Hebrews 1 – 4:13

Hebrews 1-2 – Jesus Fully God and Fully Man

 The author of Hebrews is unknown.  Some of the purposes for writing Hebrews are:  to show Christ is superior to angels (Heb. 1:1-14), to warn believers to pay careful attention and not drift away (Heb. 2:1), to show Christ is faithful which encourages people in difficult times (Heb 6:3) and to remind us to leave the elementary teaching and go on to a maturity in Christ (Heb. 6:1).

Who is the Son?

1.       He’s heir of all. All things belong to him.

2.      He’s creator. All things are made through him.

3.      He’s the radiance of God’s glory.

4.      He’s the exact representation of God’s being.

5.      He’s the sustainer of all things by his powerful word.

6.      He’s the purifier and cleanser of our sin.

7.       He’s enthroned at the right hand of God in all majesty.

Principle:  The way to know God today is to know His son, Jesus Christ.

What are you trusting to meet a need other than Jesus Christ?  No one compares to Jesus Christ.

Who are Angels?

1.       They are ministering spirits sent to serve and help those who are to receive salvation. 

2.      God commanded them to worship Jesus just as we do.

Jews believed angels were like God. They believed angels were consultants to God and that God actually asked angels for advice.  Jews were angel worshippers.  Angels were very important in the Jewish religion. 

Angels are created by God and are in heaven.  Angels worship and serve God.  Angels protect believers from danger, protect children and rejoice when people are saved.  They are and will be our servants.  Angels serve the interest of God the Son.  God the Son is eternal and his reign knows no end.  Jesus is God.  Jesus remains the same and his years will never end. The universe will cease to exist one day, but Jesus will never end.  Angels continually serve as Jesus sits on the throne. 

Note - We do not become angels when we die. 

Principle:  Jesus Christ as God the Son is superior and sovereign.

What do you worship today other than Jesus Christ?
Do you have plans to worship with your family over the holidays, or do you have plans to worship your family?
Do you worship Jesus for who he is or for what he can bless you with?
How does your life reflect that Jesus is Lord?

Old Testament passages are quoted to show that Jesus is God’s son and is superior to angels:

Heb. 1:5 – Ps. 2:7, 2 Sam. 7:14, 1 Chron. 17:3

Heb. 1:6 – Deut. 32:43

Heb. 1:7 – Ps. 105:4

Heb. 1:9 – Ps. 45:6-7

Heb. 1:12 – Ps. 102:25-27

Heb. 1:13 – Ps. 110:1 

These are many passages in the Old Testament that point to Jesus.  There are many in Isaiah.  Just to name a few:

Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 35:3-6, Isaiah 53:5-7  One of my favorites is Isaiah 53:6 “We all, like sheep has gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all”.

Hebrews 2:1 carries a warning to pay attention to what we’ve heard and not drift away.  What we have heard is that Jesus is the Son of God and He is to be worshiped.  He is the only way to God.

Many things in our culture today entice us to drift away.  Just look at TV programs, news, politics, movies and the list goes on.  They are really anti-Christ and where self-indulgence is glorified.  Drifting occurs when we don’t pay attention to Jesus (through God’s Word and communicating with God through prayer).  We’re held accountable for the truth we have been given. 

Red flags to help you identify if you are “drifting”:
            Is reading the Bible just a chore?
            Are you more concerned with the affairs of the world than the heart of God?
            Do you not care if you miss church?

Stop now and let God know:
            I want to care about what you care about.
            Please take my heart and mind to your Word.
            Make me want what you want for me.

How does the time you spend in the world compare to the time you spend with him and serving him?  Your spiritual gift is not just for you.  Ask God to show you the temporary scaffolding in your life that keeps you going.  Take a step off of that temporary scaffolding to allow God to keep you secure.  Jesus is your sure foundation.

(Heb. 2:2-3)  The message given by angels is true and disobedience to the word of angels is dangerous.  How can we escape if we pay no attention to the great salvation?  How much more dangerous is it to be neglectful of words spoken by Jesus?

Principle:  Spiritual drifting results from neglecting Jesus, the anchor of hope. 

