Through the book of Hebrews: exploration and discussion. We are studying the book of Hebrews through a group process. I am including my outlines as a study aid for anyone who would like to use them for their own study or with a group of people. In reviewing the outlines, you will need your Bible to fill in the blanks. The questions are meant to stimulate discussion and personal reflection. Our goal is to help others mature in the faith in the context of relationships. Persevere! Dr. Randall Torres.
Ref. All Bible Scriptures are from the New International Version unless otherwise stated.
Theme: Absolute Supremacy and Sufficiency of our Lord Jesus as revealer and as mediator of God’s grace.
Our Goal: To learn truth and then apply it to our own lives today. Chp. 1
v. 1 In the past God spoke through who? How?
v. 2 In these last days God has spoken by/in/through who?
Jesus is appointed ___________of all things, and through whom God did what?
Rom 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Jn 1:3-4 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
Col 1:15-17 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
v. 3 Jesus (the Son) is _________________________ of God’s glory… Jn 14:9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
This verse says that Jesus sustains what? How does Jesus do it?
Jesus provided _________________________for our sins. How did Jesus provide purification for our sins? Paul tells us:
Col 1:19-22 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
Being seated at God’s right hand represents what?
Heb 8:1 The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
1Pet 3:22 who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him...
v. 4-14 Christ’s Superiority to angels
v. 5 Acts 13:33/Ps 2:7
he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
“‘You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.
Rom 1:4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke 1:32-33 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”
v. 6 Who is called to worship Christ?
v. 7 Ps. 104:4 speaks of the storm wind and the lightening as agents of God’s purpose.
v. 8-9 Who is being called God here? Highlighting the deity of Christ.
v.9-12 Who stays the same and His years will never end?
v. 13 Ps. 110 Is this a prophetic psalm?
1 The LORD says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet.”
2 The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion;
you will rule in the midst of your enemies.
3 Your troops will be willing
on your day of battle.
Arrayed in holy majesty,
from the womb of the dawn
you will receive the dew of your youth.[a]
4 The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”
5 The Lord is at your right hand;
he will crush kings on the day of his wrath.
6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead
and crushing the rulers of the whole earth.
7 He will drink from a brook beside the way[b];
therefore he will lift up his head.
v. 14 What is the role of Angels? Is it possible we do come into contact with Angels today?
Through the Book of Hebrews: exploration at discussion—Chapter 2
v. 1 What are we being asked to pay more careful attention to? Therefore, to what___________________, so that ________________________.
Review key points of Chp. 1
1. God the Father has spoken in these last days through his Son Jesus
2. All things, including the universe were created through our Lord Jesus
3. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
4. Jesus provided purification for sins through the shedding of his blood on the cross.
5. The Son is far superior to the angels;
6. These five points are foundational theologically to our shared faith.
What does it mean to pay more careful attention? See Acts 16:13-14
“The [Greek] verb prosechein means not only to turn the mind to a thing but also to act upon what one perceives (Morris 1981 pg. 21).
“drift away” the Greek word is used to describe a ring slipping off a finger.
How do we “drift away” today? Do we have to be opposed to the gospel message to drift away? Are there varying degrees of drifting away?
v. 2 What was the message spoken by angels? So if every violation and disobedience ___________________
v. 3 Will anyone escape if they continuously ignore the gospel message? Is there room in this passage for being “neutral” or just neglecting to make a decision?
What does this “such a great salvation” mean? Significant because it was first announced by ______________ Was confirmed to___by who?
All subsequent teaching/preaching regarding salvation and the gospel message must agree with the original proclamation.
v. 4 God also testified to it by _______,__________,____________ and gifts of the _______________ distributed how?
How did the apostles perform these signs, wonders, and various miracles? Does this confirm that we are relying on supernatural power, even to manifest/live out our gifts today?
v. 5 In the world to come, who is going to regain sovereignty over God’s creation in the future kingdom?
v. 6 What is it about man that Great God should stoop to help him? Here “son of man” is Hebrew poetry referring to “man.” Why does God care for man?
v. 7 In God’s order of things “man” is placed just below the angels, yet set above all else in creation, hence, “crowned him with glory and honor (v. 8) and put everything under his feet.”
v. 8 Why do you think everything is not subject to us in our present day?
v. 9 Psalm 8:4-6 isn’t fulfilled in mankind today, but Christ is now crowned with glory and honor because___________________________
His death and resurrection has made possible for redeemed man the ultimate fulfillment of Psalm 8 in the future kingdom… (NIV study Bible notes).
v. 10 Many will come to salvation through the perfect plan of God. Who is the author of our salvation here? The incarnation was perfected or completed when Christ endured___________________ for our sins.
v. 11 Who is the one who makes men holy? Is Jesus our brother?
v. 12 Psalm 22:22 triumphant Messiah
v. 13 An expression of trust and dependence on God our Father by Christ our brother; Father’s children given to Christ as brothers and sisters.
v. 14 God in Christ shared in our _______________ He had relationships with family/friends and shared in our human nature, yet was without sin.
How did Christ destroy the devil’s power over death?
v. 15-18 Should we be fearful of death? 1 Cor 15:50-57
Who are Abraham’s descendents?
How is Jesus described? What did he do for us? Why can Jesus help us today when we are tempted?
REFERENCES:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
Study through Hebrews Chp. 3 Exploration and Discussion:
v. 1 “holy brothers” (cf. Col 1:2) writer is referring to readers as set apart members of a brotherhood and dear to him. What does it mean to live as “holy believers?”
Set apart to the service or worship of God; hallowed; sacred; reserved from profane or common use; holy vessels; a holy priesthood.
Spiritually whole or sound; of unimpaired innocence and virtue; free from sinful affections; pure in heart; godly; pious; irreproachable; guiltless; acceptable to God.
For us today: we are supposed to be set apart (consecration) for a special purpose, and pursue our purpose within the context of family (church body).
How are you doing in being (holy) set apart/consecrated to serve our holy God?
1 Cor 1:2, Eph 5:1-3…2 Tim 1:5-10, Tit 1:7-8, 1Pet 1:15-16, 2 Pet 3:10-11
What are we struggling against? What or who is trying to hinder us from being set apart everyday? Who makes us holy? Ref. Heb 2:10-11. Eph 6:10- Jam 1:13-
What does the “heavenly calling” imply? Who initiates the call for us to be holy?
“Therefore,” (2:17-18) because Christ has taken our nature and is able to help us, therefore we are invited to fix our________________ on Jesus the ____________ and ____________ whom we confess.
v. 2 Who was faithful to God Moses or Jesus?
v. 3 Why was Jesus found worthy of greater honor than Moses?
Moses was part of the _____________ but Jesus was the ____________of the house.
v. 4 Is Jesus equated with God here?
v. 5 Moses was _______________ as a ______________(honored servant)
v. 6 But Christ is faithful as ________________. And we are his _____________ IF we hold on to _________________ and _______________ of which we boast.
We as God’s house: Eph 2:17-19, 1Pet 2:4-5
Courage—the Greek can also mean confidence; the word for boasting can also mean proud.
So, To ensure I/you are God’s house: we must persevere with confidence and be proud about knowing and eagerly expecting God’s triumph! Christian hope!
v. 7-11 quote from Psalm 95:7-11 (cf. Ex 17:1-7)
What does “Today” suggest to us? Is the voice of God sounding now/today?
v. 8 How do we harden our hearts today? Is it to ignore the voice of God and act in accord with our/your own desires?
v. 9 The Israelites exhibited a lack of faith and failed to appreciate God’s provision and grace, they put him to the test….(sinned against our holy God)
v. 10 Is God angry with sin and compromise today from those who say they are Christians? Their______________ are always going astray, and they have not_______________________.
We need to be clear that God is not angry with repentant sinners saved by grace, but with those who rebelliously ignore the love and grace of God.
In fact, "in Christ" we are perfect, redeemed, sanctified, because of the blood of Christ applied to our sin: past, present, and future! Rejoice in this truth and may our Lord empower us to hunger and thirst for holiness.
What are God’s ways for us today? The Israelites should have known! Should we know? Is it a serious matter when we neglect opportunity to know God’s ways? Is it worse to know God’s ways and fail to adhere because of sin?
v. 11 Is it possible that many will not enter his rest who say they are Christians?
Matt 7:21-27 God knows those who are His through Christ.
v. 12 Is it also the case that even though the opportunity is there, even genuine Christians won’t take the steps to mature?
This is where we need eachother. To be a disciple means to pursue self discipline and be accountable to brothers who can call us on our tendency to rebel. More often than not, we resist God the Holy Spirit and maintain an attitude of pride, a selfishness that hinders others from keeping us accountable (humble).
“Living God” when one turns, he or she is turning away from a living dynamic person and not from some dead doctrine or rules for living a holy life!
v. 13 Again, we need each other! How often are we supposed to encourage each other? Do we have to become accountable to other Christians in order to lower the risk of creating a hard heart? Sin is considered__________________.
v. 14-15 We share in Christ if_________________________. Do you think your heart has become hardened in certain areas of this life? How can you examine yourself to see if you have hardened your heart or compromised?
v. 16-19 Are we like those who rebelled? Will we enter rest if we disobey?
Do we face the same dangers if we fail to believe what God has promised?
(All Scripture references from New International Version Bible (1985).
Through the book of Hebrews: an exploration and discussion—Chp. 4
Review key points in chapter 3:
• As Christians we are to be set apart (holy) to serve our holy God.
• Jesus is God and the builder/creator of all things.
• We as true believers (God’s house) must prove to be genuine by persevering in the faith until the end.
• The Israelites did not persevere in the faith and were not able to enter God’s rest because of their unbelief.
• Just like the Israelites, many professing Christians will not enter God’s (eternal life) rest.
• As Christians we need each other and are called to encourage one another daily so we do not become hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.
The promised land was physically Canaan, a temporary, earthly rest gained under Joshua that pointed to a rest that is spiritual and eternal in Jesus Christ.
v. 1 What does “the promise of entering his rest still stands” mean to us today? Was it different for the Israelites? “…let us be careful…” can also be translated “let us fear” What does the verse say we should be fearful of?
The writer is warning his readers and us that there was a generation to whom the rest was promised, but they missed it because of unbelief. Are there generations that miss the promise today?
v. 2 How do I ensure myself that I won’t miss out on the promise of eternal life? The Israelites heard what God was saying, but they failed to do what?
v. 3 We who have believed________________________ Does this mean at the time of genuine trust/faith in our Lord we enter God’s rest? Yes. God's rest as far as salvation is immediate and certain. We can know with confidence that we are going to heaven because of God's grace through faith we are saved. Eph 2:8-9.
The Israelites who heard God's promise concerning the land of Canaan refused to believe. Therefore, "So I declared in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'" "God in his anger closed the doors of Canaan in the face of that whole generation of Israelites (Nu 14:21-35). The readers of Hebrews (and even people today) faced a similar danger spiritually (NIV study Bible notes).
"And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. v. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: 'And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.'
The writer is making it clear to us that God's rest has been a reality since the creation of the world. It is "God's rest" that we share today through our Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, "God's rest" is illustrated for us as a reality since the seventh day of creation when God rested from his creative work.
v. 5 "They" refers to those who refused to believe. Again, even today many will continue to refuse to trust our Lord and enter His rest. However, v. 6 "It still remains that some will enter that rest..." However,
those who heard the "gospel" the good news of entering Canaan through the power of God, failed to enter because of their disobedience--they did not trust God.
v. 7 Psalm 95:7-8 the writer of Hebrews is demonstrating for us that there was still an offer being made to enter into rest long after the time of Joshua. "Today," so, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
v. 8 It was impossible for Joshua to give complete and lasting "rest." Therefore,
v. 9 "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;"
v. 10 As we enter "God's rest" we abide in Christ. I no longer live, but Christ lives in me Gal 2:20. Therefore, I can stop trying to work for my salvation or do anything to gain approval from our merciful and gracious God. We rest in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
And, as God rested from creation, we as Christians are new creations in Christ and we have all we need to enter His rest. We can't earn more or receive less the love of God because of our behaviors.
v. 11 "...make every effort to enter that rest,..." Again, not an effort of works, but of faith that allows us to experience rest. An active ABIDING in Christ.
v. 12 The word of God is _____________________________ Has the word penetrated your heart? How so?
v. 13 What is hidden from God’s sight? What is laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account? Should true believers be nervous about this? Is it scary that God sees everything you do? cf. 1 Cor 4:5
v. 14 Since we have a great high priest…Jesus the Son of God, let us ___________________________.
v. 15-16 Jesus can do what when we are weak? How was Jesus tempted? Because Jesus was like us, yet without sin, we can approach the throne of grace how? What do we receive when we confidently approach the throne?
“Many have pointed out that the Sinless One knows the force of temptation in a way that we who sin do not. We give in before the temptation has fully spent itself; only he who does not yield knows its full force” (Morris, pg. 46).
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank E. Gaebelein (ed.) Vol. 12
New International Version (1985) Study Bible.
Book of Hebrews: exploration and discussion—Chp. 5
v. 1 The writer begins by saying, “Every high priest is ___________ from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to_______, to offer gifts and sacrifices for______. (ref. Lev 16)
v. 2 The high priest is able to deal_________ with those who are________ and going _________, since he was subject to ______________.
v. 3 Why did he have to offer sacrifices for his own sin and the sins of the people? He was subject to weakness. He was a sinner who struggled like everyone else born depraved.
v. 4 The high priest is called by God. And, we saw in vs. 1 that the high priest is selected from among men, and a mediator between God and man. He essentially seeks mercy, not only for himself, but for the people. For example, Aaron was called by God.
v. 5-6 Christ did not take the glory on himself (cf. Jn 8:54). The writer, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is original in his teaching that Jesus is our high priest. He references Psalm 2:7 (cf 1:5). The writer wants us to understand that Jesus is [God] the Son who has authority to intercede for us in the heavenly realm.
Psalm 110… v.1 was referenced at 1:13; here we see 110:4 applied for the first time to our Lord Jesus in this way.
A better translation “of the same kind as Melchizedek” (Morris, 1981, quoting J.C. Ward) cf. a description is given in 7:1-3.
Christ is the final/ultimate High Priest. Other priests had their day and passed away. However, Christ is our High Priest who lives forever and intercedes on our behalf before our Father God!
v. 7 Jesus was fully God and fully man. He offered up prayers and petitions with___________ and __________ to the one who could save him from death.
Jesus was heard because of His_______________ ______________
How intense is my prayer life? Am I striving to be more reverent and submissive before God?
Matt 26:36-46
• Christ as a man discovered what it is to cry out to God in fear and distress
• He learned to say “thy will be done” when the will of God was the way of the cross.
• In answer to his prayer he was enabled to bear his trial just as he will enable genuine believers to bear theirs (cf. 2:17-18; 4:15-16).
