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Hebrews 13:01-03 Loving Exhortations – audio
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Text: Hebrews 13:1-3
Introduction:
1. When we began our study, we noted that the epistle to the Hebrews
a. Began like an essay – Hebrews 1:1-2
b. Progressed like a sermon – Hebrews 2:1 – 12:29
c. Ended like a letter – Hebrews 13:1-25
2. As with many epistles in the New Testament, this letter ends with various exhortations
a. The first regarding the objects of their love – Hebrews 13:1-3
b. Here we find the author practicing what he preaches; seeking to stir up love and good works – Hebrews 10:24
Body
I. TOWARD BRETHREN (Hebrews 13:1)
A. THE IMPORTANCE OF BROTHERLY LOVE
1. It is a mark of true discipleship – John 13:35
2. It is an indication of true spiritual life – 1 John 3:14
B. THE HEBREWS HAD MANIFESTED BROTHERLY LOVE
1. Note the text says their love was to continue
2. They had demonstrated brotherly love in the past
a. In their ministry to God and His saints – Hebrews 6:10
b. Even in their compassion to the author – Hebrews 10:32-34
C. THE NEED FOR BROTHERLY LOVE NEVER DIMINISHES
1. Just as Paul wrote:
a. For the Thessalonians to excel in their love – 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
b. For the Philippians to abound in their love – Philippians 1:9
2. Just as Peter wrote that our love should abound – 2 Peter 1:7-8
3. Even now, the author of Hebrews says Let brotherly love continue!
II. TOWARD STRANGERS (Hebrews 13:2)
A. THIS IS A CALL FOR HOSPITALITY
1. The Greek word is philoxenia {fil-on-ex-ee’-ah}
a. Literally, a love of strangers
b. It involved receiving a stranger (sojourner) into one’s home as an honored guest and to provide the guest with food, shelter, and protection
2. In many ancient cultures, hospitality was a solemn duty
a. It was regarded as a sacred obligation by the ancient Greeks and Romans, one that was approved by Zeus, the god and protector of strangers
b. The Egyptians claimed it as a meritorious deed in life
c. For the Bedouins, it was an expression of righteousness
d. Hospitality is one form of worship (Jewish Proverb)
3. In the early church, it was an important ministry
a. Christians were often displaced by persecution; public inns were scarce, costly, and sometimes dangerous
b. Traveling evangelists were to be supported through hospitality – 3 John 1:5-8
4. Thus hospitality is to be manifested by
a. Those men who would serve as elders (bishops) – 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8
b. Those widows who would be taken into the number – 1 Timothy 5:9-10
c. All Christians – Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9
B. A REASON TO PRACTICE HOSPITALITY
1. for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
a. The example of Abraham – Genesis 18:1-8
b. The example of Lot – Genesis 19:1-3
2. The point is not that we should expect angels to literally come our way
a. Though some we entertain may serve as His messengers (angel means messenger)
b. The key idea is that you never know what hospitality might bring
1) One often receives unexpected benefits from his or her guests
2) There is always the blessedness of giving – Acts 20:35
III. TOWARD PRISONERS AND THE PERSECUTED (Hebrews 13:3)
A. A CALL TO REMEMBER THEM
1. Christians were often persecuted and imprisoned for their faith
a. Prior to his conversion, Paul often led the assault – Acts 8:3; 26:9-11
b. Later, he himself was a prisoner – Philippians 1:12-18; Colossians 4:18
2. The Hebrews had already shown their love toward such prisoners – Hebrews 10:32-34
3. To remember and visit Christians in prison was an act of devotion to Christ Himself – Matthew 25:35-40
4. They could also remember them in their prayers – Acts 12:5; Ephesians 6:18-20
B. THEIR LOVING REMEMBRANCE WAS TO BE INFLUENCED
1. By their sense of fellowship in their brethren’s suffering:
a. As if chained with them;
b. The Lord intended such connection between the members of His Body (if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it) – 1 Corinthians 12:26
2. By their awareness of their own vulnerability
a. Since you yourselves are in the body also
b. They would not be immune to persecution themselves. Therefore, they should be sensitive to the sufferings of others
Conclusion
1. In providing a new and living way, it is true that Jesus made possible a close relationship between man and God – Hebrews 10:19-22
2. But the purity we experience through obeying the truth
a. Is not just that we may have fellowship with God
b. But also that we may have fellowship with each other in sincerity and love! – 1 Peter 1:22-23
3. Thus it naturally follows that as we draw near to God, we should also draw near to one another; this we do when we show our love
a. Toward brethren (Hebrews 13:1)
b. Toward strangers (Hebrews 13:2)
c. Toward prisoners and the persecuted (Hebrews 13:3)
4. May we all be diligent to heed the exhortation to let brotherly love continue!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:18-29 Obey the Voice from the Mountain – audio
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Text: Hebrews 12:18-29
Introduction
1. In encouraging Christians to run the race that is set before them
a. Lay aside things that would hinder them – Hebrews 12:1
b. Run with endurance – Hebrews 12:1
c. Keep their focus on Jesus – Hebrews 12:2-3
d. Remember the value of the Lord’s chastening – Hebrews 12:4-11
e. Run with style – Hebrews 12:12-13
f. Pursue peace and holiness – Hebrews 12:14
g. Look diligently lest one fall short of God’s grace, stumble because of bitterness, or become a fornicator or profane person – Hebrews 12:15-17
2. Further encouragement is now provided in the last half of chapter twelve
a. With a reminder of the mountain to which they have come
b. With a warning to obey Him who speaks
3. As we run the race of faith today, we need this same reminder and warning
a. Do we appreciate the significance of the mountain to which we have come?
b. Are we obeying the voice from the mountain?
c. How we answer such questions can reveal how well we are running the race of faith!
Body
I. THE MOUNTAIN TO WHICH WE HAVE COME (Hebrews 12:18-24)
A. IT IS NOT MOUNT SINAI (Hebrews 12:18-21)
1. The mountain described first is Mount Sinai, to which Israel came following their deliverance from Egyptian bondage where they received the Law – Exodus 19:12-19
a. It seems to have been much like a volcano – Exodus 20:18; Deuteronomy 4:11
b. It frightened the people – Deuteronomy 5:22-26; 18:16
c. Even Moses was afraid – Deuteronomy 9:19
2. We have not come to such a mountain, which forces us to stand afar off
B. IT IS MOUNT ZION (Hebrews 12:22-24)
1. The mountain to which we have come is one that encourages us to draw near
2. We have come to Mount Zion
a. Zion was originally the stronghold of the Jebusites in Jerusalem that became the city of David – 2 Samuel 5:6-10; 1 Chronicles 11:4-9
b. The term Zion came to be used to refer to:
1) The city of Jerusalem – Psalm 48:2; 84:7; Amos 6:1
2) The heavenly Jerusalem where God dwells – Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 2:6; Revelation 14:1
3. In coming to Mount Zion, we have also come to:
a. The city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem
1) The heavenly city longed for by Abraham and the others – Hebrews 11:10, 13-16
2) The heavenly city longed for by Christians today – Hebrews 13:14
3) The heavenly city we will one day experience – Revelation 3:12; 21:1-7; 22:14
b. An innumerable company of angels
1) The heavenly servants of God, of which there is a great number – Revelation 5:11
2) Who also minister to those who will inherit salvation – Hebrews 1:14
c. The general assembly and church of the firstborn registered in heaven
1) The church in the universal sense, made up of all who are saved – Acts 2:47
2) They are the firstborn ones, who enjoy special privileges of their birthright
3) Their names are in the Book of Life – Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5
d. God the Judge of all
1) The Judge of all the earth – cf. Genesis 18:25
2) He is the One to whom we must give obey, as we shall note shortly
e. The spirits of just men made perfect
1) Those who died in faith, such as the Old Testament saints – Hebrews 11:39-40
2) Note: They had not been made perfect apart from us, but now they are made perfect; they were redeemed by the blood of Christ! – Hebrews 9:15
f. Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant
1) As we’ve seen, He is the Mediator of a better covenant – Hebrews 8:6
2) This new covenant is by means of His death – Hebrews 9:15
g. The blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel
1) Abel still speaks through the example of his faith – Hebrews 11:4
2) But in comparison, the blood of Jesus speaks volumes! – Hebrews 10:11-14
II. WHY WE SHOULD OBEY THE VOICE FROM THE MOUNTAIN (Hebrews 12:25-29)
A. THOSE AT MOUNT SINAI DID NOT ESCAPE (Hebrews 12:25)
1. We have seen from our study that:
a. Every transgression and disobedience received a just reward – Hebrews 2:2
b. Those who sinned, their corpses fell in the wilderness – Hebrews 3:17
c. Those who rejected Moses’ law died without mercy – Hebrews 10: 28
2. Thus the argument is again one of comparison, from the lesser to the greater
a. How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation – Hebrews 2:1-4
b. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy – Hebrews 10:26-31
3. As Jesus said in Luke 12:48
a. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required
b. And to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
4. In Christ we enjoy so much more; dare we refuse to obey Him who speaks, not from Mount Sinai, but from Mount Zion (heaven itself)!
