Partakers of Christ
Text: Hebrews 3:7-4:10
26 March 2017
THE CONCEPT OF “PARTAKERS”
1. Partakers of the heavenly calling
“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” Hebrews 3:1
2. Partakers of Christ
“For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” Hebrews 3:14
3. Understanding and Appreciating the concept of being “Partakers”
a) To have
b) To have with
c) To be partners with
d) To be partakers of
PARTAKERS OF CHRIST
1. If we hold
a) Not a given
b) But a condition
2. The beginning of our confidence
a) The word “confidence” is the word translated “substance” of our faith (Hebrews 11:1)
b) This is a reference to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
i) There is the beginning of our faith
ii) There must be confidence in this beginning of our faith
iii) There is “substance” in our faith in Christ
3. Hold… steadfast to the end
a) Hold steadfast from the beginning
b) Hold steadfast to the end
This is how we are true partakers of Christ!
PARTAKERS OF THE HEAVENLY CALLING
1. Christ Jesus and His Heavenly Calling
a) The Apostle
i) The Sent One
ii) Christ was fully conscious of being Sent
b) The High Priest
i) This was His Calling
ii) He faithfully fulfilled His calling
2. We are partakers of the Heavenly Calling
a) Since we are partakers of Christ
b) Since we confess our faith in Christ
c) We too are “sent” by the Lord
i) Not as Apostles
ii) But as His witnesses
iii) As His servants who are sent out
d) We are His People
i) We are living stones (1 Peter 2:5)
ii) We are being built up a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5)
iii) A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)