Episoder
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We run the race not for a place in heaven, but we run for the prize who is the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. - FOCUS SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 12:1-4 - “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, (a great dense multitude of spectators in a historical sense are witnesses to how we run the race) let us also lay aside every weight,(burden, mass) and sin (hamartia: miss the mark) which clings (besetting, to prevent running) so closely, and let us run (trecho: to exert, strive hard, spend all one’s strength to attain something) with endurance the race that is set before us, (to exert ourselves like a runner in a contest to attain the goal of perfection we are destined for) 2 looking to (to turn our eyes away from distractions and to fix them on Christ our prize) Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.
Repentance is not enough for salvation. Salvation is through faith alone in Christ Alone. Repentance is a result of transformation. - Hebrews 12:5-17 - FOCUS SCRIPTURE: 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.
We must obey and never ignore God speaking through His word. Like Moses our attitude must be “I tremble with fear”. Everything will be shaken off its foundations and Christ’s Kingdom will be the only thing left standing. - Hebrews 12:18-21 - FOCUS SCRIPTURE: 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
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When you live in confidence, hold fast, not neglecting one another in love, and walk in obedience and holiness with our King you will joyfully give everything to and for Him even your life in death and suffering. - Hebrews 10:32-34 - “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened,(photizo: imbue, permeate with saving knowledge) you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.”
If anyone throws away their confidence, does not hold fast to their hope, neglects the brotherhood in love, and walks in disobedience and unholiness, they will receive what was always intended for them destruction, God has no pleasure in them. But the righteous will live by faith. - Hebrews 10:35-39 - “Therefore do not throw away (apoballo: throw off, cast away agament) your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, (be timid, cower, shrink, hesitating to avow what they believe) my soul has no pleasure in him.”39 “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”
Faith, the gift of God, is to know with firm trust and full assurance in God’s word by which we are fully convinced without wavering. - FOCUS SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:1-3 - “Now faith is the assurance (hoo-pos-ta-sis: confidence, firm trust, assurance) of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. (accredited) 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Faith before the flood. - Hebrews 11:4-7
Faith after the flood. - Hebrews 11:8-12
Faith of pre and post-flood is the same Faith given to us today. - Hebrews 11:12-16
Godly men of old by Faith believed God and obeyed - Hebrews 11:17-22
Faith before the exodus - Hebrews 11:23-28
Faith after the exodus - Hebrews 11:29-31
It has always been by Faith Alone - Hebrews 11:32-40 - FOCUS SCRIPTURE: 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
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Mangler du episoder?
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Christ the True and Better
The True and Better High Priest
Christ Our Promised Forever High Priest
Hebrews 6:13-20 pt.6
READ: Hebrews 6:9-12
All of God’s promises are guaranteed due to who He is, He is His greatest witness. “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” - 2 Corinthians 1:20 - Hebrews 6:13-14 - “For when God made a promise (epan-gello-mai: to engage) to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear,(om-noo-o: to swear to call a person as a witness) he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”
Know with full confidence that God will fulfill His promise, HE guarantees it. “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” - Numbers 23:19 - Hebrews 6:15 - “And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, (persevere patiently and bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles) obtained the promise.”
You can fully rely on His promises, He has made an oath. His word is His bond. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19 - Hebrews 6:16-18 - “For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired (bulla-my: to will deliberately, have a purpose, be minded) to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable (immutable) character of his purpose, he guaranteed (messy-to-o: to act as mediator, to mediate, and act as surety by pledging one’s self) it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable (immutable) things, (pragma: that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished act) in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement (paraklesis: consolation, comfort, solace) to hold fast (not let go but to keep carefully and faithfully) to the hope set before us.”
Christ is our anchor, our sure and steadfast hope. Christ has fulfilled the righteous requirements of the High Priest for His people. He alone is our High Priest forever. - Hebrews 6:19-20 - “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor (stable firm safeguard) of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
How has Christ Fulfilled these requirements as High Priest?Numbers 28:1-4,6 & 16-23; Psalm 5:1-3
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Christ the True and Better
The True and Better High Priest
Christ Our Hope and Faithful High Priest
Hebrews 6:9-12 pt.5
READ: Hebrews 6:1-8
Christ will accomplish what He has purposed and absolutely nothing can stop it. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 6:9 - “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, (worthy one, loved one, dear) we feel sure (persuaded, confident) of better things (more useful, serviceable, advantageous, excellent) — things that belong (to adhere or cling to; to be closely joined to) to salvation.”