Christ did not sin and needed no sacrifice for his own sins. We suggested last week that Christ was tempted more severely than any other person, because only the one who resisted to the end knows the full weight of any temptation.
v. 8 How did Christ learn obedience? “the temptations he faced were real and the battle for victory was difficult, but where Adam failed and fell, Jesus resisted and prevailed” (NIV Study Bible notes).
v. 9 “made perfect” does not mean imperfect to perfect. Here it means that Christ suffering brought about perfection—Jesus became “the source of eternal salvation for all who___________ him…
v. 10 Jesus was ______________ by God to be high priest of the same kind as Melchizedek.
v. 11 What does the writer have much to say about? It is hard to explain because?
v. 12 The readers should have matured to what role? What are the elementary truths? Elementary truths are associated with________ .
v. 13 If we continue to survive on milk we will not become acquainted with teaching about______________.
v. 14 Solid food is associated with or for the_____________. The mature do what in order to be able to distinguish from good and evil?
How is my training coming along in regards to my position in Christ?
Are we as "light of the world" "salt of the earth" desiring solid food to help us mature and become even brighter and more salty?
Do others see your brightness? Do they taste your salt?
Is it easier to drink milk and stay complacent?
What does it take to get past surviving on milk?
As we examine ourselves, where are we today?
Where do I want to be "in Christ, who is my life" a vibrant, exciting working of the Spirit everyday?
Or, I profess Christ, but then there is my life.
I think the latter creates much more internal conflict for those who are truly saved... The person "in Christ" but not disciplined and growing toward maturity manifests internal conflicts in various behaviors and feelings:
Anger, bitterness, defensiveness, insecurity, gossip, negativity, etc., However, for the maturing Christian the following behaviors:
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc., ever increasing and evident to others.
The writer of Hebrews takes issue with those surviving on milk!
Through the Book of Hebrews: exploration and discussion—Chp. 6:1-8
Brief Review:
5:10 the writer has much to say about Jesus, especially his designation by God the Father to be high priest in the order of or better translated "of the same kind as Melchizedek."
v. 11 We have much to say about this, but ?
v. 12 By this time in their journey with Christ, they should have been what?
Milk is for who?
v. 13 The readers weren’t acquainted with teachings about ___________?
v. 14 Solid food is for the_________? What do the mature do in order to distinguish good from evil?
Chapter 6:1 Therefore, let us “move forward to achieve the goal set for us by God. That is the meaning of the word maturity…” ‘goal, purpose’ (Zodhiates, 1977).
Rayburn (1989) said of this passage, “This sentence amounts to a ringing affirmation both of the obligation laid upon believers to cultivate their spiritual life and of the importance of doctrine to sanctification. Knowledge feeds faith” (pg. 1137).
Who prompts us or even causes us to move forward? Eph 1:17-18…
What about our “goal” or “purpose” the good works we are striving to achieve, is that from God too? Eph 2:10
What are considered foundational elementary truths?
“repentance from acts that lead to death…” could this be repentance from dead works? (e.g., reverting back to Jewish rituals and legalistic practices).
“and of faith in God” Is this more than just a conviction or belief that God exists? Does “faith”/belief/trust have anything to do with our personal relationship with Christ? cf. James 2:19 Heb 11:1, 6
v. 2 instructions about washings or baptism(s) probably referring to ceremonial washings associated with Jewish tradition, cf. 9:10; Mk 7:4; John’s baptism could be considered and the baptism commanded by Jesus, Matt. 28:19; it could possibly be referring to the baptism with the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:5. The readers would have been familiar with the events recorded in Acts and Pentecost.
What foundational truths should we understand about baptism(s)?
“the laying on of hands,” historically early Christians laid hands on new converts, cf. Acts 8:17; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6; An action associated with commissioning for ministry or the beginnings of Christian service; this continues to be practiced today.
“the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Basic to our hope is that this life is not our final destiny. One day we will rise from the dead and give an account of ourselves to God. 2 Cor 5:10; 1 Cor 3:11-15
v. 3 Does this verse suggest that God is in charge? God is sovereign! Nothing happens without “God permitting.” Do we plan and do as God permits everyday? Prov 16:9; 19:21; 21:1
v. 4-6 Can a genuine regenerated/transformed Christian “fall away” and
lose their salvation? Jn 6:39, 10:27-29; 1 Pet 1:3-5, 23; Matt 13:1-9, 18-30
Is it possible to grasp the plan of salvation as a concept and communicate it clearly to others as a matter of teaching and yet never really yield to the Lord?
Was Judas Iscariot enlightened or illuminated by a clear presentation of the gospel? Did he: apparently make a profession of faith and reach out to Christ as his Savior? Taste the heavenly gift and share in the Holy Spirit by being active as a disciple? Taste the goodness of the Word of God by giving “mental assent” to the gospel message? Get a taste of the “powers of the coming age” when sent out on evangelistic adventures where demons were in submission as they preached Jesus? (Lk 10:17).
Knowing that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, was he really transformed/indwelt by the Holy Spirit? Christ knew his hypocrisy, but the other disciples didn’t know who would be the betrayer. (Matt 26:19-22)
Do you think Judas was able to perform well? Are there so-called Christians who perform well today? Is it possible to profess Jesus as Savior without also taking Him as Lord? Would you say you are a new creation in Christ? Why? Would others agree? 2 Cor 5:14-17
Is it really possible to crucify the Son of God all over again and subject Him to a public disgrace? Zodhiates (1977) refers to this as “reduction to absurdity” “From false assumptions we deduce false conclusions. It is false to suppose that we could fall, because that would invalidate the crucifixion of Christ on which our repentance was based if we were to be saved to the end” (pg 1624).
v. 7-8 It seems that rain comes to true Christians and opportunity is given to produce and serve others; land that produces thorns and thistles might parallel the hypocrite or even the outward Christian that is in danger of being cursed. Jn 15:5-6
2 Pt 2:20-22; When is it too late for a person to be truly transformed?
ref: Evangelical Bible Commentary (1989) Elwell, Walter A.(ed).
Zodhiates, Spiros (1977) Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible NAS
Through the Book of Hebrews: exploration and discussion—Chp. 6:9-12
Brief Review: 6:1-8 we are called to maturity in our faith and knowledge of the Scriptures. We learned that “falling away” apostasy reflects the un-regenerated person who is in danger of being cursed (v.8). Genuine believers may struggle, but ultimately persevere to the end because of God. The writer is now encouraging genuine believers to persevere!
v. 9 Although the writer is critical toward “fake Christians” those who really do not know Christ and have not genuinely experienced transformation, he says “we are ______________ of ___________ things in your case—things that accompany salvation.”
How confident are you (am I) that you (I) have a relationship with Christ? Are there those in your (my) life who would say about you (me) “We are confident/sure” his/her life demonstrates things that accompany salvation?
Is it likely that someone could say this about you (me) without genuine/authentic accountable relationships with genuine believers?
The writer is sure that there are better things about the readers than the kind of disaster he has been speaking about. “Even though we speak like this…” referring to 6:4-8.
v. 10 “For” (gar) (the NIV does not translate) introduces the grounds for the writer’s confidence—a confidence that rests on God’s constancy.
Our God is a just God—the character of God allows us to have complete confidence that He will always do what is just, right, etc. according to His character. In context, why is God not unjust? So, how do we demonstrate our love for God according to this verse?
Do genuine Christians just profess belief in God or say a prayer for forgiveness and accept Christ as Savior? The Hebrew readers and all “real” Christians demonstrate a change in their lifestyle that truly reflects what our “profession” means.
More specifically, Morris (1981) said, “These Christians have served God’s people in the past and they continue with this kind of service. Thus they manifest the love for man[kind] that is a proof of real love for God (1 Jn 4:19-21).”
v. 11 The writer was passionately concerned for his friends. “We want” suggests a strong desire for each of them to persevere in the faith. He calls on them to show_________________ to the __________________.
What standards of behavior have to be maintained “to the very end” for genuine Christians?
The writer suggests that we have to persevere to the very end, in order to make our hope _______________.
Does maintaining diligence or excitement, passion, hunger, strong desire, thirst, overflowing, etc., to the very end bring assurance of salvation?
This kind of internal/supernatural experience allows confidence in knowing who we are in Christ! In the present and at the end of our life we overwhelmingly know to be absent from the body is to be home with the Lord.
May our hearts be comforted in knowing and experiencing Christ everyday.
How do we practically maintain diligence and excitement to the very end? How do we avoid drifting in a world full of temptations? (Heb. 10:23-25)
v. 12 To avoid compromise and laziness, God the Holy Spirit tells us through the writer to ______________ those who through _____________and _______________ inherit what has been promised.
Who do you (I) know that has a genuinely mature faith in God? We need relationships with mature believers that demonstrate patience: a quality of being unshaken in difficulties. We are called not to simply follow them, but to “imitate” them as they demonstrate true faith in God. Paul supports this behavior (1 Cor 11:1).
Are we willing to humble/discipline ourselves and pursue genuine relationships that keep us accountable to the very end?
Do you agree that God never expects us to grow and mature in our living faith apart from authentic relationships with other believers?
If we waiver and even compromise, does that mean we are not really genuine Christians?
2 Cor 13:5 "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? "
Rom 8:28-29a "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son...," Praise God!
These verses apply to genuine/transformed Christians who drifted and eventally were prompted by the Holy Spirit (God) to repent and renew diligence and excitement that accompanies living faith.
What about the professing Christian who does not care about these types of questions?
What about the one who continually rejects the faith and has no desire to repent?
Where's the fruit fruit fruit? From the heart the mouth speaks, how do we sound to those around us?
As genuine believers, we are called to pray for those in a fruitless condition, especially professing Christians.
May God empower us to stand firm in what the Scriptures teach: Perseverance of the saints are those who persevere!
Ref: The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Gaebelein, F.E. (ed).
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion 6:13-20
The writer is continuing to encourage and appeal to genuine Christians to persevere in our living faith. He assures us by reminding of the “absolute validity of the divine promise” (F.F. Bruce (1979). Let’s explore a few questions:
V. 13 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself
What promise did God make to Abraham?
Gen 12:1-3 God said he would make Abram into a great __________, make his _____________ great, …and all peoples on earth will be _______________ through Abram.
Gen 15:4-6; 17:1-9
Is obedience/perseverance required in order to obtain the fulfillment of the promise? Then? Now? Gen 17:1,9. Josh 23:14-16. It appears that God initiates the covenant and we are to live our lives in obedience BY faith.
Greg Johnson in his writings titled: Salvation in the Old Testament said,
What's so striking about all of this is that God did it all—it's salvation by grace alone. Certainly Abram responded to this call—which was a major endeavor, leaving his people and traveling through the desert to a far-off land. But God made the choice. God gave the call. God made all the promises. Salvation was from the Lord.
When Abram believed, God saw his faith and credited righteousness to his account, even though Abraham continued to be a sinner (...doubting God's promise of a son, committing adultery with his servant, lying about his wife—almost causing her to end up in an adulterous relationship with a foreign king, etc). Though faith was required and outward signs were taken very seriously—remember how God came after Moses to kill him when Moses failed to circumcise his sons— still, salvation was by grace through faith, according to God's calling.
In regards to the Mosaic Law he said,
But even this law was given in the context of an already-established covenantal relationship. God begins, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt..." (Ex 20:2)—and THEN makes his demands. God didn't claim to belong to any other people on earth, but he had given himself to the family of Abraham, to be their God. The whole Mosaic code needs to be understood in this relational context of covenant grace. Though there were blessings for obedience and cursings for disobedience (what we call fatherly discipline), the commandments were not a means of earning salvation. It's interesting to compare Hebrews 12 and its discussion of God's loving discipline, which follows his discussion of Old Testament saints who lived by faith (chapter 11). (Online Ref; Johnson)
Why did God swear by Himself? “… since there was no one_____________for him to swear by, he swore by himself…”
In the Talmud (Rabbinic writings)
“Thou has sworn to them by Thy great name: just as Thy great name endures for ever and ever, so Thy oath is established for ever and ever…” (Morris 1981)
v. 14 “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”
Gen 22: 15-18
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring[a] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
v. 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Abraham was confident of God’s promise and waited patiently. He was content to await God’s time for the fulfillment of the promise. Morris (1981) quoting Wescott said, “…the oath in itself implies delay in fulfilling the promise.” It was 25 years after the promise was first given (Gen 12) that Isaac was born. Abraham’s grandchildren were not born for another sixty years (Gen 25) only 15 years before his death. Obviously, the complete fulfillment of the promise could not take place within his lifetime. But enough happened for the writer to say, “Abraham received what was promised.”
Do we have the faith of Abraham today? How are we supposed to wait patiently today? Do we believe that God does not go back on his promises? Is God completely reliable? Do we trust God completely with everything? How do we demonstrate this trust? How do we become mature in faith and allow God to work in his own way and time?
Romans 4:16-25
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[b] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
v. 16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.
The use of an oath put an end to all arguments. For a person to swear on oath was considered a legal guarantee. Morris (1981) refers to, “Egyptian legal formula, persistent through hundreds of years…”
v. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.
God did not have to swear an oath. However, he did it to make absolutely clear to his servant that his promise would be fulfilled. With this oath: God is the giver of the promise and then its guarantor. God’s will does not change. He has his purpose and he works it out.
What did God want to make very clear? Who did he want to make this very clear to? Does “heirs” mean you and me too? (Gal 3:7) Are we along with the readers of the letter supposed to consider ourselves among those to whom the oath referred?
v. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.
v. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Hope is the stabilizing force for genuine believers. Hope forms an anchor for our whole life. It allows us to enter into the very presence of God!
v. 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Imagery of the Day of Atonement when the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place on behalf of the people as representative. Jesus Christ penetrated the veil separating the holy from the most holy place. Jesus was our forerunner—a word that implies that others are to follow.
We too are to be brought into that same sacred area through Christ. The high priest was never a forerunner. Our new high priest according to Melchizedek guarantees to every true believer the privilege of confident access into this most holy place—the very presence of the living God!
How do we enter the most holy place today? Are you confident that when you pray you are in the presence of God? Do you understand why we can approach the throne of grace with confidence? (Heb 4:16).
REFERENCES:
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed) The International Bible Commentary (1979) F. F. Bruce (ed)
New International Version Study Bible (1985) http://gregscouch.homestead.com/files/otsalvation.htm
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion 7:1-10
In our study of the Scriptures we want to remember the term Christocentric—our approach to understanding the Bible is always Christ centered. Practically as we study we seek to answer questions like:
What does this text say about Christ?
How does this text reveal Christ?
What does this revelation of Christ say about us?
The writer is writing to Jewish converts who were familiar with the OT and who were being tempted to revert to Judaism or to Judaize the gospel (cf. Gal 2:14)….