B. THE ONE WHO SPEAKS WILL SHAKE HEAVEN AND EARTH (Hebrews 12:26-27)
1. When God spoke at Mount Sinai, the earth trembled – Exodus 19:18
2. The day is coming when both heaven and earth will be shaken, even removed!
a. As promised in Hag 2:6
b. Which refers to the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made – 2 Peter 3:10-12
3. Dare we refuse to obey Him who speaks with such impact?
C. WE ARE RECEIVING A KINGDOM WHICH CANNOT BE SHAKEN (Hebrews 12:28)
1. While everything made will one day perish, we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken!
a. Note the present tense (are receiving)
b. Thus we are in the process of receiving this kingdom
2. It is a kingdom both present and future:
a. In one sense, we are now in the kingdom – Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9
b. In another sense, we have yet to enter the kingdom – 2 Peter 1:10-11
3. It is a kingdom:
a. Inaugurated when Jesus ascended to sit at God’s right hand on David’s throne – Acts 2:30-36
b. To be culminated when Jesus returns to deliver the kingdom to God – 1 Corinthians 15:23-26
4. Thus it is a kingdom:
a. which shall never be destroyedit shall stand forever – Daniel 2:44
b. Of which there will be no end – Luke 1:33
5. Receiving such a kingdom, dare we refuse to obey Him who speaks?
D. THE ONE WHO SPEAKS IS A CONSUMING FIRE (29)
1. We’ve read of a fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries – Hebrews 10:27
2. We’ve seen it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God – Hebrews 10:31
3. Even Jesus taught us to fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell – Matthew 10:28
4. Dare we refuse to obey such an awesome God?
Conclusion
1. God has indeed spoken
a. He has spoken through His Son – Hebrews 1:1-2
b. He has spoken from Mount Zion, that heavenly city, the New Jerusalem:
1) To which we have come through an obedient faith in Jesus – Hebrews 5:9
2) Where we can enjoy the fellowship of angels, the redeemed in heaven and on earth, and of Jesus and God Himself!
3) Where we can enjoy a New and better covenant, based upon the better sacrifice of Jesus’ blood!
2. But with such wonderful blessings come the responsibility of giving obedience:
a. Not to neglect our great salvation
b. Not to refuse Him who speaks from the heavenly mountain
3. Therefore our goal should be that as expressed by the author himself: let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. – Hebrews 12:28b
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:12-17 Pursuit of Peace and Holiness – audio
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Text: Hebrews 12:12-17
Introduction (Mother’s Day)
1. Hebrews 12:1-3: we saw the need to run a race:
a. Lay aside things that would hinder us, especially the sin of unbelief
b. Have endurance, even as Jesus endured hostility and the cross
c. Focus our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, whose own example should encourage us not to become weary and discouraged
2. After reminding us of the value of the Lord’s chastening in verses Hebrews 12:4-11, the author of Hebrews in Hebrews 12:12 returns to the metaphor of running:
a. With a call to run with style – Hebrews 12:12-13
b. With instructions to pursue peace and holiness – Hebrews 12:14
c. With a word of caution, appealing to the example of Esau – Hebrews 12:15-17
3. One way to describe the Christian race, then, is the pursuit of peace and holiness
a. How well are we doing in our pursuit?
b. Do we know what it is we are to be running after?
c. Are we aware of the possible pitfalls that can hinder us?
Body
I. MAKING PREPARATION FOR OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:12-13)
A. A CALL TO RUN WITH STYLE
1. We are to strengthen
a. the hands which hang down
b. the feeble knees
c. A common figure of speech (Job 4:3-4; Isaiah 35:3), calling us to shake off all weariness, to be firm and strong
2. We are to make straight paths for our feet, so that:
a. what is lame may not be dislocated
b. but rather be healed
c. Another common expression (Isa 40:3-4: Proverbs 4:23-27), encouraging us to remove all that would hinder our progress (especially if we are weak)
B. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS CALL
1. First, we must respond to this call to action
a. This is something we are being called to do
b. We can’t expect God to do it all!
c. While God will certainly help us, we must make the effort – Philippians 2:12-13
2. This call to action is not limited to strengthening just oneself
a. Certainly there is the personal application
b. But as concerned Christians, we should seek to:
1) Strengthen the hands and feeble knees of others
2) make straight paths for others – 1 Thessalonians 5:14
c. Just as those who are spiritual should be concerned for others – Galatians 6:1
C. Shall we heed the call to be strong and very courageous?
II. THE GOAL OF OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:14)
A. PEACE WITH ALL MEN
1. We should not be surprised to read that we are to pursue peace
a. Jesus is The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6
b. He died to make peace possible: with God, and with man – Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:13-17
c. He taught that peacemakers will be called the children of God – Matthew 5:9
d. A key element of the kingdom of God is peace – Romans 14:17-18
e. Therefore, we are to pursue peace with all men – Romans 14:19; 12:18
2. How does one pursue peace with all men?
a. By seeking peace with God first – Proverbs 16:7
1) We must first make our relationship with God what it ought to be
2) Through Jesus, we can be at peace with God – Romans 5:1
b. Letting the peace of God rule in our hearts – Colossians 3:15
1) The Lord is able to give you peace always in every way – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
2) How the Lord imparts peace:
a) Through His Word – Psalm 119:165
b) Through prayer – Philippians 4:6-7
3) If one is not at peace with himself, it is unlikely he can be at peace with others
c. By doing things that make for peace – Romans 14:19
1) Such as being considerate of their conscience – Romans 14:13-21
2) Seeking unity with compassion, love, tenderness, and courtesy; willing to respond to evil or reviling with a blessing – 1 Peter 3:8-11
B. HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD
1. As God is holy, so His children must be holy – 1 Peter 1:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:7
2. How can we pursue holiness?
a. True holiness (sanctification) comes through:
1) Faith in Jesus – Acts 26:18; cf. Hebrews 10:10-14
2) The work of the Holy Spirit – 1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Titus 3:5
3) The Word of God – John 17:17-19
b. We cooperate with God in pursuing holiness by:
1) Offering ourselves as slaves of righteousness – Romans 6:19-22
2) Perfecting holiness in the fear of God – 2 Corinthians 7:1
a) Which includes cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh – 2 Corinthians 7:1
b) Also putting on the new man in true righteousness and holiness – Ephesians 4:24
3. In many respects, this is what the Christian life is all about pursuing peace and holiness! How successful we are will depend on how diligently we avoid the pitfalls
III. PITFALLS THAT HINDER OUR PURSUIT (Hebrews 12:15-17)
A. FALLING SHORT OF THE GRACE OF GOD
1. Without God’s grace, none can be saved, pursue peace, or have the holiness necessary to see God!
2. But do Christians need to concern themselves with falling from grace? Consider:
a. The warning not to neglect our great salvation – Hebrews 2:1-3
b. The warning not to be hardened by sin – Hebrews 3:12-14
c. The warning to be diligent – Hebrews 4:1, 11; 2 Peter 1:10
d. The warning against willful sin – Hebrews 10:26-31
e. The warning not receive God’s grace in vain – 2 Corinthians 6:1
f. The warning not to fall from grace – Galatians 5:4
g. The warning to look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for – 2 John 8
3. For the Christian, however, God’s grace can be just a prayer away! – Hebrews 4:16
B. LETTING A ROOT OF BITTERNESS TO SPRING UP
1. Bitterness can be a stumbling block in our pursuit of peace
a. It destroys the peace within the person who harbors it (modern medicine has shown that emotions like bitterness and anger can cause problems such as headaches, backaches, allergic disorders, ulcers, high blood pressure, and heart attacks, etc.)
b. It can destroy the peace in the congregation where it becomes manifest
2. It also becomes a stumbling block in our pursuit of holiness, for the problems it creates cause many to become defiled (unholy)
3. If we are going to make straight paths for your feet, then we need to clip any root of bitterness in the bud!
C. BECOMING A FORNICATOR OR PROFANE PERSON
1. Fornication is certainly a pitfall to avoid
a. Fornication is a generic term for any sort of sexual immorality (including pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc.)
Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Timothy 1:8-10
b. It is contrary to God’s will regarding our sanctification – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
1) Later, we will read in Hebrews where God will judge fornicators – Hebrews 13:4
2) It will keep one out of the kingdom of heaven – 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21
c. Therefore, let us flee fornication! – 1 Corinthians 6:18
2. We must also not become a profane person
a. A worldly person who profanes holy privileges by placing on them a worldly estimate.
b. One does not have to overtly wicked; they can displease God by simply devaluing that which is important to Him with contempt, mockery, or scorn!
c. Such was the case with Esau – Genesis 25:29-34
1) There is no indication that he was a fornicator
2) But he was a profane person because he did not proper estimate the value of his birthright
3) Though he later wanted the blessings of the birthright, it was too late; despite his tears, it was too late to change his father’s mind he found no place for repentance
d. We can become profane by devaluing our spiritual blessings
1) In Christ, we have a spiritual birthright (redemption, fellowship with God, the hope of eternal life)
2) But we can let careers, hobbies, friends, even families, come between us and the things of God
3) Are we willing to sell our birthright for one morsel of food?