Christ is faithful to remember and bless His people when we purposely and intentionally care for one another even when we are mistreated. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.- Romans 12:9-10
Hebrews 6:10 - “For God is not unjust so as to overlook (epee-lan-than-o-my: neglect, no longer caring for) your work and the love (agape: love from deep within) that you have shown (proved, displayed, demonstrate) for his name (the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds, position, etc.) in serving the saints, as you still do..”
What Christ says He will do, is an absolute guarantee. “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19
Hebrews 6:11-12 - “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness (prove by striving to accomplish…) to have (with regard to an intended end or purpose) the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, (no-thros: dull, lazy) but imitators (mim-ay-tase: mimic) of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. - 1 Corinthians 1:20. -
Christ the True and Better
The True and Better High Priest
Maturity in Christ
Hebrews 6:1-8 pt.4
READ: Hebrews 5:11-14
Basic truths of Christian faith are to be known and understood not repeated over and over again for the believer as if needed to ensure one’s faith. Every believer must press / move to a deeper understanding of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 - Hebrews 6:1-3 - “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go (press, move) on to maturity, not laying again a foundation (beginnings, first principles, system of truth) of repentance (metanoia: change the mind) from dead works (life lived destitute of power, inactive, inoperative, fruitless) and of faith toward God,(the conviction that God exists and is creator of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation) 2 and of instruction about washings (baptism), the laying on of hands, (blessing given in ceremony, ordination) the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.”
The doctrines of renewal (renewing the mind continually) and regeneration (to make alive that which was dead) are only done by the power and work of the Holy Spirit. It is impossible to be made alive in Christ to be brought back to death and corruption and to have our minds changed and continually renewed in the truth to return to knowing nothing of His goodness. - Hebrews 6:4-6 - “For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened (saving knowledge), who have tasted (experienced) the heavenly gift,(eternal life) and have shared, (partake) in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted (experienced)the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, (Revelation 21:3 - to have hope in the promise of heaven and Revelation 20:14-15 - to understand the judgment of God in Hell) 6 and then have fallen away, (reject or willingly denounce what you once had) to restore (renew, renovate) them again to repentance, (going back to where it all began) since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm (put to open shame) and holding him up to contempt.”
The person whose heart receives the Gift of salvation produces the fruits of faith in their life; the person whose heart did not receive the Gift of salvation continues to produce bad fruit. - Matthew 13:23 - Hebrews 6:7-8 - “For land (ground suitable for growing) that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.”
My translation: verse 7 - The ground that drinks the rain that often falls on it and is tilled, producing fruit and herbs, receives a blessing from God. verse 8 - If it produces thorns and thistle, even though the rain has fallen on it, that ground is worthless and cursed, its end is to be burned. -
Christ the True and Better
The True and Better High Priest
Hebrews 5:9-14 pt.3
READ: Hebrews 5:7-8
Christ is the King of Righteousness, our High Priest, Our Melchizedek. Christ, being our source of eternal salvation, requires a high priest who was, is, and always will be the Priest of the Most High God. Hebrews 5:9-10 - “9 And being made perfect (exalted to the state of heavenly majesty), He became the source ( i-tee-os: the Cause) of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated (to address, salute, call by name in public) by God a high priest after (kata: according to) the order (character, fashion, quality, style; after the manner of the priesthood) of Melchizedek.” - Genesis 14:17-20
What God has said in His word is meant to be understood. Starting with the simple to the difficult. Salvation is easy to understand with the Holy Spirit but impossible without Him. - 1 Corinthians 2:14 Hebrews 5:11 - “About this (peri - concerning, about; os - this - the whole statement previously said) we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” - Luke 24:25-27
You will not grow and mature in the faith if you do not learn the fullness of God’s word, especially the basic doctrines of the faith. You must go beyond the gospels and dig deep into the Old and New Testiments. - Ephesians 4:13-14 - Hebrews 5:12-13 - “For though by this time (dia ho chronos) you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles (arche: beginning, origin - stoy-khi-on: the first things, simple teachings like the alphabet) of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone (pas: any) who lives (met-ek-o: to partake of or to feed on) on milk is unskilled (ah-pie-ros: inexperienced, without experience with a specific thing) in the word of righteousness, (logos dee-kay-ya-soo-nay: the doctrine concerning the way which man may attain the state of approval of God) since he is a child (nay-pee-os: childish, untaught, unskilled).” - Acts 20:26-27 - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) is only thing given to God’s people to renew their mind. “I have given them your word,..” John 17:14 and “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law[b] of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” - Psalm 1:1-2 - Hebrews 5:14 - “But solid food (stereos: firm, immovable, solid, hard, rigid - trophe: food of the mind, substance for instruction) is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant (gymnazo:exercise vigorously) practice (hexis: power acquired by, practice or use) to distinguish good (kalos: beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, praiseworthy, morally good, noble) from evil. (kakos: evil, contrary to divine or human law, a crime) ” - Psalm 119:9-16 - Romans 12:2
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READ: Hebrews 5:1-4
God appoints the High Priest, not men. Christ was appointed by the Father once for all, just as men who were chosen and appointed to be High Priests for a time.