The ultimate purpose of the letter is to help the readers and us to persevere in Christ. They and we must recognize that the prophecies and promises of the OT are fulfilled in the New Testament of which Christ is the mediator. This section of Scripture emphasizes the superiority of Christ and if we truly abide in Christ, there can be no turning back to or continuation in the old Jewish system or any system/religion where Christ is not the only way, truth and life! Regarding the unique priesthood of Christ, Pett said,
For it is declared in Scripture that there is an older and more superior priesthood to that of Aaron, a priesthood like that of Melchizedek (Genesis 14), a priesthood of the house of David (Psalm 110), a priesthood contrasted with which the levitical priesthood fails by comparison, a priesthood that would take the ascendancy once Messiah had come, and that Jesus is the full representative of that priesthood. He is both priesthood and High Priest. And secondly that there is a heavenly equivalent of the Tabernacle in which ministers our great High Priest Who is of a superior status to the levitical High Priesthood. Thus, he will argue that with Jesus now acting on our behalf in Heaven we have no need of an earthly priesthood, nor of earthly ritual, which has thus become redundant (angelfire.com).
The first three verses (7:1-3) begin to establish the importance/significance of the type of priesthood that Melchizedek reveals and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Melchizedek is important only as his role points to Christ. Pett, in referring to the writer of Hebrews, said,
He does not see Melchizedek as a figure now active, nor point to him as someone now to be taken into account. His only concern with Melchizedek is simply to do with the fact that he helps to reveal the glory and superiority of the priesthood of Jesus. He is seen as background material. Nor does he identify Jesus with Melchizedek except as to His priesthood being ‘after the order of (of a similar type to) Melchizedek’.
Let’s examine the Scripture:
v. 1 Melchizedek was _____________ of Salem and ______________ of God Most High. To hold both roles as King and Priest points to a type or prefigure of Christ. Jesus is our King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Jesus is also our High Priest who has accomplished the work of atonement and now intercedes on our behalf before God our Father.
v.1-2 After Abraham defeated the kings (Gen 14) Melchizedek met Abraham and_________ him, and Abraham gave him a ____________of everything. This signifies the greater to the lesser. Again, the royal priesthood of Melchizedek pointing to Jesus is greater than Abraham.
“king of righteousness” better translated “my king is righteous” “king of Salem” means “king of peace” these are Messianic titles (Isa 9:6-7; Jer 23:5-6; 33:15-16).
v. 3 Melchizedek had parents, but the absence of the record is significant. The importance here is the contrast to the levitical priesthood, priests had to establish their genealogy. In Nehemiah 7:64 we see that certain priests whose genealogy could not be established were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. However, human descent did not matter in Melchizedek’s priesthood. Moreover, without ________________of days or ___________of life, “like the Son of God” he remains a priest forever. Pett said,
But what was even more significant was that this same priesthood suddenly emerges in Scripture again, a second time, in Psalm 110. 4, as continuing to exist, and there Melchizedek is mentioned, not as himself living, but as the one whose priesthood was the pattern of that of the coming king who would establish God’s everlasting rule (Psalm 110.5). It is not said in the Psalm that Melchizedek was at that time himself living. What it reveals is that the priesthood connected with him was seen as long lasting. It had long preceded the time of Aaron and would go on beyond the end of time, with no known interruptions, and no regulations as to genealogy. It had no known beginning or ending (angelfire.com).
Hawthorne (1979) reminds us that “the writer of Hebrews does not identify Melchizedek with Christ, but says that he resembles the Son of God. [7:3b “like the son of God” NIV] Melchizedek thus was the facsimile of which Christ is the reality.” Christ is superior to Melchizedek.
v. 4 -10 The writer continues to magnify the priesthood of Melchizedek:
v. 4 The patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder (the very best right off the top).
v. 5-6 The point is that the law required tithes to paid to the Levites and they tithed to the priests. “The picture is therefore clear. The people gave tithes to the Levites, the Levites gave tithes to the priests, and the priests (in Abraham) gave tithes to the priesthood of Melchizedek, all in ascending order. The Melchizedekian priesthood was thus greater than all” (Pett, angelfire.com).
v. 7 Again, the priesthood of Melchizedek is greater than Abraham, hence the lesser is blessed by the greater.
v. 8 Mortal (levitical priest) men collect the tenth [“…collected by men who_________.” Whereas, Melchizedek lives […by him who is declared to be___________.”] The writer is using the silence of Scripture to emphasize his point in v. 3. (without beginning of days or ending of life) Morris (1981) said, “Scripture points out nothing about the death of Melchizedek. This must be borne in mind when estimating the significance of the incident and the way the priest-king prefigures Christ (p. 65).
v. 9-10 Pett summarizes these two verses nicely: “And to add to all this we must recognize that even Levi, himself the father of the Levites and of the levitical priesthood, paid tithes to Melchizedek. And this was because he was in the loins of Abraham when Abraham did so, as were his descendants. Therefore speaking in Jewish terms a mass of evidence has demonstrated the superiority of Melchizedek’s priesthood to that of Aaron.
Pett goes on to summarize what I would say is a nice summary of 7:1-10:
The priesthood of Melchizedek pointing to the superior and eternal Priesthood of Jesus Christ:
1) He pre-dated the levitical priesthood and is not depicted as having a beginning or ending.
2) He appears to have an unlimited, permanent, unceasing priesthood untainted by death. As priest he was not seen as caught up in a life-death scenario, or witnessed to as a stop-go priest; he was there without restriction at the time when ‘the promises’ were first given, long before the Law which resulted from them.
3) He received tithes from Abraham, and through him he therefore received tithes from the Levites and priests, and from Levi himself.
4) He gave an official blessing to Abraham.
5) He was the king of righteousness and the king of peace.
6) His priesthood was still around at the time of the writing of Psalm 110 as going forward into the future.
He was thus a true pattern of the Messiah (although not being the Messiah). Until the revealing of Christ’s unlimited priesthood, no priesthood was greater or more permanent than the priesthood of Melchizedek. It was superior in every way.” (angelfire.com)
References:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981). Frank E. Gaebelein (ed.)
Dr. Peter Pett (angelfire.com) Hebrews 7-10.
International Bible Commentary (1979) F.F. Bruce (ed).
NIV Study Bible (1985)
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion 7:11-28
Christ’s Priesthood vs. Levitical Priesthood
v. 11 “perfection” “…means the condition in which men [mankind] are acceptable to God” (Morris, 1981). Perfection in this context refers to "access to God" (10:14).
What is meant by “for on the basis of it the law was given to the people” The law demanded perfection. And, the goal of the Aaronic priesthood and Mosaic law were to bring men to God.
Is it our hearts desire to be close to God? Do we experience God without a doubt that He is our heavenly Father and Jesus is our brother and Savior? Do we see change/growth in our relationship to God through our Lord Jesus over time?
Will God allow circumstances to dictate necessary change in us? And, do I see God working through life events to bring us closer to and more dependent on Him?
However, neither sacrifice nor the law that demanded such offerings could provide perfection. The priesthood and sacrifices could only typify reconcilation because these acts, required by the law, only typify cleansing of sin.
This process was imperfect and could not grant access to God apart from the priesthood of Christ (v. 19). Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father, but through Me" (Jn 14:6).
Why was there still need for another priest to come…? Remember Psalm 110:4 was spoken well after the law was established through Moses.
4 The LORD has sworn
and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”
This showed that the priests of the line of Aaron could not accomplish what God ultimately required.
The levitical priesthood has been replaced by a more superior priesthood in the likeness of Melchizedek! We are perfected (access to our most Holy God) through Christ's sacrifice and "in Christ" have full access to God.
v. 12 Why is there a change of the law? Again, a change from the levitical priesthood to the likeness of Melchizedek (Jesus) brings about consequent changes. The old system (Aaron/Levitical) is inadequate and the new covenant allows us to be acceptable before our holy God. Pett writes,
Something greater has taken over. The way of the Law has been replaced by the way of the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. And this is the way of the promises given to Abraham.
v. 13 What tribe is the writer referring? (v. 14) What is the point in saying “no one from that tribe has ever served at the alter?”
The priesthood in the likeness of Melchizedek was before and supersedes the sacrificial system. Only the levitical priesthood offered sacrifices, but in the new covenant “the alter” does not matter, it was temporary and now void.
The alter we need to be at today is spiritual, where we sacrifice our "self" and our sinful nature everyday! How often do we understand this necessity in a given day? week?
I'd say it is critically important for us to understand the origins of this concept (sacrifice) and how it is relevant for our maturity as radical disciples of Christ.
Are you a radical disciple? What would others say about you "in Christ?"
Is the love of Christ the driving force in your life?
How easy is it for me to blend with the world?
What hinders me from speaking out and identifying with Christ in every context?
Can we help eachother be stronger and more open about who we are in Christ? Are you willing?
What did Jesus say about all this? Jn 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Mark 8:38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
v. 14 Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah. The writer of Hebrews highlights that Moses said nothing about priests coming from the tribe of Judah. The point is that the Melchizedekian priesthood was not tied to the law/levitical priesthood.
In referring to Christ Pett said, “So here again He has sprung up as replacing the old order. In Him Judah has replaced Levi, and the royal priesthood has replaced the dying priesthood. He is not only our priest, He is our Lord.”
v. 15-16 Jesus is our high priest not on the basis of ______________ as to his ____________ but on the basis of ____________ of an ________________ life.
v. 17 Psalm 110:4
v. 18 How do we reconcile Romans 7:12 with “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless?” (cf. v. 19a).
v. 19 The law was unable “to make right those who sin by breaking it, nor can it give power necessary to fulfill its demands” (NIV notes).
“…a _________ hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”
v. 20-21 Psalm 110:4 “The Lord has sworn…” No oath was associated with the establishment of the Levitical priesthood.
v. 22 Why is the new covenant better/superior? (cf. 23-28)
v. 23-24 Levitical priests were mortal men. Jesus lives ___________ , he has a ______________ priesthood.
v. 25 Therefore, he is able to___________ ______________those who come to God through him, because he always lives to _________________ for them.
v. 26 Jesus our high priest meets our__________. He is “holy, blameless, and pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”
v. 27 Who did the other high priests have to offer sacrifices for day after day? However, Jesus “sacrificed for their sins_______________ when he offered himself.”
v. 28 The law appointed “high priests who where were____________ ; but the __________ which came after the law appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”
What acts/behavior should we engage in to ensure that Jesus will meet our every need?
What hinders your commitment to a daily seeking of the Lord?
Does our God grant more faith to those who are struggling? How do we get it?
Are you going to be led by the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.,) if your life is not “doing” behaviors driven by faith?
Does it take self discipline to put oneself in a position of accountability with others who share our living faith? Is this necessary to ensure our spiritual growth?
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion Chp. 8
The writer of Hebrews goes on to develop Christ’s “More Excellent” ministry. It was a radical truth for the Jewish reader of the day (A.D 66-70) to accept and maintain that Judaism is superseded by Christianity and the old system of priests and sacrifices were not only weak and useless (7:18), but unnecessary now that the sacrifice of Jesus had been offered. Under the new covenant, Pett (www) writes,
“Thus they are no longer bound by the ritual requirements of the old covenant, and while still required to live out its moral teaching, are to do so under the new covenant, not as a legal duty, but because they have been made acceptable to God and because His Spirit is at work within them.”
So too the Holy Spirit abides inside (indwelling God) and continuously works through our transformed, yet broken self.
Have you experienced Christ to the point that: In Christ, we can't help but to share Christ (our High Priest) with those around us?
Genuine believers understand that Jesus died for our sins and rose again that we "in Christ" are forgiven, empowered, and possess the precious gospel message of eternal life.
I think an important question: have we died to our "self"? And, do we die to our self everyday? Take up your cross? Daily? Follow me?
When we don't engage in this process do we sense our indwelling God tugging our heart?
Do you recall at time when you experienced a broken and contrite heart before our holy God?
Have I totally exchanged my "self" life for "Christ" life? How do you know?
How do you know you are acceptable to our Holy God? Regardless of what you do! Only Christ Christ Christ through faith! We are saved by the grace (unmeritted) of God through faith, trusting, depending, crying out with a broken heart that understands "unworthy" yet believes Christ is worthy and has allowed me to enter the most holy place.
Do others (outside of your local church) know you are a Christian? What makes you different from those around you that do not accept Jesus as their high priest?
Let’s continue to explore what the new covenant is all about:
v. 1 “…such a high priest” 7:26-28
a. meets our every need
b. Jesus according to these verses: holy, blameless, pure, and set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens, sacrificed himself for our sins & perfect forever.
“Being ‘seated at God’s right hand’ indicates that the work of redemption is complete and that Christ is actively ruling with God as Lord over all” (NIV notes 1:3).
Jesus is now in a position of highest honor and authority. “Majesty in Heaven” is a reverent reference to God the Father.
v. 2 What is Jesus doing in the sanctuary? Although Christ is in a position of honor and authority, He continues to _________________on our behalf.
As Christ "indwells" and dynamic fellowship is taking place through obedience, prayer, study, maturity, our role/desire to be a servant of others is a reflection of Christ.
“This is the true tabernacle of which the earthly was but a copy. It is the heavenly tabernacle, pitched by God and not man, without fault, permanent and secure and necessarily perfect. It is the tabernacle which will never need again to be removed.... There is therefore not only a new and superior High Priest, but He ministers in a superior sanctuary and a superior tabernacle. (Pett, www.).
v. 3 NIV omits “For” (gar) at the beginning of this verse, which ties this verse to the preceding. The author has already (5:1) said that high priests offer gifts and sacrifices. How often was this offering done by the priests? (7:27)
"...day after day, for his own sins and then for the sins of the people." However, Jesus, "He sacrificed for their [our] sins once for all when he offered himself."
Who/what does “…to have something to offer refer to? (cf. 7:27 later 9:14) Once and for all when He offered up Himself (7:27).
v. 4 Why would Jesus not be a high priest here on earth?
“…for there are already _________ who offer the gifts prescribed by the________.
Remember that high priests were from the tribe of Levi. Jesus was from the tribe of __________ and appointed high priest in the likeness of _________________. The writer is emphasizing that the old covenant was a shadow or copy of the Great Reality—namely Jesus our High Priest in heaven.
v. 5 They (high priests) serve at a sanctuary that is a ____________ and ______________ of what is in _______________.
Moses was warned to build the tabernacle according to the________________ shown you on the mountain.
This highlights that what Moses instituted, although directed by God and holy, was a copy/pattern of the reality now in Christ. Pett (www.) said,
"...But above all it is He Who is the One Who has come as the High Priest of a greater and more ancient priesthood than that of Levi, and Who, having offered Himself up as the perfect sacrifice, has now passed into Heaven on their behalf, there to carry out His ministry in the true and better Sanctuary.”
v. 6 The ministry of Jesus in the heavenly realm is as _________________ to theirs as the covenant of which he is ________________ is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better_________________.
