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Lesson 9

The Guarantee of God’s Oath

Hebrews 6:9-20

November 15, 2015

 

I have found the book of Hebrews to be very difficult to understand. Having said that I am thankful for this epistle that not only gives us a powerful picture of Christ but is a letter to pull each me out of the spiritual doldrums in which I sometimes find myself. It is easy to begin to question why God should love someone like me. If those thoughts were to continue long enough a person may choose to walk away from the church. Thankfully whenever that happens all I have to do is turn back to the word of God where there are promises in abundance that He loves me and is not willing to turn loose of me no matter the condition of my mind. The chaos of this world makes us wonder if God really has the power to provide secure relationship that cannot be lost. Events that surround us are causing many to leave the fellowship of believers because what the world seems to offer. In chapter 11 of Hebrews the writer describes Moses as one who believed the relationship with God was more important than anything this world had to offer. Those words of encouragement speaks to me to me and the millions of people who have lived since his time in a way that gives assurance that God is with us even when we seem to be failing in our allegiance and service to Him.

 

Over the last two weeks we have seen one part of the responsibility that the church must take seriously. It is being sensitive to those who may be slipping away from the fellowship of the church. Over time if we pay attention to who is in attendance from Sunday to Sunday there are those who no longer attend. I do not know all of the reasons but it is sad to look around and notice that they are no longer in their usual place. Hopefully someone from a Bible Study Class is aware of the absences and is in contact with them. If that person does feel like we care they may just stay away from every church from now on.

 

The second challenge for us is to encourage them in the faith. We can fall into a state of complacency and believe that everyone is doing fine when in reality there may be many who are hurting who need someone to come along side them with love and encouragement. To keep a person from drifting in a state of apostasy that was discussed last week they should hear that they are important to God. He knows what they have accomplished and will not forget it. The words spoken by the teachers and others should be convincing enough that their hearts will be open to hear the good news. We should be like the writer of Hebrews who admonished and then encouraged the readers of his letter.

 

Hebrews 6:9

The writer seemed to sense that he needed to change the tenor of his writings. To continue admonishing those priests who were about to leave the church may have pushed them to the point of despair. He began to encourage them by saying that what lay ahead was better than what they had already experienced. He wanted to ensure them of salvation that was theirs. He had written of apostasy but now wanted them to know true salvation.

 

1. Why do you think that it was so important for the writer to have admonished them so strongly? (They were on the verge of making a fatal mistake in turning away from the church.)
2. Why was it necessary for the writer to change his approach? (A person can only handle so much discouragement before he falls into a state of despair)
3. How have you felt when a person has had to correct or admonish you in your beliefs or behavior?
4. What did you want to hear from him besides criticism?
5. How did he encourage them? (Understanding where they might be headed could lead to a stronger and persevering faith.)
6. What are some of the important things that go along with salvation of which they were about to miss out on?

 

Hebrews 6:10

He wanted them to know also that God was totally aware of the work they had accomplished in the past. He saw the love they had displayed before the people and how they had continued to minister to others in His name, even they were struggling personally.

 

1. What were the positive things that had taken place in their lives?
2. How did God view them?
3. What does it say that God was remembering what they had done? (There was still hope that they would return to their previous love for Him and commitment to Him.)
4. What is the benefit of ministering to someone else even though you may be having personal struggles?

 

Hebrews 6:11-12

In William Barclay’s “The Daily Study Bible Series” he presented a powerful picture of the life of most Christians. He indicated that, possibly, there will be times when everything about our relationship with Christ becomes very dry and even boring. The person would prefer not to worship corporately, serve others, pray or read God’s word. His solution, as was the writer’s, was to persevere through those periods and not giving in to any of the above. He believed that by doing so eventually the joy and sweetness of that relationship with the Father will return and one will be stronger for having gone through the struggle. That is exactly what the writer wanted to see in the lives of all those who were going to read his letter. He called them to be diligent in their pursuit and they would have the full assurance of the hope had placed before them until the day they entered into their final rest. To do so would keep them from becoming sluggish but imitators of all those who had kept faith and were patient. It was those who were to receive the promise that God had given to them.

 

1. In what ways have you experienced what William Barclay described?
2. What resulted from persevering during those times of struggle?
3. If you are still in the midst of such a struggle, what steps need to be taken to be brought out of it? (It is important to remember to have a trusted companion to walk beside you for encouragement and understanding.)
4. What encouragement does the writer give to those who continue on the path of relying and trusting in God?
5. Why are we to look to others in our times of struggle? (It is important to see how true followers of Christ deal with difficult times.)

 

Hebrews 6:13-16

The best illustrations of how God is faithful and works in the lives of people are found in His word. In them is a clear picture of the sovereignty of God. When He was giving the promises to Abraham He validated them by taking a binding oath upon Himself. Usually one swears an oath to someone greater than himself. There is no one higher than God so He guaranteed that the promises made to Abraham were guaranteed by the oath that He took. Once God issued the oath there was nothing further that needed to be said. His oath was a fact of what He planned to do.

 

The assurance given to Abraham was two-fold. God promised to:

• Bless him
• Give him descendants.

 

The last of these two promises took twenty-five years to be fulfilled in the birth of Isaac.

 

1. Why do so many depend on other resources besides the Bible to find guidance for their lives?
2. How do we know we can trust the Scriptures?
3. What does the writer of Hebrews about the promises of God?
4. In what way do you feel God has blessed your life?
5. If you do not feel blessed what do you believe you need to do in your own life?
6. How do we know that God is greater than any man? (The fact that He is great enough to swear by Himself.)

 

Hebrews 6:17-18a

From the very beginning God has had a purpose for mankind. The writer said that the evidence of God’s desire for man was in the oath He made to Abraham. Again He blessed him and promised that through him the whole world would be blessed. God’s oath was based on the very essence of whom He is. One of His characteristics is the fact He is total truth therefore He is not capable of lying.

 

1. What do you believe God’s purpose is for each person?
2. How does the oath to Abraham extend to us today? (In his descendants we have received the blessing of the relationship with God through Christ.)
3. How do we know that the promises to us are true?
4. In what ways according to these verses is God different than man? (Sadly, man cannot be trusted with keeping his word. At some point in our lives each of us has not been truthful.)
5. Why is God’s guarantee to us so important?

 

Hebrews 6:18b-19

Based on the character of God those who had believed in Him could be confident of the hope that God had presented to them. That assurance is the anchor that keeps one from drifting away from the Father. It is like those on a ship who put down the anchor to keep from being shipwrecked on the rocks hidden under the water. Remember the one who is sure about his beliefs and steadfast in them is able to enter into the heavenly holy of holies beyond the veil that at one time separated God from man.

 

1. What is the one thing of which we can be assured? (Our confidence is well placed in the One who is totally truthful.)
2. When the writer speaks of hope what does he mean?
3. What does having that hope in God do in our lives? (It is the thing upon which man can totally depend to keep from becoming shipwrecked.)
4. Where is the final destination of our hope? (Entering into the presence of God beyond the veil.

 

Hebrews 6:20

Man knows that he is able to enter beyond the veil because Christ who was the firstborn from the dead has entered there. Because of the eternal nature of Christ as high priest the writer was once again uses the example of Melchizedek.

 

1. Who has provided the assurance of entering beyond the veil?
2. How did He accomplish that fact for us? (He was the firstborn from the dead and returned to His rightful place beside His Father as our high priest?
3. Why did the writer once again speak of Melchizedek? (He was a picture of what Christ became. We will speak more of Melchizedek in next week’s lesson.)

 

• Know for a fact that the most difficult passages of Scripture are for our benefit, so do not give up on finding the message God has in them for you.
• It should become evident to you that God’s word can be trusted as total truth because He is incapable of lying to us or to Himself.
• Understand that the final purpose for each of you is the participation of in that special relationship that will carry over into eternity.
• Know that the God who blessed Abraham is the same God that desires for you to receive those same blessings.
• Do not turn away from the fact that you belong to and serve Christ who is the eternal high priest because He cannot die but sits in the presence of God our Father.

 

There are times when we are to be held accountable for our actions that are contrary to the teachings of God. However we are to learn from the writer of Hebrews who knew not to step over the line and drive those who were struggling away from the church. To do so would have resulted in just the opposite hope he had for them. Our discipline must always be tempered with a desire to drive each person into the arms of Jesus not away from Him. The word of God, our guidebook, gives us a clear picture of all the reasons that we can depend on Him. Every promise He has ever made to man is based on His character. John wrote, “God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24) It should be obvious to us that His word would not call us to do something that is not true of Him. Our salvation is secure because the promise that guarantees it comes from the One whose word is total truth. We are not to give up even in times of great difficulty because we know that God still loves us and wants to bless even in the hardest of times. He is faithful and calls us to be faithful also.

 

Lesson 8

Immaturity for the Christian Is Not an Option

Hebrews 5:11- 6:8

November 8, 2015

 

For twenty-nine years I just did not get it. Even though I had been in church off and on since the age of eight I am not aware that the importance of God ever sunk in. Sure I heard sermons and Sunday School lessons galore, but no one ever drove home the point that it was up to me to grow in my Christian walk. It took a youth retreat to awaken a desire to know God’s word in a way that I had never done before. From that point in time to this day that beginning point I have had a passion to study, meditate on God’s word so that I can share it with those who also want to learn. I have realized that it is not an easy road to travel. Many hours have to be spent in order for the Bible to begin speaking to a person’s heart. I have found that every minute has been well worth the effort. I do not know what kind of person I would be today if I had not made that discovery so many years ago. I would not trade it for anything.

 

If my life is anywhere close to what most of church members have experienced then it is understandable that many churches are not growing and thousands are closing their doors every year. It takes mature Christians to grow a church. That maturity has only one source. It is the Gospel that changes lives. It is changed lives that impact those God leads to intersect with our lives. Recently, I listened to a podcast by Alistair Begg titled “Marks of a God Given Ministry.” He made some statements that speak to where many of our people are today. He indicated that:

• The message is what God has given to the teacher.
• The shepherd leads the sheep into the pasture where they can eat.
• Mature sheep will not need be spoon-fed or with a bottle.
• The most important question to be asked of everyone in the body is “Are you eating?”

