A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

Transcription

1 A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF HEBREWS TAUGHT BY DAVE LINDSTROM Red Mountain Community Church Elder Jesus the Appointed Heir of all things desires for His believers to receive their full inheritance and reward. TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Background... 2 JESUS THE APPOINTED HEIR OF ALL THINGS Outline of the Book and Hebrews 1:1-2a, God s Speaking... 4 Hebrews 1:2b-4, Jesus the "Son"... 6 Hebrews 1:5-14, The Son's Person is Proved Superior... 8 Hebrews 2:1-4, First Warning Passage Hebrews 2:5-18, The Son Tasted Death for Everyone CONSIDER JESUS OUR FAITHFUL APOSTLE AND EXAMPLE Hebrews 3:1-6, The Importance of Hebrews 3: Hebrews 3:7-4:4, Second Warning Passage, Part I Hebrews 4:5-13, Second Warning Passage Part II: CONSIDER JESUS OUR FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST AND EXAMPLE Hebrews 4:14-16, Thinking Correctly About Jesus Hebrews 5:1-10, Jesus the Christ was Superior Hebrews 5:11-6:3, Third Warning Passage Part I Hebrews 6:4-20, Third Warning Passage Part II Hebrews 7:1-10, The High Priesthood of Jesus Hebrews 7:11-28, The Order of Aaron and Levitical System... 32

2 2 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND OF HEBREWS I. The author of Hebrews is uncertain, however, there are similarities to that of the Apostle Paul. A. At different times in church history, many church leaders thought Hebrews was written by the Apostle Paul. 1. Hebrews has many similarities in doctrine with the Apostle Paul such as Christ as the preexistent Son of God (Hebrews 1:2,6; Philippians 2:5-6; Colossians 1:15-17), Christ s work as creator and sustainer (Hebrews 1:1-4; I Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15-17), Christ s once for all time death, atonement, redemption, and exaltation (Hebrews chapters 7-10; Romans chapter 3;Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9-12), the abolishing of the old Mosaic Law (Hebrews 7:19 8:13;2 Corinthians 3:4-18; Colossians 2:8-19), having Timothy as his companion (Hebrews 13:23), and many others. 2. Hebrews has many key elements of the Jewish faith such as a deep knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures and the Tabernacle sacrificial system which speaks of an author of the caliber of the Apostle Paul. 3. In an early New Testament manuscript (200 A.D.), Hebrews is found after Romans and before I Corinthians. It was for the most part accepted as Pauline by the church. And for those who questioned its authorship, it was still thought by most to be part of the authoritative canon of Scripture. B. Most Bible scholars today see the Apostle Paul as an unlikely author and lean toward Barnabus, Apollos, or another one of Paul s associates. 1. The Apostle Paul s name is mentioned as the author in his other 13 letters. Hebrews does not list an author. 2. The Apostle Paul claimed to hear directly from Yahweh Jesus (Galatians 1:10-23) whereas the author to Hebrews talks about receiving Christ s message second hand (Hebrews 2:3). 3. The Greek style of writing is written in a different style than Paul s other writings with different emphatic teachings. Paul quoted Scripture by saying either it is written or the Scripture says whereas Hebrews attributes Old Testament quotes to various persons of the Trinity. Also, in Paul s writing he doesn t mention the eternal high priesthood of Jesus and Hebrews develops the idea fully. 4. Barnabus ministered with Paul (Acts 9:27; 11:19-30; chapters 13-15). He was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) and, therefore, well schooled as a priest. He was also called a son of encouragement (Acts 4:36) and sounds like the word of encouragement of this letter (Hebrews 13:22).

3 3 5. Apollos ministered with Paul and was an Alexandrian Jew who was well educated and extremely knowledgeable in the Scripture (Acts 18:24-28). He was also a bold and eloquent speaker who received the message of Christ second hand and had connections to Italy by way of Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:1-28; I Corinthians 1:12; Hebrews 13:24). As of now, I m leaning toward Apollos as the author. II. The Letter was most likely written to a Christian congregation in Jerusalem or Rome. A. The strengths for Jerusalem center around the idea of the Letter being labeled to the Hebrews in early church history (by 200 A.D.). Jewish readers would easily understand the Old Testament, Levitical institutions, and Tabernacle references found in the Letter of Hebrews. This view takes the premise that it was written in Italy and sent to Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:24). B. The strengths for Rome center around the ideas that Hebrews was written in polished Greek, the Old Testament texts were based on the Greek translation called the Septuagint (LXX) rather than the Hebrew, the added explanations on Hebrew names (Hebrews 7:2), and the lack of mentioning the Jerusalem Temple. Rome is also the first place where the Letter seems to have been known by the church father Clement in 96 A.D. This would mean that in Hebrews 13:24, some Italians who were living outside of Italy were sending back their greetings. As of now, I m leaning toward this view. III. Hebrews seems to be a sermon that was written down to be read aloud to the congregation (Hebrews 2:5; 5:11; 6:9; 8:1; 11:32) with a letter postscript added onto the end (Hebrews 13:22-25). It exposits (draws the meaning out of Scripture), applies and warns (five warning passages IV. Hebrews 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31; 12:25-29), and reiterates key points (Hebrews 4:14-16;10:19-25). A spectrum of dates for the writing of Hebrews is best found within A.D. A. The congregation that Hebrews was written for had experienced suffering, persecution, and imprisonment in the past (Hebrews 10:32-36) but had not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood (Hebrews 12:4). B. Under the Roman government, Emperor Claudius had Jewish Christians forcibly expulsed from Rome in 49 A.D. (Acts 18:2) with a loss of property and imprisonment (much like Hebrews 10:32-36). In 54 A.D. the ban was lifted with the death of Claudius, and the Jews and Jewish Christians began to return to Rome. This is confirmed by the historians Seutonius ( A.D.) and Cassius Dio ( A.D.) However, under Nero with his executions of Christians in A.D., blood was definitely shed. So if Hebrews was written between about A.D., it might have given enough time for Roman Christians to remember and need encouragement before Nero s bloodshed happened.

