Heb 1:1-3

(1) In many separate revelations [each of which set forth a portion of the Truth] and in different ways God spoke of old to [our] forefathers in and by the prophets,

(2) [But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].

(3) He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining and guiding and propelling the universe by His mighty word of power. When He had by offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high,

G1391 - Thayer Definition: GLORY

Δόξα - doxa

1. The absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of God; the majesty
2. The glorious condition of blessedness into which is appointed and promised that true Christians shall enter after their Saviour's return from heaven

UPHOLDING

1. • to maintain or defend something, especially laws or principles, in the face of hostility
   • inspire somebody with confidence

Other meanings: - preservation, protection, continuance, safeguarding

MAINTAINING

• to continue, or keep in existence, a situation, course of action, or condition without changing or impairing it
• to ensure that something continues to work properly by checking it regularly and making repairs and adjustments if required
• to provide somebody with the money required for a reasonable standard of living
• to sustain life in a person or animal
• to continue in the present state or situation without losing control
• to continue to hold and defend a position when physically attacked

Other meanings: - UPHOLD, PRESERVE, KEEP, KEEP UP, CONTINUE, SUSTAIN, RETAIN, LOOK AFTER, CARE FOR, TAKE CARE OF, KEEP UP, KEEP IN GOOD CONDITION

GUIDING

• to lead somebody in the right direction
• to advise or counsel somebody, or influence the way somebody behaves or acts
• to teach somebody, or oversee training in something
• to control the affairs of an organization or body
• a strong influence on the decisions and behaviour of another

Other meanings: - DIRECT, SHOW, STEER, LEAD

PROPELLING

to move or push somebody or something forwards

to impel somebody to do something or cause something to happen

Other meanings: - PUSH, FORCE, BOOST, THRUST, IMPEL

WHY DO YOU THINK JESUS SAT DOWN AFTER ACCOMPLISHING HIS MANDATE?

Looking at the above words we studied it is clear that, that mandate and responsibility now again lies upon us to complete this work of Jesus.

We have to do it through HIS WORD in us.

The basic concept conveyed by this letter is that Jesus Christ alone brings to men the full revelation of God and that he alone enables them to enter into his very presence.

The question then is to what extent have we studied the Son? This is profound. In the years past we have studied the Holy Spirit and the move of the Spirit. Currently we are all students of the Apostolic Reformation. How many of us sitting here have actually sat down and made a study of the SON?

The writer to the Hebrews uses two great pictures to describe what Jesus was. He says that he was the apaugasma (<G541>) of God's glory. Apaugasma (<G541>) can mean one of two things in Greek. It can mean effulgence, the light which shines forth, or it can mean reflection, the light which is reflected. Here it probably means effulgence. Jesus is the shining of God's glory among men.

He says that he was the charakter (<G5481>) of God's very essence. In Greek, charakter (<G5481>) means two things, first, a seal, and, second, the impression that the seal leaves on the wax. The impression has the exact form of the seal.

So, when the writer to the Hebrews said that Jesus was the charakter (<G5481>) of the being of God, he meant that he was the exact image of God. Just as when you look at the impression, you see exactly what the seal which made it is like, so when you look at Jesus you see exactly what God is like.

HOW DO YOU REFLECT THE SEAL OF GOD UPON YOUR LIFE?

This passage tells us six great things about Jesus:

• (i) The original glory of God belongs to him.

What a wonderful thought. Jesus is God's glory; therefore, we see with amazing clarity that the glory of God consists not in crushing men and reducing them to miserable servitude, but in serving them and loving them and in the end dying for them. It is not the glory of shattering power but the glory of suffering love.

• (ii) The Kingdom belongs to Jesus.

The New Testament writers never doubted his ultimate triumph. Think of it. They were thinking of a Galilean carpenter who was crucified as a criminal on a cross on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem. They themselves faced savage persecution and were the humblest of people. They never doubted the eventual victory. They were quite certain that God's love was backed by his power and that in the end the kingdoms of the world would be the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ.

• (iii) The creative action belongs to Jesus.

The early Church held that the Son had been God's agent in creation, In some way God had originally created the world through him. They were filled with the thought that the One who had created the world would also be the One who redeemed it.

Joh 1:1-5

(1) In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isaiah 9:6]

(2) He was present originally with God.

(3) All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

(4) In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.

(5) And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

Isa 9:6

(6) For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 25:1; 40:9-11; Matthew 28:18; Luke 2:11]

• (iv) The sustaining power belongs to Jesus.

The early Christians had a tremendous grip of the doctrine of providence. Providence speaks about God being a caring force guiding mankind. They did not think of God as creating the world and then leaving it to itself. Somehow and somewhere they saw a power that was carrying the world and each life on to a destined end. They believed, in His sustaining POWER.

1Co 1:4-10:

(4) I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,

(5) [So] that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech [to speak of your faith] and complete knowledge and illumination [to give you full insight into its meaning].

(6) In this way [our] witnessing concerning Christ (the Messiah) was so confirmed and established and made sure in you

(7) That you are not [consciously] falling behind or lacking in any special spiritual endowment or Christian grace [the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in your souls by the Holy Spirit], while you wait and watch [constantly living in hope] for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and [His] being made visible to all.

(8) And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

(9) God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

(10) But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.

• (v) To Jesus belongs the redemptive work.

By his sacrifice he paid the price of sin; by his continual presence he liberates from sin.

Heb 9:26

• (26) For then would He often have had to suffer [over and over again] since the foundation of the world. But as it now is, He has once for all at the consummation and close of the ages appeared to put away and abolish sin by His sacrifice [of Himself].

