Hebrews 4:14-7:28

Hebrews 4:14-16 – Jesus’ Work as the High Priest

Jesus was appointed as our “great high priest”.  He is able to identify with us, because He was tempted in every way.  As the Son of God He has sympathy for us and understands us.  He has the desire and ability to help through anything we face.

How are you struggling?  Are you trying to resist temptation to rebel or to lose control in anger?  Then read Hebrews 4:15-16 - “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are - yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  To “have” means to receive, accept, and the assurance of Jesus.  We have a relationship with Jesus.  To approach the throne of grace is to take all our problems and concerns to God with confidence that He will help us to overcome them – not only the big one, but the small ones as well.

Jesus was qualified more than anyone to become our high priest.  He was called by God, He submitted to God’s will, He was without sin, He offered up prayers and petitions to God for others, He learned obedience through suffering and He became the source of salvation for all who believe.

Is He your great high priest?  Do you take your concerns to Him?  Is He your savior?  Everyone has a cell phone these days and also with it you have a limited calling plan.  Jesus is our unlimited plan.  He gives us His unlimited attention and complete access to Him.  He is talking to God the Father about you and He knows what you need. 

Jesus knows your pain and your grief.  He knew what it is like to be hungry, thirsty, and tired.  He knew the horrible agony of physical torture, which He endured in His trial and crucifixion.  He knew what it is like to be mocked, distrusted and betrayed by friends.  He was tempted in all the things as we are, yet He is without sin. 

Jesus knows your hearts.  He knows exactly what you are fighting to remain obedient.  God’s way is costly, but guaranteed to transform your very being.  There is another way – your way.  It’s less painful and may make you feel better for a time, but it doesn’t honor God and doesn’t impact others for God.  Trust and obey or go your own way.

Because He can sympathize with us, we should draw near to the throne of grace with confidence.  We should come to the throne because we are weak and we have Jesus as our sympathetic High Priest.  If you have needs, pray.  Jesus is ready to give you mercy and help you fight your battles.

Principle:  Jesus as the Great High Priest helps His people in times of weakness and temptation.

What problems do you need to take before the throne?

What causes you to doubt?

How confident are you that He hears your prayers? 

Hebrews 5:11-6:12 – Jesus’ Word demands Spiritual Growth

We are grateful that churches teach the basics, but it won’t sustain you in life.  Solid food is for the mature (Heb. 5:14).  It is important that we grow spiritually.  We are spiritual infants and will remain so if we are not intentional.  Maturity just doesn’t happen.  It takes study and real work.  Our thinking needs to be trained.  Jesus didn’t demonstrate emotional thinking.  We need to keep going pass elementary truths.

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers to the coming age, if they fall way, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.” (Heb. 6:4-6)  He is not saying that it is impossible for God to forgive them if they fall away.  God will always forgive all who repent and believe.  The problem is with those who don’t repent.  It is possible to get very close to genuine faith and still not actually repent.  If you are willing to go back, perhaps you haven’t truly accepted Christ as Savior.

“Enlightened” is part of the process of salvation, being taught the truth before we believe.  You can be enlightened to the truth, but shut your eyes to the light of Jesus.

“Tasted the heavenly gift” refers to those who understood the freeness of God’s gift and have even had the Holy Spirit convicting their consciences; however they find it too difficult to leave their way of life, change their minds, repent and go on to true saving faith in Christ.  True Christians cannot fall away and be lost.

“Impossible” here means that having rejected the Holy Spirit who has brought them along knowing the gospel, but they cannot now simply turn to God.  They have not truly repented.

Principle:  Christian maturity involves knowing and doing what God Says.

Knowing must be joined with faith, trust and obedience.  Indifference is our greatest enemy.  If you are feeling weary in spirit, dig deeper into His word.  Even churches have people in pews that need to know. 

Christian growth varies.  Some Christians instantly drop those habitual sins and never fall back.  Others struggle daily.  Motivation is key.  “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” – Matt. 5:6.  Hunger and thirst are strong motivators and becomes the only thing on your mind.  You want to satisfy that craving.  We must practice and it and make it a habit, a deliberate effort to grow spiritually.

What indifference do you need to lay aside? 

Are you willing to share the solid food? 

Will you share with those who are spiritually hungry?

What is your greatest challenge to spiritual growth?

Hebrews 6:13-20 – Jesus’ Character Anchors Our Hope

There are two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie – His character and His Word.  Believers’ anchor is Jesus Christ and keeps them secure.  Nothing on earth can anchor you securely – only Jesus.

Principle:  Our hope of future salvation is certain because God is incapable of lying.

He is a Promise Keeper!  What makes you feel secure?  Is it your job, money, family?  As we submit by faith and believe the living Word and in His unchanging character, we grow.  Then the world around us will see Jesus.

Hebrews 7 – Jesus is the Superior Priest

Melchizedek is just a man and his features shadow the one to come, Jesus Christ.   Jesus and Melchizedek have some similarities as high priest.  They are:  both are kings, high priests, kings of righteousness, kings of peace and kings forever.  Their differences are:  that Jesus is the Son of God, He lives forever, has a permanent priesthood and is able to save completely.   He is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens is unlike any other high priest and does not need to offer sacrifices day after day for sins.  He is the perfect High Priest – forever!

Not all people have someone praying for them like a mother or a grandmother, but everyone has Jesus praying for them continually.  He’s thinking and talking with God about you right now.

Principle:  God cares enough to send man His very best His Son Jesus Christ.

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

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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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