4 4 C. There is also very strong support that the writing of Hebrews was before the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. It seems that Hebrews 10:2 says that the Levitical sacrifices are still being offered at the time of the writing. Therefore, the best date is before this and probably between A.D. THOUGHT: What would you like Yahweh Jesus to reveal to you as you study the Letter of Hebrews? What are you struggling with right now that you can commit to Him? Yahweh is present among us now through His Spirit to speak the word of His Son into our situation. OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF HEBREWS AND HEBREWS 1:1-2A GOD'S SPEAKING PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE I. Outline of the book of Hebrews A. Overall theme and title: Jesus the appointed heir of all things desires for His believers to receive their full inheritance and reward (see how inheritance and reward is used in Hebrews 1:2, 4, 14; 6:17; 9:15; 11:6-8 as a taste of the whole book). B. Jesus the appointed heir of all things (Hebrews 1:1 2:18) 1. As the "Son," He is Yahweh Father's chosen communicator and Messiah (Hebrews 1:1-4). 2. The Son's person is proved superior through seven Old Testament Scriptures (Hebrews 1:5-14). 3. First Warning Passage: Believers are exhorted to not allow themselves to drift away from Jesus and His great salvation (Hebrews 2:1-4). 4. The Son's death for humanity brought about the assurance of His kingdom and current help to all His believers (Hebrews 2:5-18). C. Consider Jesus our faithful apostle and example (Hebrews 3:1 4:13) 1. Jesus is our faithful apostle (Hebrews 3:1-6). 2. Second Warning Passage: Believers who are unfaithful now will risk discipline and a lack of Yahweh's Sabbath rest (Hebrews 3:7 4:13). D. Consider Jesus our faithful high priest and example (Hebrews 4:14 10:25) 1. Jesus is our eternal high priest who can now supply His believers with prayerful confidence to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:14-5:10).

5 5 2. Third Warning Passage: Believers are exhorted to grow and become spiritually mature and by so doing receive a blessing from God and inherit His promises (Hebrews 5:11 6:20). 3. The order of Aaron and the whole Levitical system of priests has been replaced by Jesus and the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-28). 4. The high priesthood of Jesus the Son has a superior ministry operating within a superior new covenant (Hebrews 8:1-13). 5. The finished sacrifice of Christ's body has opened up a new and living way to Yahweh God for all believers (Hebrews 9:1 10:25). E. The Christian life for a believer in Jesus is likened to a difficult race which involves reward or loss, endurance, discipline, and a strong desire to follow the example and New Covenant will of Christ Jesus (Hebrews 10:26 Hebrews 13:21). 1. Fourth warning passage: Believers are held accountable for the things done in their mortal bodies while either living out their faith or not living out their faith in this world (Hebrews 10:26-39, look at 10:35, 36 and see the themes coming up in the next three chapters). 2. Faithful believers will receive commendation, reward, and inheritance (Hebrews 11:1-40). 3. The life of a faithful believer will include endurance, struggle against sin, and discipline (Hebrews 12:1-24). 4. Fifth Warning Passage: Believers are exhorted to listen to Christ and obey His message with true worship because His kingdom will remain forever (Hebrews 12:25-29). 5. The will of Jesus for His believers includes for them to obey New Covenant commands and to offer New Covenant sacrifices (Hebrews 13:1-21). F. The final greetings and blessings for the congregation (Hebrews 13:22-25) II. The first four verses are all part of the opening first sentence of the Hebrews sermon introduction. A. The sermon was designed to be read out loud (Hebrews 2:5; 5:11; 6:9; 8:1; 11:32) and probably covered Hebrews 1:1 13:21. B. As in any good sermon, the orator uses similar sounding words, attention getting phrases, builds with words a flow of thought, and weaves application into the teaching of Scripture. C. The first six words in Greek are "polumeros kai polutropos palai ho theos lalasas" translated "At many times and in many ways long ago God spoke."

6 6 III. God has spoken through the prophets in the past but now He has spoken in Son or His Son (verses 1, 2a). A. The Old Testament Scriptures give example after example of Yahweh God's communication including visitations, dreams, burning bushes, prophetic visions, a talking donkey, a small voice, various kinds of signs and miracles (verse 1; Isaiah 28:9-16; Hebrews chapter 11). Yahweh's revelation or communication has been becoming progressively clearer! B. The new way Yahweh has chosen to speak "in these last days" is in Son or His Son (verse 2a; Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 3:22; John 8:31,32). 1. The last days was a time in the future from an Old Testament standpoint (Deuteronomy 4:30; Daniel 10:14) when Yahweh's Messiah would come to earth (Acts 2:17-21; I Peter 1:20,21) and eventually the time of His reign on earth and in heaven (I Peter 1:3-5). 2. The letter of Hebrews makes it clear that the Son is none other than Jesus the Son of God, the second person of Yahweh's trinity (Hebrews 2:9; 4:14; 6:6; 7:3; 10:29). He is the one who took on flesh and blood, died for our sins, and became the Christ (Messiah) which is also referred to as the "Son" of Man (Daniel 7:13; Luke 10:58; Hebrews 2:14-17, 3:6). THOUGHT: Yahweh our God shows Himself as wanting to communicate with us and is willing to make the first move toward us and to continue even if we don't listen. How are we doing at listening and doing His word? JESUS THE "SON" IS THE APPOINTED HEIR OF ALL THINGS AND HIS ATTRIBUTES PROVE HIM TO BE YAHWEH FATHER'S CHOSEN MESSIAH HEBREWS 1:2B-4 I. Seven attributes of Jesus the Son (verses 2b-3). A. He is the appointed heir of all things (verse 2b; Hebrews 1:5-13; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6, 7; Daniel 7:13, 14, 27; Romans 8:16, 17; Revelation 7:9-17).

