Holding Fast Our Profession of Faith

Temple Baptist Church - 9-11-2019

Hebrews 10:23

Introduction:

A.  In verses 19-22, we found the admonition concerning our inward relationship with the Lord.  This is something very personal!  This is something very important!  “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.”  (Proverbs 23:7)

B.  In our text for tonight, we are admonished to keep our outward testimony both right and consistent.

1.  We live in days of inconsistency.  People do right for a little while or in little stretches of time but soon fall way.  “Falling away” can be much more than just doctrine.

2.  People have been bombarded with humanism for many decades.  Humanism teaches that it is only what you desire or what you think is right matters.

C.  Our profession of Faith involves much more than just trusting Christ as our Lord and Saviour.  It involves the reality of our outward change created by our inward one.

Ephesians 2:8-10  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  (10)  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

D.  Someone once said that “A life lived is worth a thousand sermons preached.”  This means that what it does not matter what you say unless people see how you live. 

1.  “Salt” to give Savor.  Biblical Christianity is a wonderful life, not a drudgery to be endured.  People should see Christ in us so as to desire the same.

2.  “Light” to show the Way.  A testimony that points people to Christ and Christ alone.

3.  “Consistency” to prove Reality.  The greatest tools are stability and durability.

E.  Our holding fast our profession of faith WITHOUT WAVERING:

1.  Is Important to God.  WE OWE GOD.  Christ lives in us and we live for Him!

1 Corinthians 6:19-20  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?  (20)  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

2.  Is Important to Self.  WE OWE OURSELVES.  Living consistently for Christ brings about full assurance.

Hebrews 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Hebrews 4:14-16  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  (15)  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  (16)  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

3.  Is Important to family and friends.  WE OWE THOSE WHO SURROUND US. 

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.  (By application.)

1 Peter 3:15-16  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:  (16)  Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Matthew 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 3:2  Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:

4.  Is Important to our church.  WE OWE EACH OTHER.  Our consistency brings joy to the church.

Acts 2:42-47  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (43)  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  (44)  And all that believed were together, and had all things common;  (45)  And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  (46)  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,  (47)  Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

1 Corinthians 11:33  Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.