Be Confident…A Study of Hebrews

                                                            Study of Hebrews  Highlights from the writer of Hebrews thus far: 1.  Jesus is superior to any heavenly being and is, in fact, God.  Hebrews 1 2.  Message of Jesus is superior.  Hebrews 2:1-4

            a.  First, announced by the Lord

            b.  Second, confirmed by those who heard him

            c.  Third, testified to by God through:

                        1) Signs, wonders, miracles

                        2) Gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will

                                    Hebrews 2:4: I Cor. 12:11; Romans 12:6; Ephe. 3:14-21 

3.  Jesus made to be family/perfect

            a.  Shared their humanity

            b.  Suffered temptation

            c.  Suffered death

            d.  In order that he might become the faithful high priest.  Heb. 2:10-18 

4.  Hold firm (be faithful) to the end–not like those who hardened their hearts. 

            Heb. 3:13-18 5.  Sabbath rest for the people of God.  Hebrews 4 6.  All this leads to Jesus becoming our faithful high priest.  Heb. 4:14-5:10

            a.  Tempted in all points (and far above what we are)

            b.  Appointed by God

            c.  Being made complet–author of eternal salvation to all who obey him.

                                                                            Hebrews Study I.  Looking at Hebrews 5:11 through Hebrews 6:12. 

            A.  Hebrews 5:11-14

                        1.  Similar to the writer Paul in I Cor. 3:1-3.  Analogy of milk and solid

                                    food often used by Greek writers and biblical writers to denote

                                    weakness and strength, infancy and adulthood (spiritually).

                        2.  A lot of time has elapsed since they became Christians.  By now, many

                                    should have become teachers.  Similar to Israel.  Hebrews 4:2

                                    “…but the message they heard was of no value to them, because

                                    those who heard did not combine it with faith.”

                        3.  Need someone again to teach the elementary truths (first principles);

                                    their grasp of these things has become so inadequate that they

                                    need to learn them again.

                                    a.  It is impossible to stand still with regard to God’s word.

                                                “If the dark things do not become plain, then the

                                                plain things will become dark.”  Tyndale

                                    b.  Illus:  Atrophy–because muscles are not used, they can become

                                                smaller and less useful.

                        4.  Distinction between the infant (nerios) and the mature (teleios).

                                    a.  Infant Christian is immature and has not grown past first

                                                principles.  Illus:  Some Christians want only a diet of

                                                first principle lessons–not more mature Bible studies.

                                    b.  Mature Christians want and need more.  They want to be

                                                “trained” (gumnazo)–Greek word used for the

                                                training of athletes–self-discipline, exercise, practice

                                                in order to develop themselves for the real game!

                                    c.  In verse 13, the phrase “not acquainted with” can be

                                                translated “without experience” or “untried”, and

                                                without being “tried” or having “experience”, he is

                                                hard pressed to deal with the real world or the real

                                                Satan.

             B.  Hebrews 6:1-3  The need to go on–having benefited from first principles,                           the need to move on to solid food. 

                        1.  Irony:  Chapter 5:11-14 says that they need to be taught elementary or

                                    first principle truths again, but chapter 6:1-3 says that they need

                                    to leave these teachings and move on to solid food.

                                    a.  They should be quick studies of the first things.

                                    b.  The great benefits of solid food.

                                                Illus:  how an infant quickly grows and matures with

                                                solid food.

                        2.  Six pairs of “first principles” listed.

                                    a.  Repentance and faith–central to the early teaching of John the                                                 Baptist, Jesus, and the early church.

                                    b.  Baptism and the laying on of hands–often coupled as in

                                                Acts 8:16,17 and Acts 19:5-6.

                                                1) Baptism usually in the singular (baptisma); rarely in the

                                                            plural (baptismos); used here;  in Mark 7:4

                                    Pharisees use of ceremonial washings of cups,

pitchers, kettles); and in Hebrews 9:10 about

ceremonial washings of the priests.  Was he

speaking of this?                    

                                                2) Or was he speaking of water baptism and baptism of

                                                            the Holy Spirit.

                                                3) Or was he speaking of the baptism of John unto

                                                            repentance or the baptism of Christ to receive

                                                            the Holy Spirit?