7 7 1. The English word "heir" comes from the Greek word "klaros" which is the word "lot." A "lot" started out with the meaning of drawing lots or throwing lots to determine a competition's winner, the apportioning of property or sometimes the will of God (Numbers 26:55, 56; I Chronicles 24:5, 31; Matthew 27:35; Acts 1:26). The drawing of lots could have been the picking of different sizes of sticks, different colored stones or something thrown on the ground with markings similar to dice. Even though the practice of casting or drawing lots is mentioned around 70 times in the Old Testament and 7 times in the New Testament, today's believers are to rely on the Scriptures, the indwelling Holy Spirit, prayer, and fellowship to determine the Lord's will (Romans 8:26-28; I Corinthians 2:10-16; Philippians 4:4-7; Hebrews 13:21; James 1:5, 6). 2. The "lot" became the "allotted portion" or "inheritance" which was allotted according to the will of the Father (in Biblical times). God the Father appointed Jesus the Son to be the heir of all things according to His will. As the "heir of all things" Jesus can bring His believers into heirship with Him according to His will (Romans 8:17; Hebrews 1:14; I Peter 1:4, 5). B. He is the One through whom Yahweh Father made the universe (verse 2c; John 1:3; I Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16). C. He is the radiance of the glory of God (verse 3a). 1. The Greek word translated radiance is apaugasma and this is the only place it is found in Scripture. It can have a double meaning of reflection from another object or a shining out. The Son both reflects the glory of Yahweh Father and shines His presence out for all to see. 2. When God communicates or reveals Himself through His power or His presence, He is glorified (Greek doxa, meaning light or splendor) and should rightfully be praised (Isaiah 40:5; 60:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 4:6). D. He is the exact imprint (Greek character) of God s nature. The Son perfectly represents God s being to humanity as a stamp or impression used to produce a certain Roman coin (verse 3a; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 1:15). E. He upholds (sustains or carries) the universe by the word of His power or His powerful word. The Son is in charge of carrying this universe to its God appointed goals and end (verse 3b; Colossians 1:17, 20; Hebrews 11:3). F. He made purification for sins (verse 3c; Hebrews 2:17, 8:12, 9:26, 10:12-18). G. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Majesty is the greatness of Yahweh Father and being at His right hand is the place of honor and intercession. He has been placed at the Father s right hand now in His resurrected body (verse 3d; I Kings 2:19; Psalm 20:6, 110:1; Isaiah 41:10; Ephesians 4:10; Colossians 3:1). The fact that Christ sat down as priest meant that His sacrificial work was finished (Hebrews 10:11-14).

8 8 IV. The inherited name Son shows Jesus superiority to angels (verse 4). A. This verse interconnects the thoughts that have already been covered in Hebrews 1:1-3 with the next set of thoughts that go from Hebrews 1:5 to 2:18. This tunes the listeners ears to anticipate the next thought. B. The writer of Hebrews has also introduced a common catchword that will be used throughout the sermon and letter. This is the Greek word kreitton meaning superior or better. It is used 13 times in Hebrews 1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; twice in 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24. As we meditate on this letter, we should come out with a very clear idea that the person, work, and message of the Son is superior to anything or anyone. C. Yahweh Father speaks of His Son, Messiah Jesus, in terms that no other person or angel can match. We will learn in this letter that He alone is the Son of God who has inherited the universe as its rightful King because of His faithfulness to the Father s plan (Psalm 2:7; 45:6, 7; 110:1-7; Philippians 2:4-11; Revelation 5:9, 10; 11:17, 18). THOUGHT: Bow in praise and adoration to the Son. Meditate on His superiority this week and compare His person, work, and message to the things that hold the world s attention. Give Yahweh Jesus Praise. Hallelu-Yah! (Praise Yahweh!) THE SON'S PERSON IS PROVED SUPERIOR THROUGH SEVEN OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES HEBREWS 1:5-14 I. The seven Scriptures presented by the author of Hebrews which prove the Son's superiority (found in Hebrews 1:5-14) are divided into four separate parts with two verses in the first three parts (verse 5; verses 6, 7; verses 8-12) and a final concluding verse and thought (verses 13, 14). II. First section: The Son is begotten by the Father and declared to be the Father's Son confirming the Son's authority as heir (verse 5; Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14). A. The "begotten" Son in Psalm 2:7 is in the context of Yahweh Father installing His heir in Jerusalem as King. From this context and other New Testament verses such as Acts 4:24-28, Acts 13:33-39; Romans 1:4, we know that the begotten Son was given birth in His humanity to live, suffer, die, rise, and be installed as King. His resurrection and enthronement especially proved this!

9 9 B. The Father's declaration of His Son is found in 2 Samuel 7:14. This is a promise given to King David and what is referred to as the Davidic Covenant. In the promise, Yahweh Father promises David an eternal kingdom with an eternal son or from our perspective Son (Yahweh Jesus). THOUGHT: The Scriptures teach us that the second person in Yahweh's trinity became the human Jesus, lived perfectly, died for our sins, rose from the dead in a glorified body, and is the eternal king of the Davidic Covenant. III. Second section: The Son is to be worshipped by angels and have angels as His ministers (verses 6, 7; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 104:4). A. The Son is the firstborn. The idea is the first in rank or importance such as the "firstborn" or "highest of the kings of the earth" or the firstborn heir of a family (verse 6, Psalm 89:27, note that Psalm 89 is all about the Davidic Covenant, Exodus 13:2; Colossians 1:15, 18). B. The Septuagint (Old Testament Greek Text) and the Dead Sea Scrolls have Deuteronomy 32:43a as "Let all God's angels worship Him" whereas the Hebrew manuscript has left it out. This is also very similar to Psalm 97:7c (verse 6). These highly esteemed beings are at the Son's command (verse 7; Psalm 104:4; Revelation 1:20). THOUGHT: Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:1-24), Yahweh has had previously created spirit beings called angels be primarily responsible, under His direction and oversight, in the opposition of Satan's schemes (Daniel 10:10-14) and the administration of His sovereign purposes (Genesis 19:1; Daniel 9:21-23, 12:1; Luke 1:26; Colossians 1:16; Galatians 3:19; Revelation 8:6). Now that the perfect Son has come and fulfilled His mission, Jesus can now be called "the man of heaven" who is the Father's rightful heir of all things and worthy of all worship (I Corinthians 15:45-49; Revelation 5:6-10). IV. Third section: The Son's Kingdom will last beyond this earth throughout eternity (verses 8-12); Psalm 45:6, 7; 102:25-27). A. In Psalm 45:6, 7, the Father and Son are both called God (Elohim) and the Son as anointed as the rightful King apparently in the presence of His companions (Greek metachoi, faithful believers who receive a share of the kingdom; verses 8, 9; see also Hebrews 3:1, 14; 6:4; 12:8). B. In Psalm 102:25-27, Yahweh the Son is clearly enthroned forever and will eventually roll up the present universe like old clothing before establishing His new heaven and new earth (verses 10-12; 2 Peter 3:10-13; Revelation 21:1 22:5).