Hebrews 5:5-6 - “5 So also Christ did not exalt (dox-ad-zo: to cause the dignity or worth of a person or thing to become acknowledged) Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by Him (implied based on verse 1.) who said to Him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6 as He says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” ( these 2 OT verses are used so you will know who has dox-ad-zo Christ. This is crucial to understand because of the obligation “...to offer sacrifice for the people.” verse 3.)
The High Priest serves the will of the Father, not his own. saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42
Hebrews 5:7 - “7 In the days of his flesh, (before His resurrection) Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save (sozo: save a suffering one) Him from death (than-at-os: death comprising all the miseries arising from sin - See 2 Corinthians 5:21), and He was heard because of his reverence.”
(see John 17:25-26)
Christ’s Priestly Prayer: John 17; Luke 22:39-46
Christ is our High Priest, our advocate, and our sacrifice. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” - Hebrews 4:15
Hebrews 5:8 - “8 Although He was a Son, He learned (manthano: be informed, to become accustomed to) obedience (necessary to fulfill the plan of salvation, Luke 22:42 “…not My will but Yours be done”) through what He suffered. (pas-kho: to be affected, have a sensible experience, to undergo)”
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READ: Hebrews 4:11-13
If Christ is our faithful High Priest and our sacrifice, should we shrink from being a faithful witness on His behalf? Keeping the faith is more than doing all the right things as a “Christian”. It’s carefully and faithfully professing Him who gave His life and rose again to give us Life. - Hebrews 4:14 - “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through (dierchomai - come by the mean of, come through) the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast (krateo - to keep carefully and faithfully, not discard or let go) our confession (homologia - profession, the one whom we profess).”We have a High Priest who has experienced our weaknesses and has given us the way to Him. He is our way to Him. Galatians 2:20 - Hebrews 4:15 - “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”We can approach the Throne of Grace with full confidence, knowing He will do as He has promised. - 1 John 5:14-15. - Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then with confidence (parresia - freedom in speaking, without ambiguity, fearless confidence) draw near (proserchomai) to the throne of grace, that we may receive (lambano - to receive what is given, obtain) mercy and find (heurisko - to find, discover, to see, learn, understand) grace to help in time (timely, opportune) of need.”The responsibility of every High Priest is to offer the sacrifice to God on behalf of all mankind for the remission of sins. - Romans 3:22-26- Hebrews 5:1 - “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.”Christ is our Intercessor and Advocate who can and fully, on our behalf, being our atoning sacrifice, fulfil all the obligations of the High Priest. Christ alone is our High Priest, - Hebrews 5:2-3 - “He can deal gently (be affected moderately, one who is not unduly disturbed but bears them gently) with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. (Hebrews 4:15) 3 Because of this he is obligated (opheilo - to owe, that which is due) to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.”Christ was called by the Father to be our High Priest and so fulfilled the Plan set before Him. - Ephesians 1:7-10 - Hebrews 5:4 - “And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.” -
Christ the True and Better
The True and Better Prophet
Hebrews 3:16-19 pt.3
READ: Hebrews 3:12-15
A rebellious heart is an unbelieving heart, and A believing heart is an obedient heart. Psalm 37:3-5 “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.”
Hebrews 3:16-19 - “For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.”
Rebellion, Provocation, Sin, and Disobedience all come from a heart of unbelief!