• (vi) To Jesus belongs the mediatory adoration

He has taken his place on the right hand of glory; but the tremendous thought of the writer to the Hebrews is that he is there, not as our judge but as one who makes intercession for us so that, when we enter into the presence of God, we go, not to hear his justice prosecute us but his love plead for us.

Heb 9:15

(15) [Christ, the Messiah] is therefore the Negotiator and Mediator of an [entirely] new agreement (testament, covenant), so that those who are called and offered it may receive the fulfillment of the promised everlasting inheritance--since a death has taken place which rescues and delivers and redeems them from the transgressions committed under the [old] first agreement.

Now if all of this applies to the life of Christ - How does this effect us as being SONS of GOD?

1. REFLECTING THE GLORY OF GOD:

Looking at the implication we see in Hebrews is is clear then that as sons of God and followers of Christ and also ambassadors of Christ we carry the very same responsibility.

Jesus reflected the glory of God through a life of serving people, and loving people and in the end even dying for them. It is not the glory of shattering power but the glory of suffering love.

Now the question we are facing this morning by the Spirit of God is whether the lives that we live reflect this glory of God our father.

2Co 5:20

(20) So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

Looking at the implications of this is becomes clear that we carry on our shoulders the responsibility to accurately reflect Christ in the earth. This would then also apply to our manifesting HIS CHARACTER. In this context it would then imply to us a life not of dominion power through which we shatter and break down the lives of people but one of a life of suffering for those that we have been sent to.

Having said this if your life is to be tested this morning for Fruit...... Will The Father as the gardener find any of the following in your LIFE?

• A Sacrificial life of serving people
• Are you loving people
• Are you dying for people

SERVING:

• To work as a servant for someone
• To assist or help somebody in a specific way
• To have an effect in someone's life
• Give someone food
• Prepare and supply food

LOVING:

• Show affection and feelings
• Do something with enjoyment and careful attention
• To feel tender affection for someone
• Show kindness to someone
• To show mercy grace and charity

DYING:

• To cease to exist - This implies your desires and wants and giving of yourself unconditionally to those around you.
• To experience a particular kind of death

1. LIVING A KINGDOM LIFE

This is a lifestyle of bring all under the rule and authority of Christ as the King. It also speaks of a life of DOMINION.

This starts with you and me. Is Jesus truly the King of your life? Is everything in your life under the rulership of Jesus as your King?

Do you live a life of dominion through the spirit. If you are you will be changing the atmosphere and your environment. Ylou will see the manifestation of Christ in the Earth. You will see signs and wonders manifesting through your life.

1. LIVING A CREATIVE LIFE

This implies living a life where the very life of Christ is manifested and bringing about life to your environment and the lives of those whom you touch.

Christ chose you as the vessel through which to create life. In what way are you fulfilling the plan and purpose and destiny of God. I can not emphasize this enough that you need to be connected to the branch where the very SAP of Christ will flow through you the create the life that He has called you to and destined you to be.

I want to challenge you with the question: What are you giving life to at the moment and to what are you giving momentum through your life in what you do, say and live. Talk is cheap. I am challenging you again this morning. SHOW ME YOUR FRUIT !!!! of LIFE

1. LIVING A LIFE OF SUSTAINED POWER:

The life that Jesus lived spoke of a life of Providence. This means that it speaks about Jesus being a caring force guiding mankind. We saw this clearly manifesting in the life of Jesus in all that HE did.

Jesus carried within Him a power that was carrying the world and each life that He touched on to a destined end. To what extent are your life manifesting this characteristic?

READ AGAIN:

1Co 1:4-10:

(4) I thank my God at all times for you because of the grace (the favor and spiritual blessing) of God which was bestowed on you in Christ Jesus,

(5) [So] that in Him in every respect you were enriched, in full power and readiness of speech [to speak of your faith] and complete knowledge and illumination [to give you full insight into its meaning].

(6) In this way [our] witnessing concerning Christ (the Messiah) was so confirmed and established and made sure in you

(7) That you are not [consciously] falling behind or lacking in any special spiritual endowment or Christian grace [the reception of which is due to the power of divine grace operating in your souls by the Holy Spirit], while you wait and watch [constantly living in hope] for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and [His] being made visible to all.

(8) And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless and irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).

(9) God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

(10) But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.

ONE IN CHRIST ! ! ! ! !

1. LIVING A LIFE OF REDEMPTION:

The act of saving something or somebody from a declined, dilapidated, or corrupted state and restoring it, him, or her to a better condition.

How much of the life you life is focused on the redemption of people and the Kingdom of God. How involved are you in the life of:

• Colleagues
• Friends
• Family
• Fellow Believers
• Society

What can you show me this morning that reflects a testimony or life of redemption? What are you busy redeeming?

1. LIVING A LIFE OF MEDIATION:

A substance that acts as a medium in transferring something from one place to another in the body

Although this refers to the process in a persons body it can be very much applied to the spiritual as well. The substance in you is CHRIST. Through your mediation and prayer etc you bring people to a place of accuracy in the Body. We bring about a transfer through the working of Christ of people from the Kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God.

You are also a mediator as you pour yourself into prayer for those that God commission you to pray for.

In Closure

I believe that God is serious about each one of you sitting here today. Are you serious about Him and His Kingdom? I challenge you today to start to live the Christ Life.

Yes I know that it will cost you, but I can also emphatically state and testify that both myself and Renette have no reservation that it is a life worthwhile of living. You might not always have the money and comforts that other have. But you will live a life of wealth in Christ.