Hope and the Certainty of God s Promises

Transcription

1 Hebrews Lesson 8 Home Study Questions Hope and the Certainty of God s Promises Hebrews 6:9-20 A small boat on the ocean rocks and bobs on the tide. If it is not secured, it can easily drift away in calm waters, or may suddenly be dashed on rocks in turbulence. Its anchor, however, holds it firm and keeps it safe. It may not be free from distress, but it is held by a deep and reliable source. So the soul, we now learn, is firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19) in the hope God has given to hold it steady. Please take time to read the entire Scripture passage before you begin to answer the questions. Questions marked For further study or For deeper thought are optional. For personal thought questions need not be answered aloud in Core Group. Record the verses where you find your answers. Day One Hebrews 6:9-10 Encourage 1. Examine, phrase by phrase, the meaning of 6:9. a. Even though we speak like this How had the author spoken? b. We are confident Why do you think the author is confident? c. Things that accompany salvation What would some of these be? 2. a. Read Matthew 25:40 and 1 Thessalonians 1:3 along with Hebrews 6:10. What things furnish the motivation for good works among Christians?

2 84 Hebrews Lesson 8 Home Study Questions b. For personal thought: Is there some interest or skill that you would like to develop as a ministry to God s people? Hebrews 6:11-12 Implore Day Two 3. a. For further study: Carefully read Colossians 1: Comment on points from this passage that complement the message of Hebrews 6: b. Which of the things Paul prays for the Colossians do you need to ask God to make part of your own experience? c. Is there an action you can take to avoid laziness concerning this? If so, what is it? 4. Why are faith and patience required for inheriting what has been promised? Hebrews 6:13-15 Explain Day Three 5. These verses contain a new train of thought. What in the preceding verses leads to the author s new discussion? 6. a. For deeper thought: From what you know about Abraham s life, in what areas did he need patience? b. What is the longest that you have had to wait for God to fulfill an earnest request of yours?

3 Home Study Questions Hebrews Lesson 8 85 Day Four Hebrews 6:16-18 Emphasize 7. From these three verses, record God s reasons for giving an oath along with His promise. 8. a. This message is addressed to we who have fled. The author does not explain this phrase. What do you think this means? b. What contemporary occasions might require a person to flee in order to take hold of... hope? c. For deeper thought: How does the concept of hope differ with Christians than with the world? Hebrews 6:19-20 Encourage Day Five 9. What does it mean to you to be firm and secure in hope? 10. a. Explain the importance of an anchor to a boat. b. For personal thought: How has Jesus been your anchor in the storms of life?

4 86 Hebrews Lesson 8 Home Study Questions Apply What You Have Learned This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus (Hebrews 6:20, NKJV). The Greek text uses the word prodromos forerunner to describe Jesus in this verse. Forerunner, in the 2 nd century, referred to a small boat (a dinghy) which was sent into a harbor during a storm, when it would be dangerous for the larger ships from which it came to try to enter. This little boat would carry the ship s anchor with it into the harbor and lower it down, thus giving the storm-tossed ship a secure hold in the sheltered area. The crew from the small boat would then go ashore and wait for the storm to end, when the ship could safely sail into the harbor to join them. Jesus is said to be our forerunner; He is the one who goes ahead of us to heaven, and He is the anchor that secures our place there. He now waits for the time when our storms of life will end and we can join Him. Day Six: Class Notes