Conclusion
1. As we run the race of faith, our goal should be peace and holiness before God
2. To run the race, we need to:
a. Get in the proper form (lift the hands, strengthen the knees)
b. Watch out for the pitfalls that can hinder us in our pursuit, such as:
1) Not utilizing God’s grace to help you in our race
2) Allowing bitterness to become a stumbling block
3) Becoming a fornicator or profane person
3. As we run this race, the words of the apostle Paul are appropriate:
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:03-11 Avoiding Discouragement – audio
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Text: Hebrews 12:3-11
Introduction:
A. Notice the key word in the text discouraged in Hebrews 12:3
1. It is the greek word ekluw
2. It means to faint, become discouraged, to give up
B. How easy that is in the fast paced lives we live today with everything crowding in on us
Body
I. CONSIDER THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS (Hebrews 12:3-4)
A. Consider the sufferings of Christ.
1. Garden – Hebrews 5:7
2. Beating
3. Cross
B. Compare your suffering to his.
II. LOOK FOR LESSONS IN THE CORRECTION OF THE LORD (Hebrews 12:5-11)
A. Remember the principles of the Lord’s correction – Hebrews 12:5-6
1. Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:16
2. His correction is not to be despised. (disregard)
3. His correction is not aimed at discouraging you. (reclaiming or strengthing)
4. His correction is proof of his love. (not neglect)
5. His correction is only given to God’s children. (let’s be thankful)
B. Recognize the correction of the Lord as confirmation of your relationship with Him – Hebrews 12:7
1. His correction is positive proof that you have a relationship with God.(if corrected)
2. All children are chastened at some time. (our parents)
C. Release your pride and submit to the Lord – Hebrews 12:8-10a
1. Human – respect
2. Divine – subjection
D. Receive the benefits of the Lord’s correction – Hebrews 12:10b-11
1. Partakers of His holiness
2. Peaceable fruit of righteousness
Conclusion
1. 1 Peter 5:10-11
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 12:01-03 Running the Race of Faith – audio
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Text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Introduction:
1. Throughout our study, we have noted the emphasis on being steadfast in our faith
a. The warning against developing unbelief – Hebrews 3:12-15
b. The need for a faith that endures – Hebrews 6:11-12; Hebrews 10:36-39
c. In chapter eleven, we were reminded of many who had this kind of faith
2. This emphasis continues, with our own life of faith described as a race
a. In which we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses – Hebrews 12:1
1) The cloud of witnesses refers to those mentioned in the previous chapter
2) Those Old Testament saints like Abraham, Moses, etc.
b. In what way are they witnesses?
1) While the word can mean spectator, it is not likely so used here
a) That would suggest they are now looking down on us from heaven
b) But there is no indication the dead know what is going on earth
c) While they may have memory of what happened (Luke 16:28), their attention is focused
upon their present condition – Revelation 7:9-17
2) The word can also refer to those who bear witness
a) By their lives, they have borne witness to the value of faith – Hebrews 11:1-40
b) By their exemplary lives, they encourage us in running the race of faith!
c. As we seek to follow in the footsteps of others who have successfully run the race of faith, there are three things necessary as presented in our text.
Body
I. WE NEED TO LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE (Hebrews 12:1)
A. NOTE THE COMPARISON TO RUNNING
1. The runner who seeks to win:
a. Loses as much weight as possible without hurting performance
b. Wears clothing that is light and allows freedom of movement
2. Excess weight, chafing clothing, etc., can be the difference between victory and defeat!
B. WE TOO MUST LAY SOME THINGS ASIDE
1. Every weight
a. I.e., things which slow down our spiritual progress
1) Such as carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life – Luke 21:34-36
2) Also, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language – Colossians 3:8; 1 Peter 2:1-2
b. Such things make running the race of faith difficult, if not impossible!
2. The sin which so easily ensnares us
a. Any and all sins should be laid aside
b. From the context, I understand the sin to be the sin of unbelief
1) The epistle was written to encourage faithfulness to Christ and His covenant
2) We’ve seen warnings against unbelief – Hebrews 3:12-13
3) When one no longer believes, the race is lost! – Hebrews 10:26-39
3. With a full assurance of faith, and with every hindrance laid aside, we can run the race of faith as God intended. But as we comprehend the true nature of the course set before us, we can appreciate the need for the element of endurance
II. WE NEED TO HAVE ENDURANCE (Hebrews 12:1)
A. THE RACE OF FAITH IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT
1. It does not require one quick burst of energy, in which the race is soon over
2. This race requires a sustained effort over a long period of time
B. ENDURANCE IS A NECESSARY QUALITY
1. Jesus often taught His disciples concerning the need for endurance (i.e., patience)
a. In the parable of The Sower – Luke 8:13
b. In preparing the disciples for the Limited Commission – Matthew 10:22
c. In His discourse on the Mount of Olives – Matthew 24:13
2. The writer to the Hebrews had stressed this virtue earlier
a. In which he appealed to the example of Abraham – Hebrews 6:11-15
b. In which he quoted from Habakkuk – Hebrews 10:36-39
3. We can develop such patience with the help of the Scriptures – Romans 15:4
a. As we read of the faithfulness of God Who fulfills His promises
b. As we read of the ultimate end of those persevered in faithfulness
4. Paul wrote that eternal life would be given to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality (Ro 2:7). Therefore, endurance is required for successfully running this race of faith!
III. WE NEED TO FOCUS ON JESUS (Hebrews 12:2-3)
A. WE MUST LOOK UNTO JESUS
1. Our focus must be upon the Lord as we run the race
a. We might glance at others (Hebrews 11)
b. But we are to look upon the Lord Savior
c. As suggested by this formula for spiritual success:
1) If you want to be distressed — look within
2) If you want to be defeated — look back
3) If you want to be distracted — look around
4) If you want to be dismayed — look ahead
5) If you want to be delivered — look up! – Colossians 3:1-2
2. For Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith – Hebrews 2:10
a. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega – Revelation 1:8-11
b. He has blazed the trail for us
1) By having run the race Himself
a) As a forerunner He has entered the heavenly sanctuary – Hebrews 6:19-20
b) He has opened a new and living way for us – Hebrews 10:20
2) And now He helps us to finish it ourselves – Hebrews 7:25
3. He succeeded in running the race by looking at the joy set before Him
a. The joy that inspired Him was likely that privilege of being seated at God’s right hand – Psalm 16:9-11; Acts 2:25-31
b. With the anticipation of such joy, Jesus
1) endured the cross (the physical pain)
2) despised the shame (the emotional and spiritual agony)
4. Just as Jesus looked at the joy set before Him, so we must look to Jesus!
B. WE MUST CONSIDER HIM
1. We must consider how He endured, not only on the cross, but even before!
a. How He endured such hostility from sinners against himself
b. This hostility is something He experienced frequently – Luke 4:28-29; Luke 11:15-16, Luke 11:53-54
2. Meditating upon our Lord will prevent us from becoming weary and discouraged
a. We cannot run with endurance if we become weary and discouraged
b. But as we consider the Lord and His example (in itself a form of waiting upon the Lord), we shall not grow weary nor faint – Isaiah 40:31
Conclusion
1. Running The Race Of Faith requires both negative and positive elements
a. Negatively, we must lay aside things which would hinder us
b. Positively, we must keep our focus on Jesus who has made our salvation possible
2. In both cases, the Word of God (the Bible) is crucial
a. For in it we learn what sort of things we must lay aside
b. For in it we learn about our Lord, what He endured, how His example should inspire us
3. Have you lost your endurance? Have you grown weary in running the race of faith?
a. Let the Bible help you examine what baggage should be left aside!
b. Let the Bible help you learn about Jesus whose own example can encourage you to continue on with perseverance!