                                                4) Laying on of hands in O.T. for appointing (Numbers

                                                            27:18,25; Deut. 34:9) or for sacrifice (Ex. 29:10;

                                                            Lev. 1:4).  In the N.T. for appointing (Acts 13:3);

                                                            imparting gifts (Acts 8:18; II Tim. 1:6).+

                                    c.  Resurrection and judgement

                                                1)  Believers also raised.  I Cor. 15:20

                                                2) Judgement coupled with resurrection.  Acts 17:31;

                                                            Heb. 9:27

            C.  Hebrews 6:4-6.   Is it possible to fall from grace?

                        1.  I am a strong advocate of the assurance that Christians have of

                                    forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  See I John–the letter.

                        2.  Having said that, is it possible for a person to so scorn the new birth

                                    and the promises of forgiveness and eternal life that he, by his

                                    own actions, dooms himself to death?  In other words:  is “once

                                    saved, always saved” a true doctrine?

                        3.  Notice the change in pronoun from “we” and “us” to “they” and “those”

                        4.  Three possibilities about Hebrews 6:4-6.

                                    a.  He is talking about non-Christians.  Calvin and others suggest

                                                that it is possible for a person to possess and experience

                                                much of what is Christian without actually being a new

                                                creature.

                                                1) Seed which fell on rocky soil

                                                2) No mention of the new birth in this passage

                                    b.  He is talking hypothetically about something that can never

                                                happen.  Dealing with supposition rather than fact, in

                                                order to correct wrong idea.  I find this to be highly

                                                unlikely if not impossible.  Why on such a serious matter

                                                would this writer suggest that such a thing was possible if

                                                in fact it is impossible?  He loses credibility and risks great

                                                confusion–which is not–the style of this writer.

                                    c.  He is actually talking about Christians being saved or lost.

                                                (Demas, having loved this present world, has gone to

                                                Thessalonica.  II Timothy 4:10)

                                                1) There is the argument that this denies the security of

                                                            those who put their trust in Jesus for eternal security

                                                            (John 5:24; John 6:37; John  10:28-30; Rom. 8:1;

                                                            Hebrews 8:12; I John 2:12; I John 2:25, 5:13).  But

                                                            notice:  this is what God promises to the faithful; it

                                                            does not presume how the unfaithful will respond.

                                                2)  Here are the other passages to consider.  (I John 2:24,25

                                                            I John 1:5-7; Matthew 24:13; Mark 3:29; Luke 9:62

                                                            Heb. 10:26-29; II Peter 3:17; II Peter 2:4-22;

                                                            Rev. 2:10)

                                                3)  There is a difference between being adrift and willfully

                                                            deciding to be opposed, or to ignore the truth.

                                                            Illus:  Do you know anyone like this?

                        5.  Notice verse 6:  “to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all

                                    over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”  See Numbers

                                    25:4).

                        6.  Purpose of the paragraph:  to encourage steadfastness.

             D.  Hebrews 6:7-8.  An illustration by using a contrast between two types of                         land. 

                        1.  Reminds you of Jesus’ parable of the different kinds of soils.

                                    Matt. 13:3-9

                        2.  One soil is porous and able to receive rain (thus is able to change its

                                    ability to produce fruit).

                        3.  The other is not receptive and produces only waste product.

              E.  Hebrews 6:9-12.  Confidence expressed in the Hebrew Christians that

                        they will be faithful and not make the mistakes leading to destruction.

                        1.  Does not feel his readers have committed apostasy.

                        2.  Encourages them to be diligent to the very end and to imitate the

                                    faith of those who already have their inheritance (Heb. 11).

            F.  Hebrews 6:13-20  The assurance of God’s promise.                                                                            

IV. CHRIST IS A SUPERIOR HIGH PRIEST 4:14-6:20

            (Warning” Don’t Become Dull Toward The Word 5:11-6:20)

            (Don’t Drift – Don’t Doubt – Don’t Become Dull)

A.    JESUS IS SUPERIOR TO EARTHLY HIGH PRIESTS IN POSITION AND ACCOMPLISHMENT 4:14-16

1.      The discussion of the Priesthood is the major theme of chapters 5 – 10

a.       It is hard to over emphasize the importance of the Priesthood to the Jewish mind. Tabernacle – Temple =- Aaron

b.      It was hard to grasp that something that had been such a vital part of their history and life was now no longer needed – was obsolete.

