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KNOWING YOUR ROOTS HEBREWS 11, 12:1 MAY 7, 2006
INTRODUCTION- IGNORANCE & AMNESIA If I were to do a poll this morning, how many people would be able to give the name of one of the ancient church fathers? One of the first Baptists (and I don’t mean John!)? Do you know where Baptists come from?
Share how Jewish boys had to memorize their geneology and much of the OT by the time they were 12 years old. Most kids today (and ourselves as well!) do well to go beyond our grandparents.
2 ways to look at the past, and in our series, we will examine both: On the one hand, our past can dominate and bind us in the present (negative things like failures, abuses, missed opportunities, etc.) It is necessary for us to face these things in our past and then move on. But, not everything about the past is negative, nor is everything to be forgotten. In an age where we are always bombarded with the newer, updated, improved versions of everything, we risk missing out on the positive from the past. Not everything old, traditional, or familiar is bad or out-of-date, just as all things new are not necessarily better.
It is little wonder that in an age where any connections with the past are shunned, people flounder- they have nothing to anchor to. They have no “roots” to hold them fast when life gets difficult, or when conflicting ideas and philosophies emerge. As we dig deeper to reach higher, we quickly discover the need for and value of a strong sense of history and heritage.
WHY SHOULD WE KNOW OUR SPIRITUAL ROOTS? 1- Part of something bigger than ourselves. In the letter to the Hebrews, chapter 11, the writer mentions the exploits and accomplishments of several spiritual giants (and some who would not be recognized as such by the religious leaders of the time!) like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Rahab, Joseph. He then mentions the large number of early Christians who were tortured and executed for their faith in terrible ways. What was the point of this history lesson? Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.(Hebrews 12:1) Isn’t it interesting that the author does not speak of the past as something irrelevant or simply a collection of facts and anecdotes- he speaks of it as something that exists in and shapes and motivates for the present and the future.
A- connection/ identity- I’ve never really been into the family geneology thing. At times I’m probably more afraid of what I might find out! Probably have a lot of nuts in my family tree. In truth, it simply has never been something that really interested me. Having said that, however, I do understand the interest in and value of it. In fact, I have had some interesting conversations related to relations (share story of family tree connection with Jody (neighbor)
To the “me” generation, the Bible counter-culturally proclaims our interdependance- our need of and undeniable connection to each other in the Body of Christ. The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ’s body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit. (1 Cor 12:12-14) We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and there is only one God and Father, who is over us all and in us all and living through us all. (Eph 4:4-6) This is true not only of those believers who inhabit the planet with us now, but also all those who have gone on before and all those who will follow. B- faithful example of others who triumphed over adversity. Black History month... Jewish History month... Remembrance Day, etc. Why are these important? Because where we come from has helped shape who we are and who we are becoming. “follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and patience.” (Hebrews 6:11)
2- The importance in regard to biblical interpretation/teaching. The truths passed on/ you have received.
- the solid foundation- “Because of God’s special favor to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 3:10-11)
- guard “Hold on to the pattern of right teaching you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.” (2 Tim 1:13-14)
- And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things that are contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. (Romans 16:17-18)
- Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. (Colossians 2:7)
- But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. (2 Tim 3:14-17)
Da Vinci Code phenomenon. Many people- even those professing to be believers- will question things and issues brought up by a fictious movie… why? Because they are not grounded in the truth- the truth that has been central to our faith since the birth of Christianity, because it is based on the One who is the Truth himself, namely Jesus Christ.
WRAP UP... THE LORD’S SUPPER Perhaps in no other place is the importance of our past emphasized than in the command of Jesus to faithfully observe and commemorate his sacrifice on our behalf.
- perspective- brings focus/clarity/purpose back into busy/confused lives
- we are part of something bigger than ourselves. “For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again.” (1 Cor 11:26)
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