Why was it necessary of Jesus to become human?  Satan held the power of death so God sent His Son Jesus to destroy death.  He died on the cross and rose from the dead defeating death and Satan’s power.  By dying He became merciful and atonement for our sins.

Hebrews 3-4 – Jesus Worthy of Great Honor

God put Jesus in charge of salvation.  He did not put angels in charge.  I think “The world to come” in Heb. 2:5 refers to Jesus’ millennial reign, which takes place after His second coming.  God put everything under Him and left nothing that is not subject to Him.  He was honored this way “because He suffered death” (Heb.2:9).  He died for us, in our place.

Scripture here speaks of 3 enemies from which Christ’s death freed us:

            1. The devil

            2. Eternal Death

            3. Sins. 

Christ destroyed Satan, but he is still active in the world today.  He is the Prince of Death and is over this world ever since he tempted and caused Adam and Eve to sin against God.  He continues to tempt us.  Jesus’ death conquered Satan’s hold over the world and Jesus will return to reclaim the earth.

(Hebrews 3:1-6)  Both Moses and Jesus did God’s work and were sent to save people.  Moses led the people out of Egyptian slavery and Jesus leads people from the slavery of sin.  Moses sinned against God and God would not let him enter the Promised Land, but Jesus was perfect without sin and through Him we all can enter Heaven’s Promised Land. 

Jesus is worthy of greater honor than Moses (Heb. 3:3).  Jesus is the creator and Moses is the created (Heb. 3:4).  Jesus is the faithful Son of God over God’s house, while Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house (Heb. 3:5-6)

Heb. 3:1 tells us to fix our thoughts on Jesus.  How can we fix our thoughts on Jesus?  We can read and study the Bible, talk with God in prayer, and confess and repent of our sins.  We can recognize God in all things and give Him credit for our blessings.  We can follow the examples of Jesus.  If we don’t stay close to God, it opens a door for Satan can find his way into our thoughts and actions.

What is the difference between Christian meditation and other forms of meditation?  We as Christians meditate or focus on Jesus in order to get closer to Him and to know Him better.  Other types of meditation are used to relax, take away stress, to calm the mind.  In other words it’s all about self and has nothing to do with God.

(Hebrews 3:7-19) Israel rebelled and hardened their hearts against God.   They sinned and disobeyed God and had unbelief .  God responded with anger and they spend 40 years in the wilderness of the desert and did not allow them to enter the Promised Land.

Some specific ways we can show our unbelief and squander our time today in the wilderness of the world is to spend too much time on TV, internet, video games, hobbies, etc.  and of course the obvious - ignoring God, His truth and His word.  When we do any of these things, every second of our time is wasted.

(Hebrews 4:1-13) God’s rest is used two ways in this chapter.  1. God’s rest, which is the ultimate resting place - heaven (Heb. 4:1), 2. God rested from His work after He made creation (Heb. 4:4). 

How do we enter God’s rest?  God offers us this rest through faith in His Son, Jesus.  We have a choice to accept it or not.  Don’t be like the Israelites by being disobedient, disbelieving and refusing God time after time.  All we have to do is – believe.  Believe what?  Believe the gospel – that God sent His Son, Jesus to earth in human form, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again on the 3^rd day.  Now all who believe and trust in Him will have eternal life.

We also enter God’s rest by relying of God, trusting Him, and not worrying.  His Word gives us rest, comfort, and encouragement.  When we read the Scriptures, it’s God speaking to us.  Next time you read the Bible, remember it’s not just words.  This is God speaking to you.

Join me here next time as we continue our study of Hebrews.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Acts 15

Acts 15:1-3 – The Dispute

Paul and Barnabas just finished an amazing journey preaching the gospel.  Many Gentiles were saved and the church grew.  But when a church is growing, you can always count on opposition.  The Jewish Christians didn’t like the fact that the Gentiles accepted salvation and did not have to do anything for it.  The Jerusalem Christians wanted them to obey the Law of Moses, which commanded circumcision.  They were also concerned that they would be overrun by Gentiles and their customs since they had very different backgrounds.  The men from Judea were called Judaizers and insisted the Gentile converts be circumcised. 