4. Remember what we read earlier: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the Promise” – Hebrews 10:36
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:06 What Does it Mean to Seek God? audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:6
Introduction
A. A right relationship with God does not happen by accident — it requires deliberate action We need to make more careful decisions about God
B. In the last lesson, we saw that we must BELIEVE that God is
C. In this lesson, we will focus on the word SEEK — God is “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”
1. “Seeking” God has become somewhat of a fad in recent years
2. Unfortunately, much that is called “seeking God” is little more than an exercise in self-gratification
D. What does it mean to seek God?
Body
I. WHAT SEEKING GOD IS
A. First, let’s consider some things that seeking God is not (These things will certainly accompany seeking God, and if things like these weren’t present in a person’s life, that would indicate a deficiency in that person’s seeking But by themselves these things don’t necessarily mean that a person is seeking God)
1. Church membership, attendance
2. Bible study, prayer
3. Helping others
4. Doctrinal soundness
5. Personal evangelism – Matthew 23:15
6. Spiritual feelings – Romans 10:2
B. What seeking God is:
1. Growth in OBEDIENCE
2. With a desire to LOVE and HONOR God MORE each day
C. A deep longing to be closer to God — closer to Him than our sins have allowed us to be in the past!
D. A conscious, deliberate goal that we reach for – Philippians 3:13-14
E. Some similar expressions in the Scriptures
1. Desiring God: A fervent longing – Psalm 27:4
2. Loving God with all our hearts: A wholehearted affection – Matthew 22:37-38
3. Calling upon the Lord: An earnest appeal – Isaiah 55:6
II. WHY SEEKING GOD IS SO IMPORTANT
A. God desires fellowship only with those who deeply desire such fellowship – John 4:23
B. Seeking God is a “first-principles” issue
1. Having to do with the heart, this is surely among the “weightier matters” – Matthew 23:23
2. Some “first-principles” passages – Micah 6:8; Matthew 22:37-40; Acts 24:25
3. Much more fundamental than many of the “basics” that we emphasize
C. God’s promises to the seeker:
1. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you and you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” – Jeremiah 29:12-13
2. “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” – Matthew 7:7-8
III. ARE WE SEEKING GOD OR NOT? A SELF-TEST
A. Our need for an honest self-inventory – 2 Corinthians 13:5
1. Are we seeking to fill our minds more and more with the KNOWLEDGE of God?
2. Are we seeking to bring our thoughts, words, and deeds more into line with the WILL of God?
3. Are we seeking more and more to engage in WORSHIP unto God?
4. Are we seeking more and more to be with the PEOPLE of God?
B. God is seeking those who are seeking Him – John 4:23
Conclusion
A. Many of us have grown up in sound, faithful congregations and never learned a real desire for God Himself
B. Religion is not only about serving God — it is also about desiring Him
C. “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple” – Psalm 27:4
D. Having a DEEPER DESIRE FOR GOD every day is what this life is all about!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:23-40 Faith that Overcomes the World
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Text: Hebrews 11:23-40
Introduction
1. What kind of faith leads “to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39)?
a. It is “Faith That Pleases God” – Hebrews 11:1-7
1) That has confidence and conviction in things hoped for, in things unseen
2) That believes God is, and that He rewards those who seek Him
3) That worships like Abel, walks like Enoch, and works like Noah
b. It is “Faith That Embraces The Promises” – Hebrews 11:8-22
1) Obeying God when He calls, even it means sojourning as a pilgrim, or sacrificing that which is most precious to you (Abraham)
2) Receiving strength from God to do His will (Sarah)
3) Declaring the promises of God from generation to generation (Isaac, Jacob, Joseph)
2. Saving faith is also “Faith That Overcomes The World”, concerning which:
a. The apostle John wrote in 1 John 5:4-5
b. We have many examples in He 11:23-40
Body
I. FAITH IN THE GENERATION OF THE EXODUS (Hebrews 11:23-31)
A. THE FAITH OF MOSES’ PARENTS (Hebrews 11:23)
1. They hid Moses for three months – Exodus 2:1-3; Acts 7:20
a. They saw he was a “beautiful” (“good”, “proper”, “not ordinary”) child
b. They were not afraid of Pharaoh’s command – Exodus 1:22
2. It was their faith that gave them courage to withstand the king’s edict with such a small beginning, by faith they “overcame the world” of Egypt
B. THE FAITH OF MOSES (Hebrews 11:24-28)
1. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter – Hebrews 11:24-26
a. He chose to suffer affliction with God’s people rather than enjoy sin’s temporary pleasures
b. He esteemed the reproaches of Christ more valuable than the treasures of Egypt
c. Through faith “he looked to the reward” (he had confidence in “things hoped for”, that heavenly reward)
2. He forsook Egypt – Hebrews 11:27
a. It was not the wrath of the king that he feared
b. It was the invisible God he feared – Matthew 10:28
c. Through faith “he endured” (he had conviction in “things unseen”, God)
3. He kept the Passover and sprinkling of blood – Hebrews 11:28
a. He believed in God’s warning regarding the death of the firstborn – Exodus 12:1-30
b. He had Israel sprinkle the blood of the lamb on the lintels and door posts
4. By faith, Moses “overcame the world” of Egyptian bondage!
C. THE FAITH OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL (Hebrews 11:29-30)
1. They passed through the Red Sea – Hebrews 11:29
a. They walked through it on dry land – Exodus 14:21-22
b. The Egyptians who followed them perished in the sea – Exodus 14:23-28
2. They destroyed the city of Jericho – Hebrews 11:30
a. They walked around the city for seven days – Josh 6:1-20
b. Thirteen times they encircled the city, showing their faith in God rather than in their own military might
3. By faith, Israel “overcame the world” of Egypt and Palestine!
D. THE FAITH OF RAHAB THE HARLOT (Hebrews 11:31)
1. She had received the two spies from Israel with peace – Joshua 2:1-24
2. Therefore she did not perish with the unbelievers – Joshua 6:22-25
3. By faith, Rahab “overcame the world” of sin and doubt!
II. FAITH IN THE LAND OF PROMISE (Hebrews 11:32-40)
A. A SAMPLE LIST OF HEROES OF FAITH (Hebrews 11:32)
1. There is not enough time for the author to describe the faith of others in detail
2. Such as:
a. Judges like Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah
b. A king like David
c. A prophet like Samuel, and the rest of the prophets
B. A SUMMARY LIST OF WHAT FAITH ACCOMPLISHED (Hebrews 11:33-37)
1. Through faith, people such as these:
a. “Subdued kingdoms”
1) Joshua, in conquering Palestine – Joshua 12:7-24
2) David, in conquering neighboring nations – 2 Samuel 5:4-25; 2 Samuel 8:1-14
b. “Worked righteousness” (administered justice)
1) Samuel, as judge – 1 Samuel 12:4
2) David, as king – 2 Samuel 8:15
3) Solomon, as king – 1 Kings 3:28
c. “Obtained promises”
1) The nation of Israel, receiving the promised land – Joshua 21:43-45; Joshua 23:14
d. “Stopped the mouths of lions”
1) Samson – Judges 14:6
2) David, protecting sheep – 1 Samuel 17:34-37
3) Daniel, in the lions’ den – Daniel 6:21-22
e. “Quenched the violence of fire”
1) Shadrach, Meshach, Abed-nego, in the fiery furnace – Daniel 3:23-25
f. “Escaped the edge of the sword”
1) David, fleeing King Saul – 1 Samuel 23:19-29
2) Elijah, fleeing Jezebel – 1 Kings 19:8-10
3) Elisha, whom the King of Israel wanted murdered – 2 Kings 6:31-32
g. “Out of weakness were made strong”
1) Samson, after his hair was cut – Judges 16:29-30
2) Hezekiah, who was given fifteen years of life – Isaiah 38:1-8
h. “Became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of aliens”
1) David, in defeating Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:50
2) Jehoshaphat, in defeating Edom – 2 Chronicles 20:1-30
3) Hezekiah, whose faith led to the slaughter of 185,000 Assyrian soldiers – 2 Kings 19:1-36
2. Also through faith
a. “Women received their dead raised to life again”
1) The widow of Zarephath, via Elijah – 1 Kings 17:17-24
2) The Shunamite woman, via Elisha – 2 Kings 4:8-37
b. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, to obtain a better resurrection”
1) Eleazar, in the Maccabean period between the Testaments – 2 Macc 6:30
2) Seven brothers and their mother tortured by Antiochus Epiphanes – 2 Macc 7:9-36
3) Such events would have been well known by the Hebrew readers
c. “Others had trials of mockings, scourgings, chains and imprisonment”
1) Micaiah, the prophet – 1 Kings 22:24-28
2) Jeremiah, the prophet – Jeremiah 20:1-3; Jeremiah 37:11-21; Jeremiah 38:1-13
d. Some were:
1) “Stoned” – Zechariah, son of Jehoida the priest – 2 Chronicles 24:20-22
2) “Sawn in two” – the prophet Isaiah, according to tradition
3) “Tempted” – Daniel, as a youth – Daniel 1:8-21
4) “Slain with the sword” – Urijah the prophet – Jeremiah 26:20-23
e. Some wandered about:
1) “In sheepskins and goatskins” – Elijah – 2 Kings 1:8
2) “Being destitute, afflicted, tormented” – Elijah – 1 Kings 17:2-6; 1 Kings 18:9-10
C. WHAT THESE PEOPLE RECEIVED BY THEIR FAITH (Hebrews 11:38-40)
1. Certainly not the praise of the world! – Hebrews 11:38
a. Many had to wander in deserts and mountains, live in dens and caves (Elijah)
b. But in truth, the world is not worthy of them!