Morris (1981) writes, “Mediator is a legal term for one who arbitrates between two parties. The thought is that Christ mediates between men and God; it is he who establishes the new covenant.”
v. 7 We learned that the old system (law/priests) was weak and useless because it could not make us acceptable to God the Father (7:18). However, Pett reminds us, “And yet in all this he gives due honour to the old, for he is not seeking to denigrate it but to put it in its proper place, as an honourable priesthood that had fulfilled an important function.” The fulfillment is Christ!
v. 8-12 (from Jeremiah 31: 31-34)
1. God's laws will become inner principles that enable his people to delight in doing his will (10a).
2. God and his people will have intimate fellowship (10b).
3. Sinful ignorance of God will be removed forever (v. 11).
4. forgiveness of sins will be and everlasting reality (v. 12).
v.8 God initiates the new covenant. “I will make a new covenant” can be translated “I will bring a new covenant to accomplishment” (Morris, 1981). With the house of Israel and Judah—does this include gentiles—even us today? (yes, by faith we are heirs of Abraham).
v. 9 God lead His people out of Egypt, “but they did not continue in My covenant.” God turned away from them. The NASB says, “And I did not care for them, says the Lord.”
v. 10 In reference to “the house of Israel,” Pett (www) writes,
“God’s new covenant is now quoted. It is made ‘with the house of Israel’, the people of God now combined in one, with all differences broken down and incorporating all who are His (note how Israel and Judah are here now seen as one under the name of Israel).... God’s love was set on all Abraham’s seed, and Abraham’s seed are such as have been incorporated into Israel by faith, whether Jew or Gentile (Galatians 3).”
In the new covenant God puts His laws in our______________ and write them on our_____________. Paul reminds us that God works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose (Phil 2:13). In Christ, we have intimacy and fellowship—an abiding moment by moment.
According to His sovereignty God initiates and fulfills. We do have a response, but it is always according to God and His power through us (Romans 8:28-30). The same principle is true under the old covenant. God is sovereign and calls people to Himself for salvation and intimate fellowship.
What did (v. 9) "turned away" mean for them at the time and us today? God did not let His people go completely! Nor does God let genuine believers go completely today.
When we sin we have consequences according to God's unchanging character. As far as the Israelites are concerned, the principle holds true even today. Because of their unfaithfulness/unbelief they were not able to enter into His rest physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
So too, under the new covenant, when we (believers) are disobedient and unfaithful to our Holy God what happens? We also forfeit the full blessings that God desires to pour into our lives. Under the old covenant there were consequences for disobedience and unbelief. Today, if we are disobedient, for our own good we experience tribulation, discipline, and the "fruits" of our behavior.
If one (non-believer) maintains a life without faith in Jesus, the consequence is no hope for the promise land/eternal life. Moreover, as genuine believers if we sin and even fail to confess our sin we forfeit "fellowship" and intimate communion with our Father. Psalm 66:18.
Does God "turn away" from us today (genuine believers) when we are disobedient and unfaithful? Only in the sense of "fellowship." God will discipline those He loves, but is always faithful to keep us. Heb 12:5-8; 2 Tim 2:13. It was no different for those having faith and obedience under the old covenant.
v. 11 Under the old system, the priests interceded on behalf of the people, even today many seek out ‘priests” or “pastors” for God’s will. However, the point of the verse seems to be emphasizing that God the Holy Spirit helps us mature in our shared faith. Of course we still need “one another” to teach and guide toward maturity.
v. 12 Pett (www) writes, “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And their sins will I remember no more.” And this will be because He has been merciful to their ‘iniquities’, (that which comes from the evil heart within); and has blotted out their ‘sins’, (that which constitutes a coming short of His glory (Romans 3.23)), from His memory.
There will not only be temporary forgiveness, there will be permanent and total forgiveness and reconciliation.
v. 13 We see that the old sacrificial system has become obsolete; it was ineffective and unable to meet the people’s need for a "permanent" and "complete" forgiveness of their sins.
However, Morris (1981) reminds us “The new arrangement retains the term covenant and it is established on the basis of sacrifice. It refers to the fulfillment of what is superseded rather than outright opposition to it” (pg. 79).
Under this new covenant how then should men and women now approach God and what must they believe?
These were the same type of questions the Jews at the time this letter was written had to ask themselves.
In light of the new covenant, Jesus our High Priest, the good news of the gospel, are we willing to be equipped and allow our indwelling God to love others and share our motivations for loving and serving those around us?
Are you able to contrast your “old” way of life with your “new” found relationship with Jesus? Do others see how your life is different since coming to Christ as Savior?
What are the basic signs/behaviors that are evident from those growing/maturing in their relationship with Christ?
REFERENCES:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible NASB (1977) Zodhiates, S.
NIV Study Bible (1985).
Pett, Peter; http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion Chp. 9:1-5
v. 1 The writer highlights that the first covenant had_________________ for worship and also an______________ sanctuary.
A. Regulations—the old way was initiated and prescribed by God. There were regulations to follow that were genuine and holy because they were from God. The writer reminds us that they were established here on earth, a type or reflection of the reality in heaven.
v. 2 The writer is referring to two “tents” or “tabernacles.” (“room” is not in the Greek) The first is described as containing: _____________, ________________, and __________________ __________________. This was called the Holy Place. Barrow (1984) reminds us how the lampstand points to Christ:
A. “The priests in the Tabernacle were responsible, evening and morning, for topping up the seven lamps with oil and trimming their wicks. Jesus said "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).
Therefore, the lampstand points us to Jesus Christ Himself, the light of the whole world.”
If Jesus abides in us, are we the light of salvation to those around us? (cf. Eph. 5:8; Matt 5:13-16)
To view actual pictures or replications of the lampstand, table, and consecrated bread, go to: BiblePlaces.com
B. “The table of showbread was a small table made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold…. It stood on the right side of the Holy Place across from the lampstand and held 12 loaves of bread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel.”
C. The consecrated bread: According to The Tabernacle Place, “‘Showbread’ also was called “bread of the presence” because it was to be always in the Lord’s presence. The table and the bread were a picture of God’s willingness to fellowship and communion (literally speaking, sharing something in common) with man. It was like an invitation to share a meal, an extension of friendship.
Eating together often is an act of fellowship. God is willing for mankind to enter into His presence to fellowship with Him. May we proclaim to all who will listen "today" is the day of salvation! Repent, and come and fellowship with our gracious God.
“Jesus exemplified this when He ate with tax collectors, prostitutes and the sinners of Jewish society. Obviously this was more than just a gesture of friendship on earth. Jesus came to call sinners to Him, make them right with God, so that they could enjoy everlasting fellowship with God.”
Making friends is necessary and cool! However, may God give us courage and a genuine concern for the salvation of others, beyond earthly friendship.
We are motivated when we understand and genuinely experience the Lord Jesus in our own lives. We recognize that nothing else really matters.
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. … Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die.” (John 6:35, 49-50)
How do we partake of the bread of life? Is there any evidence that you have eaten the bread that came down from heaven?
v. 3-4 The second curtain is that which separated the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place. It is called “second” to distinguish from the curtain in the outer court and the Holy place. Behind this curtain in the Most Holy Place the writer describes the content:
A. golden alter of incense—“The golden altar of incense was physically placed in the Holy Place ‘before the veil’. But it was carried annually into the Holy of Holies… The actual censer, filled with coals taken from the golden altar of incense, was used to carry the ashes of the golden altar, on which incense was to be burned, into the very ‘presence’ of God, into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16.12-13).
And these came from the golden altar, so that the whole was seen as in some way a part of the Holy of Holies, although spending most of their time in the Holy Place. (Pett).
Moreover, The incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people being carried behind the veil, by the High Priest. Moreover, in Revelation 8:3-5 we read that the one of the archangels was given much incense to offer, consisting of the prayers of all the saints. "The angel took the censor, filled it with fire from the alter and hurled it on the earth." So, our prayers fall in judgment on the earth at the end of time as we know it.
We know that the sacrifice of Jesus has made our prayers acceptable to God. However, do you approach the throne of grace with confidence everyday? Do I really believe that God hears my prayers and I need to pray to demonstrate my dependence on Him? Do I really believe that my prayers make a difference in the lives of others?
B. Arc of the Covenant: This was the gold covered box made of acacia wood, 2.5 cubits by 1.5 cubits (3.75 feet by 2.25 feet) which held the Golden Pot of Manna, and Aarons Rod and the Tablets of the Covenant (Ten Commandments).
Each of these items was a picture of Christ.
Manna: Christ referred to himself as the “Bread of Life” which came down from heaven. (John 6:31-37)
Aaron's Rod: Was a dead almond branch, which came back to life and yielded seeds with the power of the Lord. Christ died, and he was brought back to life, and yielded seeds, the saved. The dead branch brought back to life was a picture of the resurrection and fruit it would bear. (Numbers 17:8)
Tablets of the Covenant: The Word of God, Christ is the Word of God, (John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13) The Word became flesh. John 1:14 says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (NIV). (Truthnet).
v. 5 The NASB reads, “ and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”
cherubim of glory: The cover of the Arc was also made of gold with the images of two cherubim looking toward each other. (Exodus 25:17). This was an illustration of the reality of Heaven. In Heaven, the Cherubim stand at the throne of God, Both Ezekiel and John give us a detailed description their view of God’s throne, and Cherubim that proclaim God’s holiness. The cover of the Arc was merely a picture of the reality. (Ezekiel 1:4-28, Revelation 4)
"O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Isaiah 37:16
Are we mindful/aware of God’s holiness? Does the degree of our awareness influence our being in day to day behavior/activities and our relationships? Our speech? (Isa 6:1-7).
For genuine Christians, Christ abides in our being (mind & heart). The Holy Spirit in us empowers us to “be” holy. Paul reminds us “to those sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ…”
We have a choice to “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12: 14). If we choose to ignore God and behave in an unholy fashion, even as genuine believers,
“…but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness” (Heb 12: 10b).
What practical behaviors do we have to maintain in order to share in God's holiness? How might God discipline us as His chidren in order for us to share in his holiness?
Mercy Seat: Between the Cherubim was the mercy seat, which was a picture of God’s throne. The Shekinah Glory, “God’s Presence” would appear to the High Priest between the Cherubim. The Hebrew word, Shekinah means dwelling, and is a root for the word used in Tabernacle. The same word is used in the Greek for dwelling. (John 1:14).
“And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel. Exodus 25:22
The Mercy Seat was a picture of the reality of Heaven, where God ruled on his throne between the Cherubim. There in Heaven, Christ our High Priest intercedes for us day and night, the Temple merely illustrated the coming fulfillment of Messiah, our “Melchizedek” High Priest of the New Covenant.”
REFERENCES:
Barrow,M.(1984) http://www.domini.org/tabern/lampstnd.htm
Pett,Peter. http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
Tabernacle Place.
http://www.the-tabernacle-place.com/tabernacle_articles/print/table_show...
Truthnet. http://www.truthnet.org/Christianity/Hebrews/Hebrews9/
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion 9:6-10
v. 6 When everything had been arranged like this… Like what? Referring back to v. 1-5, Do you get a mental picture of the two “tabernacles” or “tents?” How was the first tabernacle set up according to the writer? Let’s review to understand the context:
The priests entered_____________ into the holy place or first tabernacle to do what?
What was their ministry? They took care of the lampstand, bread, golden alter of incense…
They were continually ministering on behalf of the people. They reflect/picture Christ in that our Lord never ceases illuminating us, enlightening us, feeding us, and interceding on our behalf today. Jesus is our ever-living High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.
v. 7 Only the high priest entered the most holy place, or second tabernacle (NIV says, inner room). How often did he enter?
“once” should be understood “on one day” that day was Day of Atonement (Lev 16) also known as (Yom Kippur).
He never entered without ________________, which he offered for his own sins and the sins of the people.
It was dangerous for the High Priest to go into the Most Holy Place. Pett writes,
“And it was always with great relief that he would finally, after two such visits, first to make atonement for himself, and then to make atonement for the people, withdraw again the second time, grateful to be alive and could recognise at last that what he had done had been accepted. The people and the priests would meanwhile have been waiting in silent awe all through the process, filled with tension until he reappeared, and at that point there would be huge jubilation. Atonement had been satisfactorily accomplished for another year. All the sins of Israel for a whole year had been ‘covered’. (Indeed so holy was the place that there grew up a tradition, not mentioned in Scripture, that sometimes a rope would be tied around his leg so that if God should strike him down his body could be recovered without anyone else entering, for none would dare to enter in order to recover it even in such an emergency).”
The committed Jew longed for the Day of Atonement. Sin breaks our communion with God. Therefore, the work of the priests offering daily sacrifices was ongoing to cover the sins of the people committed in ignorance.
Pett writes, “The errors (or ‘ignorances’) of the people’ man’s sins were a mixture of error, folly, wilfulness and ignorance. And all had to be atoned for.”
Were/are there sins that could have been missed or even forgotten by us today? An angry thought, a bitter word, a lustful eye, hatred, maybe sins of omission? etc.,
What if we sin in ignorance? Should we get a pass because “I didn’t know?” Isn't God loving and kind and accepts my ignorance?
Morris (1981) said, “The sins ‘committed in ignorance’ point to the truth that there is ignorance that is culpable. [liable, blameworthy, responsible, guilty]. Sins of this kind do matter, and we should be on our guard against minimizing their seriousness. In Ecclesiasticus 23:2 the son of Sirach asks not to be spared discipline for these sins of ignorance (he uses the same word that appears here), lest they multiply and bring him low.”
The Day of Atonement was intended to make sacrifice and “cover” these sins that lingered and kept one from fellowship with our Holy God. It was a day of liberation for the Jew. He could not go into God’s presence, but the High Priest would go in for him and make atonement for his sins. Yom Kippur was a time of release and relief for the devout Jew.
If we think about it, we commit sins of both commission and omission everyday. Does this hinder or even break our communion with our loving and holy, holy, holy, God?
How do we find liberation and relief from our daily sins?
Through Jesus our High Priest we confess our sins, both known and unknown, commission and omission (I really should have done….) A healthy and vibrant prayer life has “confession” occurring daily, Psalm 32:1-5...
Only then does restoration come through our Lord
Jesus—His blood was shed as the final sacrifice—we just have to apply His sacrifice to our daily sins and we are forgiven, fellowship restored, power experienced, joy, peace, patience, kindness.... to the glory of God EVERYDAY!
Is this kind of prayer essential to experiencing a dynamic and meaningful relationship with God?
May we long to understand and experience the holiness of God in our everyday lives.
May we cry out to God to really understand and appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins: past, present, and future!
The CROSS (Jesus' sacrifice) is what makes the exclusive nature of the gospel necessary and acceptable.
Only with an attitude of humility, and that by the power of God the Spirit, can we enter the Most Holy Place through prayer with a sense of awe.
As radical disciples we want to be clean before our God and then we can expect sweet fellowship and blessings, even through the storms, trials, and tribulations experienced in this life.
Let’s explore a few Scriptures that highlight how we should consider our sinfulness in light of our Holy God.
Psalm 19; 66:16-20; James 5: 13-16; 1John 1:8-10;
v. 8 God the Holy Spirit is teaching that through the earthly tabernacle and priestly system that ordinary mankind had no direct access to the presence of God as depicted in the Most Holy Place.
