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Sermon Introduction

The author urged the letters’ readers to pursue peace and holiness. He instructed them to guard the community of believers from bitterness, immorality, and godlessness. The author would once again explain the eternal blessings in Christ. The author would contrast the Mt. Sinai event to the blessings in Christ, which was a regular theme in the whole epistle. The conclusion is clear. Do not exchange the blessings in Christ; remain in the faith.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Hebrews 12:18-24 NASB

18 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, 19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words, which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. 20 For they could not cope with the command, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I am terrified and trembling.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

Notes

The author urged the letters’ readers to pursue peace and holiness. He instructed them to guard the community of believers from bitterness, immorality, and godlessness. The author would once again explain the eternal blessings in Christ. The author would contrast the Mt. Sinai event to the blessings in Christ, which was a regular theme in the whole epistle. The conclusion is clear. Do not exchange the blessings in Christ; remain in the faith.

1. The author reminded the letter’s readers of the terrifying experience of the Israelites in Mt. Sinai. Israel would view that terrifying event as one of the most significant in their history; it was the covenant under Moses (12:18-21).

2. The author contrasted the believers’ experience in Christ. He referenced Mt. Zion, the city of God, and the heavenly Jerusalem where many angels gather joyfully (12:22). The author was speaking of their spiritual standing and future hope.

3. The author explained that the believers’ have come to the assembly of the chosen, to God himself, and the Lord Jesus, the only mediator between God and men, and to the sprinkled blood of forgiveness (12:23-24).

Application

1. Let us not forget that our God is a consuming fire. God is holy and righteous, but sinful humans are not. Therefore, even if He bestowed His grace upon us, we must never forget to remain in awe. Thus, let us fear the Lord.

2. Let us rejoice because we have entered the heavenly Jerusalem, a spiritual state of all who are in Christ. It is also a future place promised to us. Therefore, may we never turn back to the old ways of our soul.

3. Let us value the fellowship of genuine believers, the church community. Let us value God, Christ, and the blood. All we possess in Christ is so much more than what the Old Covenant people had.

Discussion / Reflection

1. Explain the contrast between the Israelites experience in Mt. Sinai and the believers’ experience in Christ

2. In what way have we entered the heavenly Jerusalem? And in what way have we not yet?

3. Enumerate what we have come to, explain.