                                                1). i.e. Trauma associated with shutting down a company                                                    etc.

                                                2). The message is to let them know they are not without a                                                   Priest, a go between, and that Jesus is the Great High (lit.                                                    Great) Priest.

B.     FOUR WAYS IN WHICH JESUS IS A GREATER HIGH PRIEST. 4:14-16

1.      Jesus accomplished in actuality what all of the other Priest could only pre-figure or fore-shadow.

a.       “therefore” ties in with the description of Jesus in 2:17-31

b.      “gone through the heavens” not just the veil

                                                1). High priest once a year only.

                                                2). Bells were sewn in the hem of his robe – if bells stopped                                                 ringing …this was a reason for concern!

                                                3). Rope tied to one ankle in case something happened.

                                                4). Can you imagine the anxiety of listening for those bells?

                                                5). High Priest stayed no longer than necessary.

c.       All this pre-figured what Jesus would do one day.

                                                1). Heb. 8:1, 2 He is in the real Holy of Holies

                                                2). Heb, 9:11, 12 “once for all”

                                                3). Heb, 9:23-26

                                                4). He accomplished what they could on pre-figure.

2.      Jesus is a Great High Priest because He has a Greater Name – stature than they did V:14

a.       V:14 “Jesus, the Son of God”

                                                 1). Isa. 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is                                           given, and the government will be on his shoulders.                                               And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.                                     

2). Luke 1:31-32  Jesus…Son of the Most High

3). Matt. 1:23 God with us…Immanuel 3.     Jesus is a Great High Priest because He endured the fullness of temptations powers…without sin V:15 

a.      States the argument in the negative then the positive…we do not have…we have.

b.      Gnostic thought of the day tried to separate the flesh and deity.

                                       1). I John 4:1-3————-                                      2). He experienced a depth of temptation we will                                           never know.                                      3). Not every temptation, but every type of                                                   temptation. 4.     Jesus is a Greater High Priest because He supplies us with what no earthly High Priest could…V:16 a.      “Mercy” for our failuresb.     “grace” for the strength to endure

c.       I John 2:1, 2 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

                                                1). NASV “advocate” paraclete

                                                2). See 2:18…come to the aid of…same idea.

d.      “with confidence”

e.       “approach” lit continually approaching

f.       I John 1:6-7 “

C.     QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST(Type) of WHAT EARTHYL HIGH PRIEST WERE ONLY AN ANTI-TYPE (SHADOW) 5:1-10

                        NOTE: Vs 1-4 the Qualifications and 5-10 How Jesus fulfills them.

1.      Vs: 1-3 A Common Humanity

a.       The High Priest could relate to the weakness and the sin of the people – they had to offer a sacrifice for their own sins first, then the people. Vs: 2, 3 lit. “keep on making”

b.      “From” men to represent “men” V:1

c.       The Sin Problem – Separation from a Holy God

                                                1). Outer Court - Inner Court – Holy Place – Holy of                                                           Hollies.

                                                2). Priest and the priesthood was a relationship of                                                                 reconciliation. NO priest, no forgiveness, no relationship                                                      with God.

                                                3). You see a strong transference of  this idea in the                                                              Catholic Church and there Priest/People relationship.

 d.      “Gentleness is a product of shared weakness” 

2.      V: 4 Must Be Called By and Appointed by God – No Exceptions.

a.       Examples of those who tried to make an exception.

                                                1). Saul I Sam. 13 - didn’t wait for Samuel and lost his                                                        kingdom.

                                                2). Korah and his following: Numbers 16 – earth                                                                  swallowed them.

                                                3). King Uzziah – tried to offer incense in the temple and                                                    was struck with leprosy II Chron. 26:16-21.

b.      Now he will show how Jesus meets and surpasses these qualifications – Will start with the last one first.

3.      Jesus was called and appointed by God Vs: 5,6

a.       Quotes Psa. 2:7 the coronation Psalm.

                                                1). Not speaking of His birth but His resurrection

                                                2). Acts 13:33-34

b.      Quotes Psa. 110:4

                                                1). Jesus not from the tribe of Levi, thus not eligible to                                                         serve through that line.

