In this sermon titled "Give it me," Greg Elmquist addresses the believer's life as one characterized by the paradox of rest and struggle in faith, primarily through the lens of Hebrews 12 and the narrative of David in 1 Samuel 21:8-9. Elmquist emphasizes that while believers rest in Christ’s finished work, they are simultaneously engaged in a race against sin, particularly addressing the sin of unbelief that so easily besets them. He draws on Hebrews 12:1-2, which encourages believers to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith, highlighting the need for divine sustenance and support. The critical moment from 1 Samuel illustrates David's reliance on God, symbolized by his request for a weapon, paralleling the believer's need for the Word of God as their defense against sin. The sermon underscores the necessity of seeking Christ and his Word as the ultimate source of hope and strength amid life's trials, reinforcing key Reformed doctrines of total depravity and God's grace.
Key Quotes
“The Bible is a book of Christ, it only speaks of Him.”
“Lord, is there anything under your hand? I know it's by your power.”
“Oh Lord, there's none like that. Give it me.”
“The evidence of God's grace in salvation is our desire to have Christ, to have his word.”
The Bible teaches that believers are to run the race with perseverance, looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of our faith.
In Hebrews 12:1-2, we are encouraged to run with patience the race set before us, laying aside every weight and sin. This race is described as a lifelong pursuit where believers experience both rest and struggle. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of fixing our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross and now sits at the right hand of God. Our race involves striving against sin, but we can do so with hope, knowing that our Savior has secured our victory.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Christians are called to flee from sin because it leads to spiritual death and separation from God.
The Bible instructs believers to flee from various sins, such as fornication and idolatry (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14). Sin is not just a personal failing; it is a rebellion against God that has dire consequences. In fleeing from sin, we recognize our dependence on Christ for protection and strength. We are called to not only turn from sin but also to run towards righteousness, embodying a life that reflects our commitment to follow Christ and trust in His power for transformation.
1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 10:14
Jesus is our true hope because He fulfilled God's promises through His life, death, and resurrection.
The hope found in Christ is rooted in the assurance of His sacrifice and victorious resurrection. In Hebrews 12:2, He is depicted as both the author and finisher of our faith. We trust in Him because He endured the cross and secured our salvation through His obedience to the Father (Philippians 2:8). Our hope is also affirmed through the testimonies of Scripture, which testify to His transformative power and the promises of God that He has fulfilled. Therefore, our confidence lies in the fact that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our source of eternal hope.
Hebrews 12:2, Philippians 2:8
Christ's authority is critical for salvation because it ensures that He has the power to save and intercede for us.
The authority of Christ is paramount in the matter of salvation. As our High Priest, He intercedes for believers and possesses complete authority over life and death, as stated in Matthew 28:18, where He declares that all authority has been given to Him. This authority assures us that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that He has the power to forgive our sins and grant us eternal life. Our faith rests in the recognition that only Christ, with His divine authority, can save us from our sins and offer us true hope.
Matthew 28:18
David's request for a sword symbolizes our need for the Word of God and reliance on Christ as our defense against sin.
In 1 Samuel 21:8, David seeks a sword to defend himself against his enemies. This request signifies our own desperate need for the Word of God, which is described as the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17). Just as David recognized his vulnerability, we, too, must acknowledge our need for Christ's strength and the truth of Scripture to combat the relentless pursuit of sin. The symbolism of the sword serves as a reminder that our defense comes not from our resources but from our reliance on Christ, who equips us for spiritual battle with His Word.
1 Samuel 21:8, Ephesians 6:17
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