ that after you have considered all that has been functioning over the ages and what Christ has now presented to us that it’s now their turn.

He asserts that:

1. All previous arrangements were inadequate.

2. All previous arrangements were inferior

3. All previous arrangements were finite

We know that because he uses an analogy of an athletic engagement in 12:1-3 that those is chapter 11 have not just run and completed but are actively observing and serve as evidence of the power of faith.

In light of the forerunners and the obligation we now have he encourages us to:

1. Use the evidence that the lives of these great servants makes available to us.

2. Unnecessary attachments and activities will negatively affect our performance.

3. Unhinge ourselves from the sins that easily undermine and trip us up.

4. Accept the race that has been given and focus on delivering.

5. Fix your gaze on Christ as the origin and objective of our faith.

6. Observe the example of Christ who ran His race, paved the way, paid the price and pleads for us.

It's Our Turn: Infographic

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In His Hands

God is not against financial, educational or any type of success.

He gives the power to get wealth. It is in His Hands.

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 NLT [17] He did all this so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.' [18] Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.

God has the power to bless and the purpose for blessing.

Wealth and financial blessings are a part of our human experience.

The desire to succeed and to build is very important and should always be encouraged.

However there is a warning that we must acknowledge the source of all blessings and live accordingly.

James 4:13-17 13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

Four considerations for our human existence

1. The Presumptions of life denies the sovereignty of God

• The presumption of time

• The presumption of direction

• The presumption of activity and success

2. The Plight of life declares the limitations of humanity

• The plight of limited knowledge

• The plight of shallow understanding

• The plight of our nature

• The plight of our existence

  
  

3. The Posture of life must depend upon the hand of God

• The Posture of humility

• The Posture of powerlessness

• The Posture of dependence on His will

4. The Problem of the human state

• We celebrate things that we have no contribution in if we are honest.

• We seek the applause of men to validate our false feeling of accomplishment

• We willfully deny God His due and irritate Him

  
  

Example Luke 12:13-21

Material success does not guarantee a healthy spiritual state.

• Consideration of life without consideration of God is foolish.

• Our plans do not guarantee that we will ever see them accomplished.

• God’s attention and judgment is attracted to the presumptuous soul.

In His Hands: The Path to Godly Success

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The Divine Process: The Hope of Glory

“The Power to Conquer Life”

Matthew 2:1-23

The Visit of the Wise Men

Matthew 2:1  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 

Matthew 2:2  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 

Matthew 2:3  When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 

Matthew 2:4  And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 

Matthew 2:5  And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 

Matthew 2:6  And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 

Matthew 2:7  Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 

Matthew 2:8  And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 

Matthew 2:9  When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 

Matthew 2:10  When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 

Matthew 2:11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 

Matthew 2:12  And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 

The Flight to Egypt

Matthew 2:13  And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 

Matthew 2:14  When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 

Matthew 2:15  And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. 

Herod Kills the Children

Matthew 2:16  Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. 

Matthew 2:17  Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, 

Matthew 2:18  In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. 

The Return to Nazareth

Matthew 2:19  But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 

Matthew 2:20  Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life. 

Matthew 2:21  And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 

Matthew 2:22  But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee: 

Matthew 2:23  And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. 

Main Points of Gods Processes:

• Gods Processes start with Inspiration

• come with Opposition

• utilize the weak things to get the greatest results

• force dependence on God’s Direction

• showcase His ability to surpass limitations

• make Men focus on God and give Him Glory

• gives you the Power to Conquer Life

Summary

The Process that Fulfills Prophecy

(Submission and Dependance on God)

If you look at your life through natural eyes only you will often miss the divine working of God weaved through your story as He strives to fulfill His Prophesy for your Life.

Key Themes

The process of Divine intervention and the fulfillment of prophecy often do not occur in a manner that appears Glorious or Divine in the eyes of man. Gods’ methods often appear weaker and random compared to the forces of evil but ultimately bear incomparable Fruit and Glory for God and Man.

Gods Processes start with inspiration

(A sign, a vision, a word, an encounter)

Matthew 2:1-23 KJV 1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

• There is always a divine cause that sets the hearts and minds of Men in Motion

• David, Paul, Joseph, Moses… Jesus. All set out inspired by Divine purpose

Gods Processes come with Opposition

(A person, a process, a limiting factor)

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

• Once it is a plan of God in the earth, there is always something or someone that seeks to oppose it

• David, Paul, Joseph, Moses… Jesus. All were ruthlessly Opposed

      God’s Processes utilize the weak things to get the greatest results

(God seeks those who can see and hear)

6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

• Go doesn’t choose the way men choose, God looks beyond, physical appearance, natural ability, pedigree, privilege, race, place of origin

• God is always looking for the least of these.

• David was a shepherd, Joseph was the youngest of his brothers, Moses a murderer, Rahab a prostitute, Mary a simple Jewish girl, Ruth a foreigner,

• God always seeks those who can see or hear what He wants to do in the earth and are willing to submit themselves to the task

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

God’s Processes force Dependence on God’s Direction

(A sign, a vision, a word, an encounter)

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. 13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

• When it comes to divine processes, without dependence on divine direction success is unlikely; standard, natural methodologies seldom work

God’s Processes showcase His ability to surpass limitations

(without God it is not possible)

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, 18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. 19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. 21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

• Without Gods intervention and direction there is no way they would have survived

God’s Processes make Men focus on God

(God is Glorified)

• God uses methods that can only work if God is in it.

• Jesus came into the world in the worst way- Born in a manger

• Jesus dies and left the world in the worst way- Death by Crucifixion

• Jesus changed the world in the most glorious way- Reuniting Men to God

God’s Process gives you the Power to Conquer Life

(God is Glorified)

• When its in the bible we can romanticize the reality and minimize the parts that we wish not to see

• In reality when we are living it we can be blinded by the mess, the struggles and the pain and miss the point

• All of God’s processes, create change in the person, our way of thinking, seeing, feeling etc. to align with God’s view of what is important.

• All of God’s processes create results that surpass any other method and bring benefit to more than just you.

Declarative Prayer:

Dear God

• Give me the grace to see what you are doing with my life

• Give me the courage to overcome the opposition

• Give me the willingness to depend on your direction

• Give me the power to fulfill your purpose for my Life

IN JESUS NAME

The Divine Process - A Blueprint for Fulfilling Your Purpose

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