                                                2). Melchizedek – Will deal with him later in Chapter 7,                                                       but he was a Priest and a King.

c.       “Forever” Six times the writer will affirm that Jesus’ Priesthood is for ever: 5:6; 6:20; 7:17, 21, 24, 28.

d.      Since He is Priest forever, He gives His people salvation forever…7:23-25

4.      Jesus not only has the appointment, He has the Humanity to relate and to understand 5:7-10

a.       NASV “days of his flesh”

                                                1). John 1:14 “Word became flesh”

                                                2). Uses the Garden and not the cross as an example

b.      The Garden:

                                                1). The Reality of the Cross and its consequences was once                                                  for all settled here in the Garden.

                                                2).”saved from death” Not saved from dieing, but by being                                                             held by death’s power in the grave. Lit. “out of death”

                                                3).”he was heard” answered – fulfilled in the resurrection.

                                                4). “not my will” he wanted the will of the Father more                                                        than His own.

                                                5). “loud cries and tears”

                                                            A). Matt. 26:38 “overwhelmed” “sorrow even unto                                                              death.”

                                                            B). Luke 22:44 “being in agony” The aroist                                                                           participle suggests a growing intensity in his prayer                                                               to the point of reaching agony…tern used only                                                                  here…term also used by medical writers.

                                                6).”learned obedience” Not the first learning of obedience                                                   and other things – talk, walk, read, etc. (He learned what it                                                  was like to know what needed to be done and not want to                                                       do it, but do it anyway)

                                                7). “source of eternal salvation”

                                                8). “all who obey Him” We are talking about a life                                                                commitment, not just a one time profession of faith.

NOTE: The Hebrew Christians has suffered and would suffer even more deeply in the future. The Writer holds Jesus up as an example of how to do what they will be called to do in the near future.

1. I Peter 2:13-25 (20-21)————————–
2. Isa. 53:3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.…

D.    Warning: Don’t become dull toward the word 5:11 – 6:12

(This section covered by Jim Pounders.)

E.     The Assurance of our Hope 6:13-20

1.      God’s promise to Abraham:

a.       Gen. 12:1-4 God Calls a 75 year old idol worshiper.

b.      Gen. 13:14-18 Years pass and still no child/heir.

c.       Gen. 15:1-5…ff This was called, “cutting a covenant” It signified that if either parties did not fulfill their part, they should be cut asunder as punishment.

d.      But only God passes through! He assumes the responsibility of fulfilling the covenant.

e.       25 years later Isaac is born – name meant laughter

f.       Gen. 22:2 A shocking command!!!

                                                1). “we will worship and we will return to you”

                                                2). Heb. 11:17-19

g.      V:16, God swears an oath to a man.

h.      V:15 said he received it. When is this promise fulfilled? When He saw Jesus face to face.

i.        We too are apart of the fulfillment of this promise Gal. 3:7-9

2.      How do you have such a hope?

a.       Vs:11, 12 Read!————

b.      V:17, 18 We are the Heirs!!! Two things make our hope sure.

         1). His promise

         2). His oath.

         3). “Fled for refuge” pictures the cities of refuge Numbers                   35.

SIDE NOTE: Promises are not new to us. We hear and see them made all the time, and we also see them broken many times. I doubt that those of us in this room can see we have kept “every” promise we have ever made. Many reasons for our failures; we forget, we are neglectful, and there may also be circumstances beyond our control.

A promise is of no more value than the ability of the one who made it to carry it out. It also includes the willingness to carry it out. When we consider the promises of God we are speaking of one with whom it is IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO LIE. With God we are speaking of one who has a perfect track record of doing what He said He would do, to the point of promising to sacrifice His Son and then DOING IT. All promises since that one are a piece of cake.

As we close this chapter I want us to look at six of the promises that God has made to us.

3.      Six Promises of God:

a.       He has promised to supply every need we have.

                                                1). Phil. 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs                                                                        according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

                                                2). Not our wants or things we have come to think of as                                                                   needs.

b.      God has promised that His grace is sufficient for us.

                                                1). II Cor. 12:7-10 “7To keep me from becoming conceited                                                  because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was                                                     given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to                                                     torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it                                                             away from me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient                                                   for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”                                                            Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my                                                               weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That                                                   is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults,                                                in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am                                                 weak, then I am strong.”

                                                2) Notice how Paul came to a point in his life where he                                                        delighted in weakness! That is a picture of maturity we                                                        don’t often hear preached.

c.       God has promised to govern the temptations that come out way and also provide a way of escape.

