Sermon Cloud

Intro: Rags => Riches stories.  This morning we have a rags => righteousness story (about us).

Big Idea:  Jesus removes our guilt that we may glorify & enjoy God.

Context: YHWH remembers the Jews who returned to Jerusalem after the exile.  In the midst of opposition, He wants them to have hope and a future to sustain them.

I. Jesus our High Priest intervenes to rescue us (vv. 1-2).

-         Joshua (YHWH saves) is High Priest, in the presence of God, (pre-incarnate Son) ...

-         Satan (the Adversary) is there to oppose Joshua.  He was behind all their trouble!

-         He’s not acceptable to be in God’s presence & serve Him for the people.  Ill. Satan’s list

-         Tangent: Sometimes Satan uses us to accuse & oppose other Christians.  Ill. Peter

-         God Himself rebukes Satan.  It is not your job, except to point to Jesus.  Ill. Luther

-         First, YHWH has chosen Jerusalem=> salvation is rooted in election (Romans 8:30).

-         Second, Joshua was like a stick plucked from the fire.  He was rescued!  Have you?

Transition: Jesus glorifies Himself by rescuing us from condemnation & accusation.

II. Jesus our High Priest cleanses us (vv. 3-5).

-         The Angel stops addressing Satan, and now addresses Joshua’s condition.

-         Joshua had filthy clothes- he’s a sinner=> guilt & pollution.  Ill. Parent, son, spouse etc.

-         The Son has his clothes removed, taking away his sins.  Ill. Jadon @ store

-         He’s not left naked (innocent) but clothed in (righteousness).  Perfect!  Ill. Don Miller

-         Justification is the removal of sin and declaration of righteousness by faith.  Ill. WHI

-         Joshua receives clean and expensive clothes to fulfill his office.  Not an end in itself!

-         We cannot cleanse ourselves of our sin.  Jesus must.  Are you suitable for service?

Transition: Jesus glorifies Himself by removing our sin & giving us His righteousness.

III. Jesus our High Priest challenges us to holy living (vv. 6-7).

-         The Son addresses his future, charging Joshua to walk in God’s ways.

-         Sanctification is a fruit of justification.  They are distinct but united graces!  (Gal. 5)

-         Justification is the foundation of progressive obedience: indicative & imperative.

-         The obedience of the justified has rewards => He will be great in the temple (Matt. 5).

-         Conditional promises: by faith receive grace to obey, and receive other gifts of grace.

Transition: We glorify Jesus as we pursue obedience by faith, being freed of guilt & shame.

IV. Jesus our High Priest promises a great future (vv. 8-10).

-         Joshua & his cohorts symbolize things that were to come.  It is about more than them.

-         Joshua is a type, foreshadowing Jesus the Great High Priest who was to come.

-         The Branch: heir to David’s throne. From stump=> glorious tree!  Ill. Weed on porch.

-         The Stone: a stumbling block=> the foundation of the living temple (1 Peter 2).

-         Jesus removes the sin of God’s people at one time.  This Joshua is greater!

-         We invite others to enjoy Messiah & the Messianic Age!  We have a mission!

Conclusion: The Reformation was not just about an idea- justification.  It was about a whole way of life.  If we depend upon our obedience to be acceptable before God, we’ll be like Joshua- in filthy rags.  God justifies wicked people like us if we trust in Jesus, His obedience & sacrificial death.  Then we are able to please God.  God gives us this great blessing to glorify and enjoy Him together with all who share this faith.  Have you gone from rags to righteous?  If you have, share your joy.