5 Commentary Hebrews Lesson 8 87 Day Seven Hope and the Certainty of God s Promises Hebrews 6:9-20 After issuing the warnings of Hebrews 6:4-8, the writer of Hebrews reassures his readers in verse 9 that he believes better things concerning them. Only here in this epistle is the Greek word agapetos translated beloved (RSV) or dear friends (NIV) used. The tenderness of the term, following the severity of the writer s rebuke, is a timely reassurance. I. True Believers Encouraged (Hebrews 6:9-15) We have already noted how the comparative adjective better is an oft-repeated word in this epistle: Jesus is better than the angels, or Moses, or the Levitical high priest. Better is used here in relation to things that accompany salvation (6:9). This suggests a fruitful, spiritual life in contrast to a life bringing forth thorns and thistles (6:8). The foundation of the author s confidence rests on the righteousness of God and the past deeds of faith performed by the readers. God cannot possibly forget what they have done out of love for Him. Such love springs from true faith and issues forth in good works toward God s people. It is service that includes general Christian activity the life of a Good Samaritan expressing itself through practical love (Luke 10:25-37). The writer acknowledges that his readers ministry for Christ s sake was not only something of the past, but was continuing to the present. He encourages them that God reckons their deeds of kindness done for God s people as done for Himself and will not go unrewarded. Think about how even though these Christians had not advanced in knowledge as far as they should, the writer is confident his readers will not become apostate. His assurance is based on the goodness of God and on the fact that their acts of service were sound. We can learn from their example. There are times when even the most mature Christians find life flat, when prayer feels mechanical, and when God seems distant. Such periods are inevitable because we inhabit bodies subject to alternating cycles of vigor and apathy. However, spiritual maturity is not based on constant good feelings, but on a willingness to be faithful. We can give up and give in when we are feeling weak, or, by an act of our will, relying on our knowledge of God, we can choose to trust and serve Him. He knows our hearts. God is not unjust, and He does not forget your work and love as you have helped His people (Hebrews 6:10). When you find yourself spiritually dry, do not waste time trying to make yourself feel spiritual. Simply commit your will to God and be obedient.

6 88 Hebrews Lesson 8 Commentary The dry period will pass. Here is the testimony of one who found help in a time of discouragement: When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:21-26) In Hebrews 6:10-12, the author establishes three main principles upon which the Christian life is founded: love, hope, and faith. Love is of prime importance; Christians are to love one another deeply (1 Peter 1:22). They are also to pursue the knowledge of God in order to firmly establish their hope in Him. In Hebrews 3:1-6, the heavenly calling of believers and the great provision of Jesus as our High Priest are stated. Now, in 6:11-12, the danger that had been warned against earlier spiritual laziness is repeated. Hope is the answer to this; it will energize, encourage, excite, and motivate. Christian hope is sure, for it is grounded in God. The fullness of hope is the privilege of every Christian, and it should not diminish. The fact that it should continue until the end is emphasized repeatedly in this epistle. God has faithfully provided His Son and all Christ has done as a basis for hope. Now the responsibility is to hold to that knowledge to the end. Not only does this hope refer to the personal assurance of salvation, but it also includes a steadfast confidence in the coming glory promised by Christ. In order to secure this hope in one s heart, a diligent examination of the other principles with which it operates is needed. The author intends to do just that. Do not become lazy, 6:12 warns. Instead, the readers are directed to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. Those who endure and receive what is promised possess two qualities: faith and patience. The book of Hebrews has already revealed and will continue to reveal that faith is confidence in God. The great summary statement is found in 11:1. (For a succinct explanation of faith, read Hebrews 3:1 and 12:2-3.) Faith believes God, while hope energizes endurance. Patience, often translated as long-suffering, is applied to God (Romans 2:4) and to man (Colossians 1:11). When applied to man, it describes the kind of willingness needed to endure when the promise is a long time coming to fulfillment. Some promises of God have been fulfilled completely, some in part, and some will be fulfilled in the age to come. Because the patriarchs and faithful servants of the past believed the promises and waited patiently for their fulfillment, these Hebrew Christians should be inspired to imitate their example of faith. A review of the lives of Old Testament saints is always a great encouragement to struggling Christians. Perhaps for that reason the author will bring us back to them. However, the reference in verse 12 applies not only to the patriarchs, but