2. They did obtain a good testimony – Hebrews 11:39a
a. As stated regarding the elders – Hebrews 11:2
b. As stated regarding Enoch – Hebrews 11:5
3. Yet they did not obtain “the promise” during their lifetime – Hebrews 11:39b-40
a. They did receive some of the promises, such as the promised land – Hebrews 11:33
b. But they did not receive “the” promise
1) They did not live to see the coming of the promised Deliverer (Christ)
2) Nor did they experience the “perfection” which Christ now offers
a) The Law could not make them “perfect” – Hebrews 9:9-10; Hebrews 10:1-4
b) But Christ can! – Hebrews 9:11-14; Hebrews 10:11-14
4. What they did not receive during their lifetime, they did with the coming of Christ!
a. For Christ died to redeem them as well as us! – Hebrews 9:15
b. They are now made “perfect” just as we are – Hebrews 11:40; Hebrews 10:14; Hebrews 12:22-24
1) Note the phrase “the spirits of just men made perfect” – Hebrews 12:23
2) Those who in the past “should not be made perfect apart from us” are in Christ “made perfect”!
Conclusion
1. Through faith, they truly overcame the world
a. Sometimes their victory was miraculous; often it was not
c. Their ultimate victory was that they “died in faith” – Hebrews 11:13-16
d. And now, they enjoy the fruit of faith: joy in the presence of the Lamb! – Revelation 7:9-17
2. Through faith, we can also overcome the world
a. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God will give us the victory! – 1 John 5:4-5
1) Victory over the world’s temptations
2) Victory over the world’s persecutions
b. The victories we win may not be as impressive as those listed in this chapter, but if we are “faithful until death”, the reward will be the same! – Revelation 2:10
3. May this great chapter with its heroes of faith, serve to motivate us to grow in the faith which:
* Pleases God!
* Embraces The Promises!
* Overcomes The World!
4. We may not win the praise the world, but we will receive the praise of God, for such is the faith which leads “to the saving of the soul”!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:08-22 Faith that Embraces the Promises
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Text: Hebrews 11:8-22
Introduction
1. In the first seven verses of the eleventh chapter, we saw:
a. Faith explained
1) As confidence of things hoped for
2) As conviction of things not seen
b. Faith exemplified
1) In Abel (faith worshipping)
2) In Enoch (faith walking)
3) In Noah (faith working)
c. Faith emphasized
1) Without which it is impossible to please God
2) We must believe He exists, and rewards those who diligently seek Him
2. Another aspect of our faith pertains to the promises in which we hope:
a. We are warned not to fall short of what’s been promised – Hebrews 4:1
b. Faith (along with patience) is necessary to inherit the promises – Hebrews 6:11-12
3. The faith which pleases God, then, is one that embraces God’s promises – Hebrews 11:13
a. In Hebrews 11:8-22, we learn of the faith of those who embraced the promises
b. Because of their faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God
4. Do we have the sort of faith that makes God unashamed to be called our God?
Body
I. THE FAITH OF THE PATRIARCHS (Hebrews 11:8-12, Hebrews 11:17-22)
A. THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM
1. By faith he obeyed – Hebrews 11:8
a. When God called him to leave his country, he obeyed the voice of the Lord
1) Even though at first he did not know where he was going
2) This is an example of conviction in things not seen!
b. Here we see that faith and obedience are not contradictory terms
1) Indeed, Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
2) Is our faith an obedient faith like Abraham’s? – Luke 6:46
2. By faith he sojourned – Hebrews 11:9-10 KJV
a. His faith required him to live as in a foreign country
1) Even though it was the land of promise, he and his descendants could not have it for four hundred years – Genesis 13:14-17; 15:13-21
2) He therefore patiently waited for the city whose builder and maker is God
a) This suggests that the promises he embraced were more than just those pertaining to the land of Canaan
b) Later, we will see he had a heavenly hope as well!
b. Our faith requires us to live as in a foreign country
1) For we too are sojourners and pilgrims – 1 Peter 2:11
2) Is our faith a sojourning faith like Abraham’s? – Hebrews 13:14
3. By faith he offered up Isaac – Hebrews 11:17-19
a. His faith required him to be willing to offer that which was closest to him
1) His son, Isaac – Genesis 22:1-19
a) Through whom the promises he embraced were to be fulfilled
b) He was sure that God would raise Isaac from the dead, if need be, in order to keep His promises
2) Thus he illustrated that confidence in things hoped for!
b. Our faith often requires forsaking things closest to us
1) Our loved ones, even our own life! – Luke 14:26-33
2) Is our faith an offering faith like Abraham’s? – Romans 12:1-2
B. THE FAITH OF SARAH
1. By faith she received strength – Hebrews 11:11-12
a. Though beyond the normal age of child-bearing – Genesis 18:1-3; Genesis 21:1-7
b. Though she laughed when she first heard of God’s promise, she later judged Him faithful who had promised
c. Through her faith, the promises of a great nation were fulfilled!
2. Our faith requires looking to God for strength, and trusting He will provide
a. We must look to God to find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
b. Is our faith a receiving faith like Sarah’s? – Philippians 4:13
C. THE FAITH OF ISAAC
1. He blessed Jacob and Esau regarding things to come – Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 27:1-40
2. This illustrates how Isaac by faith embraced the promises
D. THE FAITH OF JACOB
1. Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph when he was dying – Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 48:14-20
2. His blessing involved the promises of God, showing how he embraced them also
E. THE FAITH OF JOSEPH
1. When he was dying, Joseph:
a. Made mention of the departure of Israel out of Egypt
b. Gave instructions concerning his bones – Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:24-26
2. In so doing, he demonstrated that he had embraced the promises!
F. Such was the faith of the patriarchs. I purposely skipped Hebrews 11:13-16, for what is said there not only applies to Abraham and Sarah, but to Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph also.
II. HOW THEIR FAITH PLEASED GOD (Hebrews 11:13-16)
A. THEY EMBRACED THE PROMISES – Hebrews 11:13-16a
1. They did not receive the promises during their lifetime
a. Yet with faith they could see them afar off
b. They freely confessed to be strangers and pilgrims on the earth
1) This implies that they sought a homeland, they could have returned to the old one
2) But what they desired was a better one, indeed a heavenly country
2. They died in faith (i.e., holding fast to the promises)
B. THEREFORE GOD IS NOT ASHAMED OF THEM – Hebrews 11:16b
1. He is not ashamed to be called their God
a. He is well pleased with them
b. It was their faith embracing the promises that pleased Him
2. He has prepared a city for them
a. What they waited for, He has prepared – Hebrews 11:10
b. That which He has prepared for them is what we look for, too – Hebrews 13:14
1) The new heavens and new earth – 2 Peter 3:13
2) In which will be the New Jerusalem, that great city descending out of heaven – Revelation 21:1-3, Re 21:10ff
3) Indeed, even now in a sense we have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem – Hebrews 12:22-24
Conclusion
1. What kind of faith pleases God?
a. Worshiping faith like that of Abel
b. Walking faith like that of Enoch
c. Working faith like that of Noah
d. But also a waiting faith seen in the patriarchs (Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph)!
2. The faith that pleases God is one that embraces the promises made by God
a. Patiently waiting for their ultimate fulfillment, even if it doesn’t happen in one’s lifetime
b. But with conviction and confidence of things hoped for and things of unseen
1) We will obey His calling
2) We will sojourn here on earth
3) We will offer up whatever He asks of us
4) We will receive strength to do whatever He bids us
5) And we will make mention of His promises from generation to generation!
3. This is the kind of faith
a. In those who believe to the saving of the soul – Hebrews 10:39
b. In those of whom God is not ashamed to be called their God – Hebrews 11:16
c. May the Lord grant us grace and mercy to develop this kind of saving faith!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:01-07 Faith That Pleases God – audio
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Text: Hebrews 11:1-7
Introduction
1. A key concern in this epistle is that Christians must remain strong in faith
a. There is the danger of developing a heart of unbelief – Hebrews 3:12
b. It was the lack of faith that destroyed Israel – Hebrews 3:16-19
2. In chapter ten, we saw:
a. An exhortation to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith – Hebrews 10:22
b. An admonition to have that faith which endures to the end – Hebrews 10:35-39
3. But one might ask:
a. What is this faith which leads us to draw near to God and endure to the end?
b. How does this faith manifest itself in the lives of those who possess it?
