Captain
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
NOTE: One man was saved when this message was preached.
Hebrews 2:9-10 [Joshua 5:13-15; 2 Chron. 13:12]
In our text (Heb. 2:10) we see three things:
1. Christ’s TITLE: Captain of salvation
2. Christ’s TASK: Bring many sons to glory.
3. Christ’s TRAVAIL: Made perfect through sufferings.
The English word “captain” comes from a Latin word meaning “head.” Jesus is “the head of the church.” The common idea behind the word “captain” is the one who is in command; the one who leads / guides.
- In the nautical terms it is the title of one in charge of a sea-going vessel (Jack Sparrow-Captain of the Black Pearl; “Captain Hook” [Jolly Roger]; Richard Phillips, captain of the merchant vessel that was attacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia in 2009).
- It is a military term designating rank and authority—Has charge over a company of soldiers.
- The title “captain” is also used in civil service positions—A “captain” in the police and fire departments. He is in charge of a precinct.
- In commercial aviation, the pilot of a large aircraft operated by an airline is referred to as a “captain.” Captain Sully [Chesley Sullenberger III] of US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009.
- A football team has a captain. (Russell Wilson—Seattle Seahawks captain)
- Captain America; Captain James T. Kirk (Starship-USS Enterprise)
- The captain of salvation—Jesus Christ is the GREATEST CAPTAIN of all!
I. As “Captain,” He pioneered the way into His FAMILY
(“…bringing many sons unto glory… v. 11—he is not ashamed to call them brethren”).
The word pioneer speaks of doing something no one else has done.
ILLUS: Pioneers in covered wagons who settled the West. Pioneer church planters.
A. Jesus is the Pioneer of our salvation by His death on the cross. His was not the first to be crucified, but His was the first to be crucified and raise from the dead. He pioneered our salvation through His sufferings on Calvary and resurrection from the dead.
B. He is the captain of my salvation. When I was outside the family—a vagabond without hope, God looked on my helpless estate and said, “I will suffer Myself to bring that miserable derelict Al Hughes into My family so he won’t have to suffer.”
II. As “Captain,” He precedes us in the FIGHT .
A. We are in a war—A spiritual war—A war between two armies—The army of God made up of believers and the army of Satan made up of those who reject the Christ.
- We have the battle plan (God’s Word). We have awesome weapons (Prayer; Sword of the Spirit; Praise). And we realize we have an advantage, for we have a CAPTAIN who has never lost a battle.
- But to win the battles ahead, we must follow our Captain and obey His commands!Read Joshua 5:13-15.
“I’ve not come to choose sides—I’ve come to take over.” - As “captain,” He not only gives orders, but He takes the lead for us to follow (Heb. 2:10). He gives orders from the front lines.
Partial outline: FULL PDF HERE
