September 20
Sunday School
Teacher – Rol Longenecker
Victorious Love – Genesis 42:6-25
At the time of today’s lesson Egypt had full bins and Canaan had empty bins.
Joseph’s brothers hated him because they were jealous.
Jealously breeds hatred.
His brothers sold Joseph. knowing that he would become a slave [human trafficking], then Potiphar made him a prisoner, and next Pharaoh made him a ruler in second command.
In today’s story Joseph’s brothers are standing before him asking for food.
As a boy he boasted of his dreams.
As a man he did not boast or even tell them who he was.
He stepped out of their presence and wept.
God had a plan for victorious love.
Sermon: Jon Cassel
Choosing to Know Jesus as My High Priest
Hebrews 5:1-14
Think about your school days. Imagine a kindergarten student who chooses not to move on to the next class because he is comfortable there. Imagine how silly that would look if an 18-year-old stayed in kindergarten because it was comfortable – and he liked the snacks and naptime.
That is what Christians look like if they stay in a spiritual kindergarten.
Today’s scripture shows us the importance and necessity of spiritual growth.
1 – Men are chosen as high priests – Hebrews 5:1-4.
Ordained to stand before God and men.
2 – God’s Son was chosen as our High Priest
Imagine that. God’s Son is now our High Priest
He stands between you and God as a true High Priest.
Not all men were true high priests.
Vs: 8 – Obedience has to be learned. One of the jobs of parents.
Even Jesus had to learn obedience. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
3 – Choosing to Admit Roadblocks in Our Lives – vs: 11-14
Vs: 12 – Grow up! There is more than milk – move on to meat.
Roadblocks to Growth
1 – Spiritual Dullness – vs 11
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
2 – Laziness – vs 12
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food,
3 – Worldliness – vs 14
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
How is this related to a high priest?
A high priest will stand between you and God – only if you want him to. Only if you ask him to.
Growth involves reading and studying the Bible with dedication.
We need more than a cartoon version of the Bible.
Removing Roadblocks
1 – Spiritual Dullness – Pay Attention!
2 – Laziness – Prioritize Learning
Don’t be a fast food Christian.
One who wants everything to happen quickly.
One who acts Godly but has no spiritual depth.
You will never become a champion athlete by practicing when you feel like it.
You will not become a champion for Christ by studying the Bible and Godly principles when you feel like it.
God’s Word is not a quick “text message.”
3 – Worldliness – Practice Discernment
Practicing discernment doesn’t just happen.
Decisions must be made. Sometimes tough decisions.
Am I willing to take my spiritual life one step further?
Is this going to build up my character?
Christians need to be real with God.
When you do this, life may not be easy – it will probably get more difficult.
Nobody warned me when I was young that life will get harder as I grow up. 🙂
Thank you, Jesus, for being our High Priest.
My challenge to you: Be willing to commit your life to take one step further. One step deeper and closer to walking with Jesus – your true High Priest.