Pett writes, “This is not, of course, to deny that men could as it were enter His presence in private prayer, and know that He watched over them. The Psalmists make that clear. But that was the spiritual entry of a forgiven ‘saint’, and had nothing to do with the Holy of Holies. But publicly the stress was on the fact of God’s unique ‘otherness’ so that none could approach where He was depicted as being, in the holiest place on earth (although all were aware that He was in Heaven, and that His presence there on earth was but partial).”
Who has access to God today? Are you able (or confident enough) to tell someone how to gain access to God? Who have you talked to this week about Jesus outside of the Body of Christ?
Are you praying for opportunities to share how Christ has transformed your life and wants to love others too through you?
Are we so caught up in our own world that we miss the leading of the Spirit? Are we afraid of rejection? Do you feel you don't know enough to speak? Would you rather not be classified as a radical disciple?
Let's deal with our actual fears related to sharing the gospel? Maybe you'd rather not share because then you'd have to be disciplined and equipped to know how to answer seeking sinners!
Remember as we confess our sins and walk humbly with our God, He will empower us to accomplish His will—hence growing in obedience and sharing the gospel with all who will listen!
Have you been challenged lately to come out of your comfort zone and allow God to be glorified through your efforts to demonstrate love and compassion toward others?
v. 9 Moreover, the sacrifices were limited and were “not able to clear the ________________ of the worshiper.”
V. 10 Bruce (1979) said, “They were wholly external regulations and did not penetrate deeply enough into the moral realm to clear the conscience from its sense of guilt….These things, however, the tabernacle with its two tents, it symbolic furnishings and elaborate ritual, etc., were not valueless or wrong—only temporary for they were imposed (presumably by God) until the time of the new order, until the shadow should give way to the reality” (pg. 1522).
Is it clear, from our study through Hebrews so far, that Jesus Christ is the “new order” and we are made right with God the Father through Him?
What do we mean when we say “through Him?” Do you have a better understanding when we call Jesus our High Priest? Our continual intercessor? The ultimate and final sacrifice?
Become very knowledgeable in responding to these questions. God is calling each of us to grow in our understanding of the Scriptures. However, knowledge is not just for our own sake, it is meant to be shared with others and glorify God!
What is the benefit of "digging" into Scripture? Try it and truly experience the sweet fellowship of God through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit!
Persevere and "Maintain" accountability!
References:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
The International Bible Commentary (1979) F. F. Bruce (ed)
Pett, Peter; http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
NIV Study Bible (1985)
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion 9:11-14
v. 11 some manuscripts (MSS) support “…the good things that are already here” (NIV) and others support “…the good things that are to come” (RSV) Morris (1981) quotes, “The good things have begun to come into existence.” In other words, the “good things” in Christ have begun; there is more “good things” to come than we now see. AMEN! It appears that both views are consistent with the Scriptures.
What are some “good things” that “are here” and “are to come?”
The new covenant, illuminating work of the Spirit, forgiveness of sin, a cleansing of the conscience, reconciliation, justification, grace, confidence, eternal life, heaven, power to persevere…etc.,
The focus is Christ, our High Priest. Through Him genuine believers are blessed.
As we ABIDE in Him we experience grace everyday!
Are we sensitive to the Spirit's leading? Do we recognize the blessing in Christ everyday?
How do we experience God? Should we be aware that God wants us/me to acknowledge Him and fellowship with Him in every context?
God is always doing good. God the Holy Spirit lives inside us! Does this truth get you excited?
May we pray everyday that God will use us as co-participators with Him in making a difference!
Help us to die to self and live for Christ with supernatural power given by God the Holy Spirit.
v. 11b “he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say not part of this creation.”
“Christ entered the holiest of all, into the presence of God. This is an emphatic way of saying that he has won for his people an effective salvation and that this has nothing to do with earthly sacrifices” ( Morris, 1981).
v. 12 Christ did not enter by means of the blood of _______________ __________________; but entered the Most Holy Place __________________ ______ _____ by his own_______________, having obtained eternal ________________________.
What does “once for all” mean? What about “eternal redemption?”
Christ paid the ransom price to set us free, and this was completed through His death, by the shedding of His blood on the cross once and for all. There is no repeating the crucifixion or a need to offer additional sacrifices. Once and for all—Christ was the final sacrifice as payment for our sins. PRAISE GOD!
In regards to eternal redemption, Pett said, “It includes the thought of deliverance from slavery, payment of their debts as their Kinsman Redeemer and deliverance through the paying of a price.”
v. 13-14 The writer is contrasting the Levitical sacrifices to the incomparable greatness of Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to God the Father. In reference to the sacrifices of goats and bulls, Pett said,
“The blood of goats and bulls represented the many sacrifices for sin, and for guilt, and for atonement. The blood of burnt offerings and peace offerings and guilt/trespass offerings was sprinkled on or around the altar (Leviticus 1.5, 11; 3.2, 8, 13; 7.2), the blood of the special guilt/sin offering prescribed for certain offences in Leviticus 5.1-4 was sprinkled on the side of the altar (Leviticus 5.9), and in the case of a sin offering on behalf of the anointed priest or the whole people it was sprinkled before the veil (Leviticus 4.6, 17). On the Day of Atonement the blood of the sin offerings was sprinkled on the Mercy Seat within the veil (Leviticus 16.14, 15) and on the altar to purify it (16.19).”
When we examine Numbers 19:1-10, we see the significance of the ashes of the red heifer mixed with water to provide ceremonial cleansing for those who came into contact with dead bodies.
What was sprinkled? It was the ashes of the heifer mixed with water. The writer is pointing out the value of the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of ashes to make the people OUTWARDLY clean…. ESV says, “purification of the flesh.”
Ceremonial cleansing allowed the defiled person to resume participation in the duties of worship/to be part of the community. Similarly, sacrifices allowed a temporary forgiveness of sin and maintained fellowship between God and His people.
v. 14 We have learned that although the law is good and holy it could not make us right with God. We have learned that every sacrifice performed under the Mosaic Law was a shadow of the ultimate sacrifice that was to come through Jesus Christ.
MacArthur (1983) said, “The old sacrifices had no way of reaching inside a person and changing him…. These sacrifices only sanctified ‘for the cleansing of the flesh,’ the external, but ‘the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God…cleanses our consciences, the internal.”
Who is the eternal Spirit?
In reference to the “eternal Spirit” Bruce (1979) wrote, “Most probably correct is the view that the Saviour depended upon the power and direction of the Holy Spirit to accomplish the will of the Father in all of His life, so He did in death” (p. 1522).
Do we rely on the same Holy Spirit today in our relationship with Christ? How?
What is meant by “cleanse our consciences…?”
For all who come to Christ, He cleanses the inner moral depravity of our being. We continue to struggle, but we can experience true forgiveness within our consciences. A contrast to the powerlessness of the law—read Rom 8:3-4.
What about “…from acts that lead to death” or “from dead works?”
Is any part of the law going to make us right with God? If we obeyed every commandment could we possibly be right with God?
What does Paul say in Gal 3:10-11?
The law is good and holy, (Rom 7:12) but we can’t live up to the moral standard apart from Christ! Even then we fall short every day because of our sinful nature (Rom 7:19).
So, any attempt to attain righteousness with God through observing the law is “dead works” that ends in death. Moreover, recall 6:1 where the writer is exhorting the readers to leave the elementary teachings and go on to maturity. There he says, “not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works…” What is the writer talking about?
Remember the readers were Jewish Christians in danger of returning to Judaism. Therefore, it could mean legalistic adherence to Jewish ways as well as genuinely evil actions.
For us today, we have been saved from genuinely evil actions—saved from our sinful nature and rebellion toward God. Reflect on Eph 2:1-10…. A good reference: repentance from dead works to service for God, through the power of God!
REFERENCES:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
The International Bible Commentary (1979) F. F. Bruce (ed)
MacArthur, J. (1983) MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Hebrews.
Pett, Peter; http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion:9:15-28
The writer of Hebrews is continuing to develop the sacrifice of Christ to redeem people from the bondage of sin. Through Christ we have an eternal inheritance. The author explains that this was/is only possible because of Christ’s death.
Grab your Bible and read 9:15-28, then come back and walk through verse by verse. Remember we use the New International Version, unless otherwise noted.
v. 15 “For this reason” (What reason?) could be referencing back to v. 14, Christ mediates the new covenant because “the blood of Christ… cleanse[s] our consciences from acts that lead to death, (or “dead works”) so that we may serve the living God!” In addition, looking forward, “Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are ‘called’ may receive the ‘promised’ eternal inheritance.”
Who makes the initiative so that we may receive the promise?
We will see that the covenant-testament was initiated by God; there was no negotiation in which God talks things over with people to come to a mutual agreement. Only God lays down the terms.
The meaning of covenant and testament is captured in one Greek word diatheke, which “denotes something like an authoritative laying down of what is to be done and is the normal word for a last will and testament. But it is also suited to covenants God makes with people” (Morris, 1981).
What does “called” imply about salvation?
Salvation is initiated by the call of God for one to come to Jesus as Savior. This is accomplished by God alone. However, I think it is theologically accurate to say we have a choice whether or not to be obedient and trust God with our lives once salvation has occurred. Paul makes it clear that we struggle, but we do have a choice whether or not to nurture our relationship with our Lord.
What are some practical ways we nurture our relationship with God? Through accountability relationships that are Christ centered? How about group process that examines the Scripture? What about being committed to a Church Body?
How do you know whether or not you’ve been called by God?
I would say that one is called by God unto salvation through Jesus if the questions like the ones above and follow are considered important. Is there a desire to live for God in every area of life? Do you recognize you don’t deserve God’s grace, but you cry out for mercy and want to really know God? Maybe you’ve said, like the father of the boy with an evil spirit in Mark 9:24, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Obviously, those not called by God are not concerned about these types of questions.
How would others know you are called by God unto salvation through Jesus Christ?
The fruit of your life? The content of your speech? Out of the mouth the heart speaks?
What is the implication of the word “eternal?”
Once you have been called, there is no ending or reversing God’s promise of eternal life.
What is our eternal inheritance?
Our eternal inheritance is life in heaven for eternity and an ongoing fellowship/relationship with our living God now and forever! This was made possible through our sovereign God and continues to be realized by all who God draws to Christ.
v. 15b The writer views Christ’s death as a _______________ to set them ____________ from the sins committed under the first covenant.
We have learned that animal sacrifices could not redeem or take away sins. The sacrifices were only a shadow pointing to the ultimate sacrifice that is Christ. Christ’s sacrifice brought healing to broken relationships with God due to unbelief and disobedience under the old covenant. So too, under the new covenant, Rayburn (1989) wrote, “By the payment of his own life, Christ has delivered those whom God is calling to salvation from the guilt and the power of unbelief and disobedience which alienate them from God” (pg. 1142).
v. 16-17 . Pett discusses the dynamic of the covenant-testament:
“For where a covenant-testament (diatheke) is, there must of necessity be the death of him that made it. For a testament is of force where there has been death, for it never avails while he who made it is alive.’ Thus having brought out that the new covenant was, as far as God is concerned, a ‘covenant-testament’ he stresses again that it was more than a covenant. It was an unconditional God-to-man covenant (diatheke), with God the Benefactor and man the beneficiary, because it referred to what God had covenanted to bring about, and it was a testament (diatheke) because from the very beginning its bringing about was, in God’s purposes, linked to the death of the Covenantor. Such a covenant testament thus necessarily involves the death of the One Who made it, without which it could not come into force. The further implication here is that God has in the covenant given all things to His Son (John 3.35; 13.3; 16.15; 17.10), Who has therefore become the covenantor as well as the mediator, and that He must die in order for the covenant to come into force because of the special nature of the covenant as a covenant-testament.”
v. 18 So, the author emphasizes “…without blood” it took death and shedding of blood (animal sacrifices) for the first covenant to be realized.
v. 19-22 We see that God spoke through Moses, proclaiming the terms and conditions of the covenant. Morris (1981) writes, “he made plain the requirements the covenant laid on the people so they were left in no doubt as to what covenant membership demanded of them. They were now God’s people, and that meant they must obey God’s laws.”
Moses also performed certain ritual actions. We learned in v. 13 that blood was used for ceremonial cleansing. Here the writer emphasizes the importance of the shedding of blood in the first covenant and the commencement of the superior New Covenant.
v. 23 The tabernacle—two tents: Holy of Holies and the Most Holy Place, the copies of the reality in heaven had to be purified with the blood of the animal sacrifices.
What is meant by “but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these?”
Morris (1981) said, “On the whole, it seems best to recall that in the NT there are references to ‘the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (Eph. 6:12).” Moreover, 1 Cor 2:8, Rom 8:38-39, “Such references seem to indicate wickedness beyond this earth. And, when Christ performed his atoning work, he ‘disarmed the powers and authorities…triumphing over them on the cross (Col 2:15).”
Reference @ Net.Bible:
9:23 So it was necessary for the sketches of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves required better sacrifices than these.
23Whereas animal blood adequately cleansed the prototype on earth under the Old Covenant, a better sacrifice was necessary to cleanse the realities in heaven (cf. 8:5; 9:24). Thus Jesus Christ’s death was essential. The “heavenly things” may refer to the consciences of men and women.[298] It seems more likely, however, that they refer to the things connected with the heavenly tabernacle. This may include angels that need cleansing (cf. Job 4:18; 15:15)[299] and or “wickedness beyond this earth”[300] (cf. Rom. 8:38-39; 1 Cor. 2:8; Eph. 6:12; Col. 1:20; 2:15).
“As sinful pilgrims on their way to the heavenly city, God’s people defile all they touch, even their ‘meeting place’ with God, and they need the constant efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ their High Priest to remove that defilement.”[301]
http://net.bible.org/#!bible/Hebrews+9:15
Constable's Notes.
v. 24 Christ entered_____________ itself, now to appear _______ _______ in God’s presence.
v. 25-26 In contrast to the high priest who entered the Most Holy Place with ___________ not his own, how often? Christ enters heaven “once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of ___________.” (cf. Col 1:20). “end of the ages” probably is best understood as “The Messianic Age has come—the age that all the preceding ages have led up to”
(Morris).
v. 27 We are all destined to physically die “once.” However, this is not the complete and final end. Physical death is more serious than the saying, “we live and then we die” because after death comes judgment for the sinner who isn’t redeemed through Christ.
v. 28 Christ was sacrificed “once” to take away our sins; he will appear a second time to bring _____________ for those who are ___________ for Him.
Why does the writer say, “not to bear sin?”
God came in Christ initially as our Savior from eternal death because of sin, which was accomplished on the cross. Today is the day of salvation through Christ! However, the second advent is not for the purpose of redemption.
In reference to, “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Morris writes, “There is a sense in which salvation has been brought about by Christ’s death. But there is another sense in which it will be brought to its consummation when he returns.”
In theological circles salvation is referred to in three phases so to speak: We are initially saved, we are being saved from sinfulness everyday, and we will be saved at the second advent of Christ.