 

If a person is not willing to make God’s word a major part of his life he will not grow. There are too many over aged members sitting in the pews of churches today. God’s will only expand into the world from the efforts of mature followers of Christ. The writer of Hebrews exhorts members of God’s family to become adults in God’s kingdom.

 

Hebrews 5:11

The writer indicated that there was much more he wanted to say about, Jesus alone or both He and Melchizedek. He understood that it was a very difficult subject to address. It appears that suddenly the thought came to him that they were not ready to hear what he had to say. He stated that their minds were slow to take in what he was writing. Matthew quoting Isaiah 6 said, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; You will keep on seeing but will not perceive; for the heart of this people has become dull.” (Matthew 13:14-15) There is so much false information flooding a man’s life today that it is difficult, if not almost impossible, for him to filter out all that is false and discern the truth. The postmodern era with its concept of everything being relative has done much to perpetuate the misunderstanding of God’s word.

 

1. Why do we find God’s word is so hard to understand today?
2. In what ways are we like the priests that the writer of Hebrews was addressing? (Our views are skewed by the traditions and values of the day that the truth has a difficult time penetrating into our minds)
3. What are some of the things that dull our minds and hearts?
4. How do you think Isaiah 6:8-10 and Matthew 13:14-15 paints a clear picture of what we see in the church today?
5. How do we make Scripture clearer and more understandable? (Be willing to spend the time in the word and understanding will come)
6. Why do we not spend the time in God’s word that is needed to mature? (Too busy etc.)

 

Hebrews 5:12-13

It is disturbing what the writer saw in those men. Although they had spent years in study to become priests and should have been able to teach others they were still like babies in their knowledge of the things of God. Because they had not learned the basics of what it meant to be a mature follower of Christ they still needed someone to teach them what the teachings of God meant. It was like learning the ABC’s all over again. When these men should have able to digest the meatier aspects of the word someone was still having to bottle feed them. The person who never grows beyond the state of infancy in Christ will never comprehend righteousness.

 

1. How can a person spend a lifetime, learning and still not have the ability to teach the truth?
2. How is it that so many people in the church today are still infants and at best children in the faith?
3. What will it take to get them beyond that point? (Involve them in life changing study of God’s word in small groups.)
4. What do you consider the milk to which the writer was referring?
5. What would be the meat or solid food?

 

Hebrews 5:14

There is a clear picture of what it takes to become a mature follower of Christ. First of all he repeats the idea that only the mature can digest solid food. The way to become mature is to practice. That means to study God’s word. After that a person then practices what he has learned. Through rigorous exercise the mind will be trained and sharpened to understand the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. This will never occur without the person immersing himself in the Scriptures. The answers one seeks will not be found from any other source.

 

1. Do you feel that you have reached the level of being able to receive solid food?
2. What did the writer consider to be solid food?
3. What does it take for a person to reach a level of maturity in Christ? (Prayer, consistent Bible Study, worship and putting into practice what he has learned)
4. How does spiritual exercise compare to what a person tries to achieve by doing physical exercise?
5. Why is it important to become mature in your faith? (Mature Christians are able to share Christ with others.)

 

Hebrews 6:1-3

The writer of Hebrews wanted the priests to move on from the basics of the faith based on the teachings of the Old Testament. They had a difficult time of letting go of the traditions and rituals that had been integrated into their lives. He wanted them to have a mature faith that would help them to face the difficulties ahead of them. He went on to speak of those things that were elementary in his view. They included:

• Repentance from dead works
• Weak faith that was based on those works
• Instructions about the traditions of washings held by the Jews. See Mark 7:3 and Matthew 15:2 for Jesus’ view of such ceremonial washings.
• Laying on of hands. The Jews used the laying on of hands as a visible sign of the transfer of guilt. One example of this practice was the sending the scapegoat out into the wilderness carrying the guilt of the people away.
• Resurrection of the dead. This was the general or universal resurrection that would occur at the end of time. It would include both the righteous and the unrighteous.
• Eternal judgment.

It was the desire of the writer for his readers to move beyond continual discussion of these basic beliefs.

 

1. What does it say about a person who needs to return to the basic teachings all the time? (One would have to question whether the person understands what Christ has done for him.)
2. Why did the writer want to move on from the ABC’s of Christ? (If we do not mature in our faith there is no way to witness to others.)
3. Which of the above list were particular to the Jewish religion?
4. Why would the priest want to hold on to those traditions?
5. What other teachings could be included in ABC’s of the religion that people do not want to give up?

 

Hebrews 6:4-5

There is a great danger for those to whom the writer refers in these verses. They were those who had the opportunity to:

• Have the message of God shine its light into their lives.
• Experience the gift of grace bestowed on mankind through the fellowship in the church. Head knowledge may come into play.
• Partake in the things of the Holy Spirit. Saw how the Holy Spirit was working in the church.
• Hear God’s word of truth presented to him.
• Hear about the end time matters leading to the eternal life with God.

 

1. What are some of the key words that would indicate the shallowness of the belief of the people to whom the writer sent this sermon or letter?
2. What is the danger of such a surface participation in the Church? (Christianity is not a half way relationship with God but with one’s whole heart.)
3. How is it possible to be in the midst of all of what the Holy Spirit is accomplishing and not understand what God is doing?
4. How can this happen to us? (To treat all that God has done lightly. For example superficially and inconsistently studying God’s word.)

 

Hebrews 6:6-8

The result that takes place in the life of one who believes in such a shallow way will fall away from the church when difficult times come. Those who turn away from Christ were probably not saved in the first place. Because their participation in all that God was minimal at best, many of them will never find salvation or return to the church. Those individuals who have been identified as part of the church will bring ridicule to the body of Christ as they with their actions show Christ as unworthy of their commitment. The writer made a serious charge against those apostates. They crucified Christ once again and brought mockery to His precious name.

 

He then painted a picture of what that apostasy looks like. Soil that receives the rain and then brings forth the good harvest is blessed of God. If the land that benefits from the same rain but produces thorns is useless and is only good to be burned in fire. The parable of the soils found in Matthew 13:3-9 could be a parallel thought to the above analogy.

 

1. What is the real danger of a shallow or childlike faith? (It is easy to fall away in time of trouble because there is no solid foundation to carry one through difficulties.)
2. What can we discern from the fact that a person turns away from the church?
3. How can you make sure that your faith is strong and is able to weather the storms that face us? (See Matthew 7:24-27)
4. How does the world view Christ when a person falls away from the Church?
5. According to the writer how did the writer view such a person with his analogy of the soil?

 

• Evaluate your life to see if you are growing in Christ.
• Do not keep going back to what got you saved but how you can continue to grow and be a true servant of Christ.
• Make Bible Study and prayer true priorities in life.
• Understand that difficulties are going to come in every life and be prepared in your walk with Christ to face them so that you may be victorious in them.
• Understand how important your faith is as the world watches the way you live your life.
• Before considering leaving the church spend some time with trusted leaders and on your knees knowing that the decision you make will have eternal consequences.

 

If we expect to impact the world for Christ we must do everything with the help of the Holy Spirit to become mature and complete in Christ. This will never take place unless we give our highest priority to God’s word. There must be an time of intentional Bible reading, study and meditation. None of us can expect to grow without being consistent in that one area. There is no one who is so busy that they cannot find at least fifteen minutes to spend time with God. As we grow then we can reach out to those who do not know Christ. Let us be faithful in our commitment to Christ so no one can blaspheme God because of our actions. We are the only representatives that God has to reach the world.

 

 

 

Lesson 7

The Unexpected High Priest

Hebrews 5:1-10

November 1, 2015

 

It has always fascinated me to read stories of men who had no plans to be used by God as they were. Some even struggled with the concept of Christianity. They were as surprised as anyone to find himself or herself serving God in various ways. Some were called to become ministers while others worked in secular positions to make the world a better place. I know there are many such persons throughout history but the space I have here will not allow me to speak of more than a few. D.L. Moody who set out to become wealthy as a travelling salesman ended up becoming an evangelist who brought about great harvests both in America and Europe. Charles Finney as a lawyer struggled with becoming a Christian but was instrumental in the revivals that took place in the middle of the nineteenth century. The writer of the hymn, “Amazing Grace” was a slave trader until God got hold of his heart. William Wilberforce, a contemporary of John Newton, fought in parliament for forty plus years, to end the slave trade by the English. An ex baseball player, Billy Sunday, became a well-known evangelists in America during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

 

None of these men started life with the idea that God would touch their lives as He did but we are the better for the fact that He did. Each of them was prepared in a special way by life’s circumstances to accomplish the task God gave to them. In the class called “The Real Me” that is offered at Bethany Place there is an exercise where each person is asked to look back over his or her life and record those things that they believe they have done well. I usually say, “Don’t worry whether others think you did them well. It is important what you consider as accomplishments.” From this exercise they are able to see a pattern that has taken place. God is able to use those experiences in serving Him.

 

I mention the opportunity that looking at one’s life to see how God has prepared him or her for ministry. There are many other areas that play a part in whether God can use a person. One, there has to be a passion to do something with the gifts that God has given. There are three responsibilities that a church has to help a person to be prepared. First it must disciple everyone who is willing to grow beyond conversion to become mature Christians. Secondly, it must recognize the potential in them. Lastly, it must provide the mentoring process that will raise up mature and godly leaders who will respond to the call on their lives to sacrificially serve Him, even in the difficult times that face every church. These are the very unexpected leaders who will carry the church forward into the next generation. Some of these positions are not those for which a person volunteers but must sense a call from God to serve. God chooses those He desires to be leaders. We must take great care that we do not cop out of the opportunities given to each person. If God has placed a call on one’s life there is probably no reason not to serve without being disobedient. Almost no leader will choose the difficult road of leadership, but will respond to a need that he cannot avoid.