4. In chapter eleven, we find the answer to such questions
a. With a explanation of faith – Hebrews 11:1
b. With a warning of how necessary faith is to please God – Hebrews 11:6
c. With examples of Old Testament saints who demonstrated saving faith – Hebrews 11:3-40
Body
I. WHAT IS BIBLICAL FAITH? (Hebrews 11:1-3)
A. FAITH IS CONFIDENCE AND CONVICTION
1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for… (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)
a. The Greek word translated substance is hupostasis {hoop-os’-tas-is}
b. Literally, it means to stand under, i.e., to be a foundation
c. As translated in Hebrews 3:14, it means confidence; i.e., firm trust, assurance
d. Other translations illustrate that the main idea is confidence
1) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for… (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
2) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for… (Hebrews 11:1 ESV, Hebrews 11:1 NASB)
2. …the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:3 NKJV)
a. The Greek word translated evidence is elegchos {el’-eng-khos}
b. It means conviction
c. How other versions translate this phrase
1) Certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:3 NIV)
2) The conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:3 ESV, Hebrews 11:3 NASB)
B. PERTAINING TO THINGS HOPED FOR AND NOT SEEN
1. Faith is confidence about things hoped for, such as:
a. The coming of our Lord – Titus 2:13
b. The resurrection of the dead – Acts 24:15
c. It was this kind of confidence possessed by the OT elders that pleased God – Hebrews 11:2
2. Faith is conviction about things we have not seen, such as:
a. The existence of God: whom no man has seen or can see – 1 Timothy 6:16
b. How the world began: the worlds were framed by the word of God – Hebrews 11:3
c. Yet faith is that strong conviction that such matters are true
3. As expressed in verse 2, the elders obtained a good testimony because of their faith. The rest of the chapter is filled with illustrations of their faith. First, let’s look at the antediluvians.
II. GIVE ME SOME EXAMPLES OF FAITH (Hebrews 11:4-5, Hebrews 11:7)
A. THE TESTIMONY OF ABEL (HOW FAITH WORSHIPS)
1. By faith he offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain – Hebrews 11:4
a. The reference is to Genesis 4:3-5
1) Cain’s offering was of the fruit of the ground
2) Abel’s offering was of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat.
3) It is said the Lord respected Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s
b. Why did God respect Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s?
1) It may have been that God had specified an animal sacrifice
2) It may be Cain offered left-overs, while Abel offered his best (the firstborn)
3) Cain’s attitude may have been wrong; he certainly showed himself prone to display envy and hatred, capable of murder!
4) Perhaps most likely, Abel offered his with faith while Cain did not
2. Through faith Abel obtained witness that he was righteous – Hebrews 11:4
a. God certainly testified of his righteousness in showing respect to his offering
b. Jesus also bore witness to the righteousness of Abel – Matthew 23:35
c. The apostle John also – 1 John 3:12
3. Through his faith, he being dead still speaks – Hebrews 11:4
a. His example of faith was written for our learning – Romans 15:4
b. His example of faith continues to warn us in regards to worshipping God
B. THE TESTIMONY OF ENOCH (HOW FAITH WALKS)
1. By his faith, Enoch was translated so that he did not see death – Hebrews 11:5
a. The historical reference alluded to is Genesis 5:21-24
b. Like Elijah, he did not experience death – 2 Kings 2:1-11
2. His faith was such that he pleased God – Hebrews 11:5
a. What God found pleasing is that he walked with God – Genesis 5:22, 24
b. His example of faith illustrates the value of walking with God throughout life
C. THE TESTIMONY OF NOAH (HOW FAITH WORKS)
1. By faith Noah, moved with godly fear – Hebrews 11:7
a. The scriptural background is Genesis 6:1-22
b. God warned him about things not seen (Hebrews 11:1); the coming flood
c. His confidence (faith) in what God said would happen prompted him to act with reverence toward God
2. By faith Noah prepared an ark for the saving of his household – Hebrews 11:7
a. His faith moved him to do according to all that God commanded him – Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5
b. Through such faith working, Noah
1) Condemned the world
a) His own example of faithfulness stood in stark contrast to others
b) His obedience magnified the lack of obedience in others
c) Just as Nineveh will condemn those who did not listen to Jesus – Matthew 12:41
2) Became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith
a) He received the standing of being right in God’s eyes
b) It was his faith that so pleased God!
3) Demonstrated that faith and works are not necessarily contrary to one another – Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26
D. From the examples of these antediluvian elders we learn that the faith is a strong conviction that worships God properly, walks with Him in life, and works as He directs.
III. HOW IMPORTANT IS FAITH? (Hebrews 11:6)
A. WITHOUT FAITH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE GOD
1. We have seen how Abel, Enoch, and Noah obtained a good testimony by their faith
2. Of Enoch in particular it is said he pleased God – Hebrews 11:5
3. Whether we are worshipping, walking, or working, faith must be the motivating factor behind it all — Without faith, then, there is nothing we can do that will please God!
B. THE FAITH WHICH PLEASES GOD
1. Includes conviction that believes that God is
a. We must believe there is a God, and He is the God of the Bible
b. Though we do not see Him, we have conviction in things not seen – Hebrews 11:1b
2. Includes confidence that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him
a. We must believe that God acts on the part of those seek after Him
b. It is regarding such things hoped for, that we must have confidence – Hebrews 11:1a
3. Such was the faith seen in the lives of Abel, Enoch, and Noah; one might ask how we develop such faith today…?
IV. HOW SAVING FAITH IS DEVELOPED?
A. FAITH IS NOT THE RESULT OF FEELINGS
1. A common misconception is that faith is blind
2. That there is no logic or reason to faith, one simply believes
B. BUT FAITH AS DESCRIBED IN THE BIBLE IS THE RESULT OF EVIDENCE!
1. Faith in God is the result of evidence provided via creation – Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1
2. Faith in Jesus is the result of evidence provided via revelation – John 20:30-31
3. Certainly the antediluvians had such evidence, including God speaking to them directly!
C. TODAY, FAITH COMES BY HEARING THE WORD OF GOD – Romans 10:17
1. The word of God presents evidence to believe in God and Jesus
2. Such as fulfilled prophecy, eyewitness testimony, etc.
3. Through God’s word, we can develop the kind of faith which pleases God! – Romans 15:4
Conclusion
1. The faith which leads to the saving of the soul is one that includes:
a. A strong conviction that God is
b. A strong confidence that He will reward those who diligently seek Him
2. It is the same kind of faith that we see in:
a. Abel, in how he worshipped God
b. Enoch, in how he walked with God
c. Noah, in how he worked for God
3. Do you have that same kind of faith today?
a. If you don’t, let the Word of God create such faith in you
1) It can produce faith in the existence of God!
2) It can produce faith in Jesus as His Son who died for you!
b. If you do, then let it affect the manner in which you:
1) Worship God
2) Walk with God
3) Work for God
4) As revealed through His Son Jesus Christ
4. With the right kind of faith, we can have the assurance that:
a. God is pleased
b. We are heirs of the righteousness which is according to faith
c. We too will one day obtain a good testimony!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 10:26-39 A Warning Against Willful Sin – audio
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Text: Hebrews 10:26-39
Introduction
1. Immediately following a gracious exhortation to draw near to God and hold fast the confession of our hope, we find an ominous warning
a. It is a warning against willful sin – Hebrews 10:26-39
b. It speaks of reaching a terrible state in which:
1) There longer remains a sacrifice for sins
2) There is a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation
2. Is this a warning for Christians? Some would say no
a. They believe in the doctrine once saved, always saved
b. They hold that true Christians:
1) Cannot so sin to point of being eternally lost
2) If they begin to sin to the point where they might be lost, God will intervene and take their life to prevent it from happening
3. Does the Bible teach once saved, always saved?
a. It does teach the security of the believer (i.e., those who remain faithful are secure)
b. But it also teaches that a believer can become an unbeliever, at which point a person has every reason to fear for his or her salvation! – Hebrews 3:12-14
4. The possibility of apostasy (falling away) is taught in the Bible, especially in the epistle to Hebrews
a. We have already seen several warnings implying this possibility:
1) A warning against drifting – Hebrews 2:1-4
2) A warning against departing – Hebrews 3:12-14
3) A warning against disobedience – Hebrews 4:11
4) A warning against dullness, leading to apostasy – Hebrews 5:11-6:6
b. But perhaps now, with a warning against willful sin, we learn the real danger of losing our salvation if we despise what we have received! – Hebrews 10:26-39
Body
I. WHAT IT MEANS TO SIN WILLFULLY (Hebrews 10:26)
A. COMPARE OTHER TRANSLATIONS
1. If we deliberately keep on sinning… (NIV)
2. For if we go on sinning deliberately… (ESV)
3. For if we go on sinning willfully… (NASB)
B. THE SENSE OF THE GREEK IS ONE OF REPEATED ACTION
1. Implying not an act of sin, but a state of sin
a. All Christians have moments of weakness, or ignorantly sin – 1 John 1:8-10
b. It is not inadvertent sin, but deliberate sin that is under consideration
2. A state in which one:
a. Knows the truth – Hebrews 10:26b
b. Yet chooses to deliberately and continuously persist in sin!
C. CAN A TRUE CHRISTIAN EVER REACH THIS POINT? YES!!!
1. Note the pronoun we (the author includes himself in the warning) – Hebrews 10:26a
2. He later describes one who was sanctified by the blood of the covenant – Hebrews 10:29
3. This warning is directed to those who have been sanctified by the blood of Jesus!
4. When one persists in sin willfully, they are in grave danger. This is especially true when one is a Christian!
II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:26-27)
A. THERE NO LONGER REMAINS A SACRIFICE FOR SIN
1. What sacrifice is under consideration here? Christ’s sacrifice!
2. What sacrifice no longer remains? Christ’s sacrifice!
3. The blood of Christ is no longer available for one who persists in willful sin!
B. WHAT DOES REMAIN?
1. a certain fearful expectation of judgment – Hebrews 10:27a
a. One can expect a judgment that is certain! – Hebrews 9:27; Acts 17:30-31
b. One can expect a judgment that is fearful!