Who is the writer of Hebrews referring to here? At this point (v. 28), the writer is concerned with those who are Christians, those redeemed through the sacrifice of Christ.
What does it mean to be waiting for Him? Jn 14:2-3; 2 Tim 4:8; Rev 22:20; James 5:7-8; Matt 25:10. 13-46; Lk 12:35-37;
Are we truly waiting for Jesus? How is this manifested in our daily life? Our attitude? Our behavior? Our relationships? Our Prayer life? Our Bible study?
Persevere through Christ- A co-participation toward maturity!
References:
Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (1989) Elwell, W. A. (ed).
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
Pett, Peter; http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
The Second Advent: Our Salvation
John 14:2-3
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
2 Timothy 4:8
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Revelation 22:20
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
James 5:7-8
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Patience in Suffering
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Matt 25:31-46
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Luke 12:35-37
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Watchfulness
35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.
We have learned that the sacrificial system that meant so much to the Jews was unsubstantial, and only a shadow pointing forward to the reality in Christ. Only the death of Christ could deal effectually with sin. The writer is now stressing the once-for-all character of Christ’s sacrifice.
v. 1 The law, although holy, righteous, and good (Romans 7:12), was only a ______________ pointing to Christ. Morris (1981) said, “The author is saying that the law is no more than a preliminary sketch. It shows the shape of things to come, but the solid reality is not there. It is in Christ.”
What commandments was Jesus referring to when he said, “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matt 22:40)?
We have learned that the Day of Atonement was observed once a year. The high priest would offer sacrifices for his own sin and the sin of the people in the Most Holy Place. However, the author is emphasizing that animal sacrifices repeated endlessly “can never make perfect those who draw near to worship.” What does that mean? Basically, the old system never had the ability to effectually deal with the inherent sin of humankind.
Only through Christ are we perfect in the spiritual sense of drawing near to God in worship and prayer. As a genuine Christian, we can draw near to the throne of God with confidence because we are forgiven and perfect “in Christ.”
Our sin is completely forgiven through Christ. We are perfect or complete in the sense that nothing more can be done to forgive our sins. Only perfection can approach our holy God, therefore, we come to God the Father through Christ who was the one and only perfect human being and ultimate sacrifice.
Since we do not offer animal sacrifices for our sin, what should our daily practice be as genuine Christians who struggle with sinful behavior, thoughts, and feelings everyday?
v. 2 The rhetorical question emphasizes ineffectiveness. It also, points to the date of the writing (before the destruction of the temple 70 AD). It appears that the sacrifices were still being offered at the time. However, if they were effective in cleansing sin and taking away a guilty conscience “once for all” they would have stopped being offered.
v. 3 The Day of Atonement was an annual reminder or remembrance of _________.... In reality, the annual ceremony reminded people of the fact that something had to be done about sin.
v. 4. No way forward through the blood of animals because_________________.
v. 5-7 The author supports his argument by referencing Scripture. Psalm 40:6-8.
Morris writes, “When Christ was about to come into the world, he said to God…. The words of the psalm are regarded as coming from Christ and as giving the reason for the Incarnation. The preexistence of Christ is assumed.”
We see the failure of these offerings and sacrifices to finally achieve God’s purpose. Even as they were offered they did not fulfill God’s will, nor was he necessarily pleased.
In fact, what is most important here? “I have come to do your will, O God.” What is more important than sacrifice? I Samuel 15:22 OBEDIENCE.
Christ was our obedient and perfect sacrifice. However, the sacrifice of animals—the animals didn’t understand obedience and they weren’t perfect. In the old sacrificial system, the offering weren’t against the will of God nor was God displeased with them necessarily. Morris (1981) said, “…considered in themselves as simply a series of liturgical actions, they were not the product of the divine will nor did they bring God pleasure….But the thrust of the quotation emphasizes the importance of the will.”
Certainly, when an offering was made by penitent people who were expressing their hearts through the sacrifice, God surely knew one’s heart. However, then and today, when we just go through rituals and our heart and mind, soul is not in it…well, God knows where we are in relationship to Him.
God through Isaiah speaks of the meaningless rituals and hypocritical behaviors performed:
The multitude of your sacrifices—
11 "The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD.
"I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.
14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood;
Where are you today? Like Jesus, are we showing our Love for God through willing obedience?
What are some rituals we may go through today? And because our hearts are not in it, do we miss relating with, experiencing joy, and blessing from our Holy God?
v. 8 “(although the law required them to be made).” We have learned and emphasize that the sacrificial system was divinely inspired but preliminary. Morris said, “But they were not God’s final will nor God’s answer to the problem of sin. They were partial and pointed the way. Even though they came as part of the law, we are to recognize their limitation.”
v. 9. Again, Jesus came to do the will of God. What is the “first” that is set aside to establish the “second?”
The Levitical sacrifices are no longer necessary in light of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Christ. Morris said, “These are not complimentary systems that may exist side by side. The one excludes the other. No compromise is possible between them.”
v. 10 “And by that will we have been made ____________ through the _____________ of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
When we talk about “made holy” or “to sanctify” we usually refer to a process of becoming, progressing in Christian qualities and character. However, the writer of Hebrews uses that same terminology differently than the apostle Paul.
Morris said, “In Hebrews the same terminology is used of the process by which a person becomes a Christian and is therefore ‘set apart’ for God….The sanctification meant here is one brought about by the death of Christ. It has to do with making people Christian, not with developing Christian Character. It is important also to notice that it is the offering ‘of the body’ of Christ that saves.”
we have been sanctified: The Greek word, Hagiazo means to be separated out, to separate from the profane, dedicated to God. When a person comes to Christ, they are “born again”, the person is “Sanctified” separated out from the world. The sacrifice of Christ’s body has separated out those who put their faith in him. This is in contrast to the daily and yearly sacrifice of the first system. Christ sacrifice was “once for all”, there was no other sacrifice needed (truthnet.org).
Our prayer is that you have been sanctified because you put your faith in Jesus, our perfect and final sacrifice!
References:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
http://www.truthnet.org/Christianity/Hebrews/Hebrews10/
NIV Study Bible (1985)
Study of Hebrews—exploration and discussion: 10:11-25
“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith….And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
v. 10-11 Christ was sacrificed “once for all.” The author makes a contrast with the once-for-all sacrifice with the OT sacrificial system where every priest _________ and performs his religious duties;
What is offered again and again? These sacrifices never took away__________.
v. 12 But when _____________ had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He_____________ at the right hand of God the Father.
v. 13 What is going to become of those who are against Jesus?
v. 14 For genuine Christians, who makes us perfect forever? This applies to genuine Christians who experience Christ personally. We are in the process of being made__________.
Morris (1981) writes, “The process of salvation takes people who are far from perfect and makes them fit to be in God’s presence forever. It is not temporary improvement he is speaking of but improvement that is never ending.”
Are you experiencing a personal relationship with God through Jesus who promised to abide in you and you in Him?
v. 15 -17 Here we read that “The Holy Spirit also testifies” Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God, third person of the triune godhead.
God the Holy Spirit testifies through Jeremiah 31:33; 34b. pointing forward to Christ.
1. God will put His laws on our hearts.
2. “I will write them on their minds.”
3. Because of Christ, our sins are forgiven.
v. 18 The emphasis is now the new covenant where genuine Christians experience ______________ and there is no longer a need for any sacrifice for sin.
v. 19 “Therefore” (because of Jesus’ sacrifice, & our forgiveness) We can come to God in prayer (enter the Most Holy Place) with___________________ by the _____________ of Jesus.
v. 20 Why couldn’t we enter the Most Holy Place before Jesus?
Remember God is holy x3. Animal sacrifices did not completely atone for sin. Therefore, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place—and only once a year to offer sacrifices for sin according to the law. However, sin still lingered and the people continued to experience guilt because of their sinful nature and there wasn’t complete forgiveness of sin.
Now, we are given opportunity to enter “by a new and living way…. What Jesus has done has created a completely new situation. We now come to God the Father through Jesus—our living Savior. He was the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins.
“The curtain symbolizes the body of Christ in terms of suffering: Like the curtain, his body was torn to open the way into the divine presence” (NIV study notes). (cf. Mark 15:38)
v. 21 Jesus is referred to as_____________ _____________ over the house of God
Jesus certainly lowered Himself to servant from heaven’s glory, but He is our great priest (sovereign) over the house of God. Morris wrote, “Once again we have the highest Christology combined with the recognition that Jesus rendered lowly service.”
Should Jesus’ example of “lowly service” influence our behavior and attitude toward those in our sphere of influence?
As a professing Christian, do others see your willingness to do the least desirable behaviors because Jesus is working through you?
v. 22. Since Jesus has made the living way, “let us ________ _______ to God with a __________ _________ in full assurance of faith,
“having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”
Do you recognize that we only have a sincere heart if we have applied the blood of Jesus to our sinful nature, understand that we need forgiveness, and repent from our sin?
“The heart stands for the whole of the inner life of man[kind], and it is important as God’s people approach him, they be right inwardly” (Morris, 1981).
…”having our bodies washed with pure water.” This goes hand in hand with being cleansed inwardly. Some scholars view this verse as referring to baptism. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward cleansing, most important is the inward cleansing followed by baptism.
Others view “washing” and “pure water” as reference to the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit.
MacArthur (1983) said, “does not refer to baptism, but has to do with our living, with how the Holy Spirit changes our lives.” Titus 3:5 Eph. 5:26.
Thus ‘washing’ with ‘purified water’ signifies responsive obedience in accordance with God’s word to us, and it is ‘the washing of water with the word’ which produces that obedience (Ephesians 5.26). It is only seen as possible through obedience combined with the sacrifice of Christ (1 Peter 1.2). Compare how ‘washing’ is also elsewhere closely connected with new life and the regenerating work of the Spirit (see Titus 3.5). So the reference here is not specifically to being baptised but to the deeper requirements of obedience as a result of cleansing (angelfire.com).
With that said. Baptism is an act of obedience for the cleansed and regenerated Christian. The author may not have had the act of baptism in mind as much as the transformation process and subsequent obedience through the power of God the Holy Spirit.
v. 23 “Let us hold __________________ to the hope we profess, for he who promised is______________.”
v. 24 “And let us consider how we may _________ one another on toward_____________ and _____________ _________.”
v. 25 “Let us not give up ____________ ______________, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us _____________________ one another—and all the more as you see the _________ approaching.
This verse emphasizes accountability for one another. We are called to act toward fellow believers as those who will give an account of ourselves to God on the Day of Judgment.
References:
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
MacArthur, John F. (1983) New Testament Commentary Hebrews
NIV Study Bible (1985)
The writer of Hebrews is addressing his friends who have knowledge of the truth (truth = Christianity) as portrayed in Scripture. He has emphasized maturity in Christ and highlighted foundational truths such as the nature of Christ, redemption, and forgiveness of sin through His blood shed on the cross.
v. 26 “If we deliberately keep on sinning…”
The “If” introduces a hypothetical situation. However, the writer is concerned about his friends knowing the truth and turning away; moreover, (I’d say, and not necessarily the text here) then and today, there are those who “hear” and even “understand” the gospel message, but are not willing to accept forgiveness of sin through Christ alone.
He is also saying for one to deliberately or willfully sin continually, that person's life will end in fearful judgment, especially if he or she has not accepted Christ. A similar “If” and warning scenario is addressed in chp. 6:4 ff.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
• Do genuine Christians deliberately keep on sinning without constraint?
• Do transformed believers deliberately keep on sinning and disregard Christ?
• Is it possible for a Christian to sin and not feel a sense of guilt or conviction?
• Does conviction/guilt for sinful behavior vary in degree depending on where one is (maturity) in relationship to Christ?
• Does receiving or understanding the knowledge of the truth equal “knowing/experiencing Christ as Savior and Lord?”
Mental assent vs. transformation and regeneration of one's being.
Hawthorne (1986) reminds us that, “There is no objective evidence that one who has made his Christian ‘confession’ and has been baptized is indeed a Christian, other than the daily perseverance in love and good works—a persistence in the very essence of what his confession implies" (cf. 23-24).
A genuine Christian perseveres in Christ. (cf. Jn 15: 2, 5; 10:27; Rom 11:22).
The implication then is that outward professing Christians can reach a point of being hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (cf. 3:13). When this point is reached and the hardened person refuses to repent, “no sacrifice for sins is left.” The hardened heart—a representation of the person who rejects the only possibility for redemption.
The assumption here is that the hard hearted person refuses to _________________ and be saved.
When is it time to give up and leave the hard hearted person to their demise, as they continue living apart from Christ?
What can we practically do for those we perceive and experience as hard hearted and refuse to accept Christ as Savior and Lord?
v. 27 In the end, this person (non-Christian) faces a “fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God” (cf. Isa 26:11).
Wrath and punishment are clear throughout the Scripture for those who do not know and obey God, especially through Christ in the new covenant (cf. Psalm 79:5-6; 2 Kings 1:10, 12; Numbers 16:35, 26:10; 2 Thes 1:8).
Who are the enemies of God?
Outside of the text Question: How do we as genuine believers stay motivated to experience the benefits in Christ?
v. 20 by a new and "living" way
v. 22 draw near to God with sincerity and assurance
v. 23 hold on unswervingly to the hope we profess
v. 24 spur one another on toward love and good deeds
v. 25 meet together with other genuine Christians
v. 28 The author presents a contrast between the old and new covenant. In the old, a person died without mercy on the testimony of __________ ___ ___________ witnesses for rejecting the law of Moses.
v. 29 In the new covenant, Jesus is greater, “How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has ________________ the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an __________ __________ the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the ____________ of grace?” God the Holy Spirit is insulted, highlighting the third person of the godhead.
Morris (1981) said, “Willful sin is an insult to the Spirit, who brings the grace of God to man.”
v. 30 As genuine Christians, “we know” our God is Holy! He will follow through with judging sin in people. “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
(cf. Deut. 32:35-36; Psalm 135:14)
Morris indicated that the word ‘judge’ may mean ‘give favorable judgment’ as well as ‘condemn.’ He also said that “In both Deut 32:36 and Psalm 135:14 it is deliverance that is in mind; and both times the RSV… translates it as vindicate.”
We have learned from the Scripture that all genuine believers are saved by God’s grace through faith. We have emphasized that this is true throughout Scripture, both OT and NT.
God vindicated those who remained faithful and persevered in obedience. The same is true for us today through Christ. Here the writer is addressing the “apostate” who fails to persevere—hence not faithful, this person will face condemning judgment.
v. 31 For the unbeliever, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
What about those of us who persevere, maintain faith, and strive to demonstrate our love for God through our obedience? David, wasn't perfect, but faithful, and he put his fate in the hands of God. 2 Sam 24:14
We will stand before our God vindicated because of Christ. However, our favorable judgment (reward) is based on our obedience in living out our faith in this life (cf. 1 Cor 3:8; Eph. 6:8; Rev 22:12).
Persevere and keep growing in Christ!
