Hebrews 9:1-10 Then truly the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.… I. A type of the CHURCH (Revelation 1:20). 1. The end and use of the Church is to give light, and to hold forth the truth (Philippians 2:15; 1 Timothy 3:15). 2. The matter of the Church. As the candlestick was of gold, so the matter of the Church is saints. 3. The discipline of the Church as the golden snuffers (Exodus 25:38) did cut off the snuff of the candle, so discipline and censures cut off corruption and corrupt members. 4. The union and distinction of Churches. Several branches and seven lamps — therefore distinct; but all growing on one shaft — therefore one. II. A type of the MINISTRY. As the candlestick supports the lamp and the light., so does the Church the ministry; and as the lamp or candle shines in the candlestick, so does the ministry in the Church. III. A type of the WORD (Psalm 119:105; Psalm 19:10; 2 Peter 1:19). IV. A type of the SPIRIT (Revelation 4:5). 1. The lamps of the candlestick did shine and give light. So the Holy Spirit is a Spirit of light and illumination (Ephesians 1:19). 2. The lamps were fed with off (Exodus 27:20). Now this oil is the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38). Of a softening and healing nature. 3. The sacred lamps were ever burning, and never went out (Exodus 27:20; Leviticus 24:3). So it is with the Spirit of God in the hearts of His people. The true believer cannot fall away totally and finally. 4. The dressing and trimming of the lamps signified the revivings of the work of the Spirit, in the hearts of His people, when it begins, or is in danger to decline. This teaches us both the Lord's goodness and our duty (Matthew 12:20; 2 Timothy 1:6). Also Church discipline and mortification are taught us hereby (Matthew 25:7).Lessons: 1. Learn to prize and see the worth and excellency of Church society. 2. Prize the ministry. 3. Prize the Word. 4. Labour to find the Spirit burning and working in your hearts. (1) Get fresh supplies of oil (Psalm 92:10). Jesus Christ is the Fountain, and the Holy Ghost the immediate Dispenser of it (Zechariah 4:12). (2) Stir up that which you have (2 Timothy 1:6; Revelation 3:2). (3) Snuff the wick (James 1:23). (S. Mather.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.WEB: Now indeed even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and an earthly sanctuary. |
    |