READ:
Deuteronomy 1:19-46, Numbers 32:6-13, John 5:39-47, John 14:8-17
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2024 Mount Eaton Graduation Celebration
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Senior Sunday Graduation - Pr 16:1-9
Your Legacy starts in the smallest of muscles but sets the course of your life. - Luke 6:45. - Pr 16:1-2 - “The plans (preparations, arrangements) of the heart (inner part of man - the mind) belong to man, but the answer (ability to response) of the tongue (language) is from the Lord. 2 All the ways (course of life) of a man are pure (clean, righteous) in his own eyes (mental and spiritual qualities), but the Lord weighs (measure, test, prove) the spirit (mental acts, dispositions of various kinds). - James 3:6 - Pr 4:23
All that the LORD God has made is for His purpose and plan, nothing is made to just exist but made for His wonderful name and glory. - Romans 9:17 - Pr 16:3-4 - “Commit (roll up to) your work (acts, pursuits, achievements) to the Lord, and your plans (devices, purpose) will be established (firm, stable, fixed). 4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. - Col 3:17 - Eccl 12:13
Life is not about you; it will always be about Christ. - 2 Chronicles 7:14 - Pr 16:5-6 - “Everyone who is arrogant (proud) in heart (inner man, heart, mind) is an abomination (disgusting thing) to the Lord; be assured (put the hand too), he will not go unpunished (free, pure, clean, guiltless) . 6 By steadfast love (goodness, kindness) and faithfulness (firmness, sureness, reliable) iniquity (perversity, depravity) is atoned (purge, cover, reconcile) for, and by the fear of the Lord (reverence, respect) one turns away (depose, depart) from evil. - James 4:6 - 2 Chron 7:14
The greatest value you’ve been given is Christ and His word, not your stuff. - Matthew 6:21 - Pr 16:7-8 - “When (pleasing, acceptable) a man's ways (course of life) please (acceptable) the Lord, he makes (cause to be at peace) even his enemies to be at peace (make anyone a friend) with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great (abundance) revenues (income) with injustice (no right or attributes of God and man). - Jn 15:10-11 - Ps 86:11 & Ex 33:13
God is sovereign and in control; you’re not. - Revelation 21:5a - Pr 16:9 - “The heart of man (lave - inner man, mind, heart, soul) plans (to think, plan, calculate, invent, make a judgment) his way,(course of life) but the Lord establishes (firm, stable, established) his steps.(course of life) - Rev 4:10-11 - Isa 45:5-7 & Ps 115:3
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God’s rest comes through only the Gospel. - Hebrews 4:1-2 - “Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest (ka ta pow sis) still stands, let us fear (fa beh o) lest any of you should seem to have failed (be devoid, lack in worth) to reach it (rest in Christ). 2 For good news came to us just as to them, but the message they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united by faith with those who listened.
All who believe in Christ have true rest in HIM! - Hebrews 4:3 - “For we who have believed enter that rest (in Christ), as he has said, “As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not (those who did not believe) enter my rest,’” although his (Christ’s) works were finished from the foundation of the world. (complete works of salvation in and through Christ were done since the beginning of creation, Revelation 13:8)
True Rest can never be found in a day, can never be found in a law, and can never be found in a place. - Hebrews 4:4-5 - “For he has somewhere spoken of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works (act, deed, etc) .” 5 And again in this passage, he said, “They shall not enter my rest.”’ SEE: Isaiah 30:15
Rest is only given to God’s people. Now is the time for your rest. Rest from the toil of sin. SEE: Mark 1:15: - Hebrews 4:6-7 ... “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”’
Rest comes from no other person...Rest and hope are only given by Jesus Christ, the King of all KINGS and the LORD of all lords. Rest will not come by a political election, - Hebrews 4:8-10 - “For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken of another day later on. 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath (saba tees mos) rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” (What works? (the work of Christ through the cross. He is the end of our toil and suffering of sin, final and true rest.)
Rest can be found in His word through the gift of faith on the wings of the Gospel: SEE- Romans 10:17 - Hebrews 4:11-13 - “Let us, therefore, strive (give diligence) to enter that rest, so that no one may fall (come under condemnation) by the same sort of disobedience (a pie thi a). 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper (cut by single stroke) than any two-edged sword, piercing (penetrate) to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning (fit and skilled to judge) the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature (anything created) is hidden from his sight, but all are naked (lay bare, open, no covering) and exposed (expose by bending the neck) to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” - (a pie thi a - obstinacy, obstinate opposition to the divine will)
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What is the difference between calling & crying out to God?
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READ: Hebrews 3:1-6
How do we hold fast to our confidence and hope? How! - Hebrews 2:1; Hebrews 3:6; 3:14; Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 6:11-12; 6:15; Hebrews 10:23-25; 10:35-36; 10:39; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 12:1
Endurance! We must endure with Christ, in Christ, by the faith of Christ.