 

Hebrews 5:1-2

If one would look back to the beginning of the priesthood in the Jewish faith there is not a more unlikely candidate than the family of Levi. Levi was not to receive an inheritance in the Promised Land because of his brutality. (See Jacob’s blessing in Genesis 49:5-7) Aaron, Levi’s grandson, who became the first high priest was a weak leader who could not even control the people while Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments. He even lied about the origin of the golden calf. (See Exodus 32:2-6, 21-24) The writer wrote that it was this kind of man that God sovereignly anointed as priest from among men to offer to Him both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

 

It is clear that he was able present the offerings because he was just every other man with a sinful nature. The very characteristics given by the writer that the people were ignorant, misguided, weak, fit the high priest as well. Because he understood the nature of all men there was no criticism or lording it over others but dealing with them with gentleness. There was no way that he could judge others for the very acts that he himself committed.

 

1. In your mind what would have disqualified the descendants to Levi from being the priest of the nation of Israel?
2. What does this say about how God operates?
3. What is the source of leadership in the Church? (Those who God sovereignly calls out from among the people)
4. What lesson can be learned from God’s selection? (Since He chose sinful man to be priests, we have to remember that we have no right to look down on others but are to deal gently with them as others do so for us.)
5. In what ways would the characteristics given by the writer fit us?
6. What do we have that the nation of Israel did not possess? (The teachings of Jesus.)

 

Hebrews 5:3

Knowing that he was a sinner the high priest offered the sacrifice for sin first for himself and then for the people. (See Leviticus 9:7)

 

1. In what way does this practice match up with the teaching of Jesus found in Matthew 7:5?
2. What does the fact that the high priest was to offer the sacrifice for himself first say about him? (He was not above others because he also was guilty of sin.)

 

Hebrews 5:4

The position of high priest was not one for which a person volunteered. It was given to man by appointment from God.

 

1. What are some of the positions in Christendom for which a person should not volunteer?
2. What does it mean to be called by God to serve?
3. How are we to respond to the call of God?
4. What are some of the ways that you can recognize the call?
5. How does God use others to help a person recognize a call?

 

Hebrews 5:5-6

Not even Jesus, the Son of God took it upon himself to declare that He was high priest among men. God, however, anointed Him to that position.   It was out of the norm for Jesus and Melchizedek to have been priest. Neither of them were descendants of Aaron which would have disqualified them from the position. The story of Melchizedek is found in Genesis 14:18-21. The significance of the story, according to the writer of Hebrews, will be discussed a little later in Hebrews. Both were anointed by God to be priest. (See Psalm 2:7; 110:4) Although Jesus did not assume the practice of offering sacrifices during His earthly ministry, especially because of His own sinlessness, He did make the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of others on the cross thus sealing the perpetual eternal priesthood for Himself.

 

1. Why did Jesus not assume the role of priest during his first coming? (It was given to the sons of Aaron at that point.)
2. What gave Him the right to be called high priest? (God anointed Him.)
3. How did He qualify? (By becoming the ultimate bridge builder to God through His death on the cross.)
4. What one fact do we need to know about Melchizedek at this point? (God anointed him as priest forever.)

 

Hebrews 5:7-8

The idea of His prayers and supplications could have referred to His cries on behalf of the people that are seen throughout the gospels. This verse, however, is probably about His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane on that last night before His crucifixion. One commentator stated that He may have been praying that His death would not be a premature one at the hands of those who came to capture Him. It was also in all likelihood a cry out of the horror He was about to face in taking all of man’s sin upon Himself. God listened because of the righteousness of His Son but answered that the event of the crucifixion must take place. God could have saved Him but Jesus was obedient to carrying out the last act of what He had come to do.

 

1. What are some of the examples we have in Scripture when Jesus cried out on behalf of others?
2. What made the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane different? (The events that were to take place were both universal and personal. He was about to be touched by the sins He was incapable of committing during His lifetime.)
3. What events have occurred that have brought about the strongest prayers in your life?
4. How have you been comforted by God even though you knew that you must face a situation head on?
5. What is the one word you would use to describe such a time? (Courage is knowing what lies ahead and following through with the action necessary anyway.)

 

Hebrews 5:9-10

His total obedience had made Him perfect in the eyes of His Father. Because of His life and sacrifice He had provided eternal salvation to those who were willing to obey Him. God had decided that Jesus would be the unlikely high priest, not according to family ties, who was different from all the others because He accomplished what they could not with all of their sacrifices. A picture of that priesthood was once again shown by Melchizedek who stepped onto the pages of history to bless Abraham and then disappeared.

 

1. What brought about the perfection of Christ?
2. How can we become mature in Christ?
3. What did Jesus provide for every man because of His obedience leading to perfection? (Eternal salvation)
4. What was lacking in the priesthood of Aaron’s descendants?
5. Why did the writer spend so much time speaking of the priesthood of Jesus? (To show to those who were about to desert Christianity the superiority of Jesus over every priest who was limited in what he could accomplish)

 

• Help others recognize the call on their lives for service.
• Seek to discover the purpose God has for your life.
• Realize that you as a sinner must have compassion on all fallen people.
• Be an encouragement to those in leadership roles knowing that they are your representatives in certain ministries of the church.
• Make sure that prayer and God’s word are the foundation upon which you make decisions
• Remember that God is the One who has placed call on your not to be comfortable but to service even
• Give honor to those who have been called into positions of leadership knowing that they have received a specific call to that area of service.

 

As I began this lesson I want to emphasize the fact once again that the plans that we make are not always according to the purpose of God in our lives. All through history the directions of a nation or a people have been altered because a person responded to an unexpected call upon his or her life. What a different world might be in place today if those individuals had chosen to ignore God’s hand on them. There is a Proverb that says, “The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) Many other Scriptures say that God is ultimately in control of man. Our responsibility to be open and willing to change our desires to match up with what God wants to do. Remember our lives are to be all about Him and not ourselves.

 

Lesson 6

Heed the Word

Hebrews 4:1-16

October 25, 2015

 

The old description of the tools that God provided to each person holds true for me. I have never seen a set of instruction manuals that I like. What usually takes the normal person a short period of time to assemble or to understand how something works becomes a major project for me. The Bible can be that way for many of us. There are many things that are difficult to understand but the central core teachings are very clear. Having said that I came to realize a long time ago to make that happen I must put forth the effort to read and study what it says. Even though I am in the word every day I find myself forgetting details from one reading until I get back to that same material several months later. I cannot imagine how much I would lose if I chose to put the book on the shelf for many months or a year. God’s word will only have meaning if I read, study, read and study on a continual basis. Personally, I hope that at the end of my days God’s word will be just as dear to me as it is today. I truly want it to be the guidebook of my life. Drifting away would only allow false ideas to enter into me and cause me to get further and further from God.

 

Josh McDowell in his book, “God Breathed” gave an important perspective of God’s word. He wrote, “No matter who we are, or how varied our human experience, God’s word has been transmitted through the perspectives, emotions and circumstances of His spokesmen to meet our needs just at the right time.” This fact has been true ever since Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament.

 

Unfortunately, just the opposite is happening to many so-called churches around the globe today. Because the entire counsel of God is not important to them they have cherry picked the verses or passages they want to believe. To do so will lead them down a path of spiritual destruction and compromise with the world. All one has to do is turn on the TV to one of the many religious networks available and he will be inundated with  prosperity messages that say God is like a Sugar Daddy who will take care of all of ones needs. Their mindset is that God does not want His people to suffer at all. It is difficult to bring people back to the truth when the Word has been sugar coated and pretty much allows them to live in the world of false teachings.

 

As we continue our study we must not forget the reason the author penned this sermon/letter. The priests in Antioch were in danger of falling away from the faith and returning to dead religious practices. All the writer said was not only for them but to exhort each of us to keep strong in our faith.

 

Hebrews 4:1-2

The greatest fear that any man should have is to come up short and too late to enter into the place of rest with God. Resting in God signifies that relationship in which a man finds joy and peace. Man can hear the good news of the Gospel but because he refuses to heed its words he will receive no benefit from. To understand what God is trying to say it must be received with faith. To hear and respond is a clear indication of man’s salvation. A person who is truly saved will not lose it but, can spend a life of warring within himself full of anxiety and doubt.

 

1. What should be the greatest fear a man has? (Missing out on salvation and the peace and joy it brings)
2. How does a man miss that opportunity?
3. How long is it available to him? (Hebrews speaks of today because that is all any man is given.)
4. What has God given that leaves us without any excuse of coming into His rest? (The Gospel message)
5. What allows a man to profit from the word of God? (Faith in its truth.)
6. In what ways were the men of old, the recipients of the book of Hebrews and us alike? (We have all heard the message of God through the Gospel.)

 

Hebrews 4:3

For the children of Israel the idea of rest was a place, the Promised Land, that God had promised to them. The writer indicated that it takes faith to enter into God’s rest. Because the Israelites were stubborn, unbelieving and disobedient at Kadesh-Barnea they were not allowed to enter the place God had promised them. Everything they were to receive had been prepared before the world began. The way a man comes to salvation and rest in God was established long before Christ ever came.

 

1. In what way did the children of Israel think about the idea of rest in God? (It was a place, the Promised Land.)
2. Why could the Promised Land never be what God meant by rest? (Because it is a relationship not a physical spot on the earth. They did not trust Him therefore they missed out on what He wanted to do in their lives.)
3. What was the one act that kept them from the early entry into Israel? (Disobedience at Kadesh-Barnea.)
4. When was the work complete for the provision of man’s salvation? (Everything that God has planned for man from the beginning was already put into place before the foundation of the world)
5. How does that make you feel?

 

Hebrews 4:4-5

When God had completed His creative work on the seventh day, the Bible tells us that He rested on the seventh day. He saw that all was good and He rested. Although He had finished with creation, He has from that time kept His watchful eye on His creation. He wanted the Israelites to reach the point when their work of destroying God’s enemies was complete and they could rest in the comfort of all He wanted to provide for them. They however have never experienced that kind of peace because they have always been a disobedient people.

 

1. What does the Bible mean when it talks about God resting?
2. What would happen if He ever stopped watching over His creation for one second? (It would fly apart. He is the One who sustains the order of the universe.)
3. In what way were the Israelites to enter into God’s rest? (By completing the task God had given to them. They did not trust Him enough to finish the destruction of His enemies.)
4. How do we enter into His rest and not miss out? (Trusting Him with everything in our lives.)