7 Commentary Hebrews Lesson 8 89 to people of all ages, living or dead, present or past, who by faith and patience are sure of their coming inheritance, and even possess it by faith before life s close. Think about how the author of Hebrews uses hope, faith, and patience as interdependent elements of Christian experience. We understand faith and patience better than we understand hope. Hope, as it is usually used, means nothing more than a wish as in the phrase we just hope for the best. But the Bible uses the word hope is in a different way; it denotes a confident expectation based on God s promises. Christian hope, then, is grounded in God s character and reliability. With hope we can trust Him for each day s needs and be encouraged now as we patiently await the glorious future He has planned for us. Furthermore, this hope enables us to look for and to believe in the best in one another. If our confidence is in God, this is no pious wish, for we trust Him to do His good work in peoples lives. When someone fails, we should not give up on him or her, because God does not give up on people. And when our impulse is to condemn Christians who have sinned or decry their shortcomings, we must remember that our hope is in God, who can redeem and restore. Instead of despairing and severing our fellowship, by supporting and praying for one another we become strong strands in the cord of Christian community. Such hope is an integral part of Christian love and ought to be true of every one of us. Here is how Paul describes that love: It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:7). The writer of Hebrews demonstrates that degree of love and hope for his dear friends, despite his severe words. Abraham, the father of the Jews, is cited as an example of those who inherit the promises. The biblical account of his life shows the reliability of the promises of God and illustrates Abraham s patient, enduring faith. In Hebrews 6:13, an important incident is referred to in his life, one that prompted God s reiteration of His promise to Abraham, but this time with an oath. The author points to the time when Abraham was willing to offer up his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice to God. Because of his faith, Abraham received a great and multifaceted promise from God, part of which is quoted in 6:14. God not only promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky but also added, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me (Genesis 22:17-18). This promise of Messianic salvation was the hope for humanity in general and for the Hebrew Christians in particular. In that promise, hope required the patience of centuries; it had to wait and not waver. Eventually, that faith was rewarded the promised Messiah did come: Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you (Luke 2:11). The author emphasizes here that God s promise was reliable. The emphasis upon the trustworthiness of God s promises is designed to strengthen hope in those whose faith is faltering.

8 90 Hebrews Lesson 8 Commentary Genesis 22 is the first mention in Scripture of God binding Himself by an oath to keep His word. God could not, as men do, swear by one who is greater, for no one is greater than God. When an oath is taken in court today, one hand is placed on the Bible and the other raised toward God, the one greater by whom humans can swear. God made other promises to Abraham unaccompanied by an oath (see Genesis 12:7; 17:5). There is no indication that a promise of God unconfirmed by an oath is less reliable, for the Word of God cannot be broken. Only now, by a gracious condescension in order to strengthen the hearts of His followers, almighty God has added an oath to His promise. II. God s Pledge (Hebrews 6:16-18) When a man wishes to enhance his claim of truth, he swears by someone greater than himself (Hebrews 6:16). The oath settles the matter. In order to leave no room for doubt regarding His purpose, God appends an oath. The heirs of what was promised (6:17) are the followers of God who walk by faith. Included are all those who in different time periods, under different circumstances, and to different degrees received the promise patriarchs, pre-christian Jews, and Christians. There is special application to the generation of believers represented by these 1 st -century Hebrew Christians who needed assurance. God encourages faith by giving assurance so strong that even the weak in faith can see reason for confidence. Thus God, in taking an oath, did something analogous to His taking on the limitations of human flesh. In both instances, He stoops from majesty to the low estate of man. In taking an oath, He submits to indignity and accommodates man s doubt instead of insisting that His character be trusted without any other assistance. There are now two immutable possessions for God s people: the promise of God and the oath of God (6:18). Deception and lying are divine impossibilities because God is truth (Isaiah 65:16; John 14:6, 17). How beautifully the author expresses God s nature of kindness when he explains why God bothered with such detail: so we may be greatly encouraged (6:18). We who have fled evokes the memory of Old Testament cities of refuge where those who accidentally killed someone could flee for safety. In the book of Psalms, God is described as a refuge, a tower, and a hiding place. As Christians, we are ever exposed to the world s corruption and the devil s frontal assaults and therefore need to take hold of the hope offered to us. Jesus Christ is the basis of that hope, and it is Him to whom believers must cling to keep life steady and on its upward course. All hope of salvation and eternal life is based on the efficacy of Christ s work. In Hebrews 6:18, the word hope includes the object of hope that upon which hope rests. Thus it is objective as well as subjective. The author declares that the prophecies and typology of the Old Testament point to Jesus as the only hope of the world. Receiving Him is not a departure from traditional Jewish worship but, rather, its fulfillment!