One ministry that the Holy Spirit does for us is confirming our confidence and hope. He reminds us what we must not forget and encourages us what we must hold fast to our Hope.
Hebrews 3:7-11 - “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,
“Today, (this very day) if you hear his voice, 8 (imperative) do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. 10 Therefore I was provoked with that generation, and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.’ 11 As I swore in my wrath, ‘They shall not enter my rest.’” - Psalm 95:7-11
Our lasting endurance is in Christ. What Moses could not do for the people of Isreal, Christ has done by transforming the hearts of His people and placing in them the full assurance and confidence of His promises.
Hebrews 3:12-15 - “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, (Hebrews 2:10, 14-18) if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
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Christ the builder and faithful delegate to the family of God reminds us of our heavenly calling. “His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well; Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!.” - Helen H. Lemmel 1922
Hebrews 3:1-2 - “Therefore, holy brothers,(brethren in Christ, those exalted to the same heavenly place) you who share in a heavenly
(the heavenly) calling, consider (fix one’s mind or eyes upon) Jesus, the apostle (delegate, messenger) and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God's house (family of God).”
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” - Matthew 7:24
Hebrews 3:3-4 - “For Jesus has been counted worthy (axioo - deserving, fit, right) of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder (kata skoo wad zo - equip, prepare, make ready, erect, construct) of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.)”
Christ, the True Heir and rightful owner and deedholder of all that was promised.
All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. - Matthew 11:27
Hebrews 3:5-6 - “Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant,(therapon - attendeant, discharging the duties committed to him - specifically spoken of Moses) to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God's house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed wehold fast (keep secure or firm possession of) our confidence (Parresia - free and fearless confidence) and our boasting(that of which one glories) in our hope (joyful & confident expectation of eternal salvation, He who is its foundation).”
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READ: Hebrews 2:5-9
Christ’s sufferings completed and fulfilled the Great Salvation to bring many Sons to Glory. - Hebrews 12:1-2
Hebrews 2:10 - “For it was fitting (prepo - to stand out, to be eminent, it is fit or right) that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the Founder of their salvation perfect (tel i ah o - bring to an end, complete, finish, fulfill) through suffering.”
Christ has sanctified, justified, and made us acceptable to and for Him.
Hebrews 2:11-13 - “For He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have One source. That is why (i tia - cause or reason, one worthy of punishment) He is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Through Christ’s death and suffering, we are set free from lifelong slavery and penalty of sin, death. - John 8:36
Hebrews 2:14-15 - “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy (ka tar gay o - put an end to, cease, do away with) the one who has (echo - to hold, possess, cling) the power of death, that is, the devil (accuser, slanderer, calumniator), 15 and deliver (apallasso - remove, release, depart, set free, deliver) all those who through fear of death were subject (enochos - bound, under obligation, subject, liable) to lifelong slavery.”
Since, therefore, we share in being human, flesh and blood, Christ had become a partaker of the same things, born in the likeness of man. He experienced the struggles and pains of being human but He did not sin. He, through death, put an end and did away with that which possesses us, the power of death, that which accuses, slanders, and personally attacks us, the enemy called sin. He delivers all who fear death to which we were lifelong slaves.
Christ the True and Better Adam was for us what the first Adam could not be, our gracious and faithful High Priest and King. Those who belong to the family of faith through Christ’s work on the cross have what no other faith ever has: a God who understands His people in every way and is our ever-present help.
Hebrews 2:16-18 - “For surely it is not angels that he helps, but He helps the offspring of Abraham. (Who are the offspring of Abraham? Galatians 3:6-7) 17 Therefore He had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation (hilaskomai - to appease, overcome the hostility of, win over, atone for, make amends) for the sins of the people. (people of faith) 18 For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Galatians 3:6-7
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READ: Hebrews 1:1-4
Christ the Better Message
Hebrews 2:1 - “Therefore (dia outos - by means of, because of this reason) we must pay much closer (it necessary to be more earnestly, more exceedingly) attention (turn the mind to, to give heed, to devote thought and effort) to what we have heard, lest (mepote - in no way) we drift away from it.”
Reliability of the Gospel of Christ - Hebrews 2:2 - “For since the message declared by angels (messengers) proved (ginomai) to be reliable, (bebaios - stable, fast, firm - a sure footing) and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution (payment, wage),...”