 

Hebrews 4:6-10

Three things are obvious in what the writer had said:

• At the time he wrote Hebrews there were those who would still have the opportunity to enter the rest of God.
• Those for whom the promise was originally given by God did not enter into His rest.
• Much later David wrote that those who were living in his lifetime should listen to what God had to say and not become disobedient while they still had time today to do so.

 

He went on to say that David would not have written those words if the rest actually came at the time that Joshua led the people into Canaan. Therefore the opportunity to enter into that relationship with God is still available for man even today. The one who has availed himself of the joy and peace that comes with the completion of the task given to man is in the same position as the Father. Both are in a state of rest.

 

1. What assurance was the writer trying to give to the priests who were thinking about leaving the faith?
2. What does that mean to us?
3. How do you hear what God is saying to you?
4. How do we know that the rest about which David spoke is still available? (The writer of Hebrews argues that the Israelites did not obtain the rest because of disobedience. David then implies that the door is still open to each man who responds to God’s call while he has the opportunity and does close his heart to the word of God.)
5. How do we know that we can have the rest? (God has set the example and allows us to enter into His rest. In the Old Testament He gave them the Sabbath Day as a picture of what man is to do.)
6. How are so many hardening their hearts today?
7. What is the danger of doing so?

 

Hebrews 4:11

The recipients rather than giving up on their faith were called to be diligent in seeking that relationship with God. The writer once again encouraged them to remain steadfast and to not fall away in disobedience as their ancestors had about fourteen hundred years earlier and were not able to receive the promise of God.

 

1. What does it mean to be diligent in something? How do we stay diligent in our faith and obedience?
2. Why must we be diligent in our seeking after resting in God’s provision? (It is all too easy to drift away if our focus does not remain on Him.)
3. What are some of the things that may cause you to fall away?
4. What are some the ways that we show our disobedience to the Father?
5. The Israelites did not enter into the Promise Land because of fear of the unknown. In what way is fear a sign of disobedience?

 

Hebrew 4:12-13

The word of God is described as:

• It is dynamic and vital to understand our relationship to God
• It is active and effective in pointing out God’s ways to man
• Sharper than a two edge sword. It penetrates and exposes the very depths of man’s true being before the Father. Nothing can be hidden from Him for He knows every thought and sees every deed done by man. (See Psalm 139.) Ultimately, every man will be confronted by God in a way that leaves no room for an escape from His judgment.

 

1. How does the writer describe God’s word?
2. What does it mean for it to be living?
3. How is it effective in your life?
4. How do you react to the idea that there is nothing in your life that can be hidden from God?
5. In what way will you be judged at the end of time? (Two judgments are possible. The saved with their name in the Book of Life and the unsaved facing eternal separation from God. The second one every man will have to answer for his deeds and thoughts.)
6. What must we do to be pleasing to Him?

 

Hebrews 4:14-16

The writer returned to the theme of speaking of the high priest available to every man. He first indicated that Jesus had passed into the place in the highest of heavens where His Father welcomed Him and where He now sits at the right hand of God. Because man has such an eternal high priest he is to hold fast to the decision that was made at some point to follow Him. The reasons man can have confidence in Him are:

• He is able to sympathize with man’s weaknesses
• He was tempted as man but was completely without sin.

 

For those reasons man is able to come to His throne when he is in need and know that he will receive mercy and grace from the One who completely understands what man is experiencing.

 

1. How was Jesus as high priest different from the high priests of the Jewish religion?
2. What did the writer mean when he wrote that Jesus had passed through the heavens?
3. What is to be the result of viewing and understanding Jesus as our high priest? (We are to hold fast to the faith we have placed in Him.)
4. What did Jesus do that gave Him the right to be called our high priest? (Never sinned.)
5. Because of the completion of His work how are we able to approach Him?
6. What does it mean to receive His mercy and grace?

 

• In order to find salvation you must be sensitive to hear the Holy Spirit speaking to you through God’s word.
• Be on guard against the things of this world including false religions that will try in every way to separate you from God.
• Know that any decision you make must be made while you have time and no one knows how much you have.
• See that God’s word as living and effective.
• Know that no matter how hard you try to hide from God He is there. (Psalm 139)
• Put your total trust in Jesus Christ who has been proven to be the great bridge builder between God and man. It is the real meaning of priesthood.
• Know with all confidence that you can approach God in prayer and He will hear you.

 

Rest in God’s kingdom does not mean idleness. Even He after creating all that exists still watches over His creation with love and compassion. We have the opportunity to be at peace with the Father with the full assurance that He cares for us. He went to great lengths to make room for us in His family. Rather than falling away at any point in our lifetime we are to be busy serving Him and proclaiming the Gospel in a world that finds it difficult to accept the grace and mercy He provides.

 

He says over and over listen to and truly hear My word. It is only through diligence in studying and meditating on His word can we truly come to know Him. Only by staying in the living word are we able to persevere to the end of our days. In the message of the Bible we have the weapons to fight against the enemy and have the assurance of the victory He has guaranteed. Jesus was and is still the answer for each of us because He has won the victory over sin and death once and for all times. In confidence we can come to the high priest who will walk along side of us in all of life’s situations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 5

What About Today

Hebrews 3:1-19

October 11, 2015

 

The “P” word has been my mode of operation for as long as I can remember. I have been a procrastinator with a capital P. There may be such a thing as a procrastinator club but I doubt if it could ever meet because no one would be able to decide when to hold the meeting. There have been many times when I would be finishing up a report or paper on the way to school. I often spent a whole day studying for a test hoping that I would be able to cram enough knowledge in my brain to pass. One excuse that people like me use is that I work best under pressure. My theme song is Manana which in Spanish means tomorrow. There was one decision that I did not dare put off until another day. When the Holy Spirit spoke to me about becoming a Christian I accepted the call on my life. I was too young to know that failure to accept Christ carried with it dire consequences. As I have grown and seen others that have put it off until it was too late I realize how blessed I am. We have all heard stories of people who believed they had plenty of time left in life to come to Christ only to have their life cut short by an accident or heart attack.

 

Many are putting off until tomorrow a major decision that should be addressed this very minute. There is urgency to the decision, especially when we see the world collapsing all around us. I am truly concerned about all of the people who I know have not turned their lives over to Christ. I am truly thankful that Christ opened the door for me to become part of His family and receive the heavenly blessings that He offers. When I read Matthew and Revelation that tell us how unexpectingly the end times can come I worry even more about their spiritual condition. Jesus said that no man knows when the day or hour will come when there is no more opportunity to become a Christian. In the Book of Revelation often God brings plagues on people not to destroy them but to bring them into a relationship with Him. Sadly, rather than turning to God they turned their backs on Him, therefore suffering ultimate death.

 

Statistically, the church is losing ground. There are less people attending than there was even five to ten years ago. One reason is the decline in the number of millennials who have no desire to be part of the Church. Another factor has been the emphasis on evangelism without following up with discipleship training for new believers. There is probably an even greater threat than those. People have lost interest in church because the world offers so many other alternatives from participation in all kinds of sports to other forms of just having fun.

 

Many of those who have become church members have drifted away because they never learned what it meant to be a member. Up until recently we have done a fairly good job of getting people inside the building. Our problem is what do we need to do to keep them from leaving. Sadly, most of us have not been discipled, thus we are not capable of leading others down the path of being true followers of Christ. The writer was dealing with the same situation during the time he was writing. The bloom and initial excitement of the new life had worn off and the reality of the cost to be a believer had set in on them. Thankfully the writer had not given up on them and continued to lay out for them the very reasons not to give up.

 

Hebrews 3:1

Christ had done His part in God’s plan for mankind. Because Jesus had accomplished the salvation of man every person now had a new relationship with the Father. The writer used two words that were very descriptive. Believers were now called holy brethren. The word holy denotes one who as been set apart and consecrated to the work of the work of God. In one place God had said that man was to be holy as He was holy. The writer had already indicated that Jesus was not ashamed to call those who followed Him brothers. See Hebrews 2:11.

 

These believers were now recipients of a heavenly calling. It was a two-pronged call. First it was from heaven to men in the life of Jesus. Secondly, it was call that leads man heavenly. His full attention is now to be given to Christ who is at the right hand of God. This same idea is found in Colossians 3:1-3. Jesus is then described in two ways. They were as:

• The word Apostle is apostolos, one sent in the name of or to represent someone else. Another word for this kind of representative is ambassador. Christ came with a the message of salvation from the Father
• High Priest. More will be said about this title in later lessons, but for now it can be described by the word pontifex. To be a pontifex was to be a bridge-builder. Jesus was the one who bridged the gap between sinful mankind and a holy God.

When man confessed his sin and became a believer it was because Christ had filled both of those roles in his life. The High priest was the only one who could go into the holy of holies. It is the very place into which Christ has entered and through His work now grants man to enter there.

 

1. What gave believers the status of being called holy brethren? (The work Christ did for him on the cross.)
2. What does it mean to you to be called holy?
3. What are the two parts of the heavenly calling? (God reaching down to man to bring him into a relationship with Him. It is both heaven to earth and earth to heaven in it scope.)
4. What does it mean when the writer calls Jesus an Apostle?
5. Why did he also designate Him as High Priest?
6. What does it mean for us that Christ is our High Priest?

 

Hebrews 3:2-3

Jesus was sent by the Father to accomplish one task. He faithfully carried through with it. There is another man who is mentioned at this point. The writer said that Moses was also faithful in his work in the community of the Israelites. That having been said the writer goes on to point out that as great as Moses was Jesus was greater. Moses’ work was limited to the nation of Israel. Christ had a greater honor because He was the Son of God and the creator of the entire universe. In Ephesians 3:15 Paul spoke of the fact that every family in heaven and on earth had received its name from God. Man is limited and serves where God has put him in a family or society. Christ is infinite and directs what goes on in the lives of people as the owner of all that man can behold.