References:
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
The International Bible Commentary (1986) F. F. Bruce (ed)
NIV Study Bible (1985)
v. 32 [But] “Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering.”
The writer is now countering the preceding verses. He is reminding the readers of the early days of their Christian experience. After warning them, he now expresses his confidence that they will persevere. Like them, we need to be encouraged to continue in the right way, which is Christ.
For those who have been journeying with the Lord for a while, do you recall those earlier days as a new believer? Most would readily say that despite hardships, and even persecution, testing, rejection because of Jesus, etc., our Lord empowered and the joy experienced kept us persevering.
Does remembering how the Lord kept us and strengthened us through hard times help us persevere?
The key is “receiving the light” to be enlightened means to understand salvation and apply grace to your sinful self and experience forgiveness, and strive to sin no more. If you sin, and you will, grace is not taken away. Grace is God’s good-will and blessing toward mankind given freely because of Jesus Christ. We can’t do anything to earn God’s grace. However, because of salvation “enlightened” God will let you know what needs to change and empower you to do it. The good news is that Jesus died on a cross for our sins: past, present, and future. He was the perfect sacrifice that allows us to experience grace and approach God (once we’ve acknowledged, accepted, and live by faith) with confidence.
Remembering helps us to persevere. What else do genuine Christians need to help them stand their ground in the midst of hardship and suffering?
WE NEED EACHOTHER! TO LIVE OUT OUR CALL TO LOVE AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER! AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY!
The imagery here is one of an athlete (athlesis). The word “contest” refers to an athletic competition. Therefore, as we endure and overcome, it may help to remember that our journey in this life is one of a spiritual athlete and is expected to be strenuous, especially when engaging in Christian service.
v. 33-34 In the midst of insult, public humiliation, the readers endured. They even “stood side by side” with those who were wrongly treated. These Christians were focused on Christ, so even the confiscation of their property did not matter much. Again, remembering the early days of fighting the good fight in the midst of persecution helps to persevere.
However, what about the hum-drum of everyday activities? What about the normal routine of life uninterrupted by persecution or challenges?
The feelings of boredom, loneliness, depression?
Are these experiences the or A "real" test of genuineness of one’s TRANSFORMATION? EVIDENCE OF "IN CHRIST"?
Does the absence of trials and difficulties tend to promote:
1. spiritual drifting (2:1)?
2. moral sluggishness and lethargy (5:11)?
3. the slow imperceptible hardening of attitude (3:13)?
v. 35-36 Whatever we are going through, even the hum-drum of life, or the absence of exciting revivals, dynamic community outreaches that help us “feel good”, or the absence of persecution that helps us to press on, God is telling us through the writer, “do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” Moreover, when we have done the will of God, we will receive what he has promised.
What is the will of God? The following are two general biblical truths for every Christian:
1. To strive to be holy, this is only possible through our indwelling God; It is supernatureal, yet we have to co-participate.
2. To love our holy God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to genuinely love others.
What will be our reward and what has God promised for those who come to Him through Jesus Christ?
1. Our reward and promise is the opportunity to spend eternity with God, all the heavenly hosts, and all those who experienced God’s grace through our Lord Jesus.
2. More specific rewards will be determined by God for each transformed person in Christ, which are based on our faithfulness and obedience in this life. I have to ask myself on a regular basis: am I allowing God to work through me to accomplish His will? Remember, works of Christian service are from God (Eph. 2:10).
According to Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary:
The Variation in Reward. Salvation and eternal life are the same for all Christians but the rewards given to each varies, dependent upon the faithful labor expended. It is clear from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 that the lord of the servants expected more from the five-talented man than he did from the two-talented or the one-talented individuals. Note that the talents were dispensed according to personal ability to handle them (v. 15). The ones with lesser amounts had lesser responsibility. Paul says that at the judgment of the believer's works, each will receive a reward according to his or her labor. Matthew 5:12 speaks of great reward in heaven and 2 John 8 speaks of a full reward, both references indicating that the rewards will not all be the same.
v. 37-38 Our Hope: a confident knowledge that Christ will return. How long must we wait before Christ’s return? Not long. “The writer guarantees us with the certainty of prophecy of the soon return of our Lord and the realization of our hope” (Hawthorne 1979).
As we endure, we are called to live through this life by faith. The sentence structure conveys that the person who God makes righteous will live by faith. Our goal is to hold fast to our faith in the midst of testing and temptations and not abandon it.
It is obvious that faith and shrinking back are opposed to each other and have to do with salvation in this context. Therefore, it seems that “And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him,” is a hypothetical that is not possible for those who are truly transformed.
v. 39 Are you of those who do not “shrink back and are destroyed?” The genuinely transformed are those who “believe and are saved.”
Persevere in faith! May God empower you and me as we move forward in faith everyday.
References:
http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionar...
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
NIV Study Bible (1985)
The International Bible Commentary (1979) F. F. Bruce (ed)
v. 1 The writer is presenting “faith” as active and living; faith for the Christian is a way of life to be practiced continuously. This verse suggests there are realities for which we have no material evidence. However, our living and active faith enables us to know that realities (e.g., God: Father, Son, Holy Spirit) exist with genuine certainty.
Moreover, faith is the fuel that gives us hope. Literally, faith is the hypostasis, (that which stands under) of all that the Christian life means, everything the Christian “hopes for” rests on faith.
What does it mean to “have faith?”
I have a “confident assurance” that what I hope for will happen as long as “what I hope for” is in accord with God’s total plan for living in harmony with God. As we will see to have faith means to “believe” and completely “trust” our gracious God through Jesus Christ.
How do we increase our faith? Rom 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
We increase our faith by learning and integrating the word of Christ—the Bible (Psalm 119:9-10).
Do we tend to trust in things we can see/sense here on earth more than things unseen?
Does faith extend beyond what we learn from our senses and experiences? Can our senses, feelings, and experiences be uncertain and deceptive?
v. 2 The ancients were commended for what?
v. 3 By faith we (a present reality) ________________ ; we have convictions fueled by faith. In this verse, our conviction is that the universe was formed at God’s _____________.
By faith do we believe God is/has (past, present, and future) protected us, been patient with us, loved us despite our sin, calling us to an intimate relationship with himself?
In faith do we strive to have a daily conversational relationship with God where we demonstrate our trust in Him for "every area" of our life?
What does it take to make this happen?
Empowerment!
Discipline!
Accountability!
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Perseverance!
An understanding that this is a supernatural process!
Let’s explore 4 dimensions of biblical faith:
1.Belief/faith in God; a mental acceptance 2 Cor 4:18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Cor 5:7 We live by faith, not by sight. John 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
2. Faith as Complete surrender, repentance, based on belief in God, we act Matt 9:2
a. Faith in Action: Jam 2: 14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
We are saved by grace through faith(Eph 2:8-9). Works are the natural outcome of saving faith. In fact, God has prepared works for us to do in advance 2:10, and works are subsequent to salvation.
b. Obedience of faith: Rom 1:5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. (15:18: 16:26).
c. Faith and love: Gal 5: 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
1 Th 1:3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Th 1: 11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.
3. Faith as trusting and resting in God, and trustworthiness of God.
Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Rom 3: 3What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? No! God, through Jesus Christ is always faithful according to His sovereign will.
a. Our faith does grow: 2 Thes 1: 3We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.
4. Faith as a system of doctrine. Contend for “the faith.” Jude 3; Gal 1:23
Are you growing in “faith?” Your belief and trust that God, through Jesus, cares about you and wants to intimately relate with you everyday?
What distractions keep you from experiencing God through conversational prayer in your daily routine?
Is it lack of practice?
Maybe you need to be encouraged to believe that God does want you to seek Him daily and rest in His love and grace through your struggles and successes.
Explore and discuss what is in your own heart with God and others to help you grow in faith.
Have you taken the initial step of faith: belief, repentance, surrender, etc.,?
God does empower us to go through this process of growing in our faith, especially as we cry out in our weaknesses.
Help me Lord, “I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief.” Mark 9.
Persevere!
References:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981). Frank E. Gaebelein (ed.)
BibleGateway.com
http://www.bible.ca/s-faith-defined-basics.htm
v.4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. (NIV)
Cain and Abel knew what God required. Abel acted in obedient faith. However, Cain was rebellious, did not believe, trust, or rest in God. We all have the potential to be like Cain, in fact our nature without Christ reflects Cain.
The good news of the Gospel is that we are saved from our evil nature and its consequences through faith in Christ. We understand that the perfect sacrifice, the shed blood of Christ is the reason we are justified/forgiven before our holy God.
Does genuine faith manifest in obedience to Christ?
Does our living faith and actions go hand in hand?
1 John 3:12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.
How did Abel come to God? How was Abel saved?
As genuine Christians we rejoice in knowing: Christ shed His blood on the cross to save us from our sinful nature, the way of Cain. We obediently acknowledge our sinful state and come to God through Jesus, our only salvation.
By faith we believe, trust, and rest in the finished work of Christ. We are saved because of the grace of our mighty God, through faith. However, the process of maturing and glorifying God continues through our faith in action!
How has your faith been manifest this week?
Are you observing the goodness of God manifest everyday? Is God always doing good around us?
Background Reference:
Cain and Abel: Gen 4: 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. 4 But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
6 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.
9 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?"
"I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?"
10 The LORD said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."
13 Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me."
15 But the LORD said to him, "Not so; if anyone kills Cain, he will suffer vengeance seven times over." Then the LORD put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him.
Abel died, but his faith guaranteed him eternal life and even speaks to us today. However, Cain lived, but his absence of faith and rebellious nature guaranteed his suffering and eternal condemnation.
How is this relevant to those in the world today?
Are you willing to share this relevance with those you come into contact with on a regular basis?
MacArthur (1983) suggests, (paraphrased)
1. we come to God by faith, our works/offerings etc., follow our active faith.
2. we must accept and obey God’s revelation above our own reason and self-will
3. recognize that sin hinders our growth in Christ, and has consequences, even eternal death without Christ.
v. 5-6 Five features of Enoch’s life that were pleasing to God:
1. he believed that God is (v. 6a)
2. he sought God’s reward (v.6b)
3. he walked with God (pleased God)
4. he preached for God—Jude 14Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him."
5. he entered into God’s presence (v. 5)
Reasons we can walk with/please God:
1. Reconciliation: If Enoch walked with God, he obviously was in agreement with God. We are reconciled to God through Jesus. Through the blood of Christ—our salvation we no longer live in rebellion to God. Because of reconciliation we can walk with God in Christ.
2. Transformed: a corresponding nature—we become new/changed in Christ!
a. Phil 3: 20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
b. II Peter 1: 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
3. Confession of Sin and Moral Fitness: We are called to be live holy and righteously before God and man.
a. How is this possible as struggling sinners? Are you/am I, a transformed sinner? IN CHRIST! I no longer live, but CHRIST lives in me Gal 2:20.
b. I John 1: 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
4. A Surrendered Will: A surrendered will is surrender in love.
a. II John 6And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
5. Humility: Phil 2; Rom 12:1
Walking with God = Walking in the Spirit Gal 5: 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Do you/I hunger and thirst? Help us Lord!
As we hunger and thirst, we strive, eagerly desire, crave, long for, want it badly, an essential, plead with our powerful and gracious God, the Holy Spirit to permeate our thoughts:
A simple daily prayer: God, this is your day, lead me Holy Spirit, and help me to be sensitive to your guidance. Use me as “you will” not mine.
Daily we strive to understand and apply: we want a dynamic and practical walk with God. It is an active obedience vs a passive resignation or evil rebellion.
How do you keep your faith active through obedience on a daily basis?
Col 2: 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Continuing Faith: Enoch believed God, and he continued to believe God. 300 years! He did not see God. He believed He was there. That is how he pleased God. May we follow his example. Gen 5:22.
Persevere in obedient faith!
References:
MacArthur, J. (1983). New Testament Commentary: Hebrews
New International Version—Biblegateway.com
Very informative blog.Really looking forward to read more. Much obliged.
Really enjoyed this blog post.Really looking forward to read more.
Noah was motivated by faith. Remember 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” There was no physical evidence of an impending flood. In fact, before the flood it is likely that the people of that day had never seen rain. Nonetheless, Noah was faithful and acted out of reverence for God and was obedient to His command to build an ark and save his family.
Noah believed God and was the first man to be called righteous (Gen 6:9). It wasn’t because he built the ark that he was considered right with God. His righteousness was credited because he had faith. The same is true for Abraham and for us today. The Apostle Paul declares in Romans 4:4-5:
“Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but ‘trusts’ God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.”
Both Noah and Abraham and all the heroes of the faith mentioned in chp. 11 were made right with God through faith. They stood righteous and justified (sins forgiven) before our Holy God. Moreover, they acted on this faith. Good works while not the foundation, are the consequence of a genuine living faith (James 2:20-24).
Abraham left the certainty he knew in the land of the Chaldeans. Stephen recalls the Scripture before his stoning, Acts 7: 4-5
4“So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living. 5He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child.”
Moreover, Abraham believed God wholeheartedly, he acted promptly without hesitation. “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Despite Sarah’s skepticism (Gen 18:12) she is mentioned. Abraham had faith that Isaac would be born as promised, she came to share the same faith. Obviously, Abraham wasn’t going to have a child by himself—she believed and acted too.
Just like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob we Christians live and die by faith. The promises of glorification and eternal life are assurances we have because of our faith and adherence to God’s word. However, we are strangers and aliens in a foreign land. We are here to be living sacrifices, to become holy and pleasing to our God. We persevere and strive to avoid being contaminated by the world. Our ultimate hope and reality is Heaven, and Jesus reminded us in Jn 14: 1-4.
1“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Abraham did not hesitate to offer Isaac as a sacrifice not because he didn’t love his son. It is very likely that he felt sad about the pain his son would experience. However, greater was his faith than the circumstances. He had a complete confidence in God and knew Him as trustworthy to fulfill His promises. God had already promised that Abraham’s offspring would come through Isaac. Therefore, Abraham stayed obedient and believed God would raise him from the dead. “…and figuratively speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.”
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph had faith that looked beyond death. Morris (1981) said, “Their faith was such that they were sure God would work his will. So they could speak with confidence of what would happen after they died. Their faith, being stronger than death, in a way overcame death, for their words were fulfilled.”
Moses’ parents followed in the faith of Abraham. The king’s edict was for every male Hebrew child to be thrown into the Nile (Exod 1:22). However, Moses’ parents trusted God and hid Moses for three months rather than adhering to the king’s evil decree.
Later, when Moses was about forty years old (Acts 7:23) he refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated and identify with the people of God. Why? The pleasures of sin, although enjoyable only last a short time. Compromise and the security of this world are inconsistent with living faith. Again, we see a looking forward to our hope found in Christ. Moses’ understanding of the Messianic hope was limited, although he chose to be associated with people through whom that hope was to be realized. God demonstrated His faithfulness. The focus is on the faith of the Israelites, “By faith the people passed through the Red Sea…”
The falling walls of Jericho came down because of the faith of Joshua and those marching (Jos 6). Rahab was a prostitute who put her life at risk to help the people of God (Jos 2:1-21). It is significant that a woman from such a background could become an example of faith. The Scripture is full of life transformations of overtly sinful people God chose because of His great mercy and compassion. God changes people; especially those we think can’t or won’t be changed.
