Stronger than Samson

September 22, 2013 Evening:

Title: A Better Temple

Old Testament Passage: Psalm 31:5 – Into your hand I commit my spirit

Gospel Passage: Mark 13:1-2 – There will not be one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.

Sermon Text: Hebrews 2:15 ...and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Sermon Point: Jesus has freed us from the slavery of the ultimate fear.

[15] and deliver

The Lord Jesus Christ is a Savior. He is a deliverer who is more powerful than Samson. Samson was one of Israel's “saviors” in the book of Judges. His greatest act of deliverance came at the end of his life after his mortal body had been defaced by his enemies. But through his death he destroyed more Philistines than he had throughout the rest of his life. Now he has a better tent in the heaven.

How did that happen? Through the death of Jesus, Satan and his demonic host have been defeated, and the Lord's elect have been granted life. The work of Jesus was a very powerful deliverance.

all those who through fear of death

Why would anyone be afraid of death? There may be many reasons, some rational and some irrational. But here is a very rational concern: We know that sin deserves punishment, and we wonder what is ahead of us when we leave this mortal life. Can we stand before the holy God who made us?

This fear of death was the common experience of mankind. Some might deny it. But the fear can be there without an acknowledgment of it or even a recognition that it exists.

were subject to lifelong slavery.

Fear of death is a slavery that can captivate a person all of his life.

But now we have an answer for humanity in the death of Jesus. We do not need to be afraid of eternal torment. We can be honest about our sins. We have a rational basis to receive God's Word of forgiveness. We can believe His promises even if our current temple is destroyed. We have a better temple in heaven.

Some thoughts for those who have received God's Word regarding the death of Christ:

1. Learn to distinguish between an irrational fear of death and a rational fear of death.
2. Learn to trust God in life and death. You belong to Jesus. He will use you for His glory.
3. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
4. Jesus is our strong deliverer forever. One who is stronger than Samson is here!

Concluding Thought: Christ lives in us. We are a holy temple for a very strong deliverer.