9 Commentary Hebrews Lesson 8 91 III. Our Hope (Hebrews 6:19-20) While it is true that, historically, the Hebrews did not like the sea, and not once is anchor used as a figure of speech in the Old Testament, here, in its only New Testament metaphorical use, it is the best choice of words. These believers have been warned of possibly drifting (Hebrews 2:1), and nothing serves better to halt that tendency than an anchor. An anchor grips the ocean floor and holds a ship fast. Instability may be apparent, but drifting is limited. Suddenly the author changes his picture. From the strong, immovable anchor he moves to another image. Hope penetrates the inner sanctuary behind the curtain (6:19). This transposition enables the writer to return to imagery familiar to his readers and to the main doctrinal theme of the epistle. Hope leads us to the heavenly temple that Jesus has already entered. The writer is not thinking of the earthly tabernacle so familiar to the Jews, but of the Most Holy Place in heaven that Jesus has entered. The original recipients of the letter knew they were not allowed to enter the Most Holy Place; death would be the immediate result of ignoring that restriction, because only God s chosen High Priest could enter. But the author says, Jesus went before us. He entered the inner sanctuary behind the curtain as a forerunner. Implicit is the thought that believers will follow Him there. He is the way (John 14:6) and He went to prepare a place for [us] (John 14:2). Until that time comes, He intercedes for all believers in that sacred spot before the throne of God. The Lord s human name Jesus is purposefully used here to connect this heavenly service to His work on earth. After His ascension, His priestly work shifted from sacrifice to intercession. The choice of tabernacle imagery justifies and encourages the author to finish the digression of Hebrews 5:11 6:20 and return to his major theme, the eternal high priesthood of the Lord, in the order of Melchizedek, king and priest. Although it will be hard to explain because you are slow to learn (5:11), he nevertheless intends to do so. The warning he interjects is meant to convince his readers of the need to pay close attention. The emphasis of this passage is on our hope and its source the absolute reliability of God. An anchored ship may be buffeted back and forth but is never abandoned to the wind and the waves. The anchor limits what the storm can do. Like a ship, our hope anchors us to Jesus Christ. We will encounter storms, but we are never completely at their mercy. That is what Jesus meant when He said, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). This was a storm warning for all believers. Being forewarned should mean we are prepared with our anchor firmly planted, our faith and hope carefully secured when the sea of life is quiet. For the storms will come, and we can ride them out if our hope is secure in God.

10 92 Hebrews Lesson 8 Commentary Personalize this lesson. One wonderful day Jesus quieted the winds and waves that His disciples feared were about to overwhelm their boat (Luke 8:22-25). However, He rebuked His followers, saying, Where is your faith? Our faith and hope must be grounded in the sure knowledge that whether Jesus calms the storm or helps us through it, He is in control whether it feels that way or not. Storms of life are unavoidable realities through which faith and hope can develop. It is during such rough weather that we may draw closer to God, the source of our hope. His promise and His oath, two unchangeable things, were given for our encouragement in such times. When we are so shaken that we feel our anchor our hope will fail to hold us, one fundamental question looms large: Is God s Word true? If it is not, our faith is nonsense; our lives are meaningless; the truth we have known is mockery; and love is temporal. Everything that gives us stability is threatened, and our peace is shattered. If, on the other hand, we know God s Word is trustworthy, we can rest in God s care even in the most violent storm. Many of us have faced that ultimate question and by faith, although shaken, were able to believe God. Faith and hope, though temporarily faltering and failing, not only survive the storm, they are strengthened by the ordeal. The peace that follows afterward is doubly calm. There is a heavenly sanctuary for believers behind the curtain, with Jesus. We experience it by faith in this life; we will experience its ultimate reality in the next. Review: Hope and the Surety of God s Promises 11. Use three descriptive words to express the impact on you from this week s lesson. Explain why you chose these words. 12. What portion of the overall study was most meaningful to you? Why?