10 10 V. Fourth section: The Son is currently sitting at the Father's right hand anticipating His future glorious Kingdom with His future co-heirs and ministering angels (verses 13, 14; Psalm 110:1; Romans 8:14-17). A. As the seventh verse by itself, the author of Hebrews places Psalm 110:1 in a special category of importance. Believers awaiting the future Kingdom should appreciate in this verse Christ's authority and His ability to provide and care for them, and the assurance of their future with Him. The ideas of Psalm 110 are quoted throughout the book of Hebrews (verse 13; Hebrews 5:6, 7:17-22). B. The same ministering spirits (angels) of Christ in Hebrews 1:7 are shown to be the same ministering spirits for Christ's believers and companions. Yahweh's angels are now serving us as we seek to be Christ's faithful believers here on earth (verse 14). C. The salvation in verse 14 is dealing with the future salvation of inheriting the Kingdom with the Son. Salvation can have a past (justification), present (sanctification), and future (glorification) aspect. The future aspect deals with the believers reward (I Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Colossians 3:24; Hebrews 9:28). THOUGHT: Take time to meditate on these seven passages of Scripture this week. Thank Yahweh Father, Son, and Spirit for explaining the wonders of His plan in the Son Jesus, the appointed heir and Christ. FIRST WARNING PASSAGE THE SON'S MESSAGE IS SUPERIOR TO THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE OF THE LAW AND MOSAIC COVENANT, THEREFORE, DON'T DRIFT AWAY FROM IT! HEBREWS 2:1-4 I. It is impossible to understand the book of Hebrews properly without a comprehensive grasp of the material in chapter one. In this chapter, we have learned three key ideas which then lead us into a proper understanding of the warning passages and the rest of the book. A. Key Idea One: Yahweh has desired to communicate and explain Himself to His human creation and has done so in a variety of ways in the past. However, Yahweh's ultimate desire was to communicate through the coming of His Son. This will include a further explanation of who the person of the Son really is along with the Son's work as apostle, priest, and king (Hebrews 1:1-2a).

11 11 B. Key Idea Two: The author of Hebrews wanted to communicate who the Son really was and is by giving seven attributes of the Son with an emphasis on Him being the "heir of all things" (Hebrews 1:2b-4). C. Key Idea Three: Seven Old Testament Scriptures are presented to us by the author with an emphasis on the Son being Yahweh's rightful Heir and King who will rule on this earth and then throughout a Kingdom without end. This will be done with believers "who are to inherit salvation" and angelic messengers (Hebrews 1:5-14). D. These three ideas give us the background to the first warning passage found in Hebrews 2:1-4 which tells us that the inheritance of believers can be affected by how closely we pay attention to God's word (or Word the Son) or how much we allow ourselves to drift away from it. I. There are four main ways in which people interpret the book of Hebrews warning passages. By way of review: God's salvation has three parts to it as outlined by the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans: 1) Justification is freedom from the penalty of sin by Yahweh's declaration after a person believes in the righteousness of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ apart from the person's own works (Romans 3:20-29, 4:4-6); 2) Sanctification is a justified believer growing in Christ's likeness and God's holiness. Therefore, the justified believer who is being sanctified on a moment by moment basis is a disciple or learner who is being set free from the power of sin (Romans 6:17-22); 3) Glorification is the process in which a justified believer is set free from the presence of sin by receiving his or her glorified body and Christ's reward in His Kingdom (Romans 8:16-30). A. Interpretation #1: Justified believers are in danger of losing their justification and becoming eternally lost (Arminian theology, held by many Methodists, Nazarenes, and others). B. Interpretation #2: Justification is proved through behavior and obedience (covenant theology and most reformed theology, held by most Calvinists and five point Calvinists, held by Presbyterians, and most Calvinist and Reformed churches). C. Interpretation #3: These are only hypothetical warnings to spur on faith without any real judgment associated with them (held by many people who don't like the first two interpretations). D. Interpretation #4: Justified believers who can gain or lose fellowship and blessings now as well as reward in the coming kingdom by their faithfulness. In other words, there is a difference in the judgment of Christ for His justified believers (I Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10) compared to those who refuse to believe (Revelation 20:11-15), (most in Free Grace Theology, some Futurists, and Dispensationalists). THOUGHT: Which view seems to fit the context of chapter one of Hebrews as well as the rest of the whole book of Hebrews?