1) For we must answer to Christ Himself – 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
2) And we will be in the hands of the living God! – Hebrews 10:30-31
2. A fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries – Hebrews 10:27b
a. A judgment involving fire – Revelation 21:8
b. A judgment involving indignation (the wrath of God) – Romans 2:5-11
c. Such a judgment will devour – Matthew 10:28
III. THE JUSTIFICATION FOR PUNISHING WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:28-31)
A. WHAT WAS REQUIRED UNDER THE OLD COVENANT?
1. Death without mercy! – Hebrews 10:28
2. Such was the punishment for a particular kind of sin:
a. Sin that was deliberate
1) In which one rejected Moses’ law (NKJV)
2) In which one despised Moses’ law (KJV)
b. Sin that was open
1) It had to be seen by two or more
2) For death was not rendered unless there were two or three witnesses
c. Again, it is WILLFULL sin that is under discussion
3. While there was mercy for sins of weakness or ignorance, there was none for open and deliberate sin under the Old Covenant!
B. WHAT IS REQUIRED UNDER THE NEW COVENANT?
1. One is worthy of much worse punishment! – Hebrews 10:29
a. What could be worse than physical death?
b. Only fiery indignation! (hell)
2. Why? Because a Christian who sins willfully has:
a. trampled the Son of God underfoot
1) It denotes contempt of the most flagrant kind
2) Such a person treats Jesus who died for him like dirt!
b. counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing
1) The blood of the covenant clearly refers to Jesus’ blood – Hebrews 9:14-22; Hebrews 13:20
2) It is by this blood one is sanctified
3) Such a person considered Jesus’ blood a common thing!
c. insulted the Spirit of grace
1) A reference to the Holy Spirit
a) Through Whom the message of salvation was given – John 16:13-14
b) Through Whom our sanctification takes place – 1 Corinthians 6:11; Titus 3:5-7
2) A person who openly and deliberately sins insults God’s grace!
3. This passage clearly teaches two things:
a. That a Christian can so sin as to reach this point of open rebellion against Jesus!
b. That the punishment reserved for such is worse than death!
C. IS THIS CONSISTENT WITH GOD’S NATURE?
1. Isn’t God a God of love? Of course! – 1 John 4:8
2. But He is also a God of justice, One who judges His people – Hebrews 10:30
a. To who much is given, much is required – Luke 12:47-48
b. Those who despise His love, set themselves up to be recipients of His wrath – Romans 2:4-6
3. Therefore it truly is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God – Hebrews 10:31
IV. THE SOLUTION TO AVOIDING WILLFUL SIN (Hebrews 10:32-39)
A. REMEMBER YOUR EARLY CONFIDENCE
1. The writer reminds his readers of their former days
a. Those days after they were illuminated (enlightened) – Hebrews 10:32
1) Shortly after their conversion
2) In the days of Justin (ca. 167 A.D.), this term was a synonym for baptism
b. Those days in which they were made a spectacle – Hebrews 10:32-34
1) By their own sufferings
2) And by sharing in the sufferings of others, including those of the author
a) In whom they had compassion in his chains
b) In which they joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods
3) Knowing that they had a better and enduring possession in heaven!
2. It is such confidence they must be careful not to cast away – Hebrews 10:35
a. To cast away is the opposite of hold fast
b. Only in holding fast our confidence is there great reward – Hebrews 3:6, Hebrews 3:14
3. Likewise, we need to rekindle the fire of that newfound faith we had when we first responded to the gospel! – Revelation 2:4-5
B. ENDURE TO THE END
1. Endurance is needed to receive the promise – Hebrews 10:36
a. For the Lord is coming – Hebrews 10:37
b. And the just lives by faith – Hebrews 10:38
c. If we draw back (become unfaithful), the Lord will not be pleased! (My soul has no pleasure in him.)
2. The author speaks of his own confidence – Hebrews 10:39
a. He is not of those who draw back to perdition (who cast away their faith)
b. But of those who believe to saving of the soul (who remain faithful to the end)
3. We too need to believe to the saving of the soul, or to put it in the words of Jesus, be faithful unto death – Revelation 2:10
Conclusion
1. We can look forward with great anticipation to the saving of our souls, if we:
a. Remember (and rekindle) that confidence early in our conversion
b. Endure to the end with the faith that saves
2. But with a warning against willful sin, we must never forget that one can
a. Fall from grace!
b. Fall into the hands of the living God!
c. Which is a terrifying thing!
3. How much better, though, to be upheld by the hand of God, as the Psalmist wrote: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand. – Psalm 37:23-24
4. Such is the case of those who remain strong in their faith and trust in the Lord. Are you believing to the saving of your soul…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 10:19-25 A Gracious Exhortation – audio
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(audio starts part way through the introduction)
Text: Hebrews 10:19-25
Introduction
1. To this point in the epistle to the Hebrews, doctrinal arguments have been presented to encourage faithfulness and steadfastness:
a. Demonstrating the superiority of the Son – Hebrews 1:1-8:6
b. Illustrating the superiority of the New Covenant – Hebrews 8:7-10:18
2. With Hebrews 10:19, the author begins making application based upon these premises:
a. Which he does through a series of exhortations and warnings
b. These comprise the remaining part of this epistle
3. In Hebrews 10:19-25, we find a three-fold exhortation:
a. To draw near to God
b. To hold fast our faith
c. To stimulate one another in love and good works
d. All based upon what Christ has done and will do for us!
Body
I. LET US DRAW NEAR IN FAITH (Hebrews 10:19-22)
A. WE ARE EXHORTED TO DRAW NEAR TO GOD
1. To enter the Holiest – Hebrews 10:19
a. That heavenly place where Christ has entered! – Hebrews 9:11-12
b. Into the presence of God Himself! – Hebrews 9:24
2. How are we to do this?
a. having boldness (with great confidence) – Hebrews 10:19
b. with a true heart (with all sincerity) – Hebrews 10:22
c. in full assurance of faith (without doubt) – Hebrews 10:22
B. WHY ARE WE ABLE TO DO THIS?
1. We are able to enter God’s presence because:
a. Jesus has consecrated a new and living way, through the veil – Hebrews 10:19-20
1) There is now a new way to approach God in heaven, through One who lives!
2) It is made possible by the blood of Jesus…His flesh (His death on the cross)
b. Jesus now serves as a High Priest over the house of God – Hebrews 10:21
1) Who is able to come to our aid – Hebrews 2:17-18
2) Who sympathizes with our weakness – Hebrews 4:14-16
3) Who ever lives to intercede in our behalf – Hebrews 7:24-25
2. But we are also able to enter God’s presence because:
a. We have had our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience – Hebrews 10:24
1) This is an allusion to the Old Testament practice of taking blood from the altar and consecrating the priests by sprinkling them with it – Exodus 29:21
2) It is the blood of Christ purges our conscience of sin – Hebrews 9:14
b. We have had our bodies washed with pure water
1) Another allusion to the manner in which priests were consecrated – Exodus 29:4
2) The author has reference to baptism
a) For baptism is referred to as a washing – Acts 22:16; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5
b) Though the stress is on the inner cleansing, not the outer – 1 Peter 3:21
II. LET US HOLD FAST OUR HOPE (Hebrews 10:23)
A. WE ARE EXHORTED TO HOLD FAST THE CONFESSION OF OUR HOPE
1. In Christ we have a much better hope – Hebrews 6:19; Hebrews 7:19
2. But there is the danger of apostasy – Hebrews 3:12-13; Hebrews 4:11
3. For which reason we must hold fast the hope which we confess – Hebrews 3:6-14; Hebrews 4:14
4. Indeed, we need to hold fast…without wavering – Hebrews 10:23
B. A GOOD REASON TO HEED THIS EXHORTATION
1. The faithfulness of God: for He who promised is faithful – Hebrews 10:23
2. God will not fail us (Hebrews 13:5); therefore we need to emulate the faith of Sarah, who judged Him faithful who had promised – Hebrews 11:11
III. LET US CONSIDER ONE ANOTHER (Hebrews 10:24-25)
A. IN ORDER TO STIR UP LOVE AND GOOD WORKS
1. As we draw near to God and hold fast our hope, we are not to do so alone
2. We are to be mindful of each other and how we are doing (consider one another)
3. With a view to incite or spur on (stir up) both love and good works
4. This is reminiscent of the exhortation in Hebrews 3:12-14
B. ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH FREQUENT ASSEMBLING
1. An important purpose of our assembling is to stir up love and good works
a. Yes, we do come to worship and praise God
b. But we also come to edify and exhort one another! – Hebrews 10:25a
2. Therefore we must not become guilty of forsaking the assembling of ourselves together
a. The word forsake means to abandon, desert
b. To stop assembling with the saints altogether
c. Some evidently had done so (as is the manner of some)
3. Exhorting one another through assembling is even more imperative as you see the Day approaching
a. The Day refers to the Judgment Day at the Second Coming
1) It certainly fits the context of Hebrews 9:27-29; Hebrews 10:27, Hebrews 10:37
2) And while one might not know the day and hour of His coming, we were given some general signs of His coming – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8
b. The main point is to appreciate the value and necessity of our assemblies, and that forsaking them is indicative of apostasy!