Daniel 9:24 - “Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.”
The Greatest Message of Christ - Hebrews 2:3 - “...how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared (laleo) at first by the Lord, and it was attested (bebaioo - to make firm, establish, confirm) to us by those who heard,...”
1 John 1:1-5 - "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, ...4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you,...
The Witness of the Gospel of Christ - Hebrews 2:4 - “...while God also bore witness (synepimartyreo - to attest together, to join in bearing witness, to unite in adding testimony) by signs (semeion - that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known) and wonders (teras - a remarkable event, an amazing thing out of the ordinary) and various miracles (dynamis - act of power) and by gifts (merismos - division, partition, distribution) of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
…God bore Witness… - John 5:31-32,37 - “If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true…37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me."
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READ: Hebrews 2:1-4
"...3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord,...
Luke 14:15-24 - “When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed is everyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” 16 But he said to him, “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many. 17 And at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it. Please have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them. Please have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled. "
Tale of Two Worlds - The World To Come - The Heavenly Kingdom - Hebrews 2:5 - “For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come (the coming kingdom, verse 1:14…those who are to inherit salvation?), of which we are speaking. (The Great Salvation 2:1-4)
The World We Lost - Hebrews 2:6-8 - “ It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him.” (Psalm 8) Genesis 1:25-27 - “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Christ Better than Adam, The One with True Dominion
Hebrews 2:9 - “But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.”
What Adam could not do, Christ has done. What Adam did do, Christ destroyed. What Adam failed to do, Christ Accomplished once for all. Adam could not keep dominion; Christ rules, and all authority is His. Adam sinned and lost all dominion; Christ destroyed sin and death and brought us life. Adam failed to keep the righteousness of God by disobeying Him; Christ accomplished this by obeying the Father and fulfilling the righteous requirement of the Law.
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Christ the Better Messenger - The Message Came
Hebrews 1:1-2 - “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke (Laleo- la lay o - to use words in order to declare one’s mind and disclose one’s thoughts) to our fathers by the prophets, (Prophetes - pro fay tace - a man filled by the spirit who pleads the cause of God, spokesman, messenger) 2 but in these last days he has spoken (Laleo) to us by his Son, whom he appointed (to set, fix, establish) the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
God is the Messenger - Hebrews 1:3-4 - “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become (Ginomai - ghin o my - to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage) as much (greatest, longest, unmeasurable) superior (Kreitton - krite tohn - more useful, serviceable, advantageous, excellent) to angels (angelos - messenger) as the name he has inherited (obtain by right - Philippians 2:9 “...bestowed on him the name that is above every name,”) is more excellent than theirs.”
Comparison of the Messengers - Of Position
Of Christ. - Hebrews 1:5-6 - For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten (Gennao - ghen nah o - cause to arise) you”? - (Psalm 2:7) Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? - (2 Samuel 7:14) 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn (Prototokos - root = Protos - first in time or space, first in rank) into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.” - (Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 97:7)Of Angels - Hebrews 1:7 - (Psalm 104:4)Comparison of the Messengers - Of Authority
Of Christ - Hebrews 1:8-12 - (Psalm 45:6-7 & Psalm 102:25-27)Of Angels - Hebrews 1:13-14 - (Psalm 110:1) 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? -
Everyone Represented, Everyone Guilty - The Arrest and Sentencing of the Holy God
The Jews - Guilty - Matthew 26:66-68 - Mark 14:64-65 - Luke 22:63-64 - John 18:22-23 - “When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”
The Gentiles - Guilty - All 4 Gospels mention Pilate's & the soldiers' dealings with Christ - Matthew 27:26-37; Mark 15:15-26; Luke 23:25-33; & John 19:15-16 - Pilate had released Barabas and scorged Jesus and had him crucified.
Jesus, Holy God, executed with the guilty
The Robbers - Guilty
Matthew 27:38-44; Mark 15:27-32; John 19:18 - “Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. ... 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled (on i deed zo - undeserved reproach, to find fault with, revile, speak through one’s teeth) him in the same way.
Luke 23:32-38 - “Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.” 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews. 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
- A changed heart to a changed mind. - The Repentant Criminal - Luke 23:40-43 - Isaiah 61:1-2a & Luke 4:18-19
We all need to be set free from our bondage and the reality of the criminal's short but so important story is the repentant and believing sinner is a sinner set free. Whom the Son Sets Free Will Be Free Indeed - Romans 8:1-3
- Se mer