12 12 III. First Warning Passage: The Son's message is superior to the previous message of the Law and Mosaic covenant, therefore, don't drift away from it! (Hebrews 2:1-4) A. There are five warning (exhortation) passages in the letter of Hebrews (the four others are 3:12-4:13; 5:11-6:12; 10:26-39; 12:25-29). These are designed by the speaker to bring life application, more details, and keep the listeners attention. B. By not paying close attention to the message of the Son, those who have heard (believers from the context of Hebrews chapter one and especially Hebrews 1:14) could drift away. The "drift away" can mean a gradual moving of a ship from its moorings or a ring slipping from its finger (verse 1). C. The Law was given to Moses as well as other prophets by angelic messengers in a reliable, trustworthy, and legally binding way (verse 2, Deuteronomy 33:2; Daniel 9:22; Acts 7:38-53; Galatians 3:19). D. The "great salvation" message included past, present, and future salvation (justification, sanctification, and glorification) with a special emphasis on future salvation (inheritance and rewards) according to the context. This message was delivered by the Lord (Greek kurios), attested by His hearers, witnessed by signs and wonders, and shown true by the various Spirit gifts in the church. Therefore, it is even more reliable, trustworthy, and legally binding! (verses 3, 4; Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 22:24-30; Acts 2:1-4; Romans 12:3-8). THOUGHT: How are you letting yourself drift away from the message of the Son? THE SON TASTED DEATH FOR EVERYONE AND IS THE PERSON AND MESSAGE WHICH WILL BRING HIS BELIEVERS TO GLORY AND, THEREFORE, IS SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER HEBREWS 2:5-18 I. The Son is proved superior by being the only human who could taste death for everyone (Hebrews 2:5-9). A. Yahweh Father originally subjected this world to the keeping and rulership of humans (Genesis 1:28-30). However, because of sin (Genesis 3), humans have been separated spiritually from Yahweh and cannot achieve their right to rule properly (Romans 8:20). Also because of our sin, it appears that Yahweh's angels have been used to fill in for our lapsed rulership (Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 32:8; Daniel 12:1).

13 13 B. Yahweh Father has subjected the "world to come" to the keeping and rulership of His Son (Jesus). The "world to come" is the future rule of the Son (Messiah Jesus) and probably includes the 1,000 year Reign of Christ on this earth as well as the New Heaven and New Earth (verse 5; Romans 8:18-24; Revelation 20:1-6, 21:1 22:5). C. Psalm 8:4-6 is quoted to show Yahweh's desire for humans to rule over His creation. The final triumph outcome is established applying this to Jesus the "son of man" (verses 6-9). 1. The Psalmist David, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is amazed in worship at Yahweh's mindful care and overall plan for His human creation (verse. 6; Psalm 8:4). 2. According to this Psalm, humans were made a little lower than angels. The word "little" in both Hebrew and Greek can refer to time and/or degrees. Interpreters decide by context whether humans are slightly lower than angels in rank or whether for a little time they are lower. The author of Hebrews seems to use both ideas. Through the person of Jesus Christ and His work as the redeemer of the human race, a salvation is established whereby Christ reigns and His believers co-reign with Him in the world to come with angels as their ministers and servants. With this in view, The Son (Jesus Christ) especially as well as His believers, will in the future be crowned with glory (from the Greek word "doxa" meaning brightness, splendor, and radiance") as well as honor (from the Greek word "tima" which means valuable and respected) (verse 7; Psalm 8:5; Hebrews 1:5-14). 3. The writer of Hebrews seems to purposely leave out Psalm 8:6a which says, "You have given him dominion over the works of your hands," which normally would have been quoted before Hebrews 2:8. Perhaps the writers' intent was to show that the promised dominion has not arrived yet on this earth and must await a future time. 4. Jesus (the name which was first used here in Hebrews to emphasize the humanity of the Son as Savior) suffered and died redeeming all human believers from the sinful curse of the fall and assuring renewed earthly inheritance and rulership (verse 9; Revelation 1:6, 5:10). THOUGHT: Praise the Son for the mighty works that He has done. Hallelu-Yah (Praise Yahweh) for our great salvation! II. The Son is proved superior by bringing many believers to glory (Hebrews 2:10-18). A. Yahweh Father's plan was perfectly established by His Son who was the founder or pioneer (Greek "archegos," Acts 3:15, 5:31; Hebrews 12:2) of this salvation (verse 10). B. By suffering as a human in this sinful world and dying for sin as the only perfect man, He became the source (see Hebrews 5:9) of bringing many believers to glory (verse ).

14 14 1. The Son has been sanctified (set apart for Yahweh's purposes) and He sanctifies others (verse 11). 2. The Son calls His many believing brothers prophetically in Psalm 22:22 (Psalm 22 was a Messianic Psalm, see Psalm 22:1 and Matthew 27:46), entrusts Himself into Yahweh Father's hands under suffering and persecution in Isaiah 8:17 (as Isaiah did), and prophecies His future children from Isaiah 8:18 (as Isaiah did) (verses 12, 13). 3. The Son delivers all human believers from the devil, death, and the fear of death. According to the context, the humans that believe as Abraham did (Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:7, 29) are helped (verses 14-16). C. Verses 17 and 18 interconnect two thoughts that have already been covered in a small amount with two concepts which will be covered more thoroughly. The Son "being made like His brothers in 17a" and the Son "suffering when tempted in 18a" expands into the merciful and faithful high priest (17b) and the helper of the tempted (18b) found in Hebrews 4:14 10: Jesus is our merciful (compassionate and full of pity) and faithful (trustworthy and dependable) high priest in the service of God (verse 17a). 2. Jesus' service is to make propitiation (the turning away of God's wrath toward His human creation by the perfect sin-offering of His own body) for the sins of the people. Every human being can enter into Jesus and His sin sacrifice through belief in the finished work of Jesus Christ as outlined in the Scriptures (verse 17b; I John 2:2). 3. Jesus fully relates to humanity through suffering and temptation in order to be able to help those who are also suffering and being tempted (verse 18; Hebrews 4:14-16). THOUGHT: Take time to praise Jesus our Savior for choosing to redeem us and help us. THE IMPORTANCE OF HEBREWS 3:1 TO THE WHOLE BOOK AND JESUS OUR FAITHFUL APOSTLE HEBREWS 3:1-6 I. Jesus is our perfect example of an apostle who was completely faithful to Yahweh's plan and purpose (Hebrews 3:1).