It would have been easy for Paul and Barnabas to just ignore this issue.  If they had, there would be no absolute truth in the church.  The gospel of Jesus plus anything else is not the true gospel.  If you find yourself in a controversy, be prepared.  Speak with God and spend time with Him.  This way you will grow closer to God.  We should also keep a joyful heart during controversy.   You worship God in the mist of it, which is a great defense.  We need to speak up when something attacks sound doctrine of the church not just for things that don’t really matter.  Don’t dwell on the small things and don’t get tied up in it - let the main thing be the main thing. 

Principle:  Conflict dealt with according to scripture through the power of the Holy Spirit leads to spiritual growth.

What conflict are you avoiding?  Will you ask God to be bold and speak out for you?  1 Peter 3:15-16 – “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Acts 15:4-21 – The Discussion

Some believe that Galatians 2:1-10 is a picture of the meeting Paul, Barnabas and the others had with the Jewish council.  Paul opposed the circumcision of the Gentile Christians, because he was trying to teach them that Jesus was the only way to salvation - not the outward appearance of circumcision.  Peter told the brothers that long ago God chose the Gentiles would hear from his lips the message of the gospel and believe.  God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles.  He purified their hearts by faith.

Principle:  Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ.

Are you serving God just in case?  As you serve God examine your motives.  There is nothing we can do to earn a place in heaven.

Acts 15:22-35 – The Decision

James spoke to the council quoting scripture. (Amos 9:11-12)  He suggested they not make it difficult for the Gentles, but to compromise.  Instead, he suggested they write the Gentiles at Antioch and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, abstain from sexual immorality, and from eating meat of strangled animals and from blood. This letter was not meant as conditions for salvation, but to maintain Jewish and Gentile fellowship.  They agreed and along with Paul and Barnabas, they sent Judas and Silas with the letter.  When the letter was read, they were glad for its encouragement and Judas and Silas said much to encourage the believers.  Then they were sent back with blessings of peace. (Acts 15:19-34)

Acts 15:36-41 – The Disagreement

Paul and Barnabas decided to go back to the towns where they had preached to see how they were doing.  Barnabas wanted to take John Mark, but Paul didn’t want to because he had deserted them in Pamphylia.  Paul thought him unreliable.  They had a sharp disagreement and parted ways so Barnabas took John Mark and sailed for Cyprus.  Paul chose Silas and went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.  This began Paul’s second missionary journey.

Both Paul and Barnabas were right.  Paul was right to not risk his future work and Barnabas was right to recognize John Mark as valuable to the work.  God caused this disagreement so the gospel could be spread to more people.  Christians can disagree on the importance of an issue and both be right.  John Mark later wrote the book of Mark.  Years late after Mark proved himself, Paul received him with open arms in 2 Tim. 4:11.

How do you handle disagreements with other Christians?

What can you do to follow the example of Paul and Barnabas?

Principle:  Christian should strive for unity so that we can serve the Lord as one body.

Join me here next week for our study as we jump to the book of Hebrews.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Acts 13-14

Acts 13 – The Journey Begins

Acts 13:1-3 - Called

God’s heart is all through this chapter and He wants the gospel shared where ever we go.  How open are you to introduce Jesus to others?  Jesus was introduced to ordinary men as well as influential leaders.   God did this through believers as in Paul and Barnabas.  There was a change in church leadership at Antioch.  The leaders were Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen and Paul.  All were diverse leaders, but God created a oneness, the secret of Christ.  There were two spiritual gifts - teaching and prophesying.  As they prayed and fasted, they received instructions from the Holy Spirit.  (Fasting means going without something for a time to focus on the Lord.)

They were available, surrendered to the Holy Spirit, and their hearts desired to be in the center of God’s will.  Does that describe you?  He set apart Barnabas and Saul. (Acts 13:2)  What does He want you to set apart for His use?

Are you serving without being called by the Holy Spirit?  A ministry outside God’s will is likely not to be fruitful.  He has a work for everyone who receives salvation. 

Principle:  The Holy Spirit guides us where God wants us to go.