 

1. In what way was Christ faithful to the Father?
2. What is the difference between Moses and Jesus? (Moses was God’s servant in Israel while Jesus is the Son of God in control of all things.)
3. What was another distinguishing difference between the two? (Moses had his limits of time and space in which to operate. Christ was still God even when on the earth.
4. What gives you the greatest satisfaction in your faith? (Hopefully it is that you are doing what God has taught you to do so that He might receive the glory.)
5. In what way do these verses describe humility? (Realizing that we are the created and not the creator.)

 

Hebrews 3:5-6

Once again Moses is described as a servant of God to the nation of Israel. By His actions Christ proved Himself faithful to the Father over all of creation. The writer emphasizes this by calling the followers of Christ the Son of God as His house. Man is part of that house or building if he stays committed to Him who is man’s only hope to the very end.

 

1. How did Jesus show His faithfulness over all of creation and especially all who believe in Him? (By carrying out the plan of salvation for all men.)
2. What was Moses’ role in the world? (As servant to one nation.)
3. How do we show that we are part of God’s house?
4. What does hope mean to you? (See Romans 8:24 and Hebrew 11:1 to understand.)

 

Hebrews 3:7-11

Psalm 95:7-11 refers to either one or two incidences in the life of Israel and the Moses. The first is found in Numbers 20:1-13. As they had done so many times before the children of Israel were complaining because things were not going their way. The source of their grumbling was the lack of water. Back in Exodus 17 Moses had obeyed God and struck a rock bringing water to the people. He named that location Maasah, meaning testing and Meribah, translated quarrel. In this incident in Numbers God told Moses to speak to the rock and water would come. Out of his frustration and anger he did not seem to hear God’s command and instead of speaking to the rock he struck it twice with his staff. He also claimed to be the one who was providing the water. That place was aptly named Meribah meaning contention. Because of his disobedience he was not allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land, the place of rest.

 

The second reference is found in Numbers 14:1-10, 22-23. Moses had sent 12 spies into Canaan to see what the land held for them. Upon their return ten out of the twelve brought back a bad report stating that there was no way that the Israelites could possibly conquer the land. When the people heard the report they refused to go into the Promised Land. God then spoke to Moses with this message for the people. “Surely all of the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it.”

 

At that point God had had enough of their grumblings and murmurings. It was the proverbial “Straw that broke the camel’s back.” As a result of their disobedience they spent the next thirty-eight years wandering around in the wilderness until everyone over twenty years old had died except for Joshua and Caleb who had been faithful and had not agreed with their fellow spies. The people missed out on the reward that God had planned for them because they made the wrong decision on that day. Like so many others in the Bible they hardened their heart and did not hear the word of God.

 

1. What do these two incidences tell us?
2. What does it say about God? (He expects our obedience.)
3. What were the consequences of their rebellion?
4. Why had He not destroyed them prior to this incident? (The others were for personal needs which He would have supplied them anyway.)
5. What was different about the occasions in Numbers 14 and 20? (They were acts of open rebellion against God’s commands.)
6. In what ways do we rebel against God?

 

Hebrews 3:12

The writer now returned to the real message behind the passages. The priests were about to commit open rebellion against God by rejecting the very salvation that had been given them and putting themselves back under the law. The writer indicated that such actions came from and evil and unbelieving heart. They were about to deny the work of Christ in their lives.

 

1. What was the message behind the passage he used from Psalm 95? (Not understanding that God gives the opportunity to enter to His rest but man needs to hear His voice and take advantage of His call while there was still time.)
2. What were the priests about to do? (Make the same mistake that the Israelites had made and rejected God’s offer for salvation in the Promised Land.)
3. In the mind of the writer what did the action to become a Jew once again say about the priests? (They came from an evil and unbelieving heart.)
4. What are some of the things in our society that once again can enslave us?
5. In what ways is falling away and indication of an evil and unbelieving heart?

 

Hebrews 3:13

When a person is weak and is about to succumb to the pulls on his soul by the world it is the responsibility of those who are more spiritually mature to provide the encouragement one needs to face the challenges that may come his way “Today.” Hopefully such a word will keep a person from becoming enslaved by sin. Many times in the Bible examples of a hardened heart lead to the destruction of an individual. The writer wanted to warn them and keep the person from falling into sin.

 

1. What is the danger for man when he is not rooted and grounded in faith?
2. What is the responsibility of the spiritual mature toward that person?
3. When is the only opportunity, according to what we have seen in this chapter, to encourage and strengthen a person’s faith? (It is during the limited amount of time a person has in this lifetime. Beyond that it is too late to do anything.)
4. What was about to happen to the priests who were thinking about returning to the Jewish religion? (Become slaves of the Law.)
5. What is the consequence for us when we walk away from Christ?

 

Hebrews 3:14-15

The evidence of the decision made at the opportune time, “Today,” is the faithfulness that lasts for a lifetime. By using the word persevere, the writer indicates that it is not going to be easy and will take all the energy man has in him to live such a life. To walk away a man says that the confession to follow Christ was not genuine one. Care must be taken not to interpret this verse as saying that a person can lose his or her salvation because once a person is truly saved salvation cannot be lost. The writer is specifically talking about those who were about to give up and walk away from their commitment. Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

 

1. What is the evidence of a true believer? (He or she perseveres in their faith for a lifetime.)
2. What does it mean to persevere? (A person weathers the storms of life without losing faith. See Matthew 7:24)
3. What care must be taken in interpreting these verses regarding salvation? (Man cannot lose a salvation that is genuine. Those who walk away never were truly saved in the first place. We are to be the judge of who is saved or not that is up to God to judge.)
4. How does Luke 9:62 and Matthew 7:24 relate to these verses?
5. What do you believe about your own salvation?
6. What evidence is there in your own life that you have been truly saved? (Have no desire to turn one’s back on Christ but perseveres in one’s walk.)

Hebrews 3:16-19

The writer asked several questions related to those who had received the promise of God but then rebelled. He asked:

• Who provoked Him when they heard the words of God? (Those who had come out of Egypt with Moses.)
• With whom was He angry for the total of forty years?
• Was it not the sinners, rebellious ones, who suffered death because of their disobedience?
• Who were declared unworthy to enter into God’s rest, the Promised Land? (It was those who were disobedient.)

He then reinforces the truth that it was the disobedient who missed out on the opportunity before them because of their disbelief.

 

1. In what ways could we make these questions applicable to what is taking place around us today?
2. How might the church be guilty of some of these charges?
3. How can we be sure that God would not be addressing us with these questions?
4. What are the opportunities you may miss out on if you are disobedient?

 

• Do not take your salvation for granted remembering that it cost the life of Christ.
• Try to understand that you have a new relationship with Christ as holy brothers.
• Guard your salvation with all the energy within you knowing that the devil would have you drift back into the world.
• Do not procrastinate in taking advantage of the opportunities God gives you to serve Him.
• Be rooted and grounded in your own faith that you may be an encourager to those who are weak.
• Live in such a way that there is evidence in your life that you are truly a follower of Christ.

 

We live in a world today that lacks an understanding of commitment. On every level there are those who walk away from their responsibilities. There is no better example of this attitude than the church. This chapter has warned us of the consequences for failing to fulfill the calling of God in service. Jesus continually called His disciples to greater and greater degrees of loyalty to Him and His work. We are in long line of followers who have continued to work faithfully for the kingdom. This chapter gives two words that will serve us well. The first is “Today.” I once read a statement by William Barclay that has stuck with me. In essence he said of all of us that if we miss and opportunity to witness, to share, to serve in the moment the chance for the circumstances to be the same will be gone. I will finish with a story about D.L. Moody, the great evangelist of the 19^th century. One night in his church he closed the service by telling the people to think about what had been said and to return the next week with a decision to follow through on what they had heard. Sadly that night the Great Chicago fire burned a good portion of the city including the church where Moody preached. Reflecting on the fact that the same great crowd would never be brought together again, He committed himself to making sure no one ever left a service where he was preaching before having the opportunity of making the most important decision any of us can make. Today is the day of salvation 2 Corinthians 6:2.

 

The second word is persevere. We are to be steadfast in our faith. Being an example of those who remain committed to our faith will speak volumes to the world that believes in easy Christianity. The writer stated very clearly that it is those who are steadfast to the end are those who are going to be saved. We are to do our part in encouraging those who are being wooed by all the world seems to offer to choose the better part and work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12.

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 4

What a Man!

Hebrews 2:5-18

October 4, 2015

 

What is man’s worth? Jim Putman in “Real Life Discipleship” wrote that every person make have a different function but are not of any less value than the most mature leader in the church. I had a sense of this in the Episcopal Church I attended in North Carolina many years ago. The young minister entrusted me with areas of responsibilities that I did not experience for a long time after that. There have been times when I did not sense that I was important. When we moved back to Richmond I soon found myself in the position of an outsider. Many times as a kid I felt as I was out on the periphery of what was taking place. One example that comes to mind took place during youth week we had every year at church. It always seemed more like a popularity contest than giving some an opportunity to learn. After a while you begin to believe that you are of not much value in this world. It was easy to forget how important I was to God. I did not understand what salvation truly meant. It does not matter how the world views you but how God sees you. It took me a long time to realize that I am truly a member of His kingdom and heir to all He has to offer. Humanly speaking I am one who still wants to serve Him with the talents etc. he has given me. Sometimes I forget that it does not matter what that position might be as long as I am serving Him.

 

We sometimes in church get so caught up with our own Bible Study Class, ministry or position that we leave out a lot of people who may have a great deal to offer. We do not know about them because they are not ones who promote themselves. They are those who need to be searched out and given tasks that fit their giftedness. It is possible that they have been so beaten down by the world and the church that they believe they have nothing to offer. We do not know what people are like because we are so busy doing our own thing that we do not take the time to get to know them. The vast majority of our people are involved in Sunday morning Bible Study but have no other venues to get to know each other. God sees them as something special and we dare not view them as anything less than He does.

 

Hebrews 2:5

In chapter one to which this verse refers Christ was shown as having supremacy over the angels. There are two ways to look at this verse and the ones to follow. Some commentators believe the writer was speaking of man while others saw him talking about Jesus. Either way it is a powerful image of God’s concern for mankind. It is a picture of the future of man once lost but once again reinstated to his position as having dominion over God’s creation.