15 15 A. Believers are called "holy brothers" and those who "share in a heavenly calling." The word "share" in Greek is "metochoi" and has already been used in Hebrews 1:9 (companions) and will be used in Hebrews 3:14, 6:4, and 12:8. The word "metochoi" can also mean partners (Luke 5:7), partakers, or associates. We are set apart (holy) family members (brothers) in partnership with Jesus' calling! (verse 1a) B. Jesus is the apostle (sent one) who is the perfect example of faithfulness to all of us who are Yahweh's servants and Son-heirs. This idea is taught in Hebrews 3:1-4:13. Jesus is also called the High Priest which is taught in Hebrews 4:14-10:25. It has already been said in Hebrews 2:17 that Jesus became our "merciful and faithful high priest" (verse 1b). C. As believers consider (fix our minds on) Jesus in these ways, they will be helped in their calling and confession as they live out their faith (verse 1b). II. Jesus was faithful to His appointed mission and Moses was faithful to his (verse 2; Numbers 12:7). However, Moses was a respected servant in God's house (one who faithfully carried out his Master's plans) whereas Jesus was the rightful Son-heir over the house (as Yahweh Father's appointed Messiah, He faithfully carried out the plan) and it's builder (Yahweh Jesus Himself helped architect the plans!) (verses 3-6; Hebrews 1:2,3). A. By specifically mentioning Moses, the house of the Old Testament probably had a reference to the building and service of Yahweh related to the Tabernacle by Yahweh's people Israel (Exodus 25:8, 9; Numbers 12:7, 8; 40:34-38). Old Testament believers were supposed to be faithful to God's house (tabernacle) by carrying out acts of service to Yahweh and their assigned tasks (Exodus 34:6-10). By context, God's New Covenant house seems to be His believers in His plan of righteousness who are designed to grow up, be built up in their faith, and fulfill acts of service and their assigned tasks (Ephesians 2:19-22; I Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 8:8-12). B. From an inheritance standpoint, Jesus has been counted worthy of much more glory (Greek - "doxa," approval, praise) than anyone else including Moses since the "builder of all things is God" and Jesus is the appointed Son-heir of God. Therefore, by way of logical reasoning, Jesus is the builder and creator of all things through whom the Father worked (verses 3,4; Hebrews 1:2; 2:9). C. Moses was faithful in writing the Book of Moses which became the first five books of the Old Testament. Therefore, besides actually leading Israel, carrying out the construction of the tabernacle, and being Israel's prophet, he also accomplished Yahweh's will by writing prophesy about Christ and Israel for later times (verse 5). He, therefore, received inheritance and honor (Luke 24:27,44,45; Hebrews 11:24-28).

16 16 D. Believers today are His house (Greek "oikos," can be a literal house, household, people, temple, universe, or possession), which contextually relates to inheritance, by holding fast or firmly to our hope that the "Messiah is faithful over God's house as Son." Christ, the Anointed One or Messiah, is first used in this verse in the letter of Hebrews. Christ Jesus is our confession (Hebrews 3:1), our confidence (boldness), and our boast of hope (verse 6; Jeremiah 9:23,24; Philippians 1:20; I John 2:28). 1. In other words, Christ's people need to first believe that the historical person Jesus is indeed the one and only promised Christ (Messiah) who is also God's only Son (which includes the facts that Jesus is the appointed heir as well as a person in the Triune Godhead who created the world Hebrews 1:2-3). It is Christ and His finished work on the cross which is our confidence and boasting hope. 2. As Christ's believers "hold fast" (which comes from a Greek word meaning "to hold down, restrain, prevent from going away") to the person of Christ and His message as our perfect apostle, we grow in our own son-heir position while in this mortal body (Hebrews 10:23-25; Revelation 2:25,26; 3:11,12). 3. The "if indeed" statement in the Greek is referred to as a third class conditional phrase. It presents a condition that might be true in the future but not necessarily. Believers are urged and encouraged to "hold fast" to the things of Christ now for the sake of God's household, kingdom, and future reward (Hebrews 10:19-26). THOUGHT: Are we being faithful to God's mission for our lives? Is our understanding and confession of Christ stronger or weaker than it was two years ago? SECOND WARNING PASSAGE PART I THE WILDERNESS GENERATION OF ISRAELITE BELIEVERS PRIMARILY WERE UNFAITHFUL AND, THEREFORE, DIDN'T ENTER INTO THEIR FULL INHERITANCE OR REWARD HEBREWS 3:7 4:4 We have already learned in Hebrews 3:1-6 that Moses was proclaimed as being faithful in God's house (Hebrews 3:2, 5) while Jesus Christ was proclaimed as faithful over God's house as the Son-Heir (Hebrews 3:6). Each of these two examples faithfully fulfilled their service and good works to Yahweh Father. By living their lives in faithfulness to their callings, we learn in the book of Hebrews that they each receive reward and inheritance in Christ's earthly and eternal kingdoms. In this next section of Scripture, we will learn that the Old Testament promised rest for believers in the land of Israel which was supposed to include earthly safety from their enemies and earthly inheritance (Deuteronomy 12:9-11). However, most of the wilderness generation of believers never were allowed to enter their earthly rest due to unfaithfulness. As the writer of Hebrews unpacks and exegetes the text of Psalm 95:7-11, the promised rest for

