Review and Class by Jim Pounders

                                                            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.                                                                            

                       

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

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.”