                                                1). I Cor. 10:13 “13 No temptation has seized you except                                                     what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let                                                you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you                                                     are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can                                                      stand up under it.

                                                2). During the last days of my Father’s life my mom                                                             struggled and dealt with a lot. I told her God had paid her a                                                            great compliment, etc.

d.      God has promised us a victory over death – no more fear of                dyeing.

                                                1). Heb. 10:26-27 “26If we deliberately keep on sinning                                                       after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no                                                          sacrifice for sins is left, 27but only a fearful expectation of                                                         judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies                                                  of God.”

                                                2) I John 4:15ff

                                                3). II Cor. 5:10-11 Note Fear here is for the lost

e.       God promises to work in and through the events that happen in our lives.

                                                1). Rom. 8:28 “28And we know that in all things God                                                         works for the good of those who love him, who have                                                           been called according to his purpose.”

                                                2). Even if we can not “see” Him, He is at work.

f.       God has promised that we can KNOW we have eternal life.

                                                1). John 10:27-30 “27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know                                                  them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and                                                    they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my                                                      hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater                                                           than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.                                                     30 I and the Father are one.”

                                                2). I John 5:13 “13 I write these things to you who believe                                                   in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that                                                   you have eternal life.”

III. CHRIST IS SUPERIOR TO MOSES 3:1 – 4:13

A.    Story of Florence Chadwick

When she looked ahead, Florence Chadwick saw nothing but a solid wall of fog. Her body was numb. She had been swimming for nearly sixteen hours.

Already she was the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. Now, at age 34, her goal was to become the first woman to swim from Catalina Island to the California coast.

On that Fourth of July morning in 1952, the sea was like an ice bath and the fog was so dense she could hardly see her support boats. Sharks cruised toward her lone figure, only to be driven away by rifle shots. Against the frigid grip of the sea, she struggled on - hour after hour - while millions watched on national television.

Alongside Florence in one of the boats, her mother and her trainer offered encouragement. They told her it wasn’t much farther. But all she could see was fog. They urged her not to quit. She never had . . . until then. With only a half mile to go, she asked to be pulled out.

Still thawing her chilled body several hours later, she told a reporter, “Look, I’m not excusing myself, but if I could have seen land I might have made it.” It was not fatigue or even the cold water that defeated her. It was the fog. She was unable to see her goal.

Two months later, she tried again. This time, despite the same dense fog, she swam with her faith intact and her goal clearly pictured in her mind. She knew that somewhere behind that fog was land and this time she made it! Florence Chadwick became the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel, eclipsing the men’s record by two hours!

B.     Next to Abraham, Moses was the most beloved leader of the Jewish People

1.      The reasons:

a.       Saved by his mother as a baby

b.      His youth in Pharoses household

c.       Burning bush

d.      Lead them out of Egypt

e.       Ten Commandment from God – Called the Law of Moses

f.       Author of the first five books of the Old Testament

g.      Number 12:1-8 (READ)

h.      He was buried by God.

2.      You might still wonder with all this background why they would be                 tempted to go back to Moses.

a.       They did not have a copy of the Gospels to read and be                      reminded.

b.      Ritual was comfortable and familiar

c.       There response was the same as Israel’s just outside of Egypt

3.      To return would bring “eternal disaster” AD 70 just around the corner!

 C.     Three ways in which Jesus is superior to Moses 3:1-4:13 1.      Christ is greater in His Person 3:1-2 

a.       “therefore” (See end of Chapter 2)

b.      “Holy brothers:

                                                1). This is the first time he addresses them personally.

                                                2). Note again for the record they are Christians.

c.       “share in the heavenly calling”

                                                1). NASV “partakers” Same word used in Luke 5:7                                                              describing the 4 men in partnership in the fishing business                                                    –they were in it together.

                                                2). See V:14 “share in Christ”

                                                3). Heb. 12:8 The chastisement is evidence that they are                                                       His

                                       d. “fix your eyes on Jesus”

                                                1). Not a passing glance – strong command in the original

                                                2). A steady preoccupation lit. “To give thoughtful and                                                        diligent reflection”

                                                3). The key to a faithful life in any generation is “keep your                                                 eyes on Jesus!

                                        f. “Apostle and High Priest”

                                                1). Apostle – “one sent with a commission”

                                                2). Moses was called and sent by God word – Jesus sent as                                                  God’s last Word.