 

1. How do you see this verse as a continuation of, or different from what the writer described in chapter one?
2. If all of creation is to be under the dominion of man why do we not see it taking place right now? (Man’s rule was lost when Adam and Eve succumbed to the devil.)
3. What is your view of whom the writer is describing?
4. When did man lose his position of having dominion over the entire creation of God?
5. What does this say about man’s position in comparison to that of the angels? (God never has spoken of angels ruling over anything in the future?

 

Hebrews 2:6-8

The writer begins this section by asking, why does God even concern Himself with His highest creation? Originally in the garden the Psalmist said that man was created to be just a little less than God. There is confusion about the meaning of this verse because the Greek translation and the original Hebrew differ. Both use the word Elohim. In the Greek it means angels while the Hebrew use it to refer to God. It would seem that at least in this verse the better translation would be lower than God if it were to convey the idea of man being greater eventually than the angels as again having dominion over all of creation including the angels. He ends this description by saying that man has not arrived at the point of having everything in subjection to him.

 

1. Why do you believe God cares so much about man?
2. How did God intend to show the love He had for man from the very beginning? (By putting him in charge of everything.)
3. How do you prefer to translate Elohim in these verses?
4. What did the writer mean when he stated that “that we do not see all things subjected to him.” (There will come a time when man is returned to his position of being just a little lower than God and having dominion over His creation.)
5. Why has that time not yet come? (The devil still has reign in the lives of men. One day he will be completely removed from the scene. At that point man will once again be as he was before the fall because of the work of Jesus.)

 

Hebrews 2:9

Even Jesus was willing to be made a little lower than either the angels or His father for a while that He might experience what it was like to be a man. He had one purpose for doing it. He was to suffer and die for all of mankind so the grace of God would once again belong to man. Because he obeyed the Father He again returned to heaven with glory and honor the position He had held before the foundation of the world.

 

1. Why was Jesus willing to become like man?
2. What did He experience that none of us will ever face?
3. What did He earn for us because of His sacrifice? (God’s grace)
4. What did it mean for Jesus to be crowned with glory and honor?
5. What does Jesus’ work mean to you?

 

Hebrews 2:10-11

The writer wanted to make it very clear what it took for man to be saved. It cost the very life of the One who both created and owned everything. Although Jesus never needed to be perfected in His moral life it was important however that He through His identification with the sufferings of man to be made the pioneer or founder of the way to life that was free from the power of the devil. The Greek word used here is archegos, which means several things. It could be:

• The head or chief
• Founder or originator
• Sense or origin
• The one who begins something so that others might enter after him

 

His death defeated the power that the devil had over man. Jesus by His work restored man to a new relationship with the Father. Because man had been set apart to God Jesus was not ashamed of them but called them brothers.

 

The story of Joseph and his brothers in the Old Testament reflects the heart of Jesus and His Father. Even after his brothers had sold him into slavery he was willing to forgive them and was not ashamed to present them to the Pharaoh as his brothers. (Genesis 37-50)

 

1. What did it cost God to purchase our salvation?
2. Who was this Jesus?
3. What does it mean to be sanctified?
4. What does it mean to belong to God? (Our sanctification makes us a part of God’s family.)
5. How does the story of Joseph give us an understanding of what Jesus did for us?

 

Hebrews 2:12-13

To back up his argument for the new relationship the writer went again to the Old Testament. The verses are found in:

• Psalm 22:22 speaks of brothers and the community of believers
• Isaiah 8:17 talks of trust
• Isaiah 8:18 called believers the children given to Him by God the Father.

 

1. How do these verses reinforce the argument presented above?
2. What does it mean to you to be thought of as a brother of Jesus and a child of God?
3. What is the one danger in thinking of oneself as a brother of Christ? (We may take Jesus for granted and make it less than the Son of God and Savior of the world.)

 

Hebrews 2:14-15

The writer continued with the thought of man as children of God. Because man is flesh and blood in order to defeat the devil Jesus also became flesh and blood. As both man and God in the flesh His death freed man from the stranglehold the devil had on God’s children. The ultimate weapon used to hold man in bondage was the fear of death. By His own death Jesus showed to the world that man need not be afraid of dying and that physical death was not the end of man but the beginning of eternity for him.

 

1. Why did Jesus come to earth as a man? (All of His children are flesh and blood.)
2. What did His dying as a man say about His relationship with man? (He understood what they were experiencing and could only show them that they could be victorious over death.)
3. How did the devil use death as a tool to enslave man?
4. Why do even Christians still fear dying?
5. What is our guarantee because of what Christ did on the cross?

 

Hebrews 2:16

One thing the writer wanted the priests that were weak in their faith to know. Christ came for mankind. The angels did not need the salvation that Jesus had freely brought to the descendants of Abraham.

 

1. Why did Jesus not come to help the angels?
2. To whom was Jesus sent?
3. Why did the writer use the name of Abraham? (He was the father of the Hebrew people and the one who had received the original covenant making his descendants God’s chosen people. Abraham and everyone who followed him needed what only Christ could provide.)
4. How is it that, if this true, anyone could believe he does not need what Jesus has to offer him or her? See Matthew 3:7-10 to see how John the Baptist dealt with that issue.

 

Hebrews 2:17-18

• There was one last thing to be said in regard the discourse found in this chapter. There was no way apart from becoming man could Jesus fully understand what man was experiencing. He had to become like him in order to become his merciful representative before God. There is old idea that comes from the saying, that you really cannot understand what a person is going through until you walk a mile in his shoes. This is one reason that affinity groups like grief share and AA are so successful. Those individuals leading and attending have a common experience they can share with others. Jesus did this for mankind. By becoming man and experiencing all of the temptations faced by them He was able to stand in their place and take their sins upon Himself on the cross.

 

1. How was Jesus able to understand what man was going through?
2. What did this allow Him to do for mankind?
3. What examples can you share of people or groups that provide this kind of concern for others?
4. What does the saying walk a mile in one’s shoes mean to you?
5. What is the one thing that no person or group can do for you?
6. Why?
7. What did Jesus become when He went to the cross? (The propitiation for our sins. He became our stand in or substitute to do what we could not do for ourselves.)

 

• As Paul told Timothy to let no one look down on him because he was young, you should never feel inferior to anyone because you have been saved by Jesus Christ, therefore you are the brother or sister of the Son of God.
• Remember that you have been made in the image of God. This is not something about which one should boast but fall before God in thankfulness and humility.
• You are to view others who may have been beat up by the world with great compassion and love.
• Before criticizing or judging someone else think about what it would be like to walk in his or her shoes.
• Remember it is not you that can gain salvation on your own. It took the cross and resurrection to secure it for you.
• Think of Jesus as the pioneer that has led the way for us to enter into the very presence of God.

 

If we look to Christ as our example we are to view everyone who comes into the church as an opportunity to show them what a follower of Christ really is like. They should see a people who are full of humility because they have received the salvation that only Christ could provide. We must forget what it cost Christ and His Father to reinstate us to the position with Him that was lost in the Garden. The world continues to suffer but we know ultimately that Christ will return and be victorious over sin. When that happens Hebrews tells us that we will once again have dominion over His creation including the angel. What the church is to be is the training ground preparing us once again for that day. I personally do not want to miss out in sharing His glory but it must begin with the church today. The verses between chapter 1 and verse 5 of chapter 2 tell us that we are to stay true to the Word of God and not drift away from the truths found on its pages. Only then will we be ready to truly warrant the name of brother or sister in Christ.

 

 

 

 

Lesson 3

The Infallible Word of God

Hebrews 2:1-18

September 27, 2015

 

Each morning as I pray the very fact that God would have anything to do with me amazes me. As I think about all of the limitations that I have I am so thankful that God never will turn away and leave me to fend for myself. Somehow out of all the others just like me He has reached down with His awesome love and chose me to be part of His family. I could never take credit for any part of my salvation because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I do not deserve it. Now, you might ask how do I know for sure that I was lost and then found? The answer for me is that His word from cover to cover shows the state of man without Christ and what happens to him after the Lord comes into his life. One example that I have used many times from comes from my thoughts from the very beginning of the Bible. To me it is surprising that God knew for the foundation of the world that Adam and Eve were going to stumble in the Garden of Eden and yet He created them anyway. That one fact shows just how much God loves man created in His own image. From the beginning God had a plan for man that was sidetracked because of sin. Our study will show us that plan and how we will be restored to that calling.

 

One of the reasons so many are turning their backs on the church today is the shallow regard they have for the Word of God. Each of us would not take a course in school unless we planned to read and study the textbook assigned for the class. We know at the end we will be tested on the material contained in its pages. Classes are taken so that one can graduate. They are a preparation for one’s field of endeavor whether it is to be a doctor, lawyer or one of all of the thousands of opportunities available to them. Today, we seem to think that the church can remain unscathed by the world without endeavoring to know the guidebook that we have been given. Our responsibility is to be God’s representatives in the world to bring people into a relationship with Him yet we make no effort to learn how to do that very thing. There is a great danger that we will be found wanting because we do not obey the simplest command that He gave to us. It is “make disciples” of all people by teaching them everything He said and taught. How are we going to do that if we do not take seriously His word?

 

Hebrews 2:1

In chapter 1 the writer used a number of Old Testament passages to show the supremacy of Christ over the angels. Notice they were quotes from the Word of God. He then pointed out in this verse in strong terms how important it is to heed the Word of God. He warned the priest and man of every age that if one does not stay constantly in the study of and meditation on the Word the value and meaning will slowly drift away from a person like a ship that has gotten loose from its mooring.

 

1. What did the writer use as the source of his characterization of Christ in comparison to the angels?
2. What does the writer call each Christian to do? (Pay close attention to what is written in the Word.)
3. What is the danger we see in the church today? (Biblical illiteracy)
4. Why did he use the term slipping or drifting away? (The lost of meaning of God’s word in a person’s life does not happen all at once but is gradual.)
5. How can we make sure that we learn to pay close attention to what God wants to say to us?
6. What is the resulting life of one who neglects God’s word?