Acts 13:4-12 - Opposed

Barnabas and Paul were sent on their way for the first missionary journey.  When they left Antioch, they went to Seleucia and then sailed to Cyprus.  They were sent for by the proconsul or governor, Sergius Paulus who wanted to hear the word of God.  There was a sorcerer and false prophet named Elymas who worked for the proconsul.  The sorcerer was full of the devil, deceit, and trickery.  He opposed them and tried to turn the governor from the faith.  Paul, by the power of God blinded him.  When the governor saw what happened, he believed as was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

Principle:  The enemy of God does not want Jesus personally known.

The enemy wants to keep people, especially leaders and anyone with influence from God.  He doesn’t want people to depend on God.  He wants to keep you from the presence and power of God.  He works against you, not for you.  So put on the full armor of God and stand your guard.  That’s what Paul and Barnabas did.

Acts 13:13 - Disappointed

They traveled the whole island of Paphos, and then to Perga were John Mark left them and went back to Jerusalem.  It is not known why he left.  Perhaps there was a disagreement.  Maybe he was homesick, ill, or couldn’t stand the hardships.  Because of his departure, Paul lost confidence in him.  This reminds us that even godly men as these still had their problems.

Principle:  The spread of the gospel requires faithful commitment in the face of personal difficulty.

Even today we choose not to show up when we don’t feel like it or it doesn’t fit our schedule.  Paul modeled commitment, doing whatever God asked.  If you know you’ve been called by God, don’t quit!

John Mark did get back on track.  He earned Paul’s trust again and wrote the book of Mark.  How do you allow mistakes to get you back to God?  How do you respond to others who make mistakes and return to God?   Giving up creates a hardship for others.  Our choice impacts others. 

Acts 13:14-52 – Keep Going

From Perga they went to Pisidian Antioch.  Paul was asked to speak at the synagogue.  In his messages he gave historical references leading to the Messiah, which could not be denied.  He told of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the message of salvation.  All of which was supported by the Old Testament scriptures quoting passages from Psalms and Isaiah.

The response was mixed.  Some came back to hear more.  Some Jews rejected the message.  Paul and Barnabas said,“We had to speak the word of God to you first.  Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.” - Acts 13:46. “When the Gentiles heard this, they were honored and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.” - Acts 13:48

(Acts 13:38-41) Paul message went on to say we are made righteous by Jesus and through Him everyone who believes is justified.  He warns them to not just wonder about Jesus and do nothing or they will perish.  We can’t remain on the fence or we will suffer eternity in Hell.  There are 2 places to go from here – Heaven or Hell forever and ever.  Where are you going?

The word spread, but some Jews stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region.  So Paul and Barnabas shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and left.  (Note: When Jews would leave a Gentile land, they would shake the dust off their feet to not take any dirt from the land.)  This is what Paul and Barnabas did to the Jews as a protest saying the Jews were no different than pagans.  This did not discourage the disciples.  They were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:52)

Principle:  Spirit filled believers can experience joy in the mist of suffering.

Where would you be in this story? 

Would you be asking for more truth? 

Where would you go after this life, if this were it - Heaven or Hell?  The power of the living God is available to you. 

Are you living with jealousy?

Concerned how life will change if you let Jesus in your heart?

Are you being expelled?  Look how they handled it.  You may have to forgive someone.  You can keep on going with joy and not anger.

Note:  (The name change of Saul to Paul is not clear and we do not know why it changed, but Acts 13:9 says, “Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit…”.   Maybe he changed it so the Gentiles would accept him better or maybe it reflected his new life since he was now a new man.)

Acts 14 – The Journey Continues

 Acts 14:1-7 – Poison Control

Even though Paul and Barnabas were removed from their ministry, God created new opportunities to minister.  At Iconium Paul and Barnabas preached effectively and boldly because of the power of God and many Jews and Gentiles believed.  The bolder they became the more uncomfortable the Jews became.  Some refused to believe and stirred up trouble and turned the Gentiles against them.   