17 17 New Covenant believers is said to be still in the future (Hebrews 4:1), concerns Christ's kingdom (Hebrews 1:8, 12:28) and the parallel point seems to be made that individual accountability in regards to faithful or unfaithful service while in our mortal bodies affects future reward and inheritance (not personal salvation or justification) in Christ's earthy and eternal kingdoms (Hebrews 4:11-13). I. The wilderness generation of Israelite believers should serve as examples to us as New Covenant believers as primarily examples of unfaithfulness in the service of Yahweh, His individual assignments in each of their lives and as believers who will ultimately be judged by Christ concerning reward or loss in His future earthly and eternal kingdom (Hebrews 3:7-19). A. The quote from Psalm 95:7-11 has some differences in the Septuagint (Greek text) which the writer of Hebrews uses and the Hebrew text. However, these are minor and do not effect the exegesis. The main difference is that the Hebrew names Meribah and Massah, that were places, were translated into their Hebrew meanings of rebellion and testing (Hebrews 3:7-11). B. The author of Hebrews identifies the wilderness generation of Israel as Old Testament believers who, after being redeemed from Egypt, fell away and received discipline rather than inheritance (Hebrews 3:12-19). 1. There is a parallel thought of the Israelite believers being like the Christian believers for whom Hebrews was written. The writer of Psalm 95 (probably David) calls to the "people of God's pasture" (Psalm 95:7a) before warning them in Psalm 95:7-11. The writer to the Hebrews calls them brothers (Hebrews 3:12, also see Hebrews 3:1). The wilderness generation heard and were those who left Egypt led by Moses (Hebrews 3:16). Hebrews 2:1 talks about those who have heard (including the believing author of Hebrews and other believers), who can still drift away. Finally, the Apostle Paul also makes a very convincing case for the wilderness generation being believers similar to us in I Corinthians 10: It is possible for believers to let their hearts (inner core of their beings) become evil, unbelieving, and to fall away from the living (as opposed to all the non-living idols) God. This will be discussed more thoroughly in other warning passages in Hebrews (verse 12; Luke 11:13; I Corinthians 5:13; James 2:4). a. Exhortation (includes teaching, warning, encouraging, and counseling) from the Word of God can still help believers not to become hardened by sin (verse 13). Hebrews 10:23-25 tells us to encourage (or exhort the same word in Greek) one another to three things: 1) To hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, 2) To stir up one another to love and good works, and 3) To not neglect meeting together.

18 18 b. Holding on to our original confidence in Jesus Christ as our hope and help, and listening to God's Word keeps us as believers on the inheritance path rather than the discipline path (verses 14, 15). Most of the wilderness believers are examples of unfaithfulness and what not to do (verses 16, 17). The promise of entering God's rest is equated with entering the promised land of God's inheritance in the Old Testament (verses 18, 19). THOUGHT: As you go about your walk with Yahweh this week, listen to His voice as He speaks to you through His Word and the exhortation of others. II. In the New Testament, the promised full inheritance rest still stands because Yahweh God's completed Sabbath rest is certain (Hebrews 4:1-10). A. The promised rest of all Old Testament and New Testament believers is certain because it is based in Yahweh's word and promise (Hebrews 4:1-4). 1. The good news (gospel) came to the wilderness Israelites in a similar way as New Testament believers. The gospel is the message about Yahweh's righteousness and His provision for us (Romans 1:16, 17). This is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of His Son Jesus Christ but the message was heard and believed in the Old Testament as well (Genesis 15:6). In context, this seems to specifically be dealing with the good news of Yahweh's rest from this creation's work and the looking forward to the entering of the next creation or as we have already seen, the world to come (Hebrews 2:5), or as we will see, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22) (verses 1, 2). 2. The wilderness generation of Israelite believers were designed to enter their earthly promised land in Canaan (which became Israel) which was to give them earthly rest from their enemies (Deuteronomy 12:9). However, most of them did not complete their earthly inheritance and goals and failed to enter the land of rest. This was supposed to prefigure for all believers the coming eternal rest in the world to come. Therefore, the writer of Hebrews explores the certainty of the eternal rest in light of the wilderness generations failure to reach out and latch on to their inheritance in faith (verse 2, Numbers 14:11). 3. The certainty of the believers future inheritance rest is based in Yahweh's seventh day rest found in Genesis 2:2 (verses 3, 4). a. In a way, God began to rest after His first six days of creation were completed because His first six days also included everything that He had planned for this creation. In other words, His works were "finished from the foundation of the world" (verse 3). b. Until the plans and goals of Yahweh Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are finished in this creation, He is still very much at work (John 5:17).

19 19 c. The seventh day in Genesis 2:2 seems to have a beginning (meaning it has started and is certain) but does not have an ending (meaning it is incomplete and awaiting something in the future) like all the other creation days (verse 4). THOUGHT: A believer's future earthly and eternal kingdom with Christ is secure in Yahweh's perfect plan. However, we as believers in our mortal bodies have a moment by moment choice while it is called "today" (Hebrews 3:15) as to the degree in which we will "share in Christ"(Hebrews 3:14) and His inheritance. SECOND WARNING PASSAGE PART II BELIEVERS CAN ENTER GOD'S REST THROUGH FAITHFULNESS AND RECEIVE FULL INHERITANCE AND REWARD AT CHRIST'S JUDGMENT SEAT (BEMA) HEBREWS 4:5-13 I. Yahweh God's promised eternal rest was not nullified by the Israelite wilderness believers failure to enter their inheritance (Hebrews 4:5-11). A. The journey of the Israelite wilderness believers (around B.C.) were given as examples for all future believers (I Corinthians 10:1-12) (verses 5, 6). B. The Psalm 95:7-11 passage which King David wrote (around B.C.) for Israel now is used by the author of Hebrews to exhort us as New Testament believers to listen to Yahweh's voice (the same One continuing to speak, Hebrews 1:1, 2) and not to harden our hearts while it is called "Today" (verses 7, 8). 1. "Today" seems to be the time that Yahweh is still speaking and calling out for faith before His prophesied judgment and rest (see also Hebrews 10:25-29, Isaiah 49:8, 2 Corinthians 6:2). 2. Joshua was the leader who brought the nation of Israel into their land of rest and inheritance (book of Joshua). Joshua in Hebrew is Yeshuah (Yeshu-Yah) which means Yahweh saves or Yahweh is salvation. The English word for Joshua is Jesus. Joshua brought the Israelite believers into their earthly inheritance which foreshadows the eternal inheritance (rest) in which Jesus brings all believers (verse 8; Hebrews 2:10; 3:1).

