Title: The Meeting Place
Bible Book: Hebrews 4 : 16
Author: William R. Shively
Subject: Throne of God; Salvation; Prayer; Grace of God; Throne of Grace
Objective:
Introduction
Hebrews 4:16
The idea of a throne is somewhat foreign to us today in American. Many people down through the centuries have lived under a king (good or bad) who ruled from his throne. Their king had the power to grant life or require life. No one could enter his presence without his permission. It is intimidating and fearful enough to stand before an earthly judge. Think how of being before the King of kings and Lord of lords in glory. However, the Great King of creation has invited us to meet Him at His throne.
William Jay once said, "When God enacts laws, he is on a throne of legislation: when he administers these laws he is on a throne of government: when he tries his creatures by these laws, he is on a throne of judgment, but when he receives petitions, and dispenses favors, he is on a throne of grace."
I. THRONE OF HIS GRACE
A. PERSON OF GRACE
“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Tim. 2:5-6
1. Great High Priest. (Mediator, Intercessor)
2. Jesus. (Savior)
3. Son of God. (Deity)
4. Sympathetic High Priest. (v. 15)
5. Sinless perfection. (v. 15) “without sin”
B. PROVISION OF GRACE
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7
Jesus didn’t just give us life; He is our life. Grace allows us to grow into the likeness of Christ. The desire of every born-again child of God is to be more like Jesus.
William Barclay wrote, “Jesus is the perfect High Priest because He is perfectly God, and perfectly man. Because He has known our life he can give us sympathy, mercy & power. He brought God to men and he can bring men to God!”
II. TREASURE OF HIS GRACE
A. RICHES OF HIS GRACE
1. Supply of His grace
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Eph. 1:7
“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:7
2. Sufficiency of His grace
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9
B. RECIPIENT OF HIS GRACE
“. . . God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:5-7
III. TRUSTING IN HIS GRACE
A. FREEDOM BEFORE GOD
The word “boldly” means we can speak freely to God about everything. Big or small! We are “naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” (Heb. 4:13)
“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6
B. FAITH IN GOD
You must come believing in God. In the gospel Jesus blessed those who came to Him in faith.
The woman who came to Jesus concerning her demon possessed daughter. “Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.” Matthew 15:28
The woman who came to Jesus with the issue of blood. “And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Mark 5:34
The blind man who came to Jesus. “And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:52
The leprosy man who came to Jesus with the nine. “And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:19
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
Jesus said to the two blind men who had asked to be healed: “According to your faith be it unto you.” Matthew 9:29
Your faith will depend upon your view of God. Is He a big God or a little God in your eyes?
Our failure to come before God in prayer is an insult to Him that invited us. We are privileged to come before the King and our Redeemer. Our time in His presence is not to be neglected nor taken lightly.
C. FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
1. Mercy for our past
“obtain mercy”
We need mercy because of our sins and failures. Our Heavenly Father is “rich in mercy.” (Eph. 2:4)
Jesus comes to us in mercy and compassion knowing our temptations and weaknesses.
2. Grace for our present
“find grace to help”
The great lesson for the Christian is to know his own weakness and know greatness of God’s grace.
Paul stated: “I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor. 12:10
Grace of God assures us that at the appropriate time He will give us help. Faith seizes hold of God’s grace. God in His loving kindness has already reached out to His needy child.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philip. 4:19
Jesus is making intercession for us.
“It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Romans 8:34
Jesus is able to give us power.
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.” Eph. 1:19-20
Jesus is able to keep us from falling.
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 1:24
Jesus is able to help us when we are tempted.
“For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.” Heb. 2:18
LESSONS FOR LIFE
Those who are saved by grace can come before the “throne of grace.” It is the place where we can meet with God. God is ready to help us at any moment when we call on Him. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps. 46:1) If you will draw near to God, He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)
Those who are lost will stand before the “great white throne” of God and be judged. They then will be separated from Him for all eternity. They refused the gift of salvation through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. They are worth of punishment “who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace.” Hebrews 10:29 If you are lost, you have no promise of tomorrow. God has given you grace for this day at this moment so you can get things right with Him. If you reject His Son, you have condemned your own soul.
“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:31