Like the Jews we get uncomfortable when we see God differently.  We are threatened and become controlling - just like them.   They thought they were following the Old Testament laws and it was probably hard for them to change their thinking.  They had centuries of tradition and now Jesus was changing everything.  But that didn’t stop Paul and Barnabas from speaking and performing miraculous signs and wonders.  In Matthew 10:34 Jesus said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth.  I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”  Being a good person will not bring you into a relationship with God is insulting for some.

Paul and Barnabas left Iconium and fled to Lystra and Derbe.  Sometimes God says move and sometimes He says stay put.  God will give you information so you will go where He wants you to go. 

Principle:  A committed Christian encouragingly lives by God’s truth even when others refuse it.

The enemy is at work to poison our minds.  How are you being poisoned?  God is the ultimate “poison control center”.  God’s motives are love, goodness and grace and is willing to do anything to work on your behalf.  Contact the “poison control center” – He will give you courage.  Get into His Word and pray.  If in doubt, He will give you hope for tomorrow.  His “poison control center” will remove the poison from your thoughts. 

What is your immediate response when someone opposes you? 

Are you worn out defending Jesus to your family or to your friends? 

Don’t waste energy – just speak the message of truth like Paul and Barnabas.  God will tell you when to do it differently.  The gospel cannot be stopped!  Nothing can change God’s plan to spread it to the world.

Acts 14:8-20 – Unwanted Worship

In Lystra as Paul preached, he saw a man crippled from birth.  Paul saw that he had faith and Paul healed him.  This doesn’t mean if you have faith you will be healed.  God does His will and He may choose not to heal.  Healing can occur when someone has no faith.  Faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:17).   How is your faith evident to others? 

When the people saw this, they thought Paul and Barnabas were gods and wanted to offer sacrifices and worship them.  Paul knew if this spread, it would be very hard to convince people otherwise.  He told the people they were human just like them, bringing the good news and telling them to turn from these worthless things to the living God who made everything.  They were ignorant and needed to become knowledgeable of scripture and of God.

How do we know God is the Creator?  First because He says so.  Then just look around and see the sky, the stars, the moon, the sun, the oceans, etc.  (Romans 1:18-20) – “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”  Paul mentioned the created world so they would realize how powerful God is and no one could do

what He had done.

Some of the Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over.  They stoned Paul and left him for dead.  But the disciples gathered around him and I am sure they prayed earnestly.  Another answer to prayer - Paul got up and went back to the city.  This showed Paul’s determination and commitment in serving the Lord.  He went right back to preaching and didn’t give up.  This is one of many examples Paul gives us to live by.  He knew how they felt.  After all he use to persecute and kill Christians himself and God forgave him.  He had forgiveness, patience and love even for his enemies.

Principle:  A committed Christian’s response to adversity should point others to God.

Are you like one of those people Paul and Barnabas spoke to?  Is the Bible unfamiliar to you?  Will you yield to the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus as your Savior?

Acts 14:21-28 – Personal Care

Paul shows his love and care for those he led to Christ:

Acts 14:21-23 – Paul encouraged disciples reminding them that they must endure hardships to enter kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 7:3 – Paul said he would live and die for you.

Galatians 4:19 – Paul saw believers as dear children

1 Thessalonians 2:7-11 – Paul cares for believers as a mother and deals with them as a father.

1 Thessalonians 1:19-20 – The people are Paul’s hope, joy and glory.

1 Thessalonians 3:8 – Paul really lives when believers stand firm in the Lord.

Principle:  A committed Christian has a testimony about God that will strengthen and encourage the body of Christ.

Paul set a great example of never giving up.  He showed us an example of determination, commitment, and faith through hardships.  Paul and Barnabas strengthened and united the disciples by their examples.  They prayed and fasted, encouraged them to remain true to the faith.  We need to encourage others by telling them God loves them in all their circumstances.  Tell them you are praying for them.  It means a lot to me when someone says they are praying for me. And – don’t forget to pray.  Every Christian should be involved with the body of Christ.  Churches are not perfect.  We need to pray and help strengthen our leaders. 

How do you encourage others? 

What leader could you encourage in your church? 

Do you shepherd them with your time or your energy?

Join me here next week.  We will jump to the book of  Hebrews for a few weeks.  --  I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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