The Unparalleled Excellence of Christ
Hebrews 1:1-2:5
Last week we introduced our sermon series on the letter to the Hebrews. Let’s quickly sum up the main points and then draw further conclusions.
The phrase “Christ died for us” is often used in Christian discussions, but do believers fully grasp its implications? Was His sacrifice primarily intended to aid us during times of trouble, or to spare us from hardship? Or was His death simply meant to serve as an example of how Christians should help others?
Don’t misunderstand what “what I can do for Christ” means. Nothing we do can add to Christ’s grace or Person. Our efforts can’t change who He is They can’t alter what He has accomplished. Our service, honour, and praise are rooted in His identity and completed ministry.
A deeper understanding of who Christ is, transforms how Christians serve Him. They change from consumers of grace to doers because of grace.
Why worship Christ? He is King of the universe
He is far greater than angels. He is the exalted and reigning Son, the one who rules the universe. The created world does not run by “laws of nature,” Christ is continuing to oversee and steer what He created.
God appointed Him as heir of all things, because through Him God created the universe. The apostle Paul clearly proclaims,
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16–17)
The universe is sustained by the personal and powerful word of the Son. The created world is dependent on His will for its functioning and preservation.
We worship Christ because He sustains us. He gives us our daily bread. He gives us life, health, friends, the air we breathe. David writes in Psalm 103,
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2–5)
And we ask, “How can I worship my King?” He who gives me everything is worthy of my praise and adoration. He is not my sugar daddy to satisfy my desires;
He is my Lord who deserves my everything. Yes, He is my Lord!
Why worship Christ? He is my Saviour
One of the major themes of the letter to the Hebrews is Christ’s Mediatorship. He is the Saviour who provided purification of sins (verse 4).
His mediatorship of more excellent than that of the High Priests. He Himself was the last High Priest, the last sacrifice, the last atonement. Everything He provides is better.
What was a shadow in the Old Testament became the clear picture in the Old Testament. The old covenant is past, the new covenant is now in place. His atonement is final and perfect. Hebrews 10:1-2 states,
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?” (Hebrews 10:1–2, ESV)
Chapter 2:17-18,
“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:17–18)
Why worship Christ? He is our atonement. Without Him there is no forgiveness of sin. Without Him, there is no way to the Father. He is your Saviour. Worship Him and dedicate your life to glorify Him!
Why worship Christ? Because He is God
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3)
Christ is now ruling with God, sitting at His right hand. The right hand signifies power, protection, and triumph. Jesus shares the same identity as God.
To share the throne with God is of great significance. It shows Christ’s participation in the unique sovereignty of God over the world. The Son successfully completed the mission the Father assigned to Him. He is now seated at God’s right hand. And He reigns at God’s right hand as the Lord of the universe and as the Davidic Messiah. He is exalted as the reigning king over the universe.
So, the letter to the Hebrews shines the light on the two natures of Christ:
As man, Christ came to trample the devil underfoot. He fulfilled the promise of God, which He made in Paradise. He also came to be the Seed of Abraham. He led His people to a greater Promised Land. It was more than just a small state on the banks of the Jordan River. The word belongs to Him. He reigns on the throne of David forever. He conquered death and sin.
As eternal Son of God, He returned to the throne. The Father had sent Him to rescue a people for Him.
We worship Him as the Son of Man, but also as the eternal Son of God.
Conclusion
Lord Jesus, before You we bow in adoration. We want to serve You and glorify You.
Naracoorte Presbyterian Church 