I. Introduction
A. The American Pioneer
1. There are few more romanticized things in the history of our country than the movement to settle the West.
2. Novels, movies, etc., all paint a picture of open lands, new beginnings, and legacies being established, but the truth can be much uglier.
3. The expansion was often marked by scams, broken promises, illness, loss, and even death.
4. But we still celebrate the courage and perseverance of the pioneer.
5. A pioneer is one who goes where no one has ever gone before and braves elements yet untested.
B. Jesus the Pioneer
1. In our passage today, the NIV uses the word “pioneer” to describe what Jesus has done for us. (ESV-founder; KJV-author; NASB-originator).
2. The Hebrew writer has spent significant time proving that Jesus is the source of salvation and is to be recognized as such.
3. He directs our attention to following Jesus because He is the founder and perfecter of our faith.
4. What is the significance of this description of Jesus, and how does it impact our understanding of who Jesus is?
II. Jesus, the Pioneer of Our Faith
A. Forged the
1. Jesus has forged the path that allows us to the Father.
a. John 14:6
b. Without Jesus, our salvation would be impossible. We need Him.
c. Acts 4:12
d. 1 Timothy 2:5
2. Jesus being the way is more than just about a one-time act of salvation; it is about showing us a better way to .
a. The word for founder and pioneer is ἀρχηγός.
b. The term can be translated as author, originator, founder, ruler, leader, etc.
c. Acts 5:31 God exalted Him at His right hand as Leader (ἀρχηγός) and Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Peter speaking on behalf of the apostles before the council)
3. Illustration: Many of the roads throughout our country were first Native American footpaths, then horse trails, and then wagon trails, long before they ever became paved roads. In fact, this year marks the 100-year anniversary of US Hwy 66. About 86% of the current interstate highways that were part of the western expansion trails are within 50 miles of the original pioneer trails. In the state of TN, the state legislature created a state road system with Route 1 originally running through what is now Kingston Pike in Knoxville. These roads did more than just connect cities. They helped transfer cultures, traditions, etc. They connected people. Jesus connects us to the Father and the Spirit and gives us a whole new family where we can learn how to live the best kind of life and receive the blessings of God. (John 10:10)
4. Jesus has forged the way that teaches us how to one another, love each other, and forgive one another.
B. Forged a
1. One of the reasons we celebrate pioneers is that they don’t give up.
2. The word for “perfecter” is τελειότης. The idea for this word is one of perfection, maturity, or completeness.
3. How is Jesus the finisher of our faith?
a. He is the realized of God in the flesh
b. John 1:14
c. John 1:17
d. He also established THE .
i. The definite article in verse 2 suggests a specific faith rather than just a belief system. It is presented in the ESV as “our faith.” (In some translations, there is no article, although it is there in the Greek.)
ii. Jude 1:3
iii. Jesus finished God’s scheme to redeem mankind by becoming the sacrifice that removed the stain of sin; something the blood of bulls and goats could not do (Hebrews 10:4)
iv. Lipe observes that when Jesus cried out, “It is finished,” the tense of this statement denotes the accomplishment of a task.
4. He shows us the way .
a. But His cry from the cross wasn’t just about dying.
b. He is also the finisher of our faith by showing us the way forward.
c. Martel Pace observes, “He is the perfect example for us to follow in our faith-walks.”
d. John 20:30-31
5. Jesus is THE way, He died to establish THE faith (THE truth), and show us how to live (THE life).
III. Conclusion
A. Pioneer
1. The pioneers of old were courageous in their pursuit of lands, precious metals, and opportunities. Because of them, our nation grew and expanded, but what they did won’t last forever.
2. Jesus is the pioneer of an eternal city prepared for those who will trust the path He has forged and the life He has demonstrated for us to live.
B. Invitation
1. It can be scary to go places you’ve never been and do things you’ve never done.
2. The good news is that if you have Jesus, you’ll never have to take that journey alone.