20 20 C. Yahweh God's Sabbath rest was secured for Himself and His believers way before the time of Moses and Joshua (Genesis 2:2). The writer of Hebrews uses the Greek word "Sabbatismos" for Sabbath rest or Sabbath celebration (verse 9). This is the only time this word is used in the Scriptures and is a deliberate switch from the word "katapausin" used for rest or resting place everywhere else. This appears to be a time in the future free from the works of this creation and a time of celebration, praise, and thanksgiving in the New Creation (verse 10; Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 14:13, 20:5, 6, Revelation 21:1-22:5). D. As believers today, we are exhorted to strive (make every effort, be diligent) to enter this promised rest of Yahweh's full reward and inheritance rather than falling into the same type of disobedience that the wilderness believers did (verse 11; Hebrews 2:1, 3:12). THOUGHT: Are we striving to enter Yahweh's full reward in His promised land? What is one area where we are holding back in unbelief? II. Believers will all give account to the Son, Yahweh Jesus, at His judgment seat (Bema). His judgment will be based upon our faithfulness to listening to His voice and following His word (Hebrews 4:12, 13). A. Yahweh God's voice in Psalm 95:7 and His word that has been spoken and recorded is the standard by which He judges all things (verse 12). 1. God's word is living. Living is the first word in the sentence in the Greek and has been put there for emphasis. In the author's mind, the fact that God's word is living or alive should make us realize that it comes from a living God (Hebrews 3:12) who has spoken, speaks, and will continue speaking (Hebrews 1:1, 2; 10:35, 36; Hebrews 12:25-29). 2. God's word is active. It is energetic and able to accomplish its promises and goals. For example, when God said that the wilderness generation believers would not enter into their promised land reward in Israel, they didn't (Numbers 14:21-23; Deuteronomy 1:34, 35). 3. God's word is sharper than any two-edged sword. When the wilderness believers refused to enter the promised land by faith, they instead turned to their own devices and fell by the sword (the same Greek word "machaira" which was a short sword or dagger) of the Amalekites and Canaanites (Numbers 14:39-45). a. God's word is so sharp that it penetrates our inner life (soul possibly mind, will, emotions, and spirit possibly our new nature where the Holy Spirit resides). b. God's word is so sharp that it penetrates the material aspects of our body (joints and bone marrow).

21 21 c. God's word is so sharp that by digging into all the hidden areas, it discerns our thoughts and motives or intentions of the core of our being (our heart) (I Corinthians 4:5). B. Before Yahweh Jesus' eyes, nothing is hidden, all are naked and all are exposed (brought into submission by a wrestling hold to the neck). We have many Scriptures that explain that believers will be judged for reward or loss before entering into their inheritance and glorification (not justification which is based only on belief and acceptance of Jesus' finished work provision) (verse 13; Romans 3:21-26 justification; Romans 14:10-12; I Corinthians 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). THOUGHT: The Bible tells us that we as believers in Jesus Christ have a responsibility to be faithful to Christ and His calling for us while in our mortal bodies. Unfaithfulness brings the possibility of shrinking back from Him at His coming (I John 2:28) and faithfulness brings reward, increased rest, and inheritance at His coming. Remember Jesus is here through His Spirit to help us (Hebrews 4:14-16). THINKING CORRECTLY ABOUT JESUS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST SHOULD SUPPLY BELIEVERS WITH THE POWER AND CONFIDENCE TO PRAY AND RECEIVE NEEDED GRACE HEBREWS 4:14-16 I. Hebrews 4:14-16 is the introductory bookend of a large section in the letter of Hebrews on the Son's appointment as eternal high priest. The concluding bookend is found in Hebrews 10:19-25 (Hebrews 4:14-16). II. Jesus, the Son of God, became our great high priest (verse 14). A. The high priest of Israel performed normal priestly duties, oversaw the other priests, and performed the Day of Atonement sacrifice including his offering in the Most Holy Place (Exodus 28:1-30, 38; Leviticus 16:1-34). In order to get to the most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was located, the high priest walked the journey from the camp (at the time of Moses) to the outer court then to the Holy Place and then to the Most Holy Place. As great eternal high priest, Jesus' journey went from His suffering on this earth into the Most Holy Place in heaven through the heavens (possibly the atmosphere, and beyond to the place of Yahweh Father verse 14; 2 Corinthians 12:2).

22 22 B. The name Jesus is used by the writer of Hebrews to emphasize the fact that He is 100% human (even though also 100% divine). He is the human who suffered and died as the perfect sacrifice (verse 14; Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:32, 33). C. The confession (Greek homologia "to say the same thing" or "agree on the same thing") is something believers are exhorted to hold fast or cling to. The confession "Jesus the Son of God" was probably one which the churches receiving this sermon or letter would have been familiar with. Understood properly, this confession would explain the humanity of Jesus as well as the seven attributes of the Son explained in Hebrews 1:1-3 (verse 14; Hebrews 3:1, 6, 14). III. Our great high priest being human is able to sympathize (to feel something with someone) with our weaknesses because He also was tested and tempted. One of the big differences between Jesus and us is that He never sinned and so became the perfect sacrifice (verse 15; Hebrews 2:18, this will be covered fully in Hebrews 8:1-10:25). A. Jesus was tempted with physical hunger, Satanic emotional manipulation, and a direct attempt by Satan to get Jesus to worship him instead of Yahweh in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Throughout Jesus' life, the temptations were real and severe (Luke 22:39-46). B. The Greek word for "weakness" has a very broad meaning to describe physical illness, emotional pressures and persecution, and the interaction between a believers spiritual life and the flesh. IV. Because of our great high priest Jesus' sacrifice and our belief in His finished work, we are exhorted to draw near to the throne of grace (unmerited favor) with confidence or boldness. As we pray to our Yahweh Father's throne in heaven, we now receive mercy (pardon for our sins, a release from our debts) and grace to help us in our time of need (verse 16; Philippians 4:6, 7). A. The "throne of grace" seems to be the place where Yahweh Father is currently in heaven with Jesus at His right hand (Isaiah 6:1-7; Daniel 7:13, 14, 27; Revelation 3:21 4:11). As we as believers pray for help, Jesus intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25) and the Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:27). B. This passage assumes that we as human believers are going to have many times of need where we will desire to call out for help. When we do this we find that Jesus is more than willing to provide us with His mercy (we don't receive the punishment or consequences we deserve) and instead blesses us with His grace (we receive what we don't deserve by way of blessing).