By living faith: more than a few of the faithful mentioned here were imperfect. Morris (1981) quotes Calvin “In every saint there is always to be found something reprehensible. Nevertheless although faith may be imperfect and incomplete it does not cease to be approved by God.”
Gideon among other tasks conquered a Midianite army of 120 thousand! With only 300! men. Barak did not have perfect faith, in fact he needed to be encouraged by Deborah, yet in the end God was faithful and Barak was obedient (Judges 4:1-23). Samson was enticed by Delilah; Jephthah made a foolish vow and stubbornly kept it. He was a mighty warrior and trusted God for victories (Judges 11). David was a man of faith who reflected God’s Heart. Samuel and all the prophets, “who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised…whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle…”
We see many times in the OT that God made promises to his people and kept them. So, blessings were received along the way. However, the “ultimate” promise/blessing was fulfilled in Jesus.
Examples of women receiving their dead back to life: 1Kings 17:17-24; 2Kings 4:18-37; Luke 7:11-14; and Lazarus, John 11; Dorcas Acts 9:36-41. At other times, people of God endured suffering (e.g., flogged, imprisoned, sawed in two) through faith they looked forward “that they might gain a better resurrection.” This implies that all will be raised, but some for better and some for worse. The apostate or those who refused to believe and be saved will face a grim resurrection.
Outwardly faithful men and women of old were insignificant and unimportant to the world. However, they were more important than the whole world, though they lacked everything the world valued. The heroes of the faith had no material goods to speak of; they cared about faithfulness more than their own comfort.
Finally, the men and women of old were commended for their faithfulness, “yet none of them received what had been promised.” The fulfillment for the saints of old, as for us, is Christ. Redemption is complete in Jesus!
Morris said, “As long as the believers in the OT times were without those in Christ, it was impossible for them to experience the fullness of salvation…. Only the work of Christ brings those of OT times and those of the new and living way alike into the presence of God.”
Lord grant us obedient faith everyday.
References:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
NIV Study Bible (1985).
Living the Christian Faith
v. 1 The Christian life is daily spiritual and practical training. We are called to engage in the race God has marked out for us and run with perseverance. Therefore, the many heroes of faith discussed in chp. 11 become an amphitheatre of witnesses (Gk. martyres) encouraging us by their example of persistent participation. “…they are not just by-standers, they are those who have endured as we now should, a proof that we can succeed” (Pett).
Our process is to follow the example of those who persevere and mature in the faith. We have to throw off _________________ that hinders AND the sin that so easily entangles.
What things (may not be necessarily sinful or wrong) hinder us from putting forth our best effort to run the race? What things cause us to be easily distracted? (ref. 1 Cor 9:24-25)
What is the race? What does it mean to run with perseverance? What defines spiritual and practical training? How does this look in our everyday Christian life?
What is the outcome for the Christian if we allow distractions to dominate our life and fail to train and struggle through the race? 1 Cor 3:10-15. Moreover, what do these verses say about the process? Does this emphasize the importance of sound doctrine and teaching?
v. 2 The idea here is not to allow ourselves to be distracted by things in this life (or at least significantly lessen and become more aware of the battle), but to fix our eyes on __________________. The standard is no divided attention when it comes to our life in Christ.
As we run the race, our goal/pursuit is Jesus alone. He is the object of our faith. He participated in our human experiences and is our greatest encouragement because He is the ______________and ______________ of our faith.
How to stay focused on Christ requires obedience and discipline. As we love Jesus through obedience, God will enable/empower us to be our best for the Lord. We do have a choice to be obedient everyday. Jn 14:15-21; Gal 2:20; As we focus and cry out to Jesus, God the Holy Spirit works to empower us and bring glory to our Lord Jn 16:12-15. Rom 8 says we have an obligation to put to death the misdeeds of the body.
Jesus went to the cross aware of the pain and shame involved, but endured the cross because of the joy it would bring. Morris (1981) said, “He looked right through the cross to the coming joy, the joy of bringing salvation to those he loves.”
Do we realize how much God loves us? Have you/I embraced the depth of this love that brings us salvation? Is it hard to experience God's love and make it very real and personal?
v. 3 As we endure for the sake of Christ, how should we strive to perceive our trials and tribulations?
We are called to “Consider” a word used in calculations, “take account of.” Jesus endured opposition, suffering… our struggle against sin and temptation is not unique… Jesus understands our plight and empowers us to endure and persevere.
Why do we run this race? MacArthur (1983) said, "we rejoice that one day we will 'live together with Him' (1 thes. 5:10).
Moreover, we also rejoice that we live IN CHRIST through our everyday lives. Our Christian life is supernatural! God lives in us resulting in "power" (Act 1:8.
In Christ and yielding to the Spirit our experience promised by Jesus is: joy, peace, and excitement, that keeps us persevering (Jn 14:27; Jn 15:11; etc..,).
We are called to persevere in the face of hardship. However, we are not asked to do it alone. Thank you Jesus!
We are empowered to persevere "In Christ" and are called to love and be loved by others in our shared faith. This is accomplished many times through small groups of believers. As we engage and mature it becomes more evident how much we need eachother, especially because this is how God designed us.
Reference:
Expositor’s Bible Commentary (1981) Frank Gaebelein (ed)
Pett, Peter; http://www.angelfire.com/planet/lifetruth/hebrews2.html
Context: The author of Hebrews is writing to Christians who were undergoing persecution. They were struggling with temptations to revert back to the law and practices that were now fulfilled in Christ. Like us at times, they wanted to "give up" in the face of persecution and suffering. It is likely that many of them were compromising the gospel, forgetting what Christ did for them on the cross and looking to their circumstances rather than to Christ inside of them.
v. 4 How much do we really struggle against sin?
Do you think the "less inclined" we are to "fight against" sin (lust of the flesh, compromise, drug use, lies, selfishness, etc.,) the more we should undergo discipline?
As we read the text let's seek answers to the question: What is the purpose of discipline?
A few initial thoughts: to equip us, to empower, to train us to eagerly want/desire to desperately fight against sin!
The Holy Spirit through the writer says (paraphrased), In our struggle against sin we haven't gone the distance! In comparison to Christ and the heroes of the faith we must continue to fight! I'd say one purpose of the writer was to motivate the readers of the day and us today, "to persevere!"
The comparison of the cross and martyrs of old should ignite us to fight the good fight!
We have to understand and say with absolute conviction, "I have to engage in the process of living out my faith!" Yield! Surrender! Be honest! Stop giving in to the flesh! Trust! Cry out for Mercy! Get on your face! God is Holy! Accept! Surrender! God in all of His glory loves you!
The outcome of our Christian life, hence our life in Christ, does depend on the choices we make. If we are genuine transformed followers of Christ, we either co-participate, hence engage, or continue to suffer at the mighty hand of discipline.
Why do we need to be disciplined by our Father God?
v. 5 This is very serious! Our growth in Christ, our maturity as believers, our personal relationship with God depends on understanding the role of discipline in our lives from our Father.
Calvin Commentary: paraphrased
Many times God keeps us under the yoke of His discipline lest our flesh prevail. We do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord or grow weary when reproved by Him because punishment is to enable us to be more inclined to walk in the Spirit and become overly cautious when it comes to our tendency to move toward sinful behaviors.
Discipline can remedy our sinful behavior and "anticipates" or prepares/equips us before we engage in sin. God our Father exercises us in the conflict with sin. We are carrying on war with sin- our intense enemy. We are called to plead and defend the cause of Christ against the ungodly (sin) and at the same time battle against sin within.
v. 6 God cares about your suffering and the dynamic of our "internal war against sin." The tendency to "give in" has to be overcome, especially as Christ abides in us.
As we give in to flesh, our failure to heed to the Spirit and Christ within, we have to undergo discipline to lessen this "giving in to flesh" as we abide in Christ. The more I actively surrender to the Spirit and determine to rest in Christ over sinful behavior the less I experience suffering: pain, depression, pessimistic outlook, despair, and the more I experience: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control.... In Christ, it is easier to be humble and have compassion for others in their struggle against sin.
Is it clear that God will discipline us to awaken us to our sin?
We want to learn from discipline. We won't be overwhelmed by discipline if we understand the purpose of God.
v. 7-8 "It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons" (ESV).
We have to endure because God is dwelling in us as sons and daughters. There is a purpose to our discipline. This is comforting and encourages us during our time of suffering. God loves us and has our best interest in mind.
What if you are not experiencing discipline? Does this imply anything about your salvation?
v. 9-10 Biological fathers, "of flesh" or even men in the role of father, earthly fathers. This is an argument from lesser to greater. Many of us understand the fallible wisdom of earthly fathers. However, may we find rest in our heavenly Father's infinite wisdom. His discipline is always for our good and it makes us holy, as He is holy.
v. 11 May we view discipline as "training" and eagerly desire to be formed and shaped into holy, holy, holy vessels of God.
Reflect on:
Romans 5:1-5
James 1:2-4
1 Peter 1:3-9
Fletcher (webpage) said, "Our response to God's discipline is all-important. We must endure and willingly change our wayward behavior. We are in holiness training. Discipline is the exercise that equips us to share in his holiness. God's purpose in bringing discipline to our lives is to make us righteous, to fit us to share in his holiness." C. S. Lewis said it well: "God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains..."
Persevere!
References:
http://www.proseandphotos.com/Discipline.htm The Discipline of God's Children.
The Reformation Study Bible, R.C. Sproul (Ed) ESV. Ligonier Ministries.
Discipline Applied in Christian Experience:
v. 12 "Therefore," takes us to the preceding verses 4-11 and our previous study. The author, inspired by God the Holy Spirit, is teaching that our holy and loving God does discipline us as a means to get us in step with His will for us "in Christ." More specifically, discipline for the genuinely transformed brings about change toward righteousness. Through discipline God is exercising us and as we understand and experience discipline as training toward holiness, we are empowered to resist the flesh and stay in step with the Spirit/Christ dwelling in our being.
Therefore, it is essential and extremely important that we fulfill our calling to live as God's people in our everyday lives in every context.
How is your process? Are you putting forth a strenuous effort to live "in Christ" or just casually living the way of the flesh: selfishness, self-centered, bitter, arrogance, "me" "I" etc.,?
How do we progress past the "self" life? Will we ever overcome our sin and live in harmony with the Spirit? Are we really "new" "in Christ?" Every thought captive to Christ?
"Strengthen" may also mean "make upright" or "straight." The author seems to be admonishing here: in light of God's discipline, straighten up! We need to engage and co-participate with God in order to please God and mature in our "Christ life." The inspired writer is urging us to put things right and grow/mature in God's grace. (cf. chp. 5).
Moreover, in some instances, "follower of Christ", if you want the pain of the discipline to stop, repent, confess, and engage with God that forgiveness can be experienced and joy/blessings restored. Many times our circumstances will not change, but how we experience them: cope, process, manage, learn, mature, is determined by our "in Christ" position.
The imagery may have been taken from Isa 35:1-5. Hands and knees that are out of action, but need to be put right. "The exhortation implies that the readers are acting as though spiritually paralyzed. They are urged to put things right and get moving" (Morris, pg. 139).
v. 13 (cf. Prov. 4:26) As Christians, we belong together and need each other. We want to make paths straight or level to help other followers move forward "in Christ." It appears that the author is demonstrating concern for the weak among us, i.e., "lame." In the family of God, we need to take care of hurting members in our fellowship.
Morris (1981) said, "Where the Christian life is in any way "out of joint." steps should be taken to revitalize it."
Do you know someone who is currently "weak" and hurting in the family of God? May the Holy Spirit compel me/us to pray and ask God how Christ in me can be a revitalizing agent for that person.
v. 14 "Make every effort..." How much effort have I made to live at peace with others and be holy? More often than not it is easier to be selfish and abrasive, yet I know this is not consistent with "Christ in me." Then I feel bad and regret my thoughts and words. Maybe the "feel bad" is the discipline that will eventually cause me to "anticipate" this fleshly process and truly yield to the Spirit within me. Do I need more intense discipline to recognize how serious giving into the flesh is to our holy God, especially as it relates to my holiness training? Do you?
What does "be holy" look like? We are called to be different from the norm of this world. We are separate unto God. However, we are still in the world, yet not "of the world." Do you find yourself wanting to be different? Do you understand that it is "Christ in you" that makes this possible? Therefore, without Christ, hence holiness, no such person will see the Lord.
v. 15 "See to it..." This phrase conveys the idea of oversight. We as believers must care for one another. There are 3 things the readers are to avoid:
We are to avoid coming short of God's grace--in other words we must avoid failure to live up to our calling and not make use of opportunities.
Secondly, we are called to guard against the springing up of a "bitter root". As growing and maturing followers of Christ, we want to protect our Christian community from bitter poison (cf. Deut. 29:16-20). Obviously, if we are not yielding to the Spirit, seeds of bitterness can be planted. The imagery is of a rooted slow growing plant, once grown causes trouble and defiles many.
May our God humble us and give us discernment to abolish any type of bitter seed in every context of our lives.
v. 16 Thirdly, we are warned to avoid sexual sin and godlessness, especially as followers of Christ.
As Spirit led followers of Christ: sexual sin has no place in our lives. (pornos, fornicator) "See that no one..." Again, we are called to be accountable to each other and call sin when we see it and warn, admonish, encourage, confess, re-direct for the sake of the community and the individual follower of Christ.
"godless like Esau..." A person not walking in the Spirit, but allowing flesh to prevail.
v. 17 "Afterward..." sin has lasting consequences. Esau knew he made a mistake. However, our behaviors have long term consequences. Many of us live everyday knowing we can't change certain things, people, circumstances which had their beginnings in choices we made early on. However, we continue to live and make choices.
Therefore, we should ask and really examine, how then should we live, especially "in Christ?"
We see the emotional state of Esau. And, I am sure many of us have cried and cried over choices made. God's love doesn't change. The comfort of brothers and sisters continues to be available. Forgiveness is not an issue for the repentant. However, some things just can't be changed or reversed. Thank God for Romans 8:28!
Are there things you are learning to "give to God" and move forward in Christ? Do you believe you are forgiven for fleshly choices made in the past that caused a snowball of destructive consequences?
May we adhere the exhortation to the Christian life. Discipline is applied in Christian experience and it is okay, especially as we understand the purpose and learn to yield to the Spirit every moment of everyday.
Be encouraged that our life "in Christ" is supernatural, therefore we are empowered as we yield.
2 Cor 10:4-5 "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Persevere!
References:
The Expositor's Bible Commentary, F.E. Gaebelein (Ed) 1981.
NIV Study Bible (1984).