July 18, 2021
Pastor Ricky Smith

Sermon Notes

I. Imperfect Shadows

Hebrews 10:1-4
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? But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

A. Imperfect Cleansing
B. Imperfect Conscience

Don’t bank on a spiritual investment destined to disappoint

II. Perfect Solution

Hebrews 10:5-9
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ” When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second.

Be confident in God’s perfect plan

II. Perfect Results

Hebrews 10:10
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Only Christ’s perfect sacrifice can set you free.

Who we rally to matters

Next Steps

• I confess Jesus as my Savior and repent of my sin to be free.
• I choose to walk in freedom rather than trusting in my circumstances.
• I commit to rally in person to the family of faith here at Calvary.

Deep Dive

1. Read Hebrews 10:1-3. How did the repeated sacrifices reveal the inadequacy of the sacrificial system?
2. Read 1 Samuel 15 and discuss how King Saul had mistakenly trusted in the system rather than the Savior.
3. How do we fall into the trap of trusting a religious system or rules rather than in Jesus alone?

Springboards

1. Share a personal example of a routine that you struggled to change but that produced results you did not want.
2. How does this common behavior compare to our spiritual journey of not receiving the forgiveness that Christ has already provided?
3. Read Ephesians 2:8-9 and discuss how what Christ has done compares to our best efforts.