 

Hebrews 2:2

It is very clear that the writer sees the Bible as absolute truth. He began by talking about the Ten Commandments. Using the Jewish mindset of the work of the angels as messengers of God they viewed the angels as the intermediaries that actually gave the Law to Moses. Whatever way man received the Law the writer wanted the people to know that God’s commandments could not be altered in any way. They were the infallible word of God. There would be a judgment rendered on those who violated even the commandments brought to man by angels. The word used here for sinning was transgressions. They are a deliberate stepping over the line into sin by breaking God’s commands.

 

1. What word did the writer use to indicate his belief in the infallibility of God’s word? (Unalterable)
2. What made his argument even stronger? (His belief that even breaking the word of the angels if they gave the Law to Moses would be tolerated.)
3. What happens when we commit transgressions against God’s commandments? (There is judgment and a penalty to come.)
4. What does the word transgression mean?
5. Can you think of times when you have purposefully broken God’s commandments?
6. How can we minimize doing so? (Living according to the infallible word of God.)

 

Hebrews 2:3

The writer wanted the priests, who were about to turn their backs on the salvation given them through Jesus to consider some important facts. They had been provided multiple witnesses that pointed to the person of Jesus as the Messiah. Although not mentioned here in this verse the Old Testament painted a picture of the Messiah. Paul explicitly pointed out the importance of the Old Testament when he spoke of the process by which Timothy had come to salvation. He said to him, “And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
What the writer did include began with Jesus, the Lord Himself. On a number of occasions He told the disciples who He was. See John 8:58 as one example. One of the most well known conversations between Jesus and His disciples occurred at Caesarea Philippi. Jesus asked them first, who did men say He was. After various answers He then asked them who did they think He was. Peter answered for all mankind when he said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Matthew 16:13-16

 

Following His death and resurrection those who had followed Him went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere. See 1 John 1:1-3 for John’s explanation of the mission of the apostles.

 

1. What are the circumstances under which a person will turn his back on Christ? (He or she refuses to see all of the evidence found in God’s word that point to Jesus as the Savior of the world.)
2. What are some of the important passages that give the wisdom that leads to salvation?
3. In what ways did Jesus make the claim to be the Son of God?
4. What are the particular Scriptures that have helped you on your journey to salvation?
5. How do you respond to John’s words in 1 John 1:1-3 in regard to Hebrews 2:3?

 

Hebrews 2:4

If words were not enough that God provided He also witnessed to His Son by meeting the needs of all people. John Phillips in Exploring Hebrews shared the three different ways He met those needs. He witnessed with

• Signs and wonders to convince the Jews.
• Various miracles to convince the Gentiles.
• Gifts of the Holy Spirit to confirm the message to the Christians.

 

All of the methods were used by God so that the world would know the One who provided only what His Son could do because He was greater than anyone in all of creation.

 

• In order to have an ongoing relationship with God we must constantly spend time studying and meditating on God’s Word.
• Watch out for those things and people who may cause you to drift away from God.
• Understand that the word of God is the same yesterday, today and forever.
• Look for the examples of how God has worked in history to save both Jews and Gentiles.

 

We must take the word of God seriously. There is enough distraction in this world today to cause anyone who does not stay focused on the truth “to be tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine,” as Paul said in Ephesians 4:14. Thankfully, our church takes seriously the study and preaching of the Bible as the guidebook for life. It is obvious that it has made and impact on the lives of many in our church. They have remained faithful in good times and the difficult periods. We understand that discipleship is a process and that only by working at it can we be victorious. We are never to fall short on what God has called us to be. We are in the race for the long haul. It is not a sprint for any of us but a marathon. There is a good reason that God has allowed us to be part of His family. We will see that reason in the next part of chapter 2.

 

 

Lesson 2

Greater Than All of These

Hebrews 1:1-14

September 20, 2015

 

In my lifetime I have literally known hundreds of people who have left the church. Many of those have never gotten involved in a body of believers anywhere else. It makes me sad that each of them have made this world a greater priority than knowing what it means to serve the Lord somewhere. The fact is that a person cannot or wants to give his or her life to something that has no meaning to them. Not everyone who leaves a particular church does so because he is not a follower of Christ. There may be some very legitimate reasons that keep them from staying where they are. I have said many times there are at least six reasons for a person to stop attending a certain church. They are:

• The church is teaching false doctrine and refuses to change.
• A person moves to a new location that makes it difficult to commute.
• A person dies.
• A person becomes incapacitated and is physically unable to attend.
• A person is called to become part of a brand new ministry opportunity.
• There are irreconcilable divisions in the church.

 

Someone may come up with some others but these are a good start. You notice I left out what the recipients of the letter faced. None of the above included persecution and uncertainty of their future.

 

Personally, I have a left a church where I believed I could no longer worship because of the strife that was taking place between a pastor and the congregation. Knowing the pastor I felt I was caught in the middle of two warring factions and so I left. Things have not always gone perfectly in churches I have attended but that was the only time that I have followed through when times have gotten tough. Leaving a body should never be taken lightly. I do not understand at the inclination of people to leave because of something they do not like, rather than finding a solution. There have been times when I have been ready to pack up and leave but God has not released me to do so.

 

Considering all that has occurred over the last two thousand years it amazing that the church has lasted as long as it has. We can be thankful for those who have gone before us that did not give up and turn away from Christ. There are statistics that say biblical illiteracy is at an all time high. Not understanding what it means to be committed and obedient is two of the leading causes of church hopping. God never called us to an easy task. It takes a lot of work to stay where each of us is and serve. It is much easier to keep moving from church to church so that you will never be require to participate in any ministry. I know of a person who only stays one year at any one church. I have told him that he is not helping any church to grow but he does not utilize the gifts God has given him or builds any kind of relationship. He just tells me that he is restless and is looking for something he has not found yet.

 

The Messianic Jews who were the recipients of this letter were looking for greener grass by returning to the comfort and familiarity of Judaism. The writer explained that the grass was not greener and then proceeded to provide the answers they were seeking before making a decision that would bring them sorrow in the future. We too can find peace where God has placed us by living according to His word and not seeking our own way.

 

There is one thing that cannot be overlooked. No matter where we might find ourselves Christ is still at the center of who we are. We must never turn our backs on the Son of God and be swept away by emotion or any false doctrine and leave His church.

 

Hebrews 1:1

The writer begins the book with a little refresher course on how the Bible had come together. It was the very teaching that the priests who had become Christians had in the Old Testament. God had given different men parts of His revelation to mankind. Although they received the complete picture of what was to come, they were not told either the name of the Messiah or when he would come. See 1 Peter 1:10-11. Paul in other places called what they had received a mystery. Not only was it written by different men but was written in places like Egypt, the wilderness, Judea, Israel, Assyria and Babylon by men like Moses, Jeremiah, Daniel, Isaiah and many others. Each of them was given a piece of the story but never the time when it would all come together.

 

1. How did our Bible come together?
2. What was the primary source for the priests to understand what God was doing?
3. Why did God reveal the gospel in individual portions and in many places? (He gave the people what they needed to have faith that the anointed one was coming.)
4. Why did Paul call the gospel a mystery? (Because it’s meaning was hidden for thousands of years.)
5. How do you view the Old Testament?

 

Hebrews 1:2

Finally, the culmination of all of the prophecies was made complete in Jesus. Paul said in Galatians “But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son.” (Gal. 4:4) The full revelation of what God was doing was given in His Son. Jesus was the One who was to receive all of what God had, the whole of creation. He was to receive from the Father the universe that He created.

 

1. What does the words last days mean to you? (The time when the prophecies pointing to the coming of Jesus found their fulfillment.)
2. What did Paul mean by fullness of time? (Everything in society was ready for the Savior to come.)
3. Why did God send Jesus? (To take back from satan what was rightfully His.)
4. How did God accomplish that task? (By making Jesus the heir, the rightful recipient of all that belonged to God.)
5. What right did Jesus have to receive all of creation? (He created it and was taking back what belonged to God.)

 

Hebrews 1:3a

The writer begins to build his case for the supremacy of Christ by naming certain attributes Jesus possessed. He wrote about Him that He:

• Was the radiance of God’s glory. Jesus shown forth the very presence of God.
• Was the exact representation of God’s nature. This thought came from the use of a seal that produced an exact image of that seal.
• By his words maintains the entire universe. Without the continuing attention to what is taking place all of God’s creation would fall apart.

 

1. What do you think of when you hear the words the radiance of God’s glory? (Jesus showing what God is like.)
2. What does the word glory mean to you? (The awesome presence of God manifested to man.)
3. What are some examples of something that is the exact image of another object?
4. What does that mean to you in regard to what the writer of Hebrews said?
5. How different is the description of what the writer said about Christ maintaining the world than what you observe taking place all around you?
6. What then does the statement really mean? (Our planet is only a tiny speck in all of the universe. If God would were to remove His hand one second the whole of His creation would collapse into nothingness.)

 

Hebrews 1:3b

To wrest control away from the devil Jesus was crucified, died, buried and raised to life. By these acts He purified mankind from the sin that had held him captive from the time of Adam. When He had finished His work on earth He returned to heaven to take His rightful place seated at the right hand of His Father. The place at the right hand signified that all authority was given to Him. From that position He will one day return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

 

1. What did it take to release man from the control of the devil?
2. What shows us that He finished the work that God had given Him while here on earth? (He returned to heaven.)
3. What does the picture painted here by the writer say to us about Jesus?
4. What other examples can you give of the idea of the authority given to the person on the right? (One’s right hand man.)
5. Why is it important to know that Jesus has this position with the Father? (From that position of authority Jesus will return to earth to completely defeat the enemy of His people and take them home with Him. See John 14:1-6)

 

Hebrews 1:4

For all of the reasons above Jesus was shown to be in a position much greater than the angels. Which angel was capable of suffering and dying for mankind? Although not mentioned His name was Son of His Father. He was the heir to all that His Father had which the angels could never receive being created beings. There was a danger in regard to what man believed about angels that in different forms exist today. It is the idea that God is so awesome that man must have a go between when trying to talk to God. This is seen in the Mormon religion and in the Catholic religion with their emphasis on Mary and the saints. The writer wanted to make sure that the church was not prey to these false teachings.