                                                3). John 3:17, 34; 5:36, 38; 6:29, 57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36;                                                         17:3

                                                4). These words would have been especially meaningful to                                                   Jewish Christians. For Jews, the highest human religious                                                      authority was the high priest. For Christians, the highest                                                           human religious authorities were the apostles. Jesus, God’s                                                             Apostle and High Priest, is the ultimate authority in the                                                             church. Both of these titles demonstrate how Jesus fulfilled                                                             the Old Testament revelation to people.

                                                5). John 1:18 “No one has ever seen God, but God the One                                                             and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.                                                 (Sent from God –as God – to explain God).

                                       g. “whom we confess”

                                                1). II Cor. 9:13 “Because of the service by which you have                                                  proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience                                                    that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ,                                                         and for your generosity in sharing with them and with                                                             everyone else.

                                                2). Heb. 4:14 “Therefore, since we have a great high priest                                                   who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,                                                    let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

                                                3). Heb. 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we                                                     profess, for he who promised is faithful.

                                        h. As an Apostles – Jesus represents God to men. As a High                                                        Priest He represents men to God.

 2.      Christ is greater in His ministry 3:3-6 

a.       “house” is used 7 times in these verses (NIV)

                                                1). Obviously not a physical building.

                                                2). II Tim. 3:15; I Peter 2:5; Eph. 2:20

b.      Moses was faithful as a (lit. Honored) servant IN God’s                      House – Jesus faithful as SON OVER God’s House.

c.       The Greek word translated “servant” is not the usual New Testament word for servant or slave. This word carries the meaning of “a voluntary servant who acts because of affection.” In the New Testament, it is used only of Moses.

d.      “testified to what would be said in the future”

                                                1). Everything Moses wrote anticipated the coming of the                                                    Lord!

                                                2). John 1:45 “Philip found Nathaniel and told him, “We                                                      have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and                                                       about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth,                                                        the son of Joseph.”

                                                3). After the resurrection on the road to Emmaus Luke                                                         24:27 “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he                                                  explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures                                                      concerning himself.

e.       In considering a return to their Jewish Roots they were in                   danger of praising the house more than the builder

f.       “if we hold on”

                                                1). Rev. 2:10 (even if it means death, is what is implied)

                                                2). To go back is to forfeit their hope.

 3.      Christ is greater in the Rest He Gives 3:7-4:13 (Second Warning: Don’t Doubt – First was Don’t Drift. 

Background Information: The Exodus from Egypt

1. They had been in Egypt for 430 years
2.  Passover night: The smell of roasted lamb – Blood on door post and lintel, Dressed and ready to depart.
3. Death of the first born – man and beast
4. Pharaoh calls for Moses this time.
5. 600,000 + women and children = 1.5 to 2 million people
6. The bones of Joseph are with them according to his request.
7. They have plundered the Egyptian people.
8. Pillar of fire and cloud to lead them
9. Pharaoh’s Army pursues them – cloud moves behind the people of Israel
10. Moses stretches rod over the Red Sea and it opens – Pharaoh’s army dies trying to follow them.
11. They murmur on and on wanting to go back to Egypt – Their Tombstones could have read, “ The catastrophe of unbelief”
12. The writer of Hebrews faces a repeat performance from his audience
13.  What do these two groups share in Common?

a.       Both had been recipients of the mighty revelation of God.

b.      Neither could plead ignorance – they had both seen the power of and heard the revelation from the God of Heaven.

c.       Both were guilty of unbelief – not doubt, not questions – it was willful and outright rejection in the face of abundant information therefore their unbelief was rebellion!

a.       Let us Take Heed 3:7-19

                                                1). NASV “therefore” connects the following with                                                               conditional statement of verse 6 “if”

                                                2). “Holy Spirit Says”

                                                            a). They understood that the scripture was inspired.                                                              (See also 10:15)

                                                            b). “says” is present tense – He is still speaking

                                                3). Vs:7-11 from Psalm 95 quote is the from second major                                                   section of the Psalm.

                                                            a). Psa. 95:1-7a Was a familiar call to worship used                                                               in Synagogue worship.

                                                            b). Psa. 95:7b ff a call to Hear – Hebrew word for                                                                hear and obey is the same word.