 

1. What are the angels not capable of doing?
2. Why was it important to establish the point that Jesus was greater than the angels? (Man had a tendency to give the angels more credit than they deserved.)
3. What examples can you give that show a mistaken understanding of angels?
4. What is the one thing that we should always remember about Jesus? (He is God’s Son.)

 

Hebrews 1:5-6

The writer then gave a number of passages describing the supremacy of Jesus over the angels:

• Psalm 2:7 is the fulfillment of the messianic promise made to David that his descendants would sit on his throne forever. Because of the sinfulness of his descendants that promise was suspended until Christ will come to earth the second time.
• 2 Samuel 7:14 was actually written concerning God’s promise to David about Solomon. The writer appropriated this prophecy to speak of the relationship that God had with His Son Jesus.
• Psalm 97:7 indicates that Christ is supreme because the angels will worship Him. They have worshipped Him at every point in history whether it as coequal with the Father from eternity past, at His birth or when He took up His place of authority beside the Father.

 

1. What are the key points in each of the above verses?
2. Why could Psalm 2:7 not be about the earthly lineage of David?
3. What is the position that Jesus holds to which angels cannot hope to attain?
4. If the angels worship Jesus what should be our attitude toward Him?

 

Hebrews 1:7

Angels are many things including God’s warriors. Psalm 104:4 lays out the primary function of these created beings. He specifically made it clear that it was Christ who sent them out in their role as His messengers. See for example Luke 1 when Gabriel was sent to Mary and had previously appeared to Zacharias. In Daniel there are a number of appearances as they came to answer Daniel’s questions about dreams he had.

 

1. What is the primary task of angels?
2. What are some examples from the Bible can you name when angels appeared to men and women?
3. Why do we no longer need angels to reveal God’s word to us?
4. Why did the writer insert this verse?
5. How did the writer use this verse to compare Christ to the angels? (He was the sender. They were the carriers of His message.)

 

Hebrews 1:8

Psalm 45:6 spoke of the eternal nature of God’s anointed. His righteous kingdom will never disappear. The scepter in all cases throughout history was a sign of power and authority. There is one principle that prevails in His kingdom. It is the righteousness of God Himself.

 

1. What do you think about when you hear the word throne?
2. What has happened to every kingdom that has existed in this world?
3. What are some of the prominent ones that you can mention?
4. What happened to them?
5. Why do you believe they met such a fate?
6. What does this verse say about the kingdom over which Christ reigns?
7. What does that mean for you and me?

 

Hebrews 1:9

This verse ties in with the comparison of why God’s kingdom will last where others have failed. Psalm 45:7 states that Christ loved righteousness and hated sin. For that reason God anointed Him to carry out judgment on the evil of this world.

 

1. What is the characteristic that makes God’s kingdom different from others? (Because it is ruled by One who is righteous in everyway.)
2. What kind of person can love righteousness and hate evil? (One who understands the difference because He is perfect.)
3. What prohibits man from holding that position? (Man at his best is still sinful.)
4. What was Christ anointed to do?

 

Hebrews 1:10-12

Not only was Christ the agent of creation but also is also eternal as God the Son. All that He was created will one day perish as it now it exists. There will be at some point a new heaven and a new earth but not before this one is destroyed. Even though everything physical will change there is one thing that is certain Christ is always the same with no beginning and no end. All of history is spelled out by the writer in the verses he selected to make his points. They are:

• Psalm 125:25-27
• Isaiah 51:6

 

1. What proved in the mind of the writer that Jesus was God?
2. What comparison did he make between the universes’ creator and His creation?
3. What was the one important point he was trying to make about Jesus? (He is eternal.)
4. Why is that fact important to us?

 

Hebrews 1:13-14

The writer makes an important distinction as he concludes his argument for that Christ is greater than the angels. There has not been an angel who has been the task or the power of destroying the enemy of God. Only Christ at the right time came to first defeat the devil and will eventually return again to cast him into the abyss forever thus completely destroying his power over man. See Psalm 110:1 and Joshua 10:24 Again he made very clear that the angels are ministering beings sent to help those who are saved. See Psalm103:20

 

1. What was the writer’s final point in comparing Jesus to the angels?
2. What could Jesus accomplish that they could not?
3. Why was He the only one that could defeat the devil?
4. How does the Old Testament speak of the one who goes against the devil?
5. What is the task of the angels?
6. What conclusion does this discussion help you draw?

 

• Compare Christ to every other person you may admire and determine who deserves your commitment.
• Look at organizations and activities in which you may be involved and see if they are crowding out the Anointed Son of God.
• Be careful that you do not give more credit to the angels than you do the Son in the things that occur in your life.
• Understand that the only one who truly deserves our praise and worship is Jesus Christ.
• As you study this lesson try and understand what God through His Son has done for you.

 

 

 

 

Lesson 1

The Mystery of Hebrews

Overview

September 13, 2015

 

Over the years I have tried to be very careful concerning the material I read. It is so easy to be misled by ideas that sound good but in the end are destructive to one’s faith. The Book of Mormon certainly fits into this category as far as I am concerned. I tend to select authors and books based on the references made to them by writers I trust. If someone came to me and asked me to read a book like Hebrews I would be very hesitant for a number of reasons. Asking about the book I would get a number of answers that would be somewhat unsettling. Here are a few:

• Who wrote the book?
• When was it written?
• Where was it written?
• Who was the target audience?
• What was age range or maturity level for whom it was written?
• Is it fiction or non-fiction?
• What is the subject matter?
• Why did the author write the things he did?

 

There are probably a number of other questions that might be asked but if the answer to most or all of them is, I do not know or I am not sure the book would not find its way on a reading list.

 

If we look at the condition of the church of today we see that many different denominations have been caught up in the trap of basing their belief system on false teachings. If they pay attention to Scripture at all they have a tendency to twist its teachings in ways that benefit themselves. The Bible is very clear on what it says about what we are to believe and the way we are to live. Thankfully, the men who decided on the writings to be included were very careful of what found its way into the sixty-six books. The Book of Hebrews was one of a few that were only accepted at a comparatively late date. It was finally accepted by the time of the Synods of Hippo (393 A.D.) and Carthage (397 and 419 A.D.). Even after its acceptance there was many more questions about the book than answers. I will try to cover some of them in this introduction.

 

Uniqueness of the book

From its beginning it has been shrouded in mystery. One of the things that make it different from all the other letters in the New Testament is the fact that there is no salutation, no greeting or identification of the recipients. One conclusion is that to identify either would have put their lives in danger with the authorities.

 

How it became part of the Canon

The early church fathers thought the book of such significance that they wanted it included into the canon. The only problem was that they did not know who had actually written it. In order for a book to be a part of what we have today in God’s word, the material had to either be written by an apostle or someone closely associated to one for an example someone like Luke who was part of Paul’s team. To resolve that issue they chose Paul as the author and actually placed Hebrews at the end of the thirteen letters that they knew Paul had written.

 

Authorship

In all likelihood Paul did not write the book. There are at least three reasons, among others, that stand out to show that he was not the author. First, The lack of the prologue that usually included the name of Paul as the writer is missing. Secondly, The content and style of what is probably a combination and sermon differ greatly from anything else Paul wrote. Lastly, the writer’s extensive use of the Old Testament was unlike the way Paul had included them. Some of the earliest church fathers dealt with this problem by stating that the ideas were Paul’s but the composition of the letter was done by a secretary like Silas or even Luke.

 

Most scholars in the twentieth and twenty-first century do not believe that Paul was the author. Some of the possible names that have been floated as possible candidates are Barnabas and even Apollos. Because of their relationship with Paul there would be some of his teachings that would have found their way into the book no matter which of the men might have written it..

 

The author of “The New American Commentary on Hebrews,” David Allen leans toward Luke being the author for the following reasons.

 

• Timothy and Luke were probably in Rome at the end of Paul’s life. See references to Timothy in Hebrews. 13:24
• The book was probably written after the death of Paul but before the destruction of Jerusalem in about 67-68 A.D.
• The style of writing in Hebrews is comparable to that of Hebrews. Luke could have also been the secretary of the Pastoral Epistles written under Paul’s name.
• One of the arguments against Luke being the author stems from the long held idea that he was a Gentile. Recent studies have shown there is reason to believe that Luke was indeed a Jew.

 

As Dr. Allen states in his commentary, “When one considers the lexical, stylistic and theological similarities between Luke-Acts and Hebrews coupled with the way in which a theory of Lukan authorship can be historically reconstructed from the texts themselves, there is impressive evidence that points to the Lukan authorship of Hebrews.” (Page 61)

 

Our overview next brings us to the question of, to whom was the book written and where were they living. The most accepted answer today is that Luke was writing to those Jewish priests who had become followers of Christ. Because of their stance they had been forced to leave Jerusalem having lost their position in the service of the Temple. At the time of the writing they were probably part of the greater church in Antioch. They were, however, a separate congregation from those where the majority of membership was made up of Gentiles.

 

Luke wrote to those former priests who were on the verge turning their backs on Christianity. Because of the uncertainty of what was going to happen to the followers of Christ they were considering a return the religion where they felt comfortable. There would also be a familiarity with the traditions and rituals of the Jewish faith. The letter was written to give those men encouragement and to share the superiority of Christ over what they had left behind.

 

We will end with two simple views of the book presented by Dr. Allen and then John Phillips in his “Exploring Hebrews.” First Dr. Allen sees the book as divided in three sections dealing with the Sonship of Jesus, Hebrews 1:5-4:13 then Jesus as High Priest, Hebrews 4:14-10:18 and finally Jesus as the King, Hebrews 10:19-13:21.

Dr. Phillips states it a little differently. He sees “The superior person of Christ as Son, Hebrews 1:1-2:18. He moves from there to the idea of Jesus as the superior Savior through the provisions of the cross, Hebrews 3:1-10:39. Finally, the superior principles of Christianity is provided in Hebrews 11:1-13:25.

 

What I have tried to give here is a condensed version of introductory material that covered some one hundred pages. Hopefully, It is enough to wet your appetite to get into this exciting, challenging and power book not only written for those living in the first century but for us in the twenty-first century.