                                                4). “do not harden your hearts”

                                                            a). Numbers 13-14 Story of the 12 spies -tell briefly

                                                            b). They were ready to kill Joshua, Caleb Moses                                                                    and Aaron.

                                                            c). This is radical unbelief – this is why it is so bad.

                                                            d). The issue here is TRUST! Israel had been                                                                         delivered from Egypt, Red Sea, etc., Hebrews,                                                                     delivered by Jesus God’s SON, lived, died, buried                                                                   and resurrected!

                                                            e). God uses difficult times in life, whether it be the                                                                         desert, persecution, or the pressures we face in life –                                                             to test our trust and obedience.

                                                5). V: 10 “I was angry” Lit “settled, disposition of anger”

                                                            a). He swore in His anger

                                                            b). We are dealing with a principle that triggers the                                                               anger of God.

                                                 6). V: 11 “declared an oath” Why an oath? He will never                                                     change His mind. “never enter my rest”- unbelief can lead                                                    to a point of NO RETURN! 

                                                7). The argument here is “from the lesser to the greater” If                                                   God acted that way toward them, how much greater to                                                        those who would reject His Son. Remember 2:2-3?

NOTE: While the scripture talks about the wrath of God in many places, you don’t hear allot about it today. (I.e. Pendulum swing from all negative to all positive in response). The writer IS using God’s wrath as a motivating factor in his warning. Jesus did also: John 3:36 “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” Paul did: Rom. 1:18 “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness”. Wrath, or righteous indignation, is a part of the character of God in the same way that Love is. The Cross was the solution to man’s sin problem, but reject the cross, and man still has his problem—the Wrath of God. We cannot afford to over state one in favor of the other!

                                                8). V: 12 “see to it……turn away from the living God:

                                                            a). This is what they would be doing if they went                                                                 back.

                                                            b). They would not be going back to the God of the                                                                         Old Testament – You can’t worship the Father                                                                     while in denial of the Son!

                                                9). V: 13 The Solution? – Mutual Encouragement!

                                                            a). “Today” here and in Verse 7 – This is urgent!                                                                   Not tomorrow, when you get around to it—NOW!

                                                            b). Failure to encourage = “hardening by sins                                                                        deceitfulness.”

                                                            c). Avoid at all cost spiritual isolation!

                                                            d). Heb 10:24-25————–

                                                10). V: 14 “if we hold firmly unto the end”

                                                            a). Israel didn’t and missed the promised land, you                                                               go back and you will miss the rest God has for you.

                                                            b). Note: Concerning The doctrine of Eternal                                                                        Security. If the proof of the genuineness of one’s                                                                 salvation is not known until death, there is no                                                                  security in eternal security.

                                                11). Vs: 16-19 Critical Summation with Rhetorical                                                                           Questions.

                                                            a). This is a crescendo of accusations against Israel.

                                                            b). They rebelled against God – they sinned against                                                              God – they refused to obey God.

                                                            c). This is a definition of “Unbelief” V:1

 b.      “Let us fear: NASV; “be careful” NIV 

                                                1). In this chapter “Rest” is used in three different ways:

                                                            . The Rest Israel had been promised in Canaan

                                                            . God’s Rest after the creation of the Universe

                                                            . Rest experienced by Christians -  both now and the                                                            in future.

                                                2). “Therefore” See 3:19 – Don’t let unbelief be your                                                                        downfall too.

                                                3). “let us be careful” NASV says :let us fear”

                                                4). “for we have also had the Gospel preached to us” Just as                                                            they did!

                                                5). “message of no value” …because of no faith

                                                            . “combined” or NASV “united” Greek word has to                                                                         do with the digestive system” The message was not                                                              assimilated by them, therefore hearing and not                                                                      acting equals hardening of the heart.

                                                            . Heb 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to                                                                   please God, because anyone who comes to him                                                                     must believe that he exists and that he rewards those                                                         who earnestly seek him.

                                                6). Vs:3-5 “we……enter that rest” The rest of God from                                                        Creation.

                                                7). Vs: 6-8 God’s Rest is still available

                                                            . “Today” Ps 95 spoken 500 years after they entered                                                             the promised land. Joshua did not give them this                                                                  rest, it was only a type of the rest to come.

                                                            .But available only to believers that do not harden                                                                their hearts.

                                                            </