Conclusion
1. With A gracious exhortation, we are encouraged to:
a. Draw near to God in full assurance of faith
b. Hold fast the confession of our hope
c. Consider one another to stir up to love and good works
2. As motivation to heed this exhortation, we are reminded of:
a. The new and living way now open to God, made possible by Jesus’ death
b. The High Priest who now serves for us over the house of God
c. How we have been consecrated through having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water
d. How He who has promised is faithful
e. How we have each other to encourage us along
f. The approaching Day, in particular the Day of Judgment
If we truly appreciate the blessings we now have in Christ, we will do all that we can to draw closer to God, hold fast that hope which we confess, and utilize the opportunities we have to encourage one another in love and good works!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 09:11-28 The Superior Sanctuary – audio
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Text: Hebrews 9:11-28
Introduction
1. In the current section of the epistle to the Hebrews, the focus is on the superiority of the New Covenant which provides:
a. Better promises – Hebrews 8:7-13
b. A better sanctuary – Hebrews 9:1-28
c. A better sacrifice – Hebrews 10:1-18
2. Three weeks ago we considered the earthly sanctuary of the Old Covenant, that tabernacle which:
a. Served as copy and shadow of the heavenly things – Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 8:5
b. Involved fleshly ordinances imposed only until the time of reformation – Hebrews 9:10
c. And was therefore limited in its ability to provide what man truly needed! – Hebrews 9:9b
3. In the second half of the ninth chapter, we are now introduced to the Heavenly Sanctuary of the New Covenant:
a. The true tabernacle in which Christ is a minister – Hebrews 8:2
b. The true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man – Hebrews 8:2
Body
I. IT IS HEAVENLY (Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:24)
A. A GREATER AND MORE PERFECT TABERNACLE
1. A tabernacle not made with hands
2. A tabernacle not of this creation
3. Where then is this tabernacle? Look ahead to Hebrews 9:24
B. IN HEAVEN ITSELF
1. Christ has not entered the earthly tabernacle made with hands
2. It is into heaven itself that Christ has entered!
3. He now appears in the presence of God
4. Therefore the superior sanctuary is none other than heaven, where God dwells!
5. In this heavenly sanctuary Christ serves as High Priest of the good things to come. The good things includes the promises of Jeremiah 31:31-34, especially the one pertaining to forgiveness of sin
II. ITS MINISTRY EFFECTIVELY DEALS WITH SIN (Hebrews 9:12-15)
A. ETERNAL REDEMPTION IS PROVIDED (Hebrews 9:12)
1. Christ entered the Most Holy Place (heaven)
a. Just as the high priest entered the Most Holy Place in the earthly sanctuary
b. With these two major differences:
1) Jesus took not the blood of goats and calves, but His own blood
2) Jesus entered once for all, not once a year
2. With His blood, He obtained eternal redemption
a. This is why He does not need to offer His blood every year – Hebrews 10:10-12
b. But His redemption is eternal in another sense, as seen later in Hebrews 9:15
B. THE CONSCIENCE IS PURGED OF SIN (Hebrews 9:13-14)
1. The blood of animals was able to purify the flesh of an unclean person
2. But the blood of Christ is able to purge the conscience from dead works (i.e., sin) to serve the living God
a. The animal sacrifices could not do this – Hebrews 9:9-10; Hebrews 9:10:1-2
b. For the daily and annual sacrifices constantly reminded them of sin – Hebrews 10:3
c. Therefore Christ not only removes the legal guilt of sin, but also the inward (or emotional) guilt of sin!
C. THERE IS REDEMPTION FOR SINS UNDER THE FIRST COVENANT (Hebrews 9:15)
1. His role as Mediator of the New Covenant is not limited to those who lived after it became of force
2. His death covers not only sinners since His death, but also those who lived under the first covenant, who were called to receive the promise of eternal inheritance!
3. In providing atonement for those before and after His death, Jesus has truly obtained eternal redemption
III. ITS MINISTRY NECESSITATED A COSTLY SACRIFICE (Hebrews 9:16-22)
A. TO INITIATE A NEW TESTAMENT (Hebrews 9:16-17)
1. A testament, or will, requires the death of the one who makes it
2. It does not become of force until the testator dies
3. The New Covenant with its heavenly sanctuary is like a testament, requiring Jesus’ death for it to become of force
B. TO DEDICATE A NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 9:18-23)
1. Consider what was done with the first covenant
a. It was dedicated with the blood of calves and goats
b. Its tabernacle and furniture were purified with the sprinkling of such blood
2. Should the new covenant require any less?
a. The first covenant contained only copies of the things in the heavens
b. The heavenly things required purification by better sacrifices, Jesus’ own blood
IV. ITS MINISTRY IS FINAL AND COMPLETE (Hebrews 9:24-28)
A. CHRIST IS NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD FOR US…
1. No longer is a high priest serving in a tabernacle made with hands
2. No longer is one serving in what was only a copy
3. Jesus is ministering as High Priest in that which is the true holy place!
B. HE ONLY NEEDED TO OFFER HIMSELF ONCE
1. The all-sufficiency of His sacrifice is seen that He only needed to offer Himself once
a. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often from the foundation of the world
b. Like the high priests of old, who entered the Most Holy Place each year
2. Therefore, at the end of the ages, He came to put away sin once for all!
a. The phrase end of the ages is equivalent to the last days – Hebrews 1:2
b. That final period of the world’s history – 1 Corinthians 10:11; 1 Peter 1:20
3. Just as man dies only once, so Jesus needed to be offered for sin only once
C. WHEN HE COMES AGAIN, IT WILL BE FOR SALVATION, NOT SIN
1. With His first coming, He was primarily the sin-bearer
a. He came to bear the sins of many
b. Which He did by dying on the cross for our sins – 1 Peter 2:24
2. His second coming will be apart from sin
a. To bring salvation (from the wrath of God to come – Romans 5:9)
b. To those who eagerly await for Him – 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Conclusion
1. How is the sanctuary of the New Covenant superior?
a. By virtue of its nature: heavenly, not physical
b. By virtue of its ministry:
1) Dealing effectively with sin
2) Providing complete and final deliverance
2. Why should we be interested in the ministry of The Superior Sanctuary?
a. Because death is our appointed lot (unless Christ comes first) – Hebrews 9:27
b. And then comes the judgment – 2 Corinthians 5:10
c. The ministry of Christ prepares us for that coming judgment!
3. Are you prepared to stand before the judgment seat of Christ?
a. Preparation involves obedience, for Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
b. Preparation involves allowing the blood of Christ to purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God – Hebrews 9:14
4. Through obedience to the precious gospel of Christ, we can eagerly wait for Him, knowing that for us He is coming to bring salvation and not condemnation! – 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 09:01-10 The Earthly Sanctuary – audio
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Text: Hebrews 9:1-10
Introduction
1. The main points in the “The Epistle To The Hebrews” are rather simple
a. The superiority of Christ – Hebrews 1:1-7:28
b. The superiority of the New Covenant – Hebrews 8:7-10:18
2. In the “transition passage” of Hebrews 8:1-6, we find
a. The first point summarized – Hebrews 8:1
b. The second point introduced – Hebrews 8:2-6
3. In demonstrating the superiority of the New Covenant, three points are made
a. The New Covenant is based upon “better promises”
b. The New Covenant pertains to a “better sanctuary”
c. The New Covenant provides a “better sacrifice”
4. In Hebrews 8:7-13 we read of the “better promises”
a. Foretold through the prophet Jeremiah – cf. Jeremiah 31:31-34
b. In which God promised a closer relationship with His people, made possible by the forgiveness of sin
5. In chapter nine, our attention is now drawn to the matter of the “better sanctuary” provided by the New Covenant
a. To appreciate the author’s argument, we must be acquainted with the sanctuary of the first covenant
b. Therefore we find a brief discussion concerning “The Earthly Sanctuary” – Hebrews 9:1-10
c. We could turn back to the books of Exodus and Leviticus to read about the earthly sanctuary, but in our text we find a helpful and concise summary.
Body
I. THE EARTHLY SANCTUARY: ITS DESCRIPTION (Hebrews 9:1-5)
A. THE HOLY PLACE (Hebrews 9:2)
1. This was the first part of the tabernacle, in which the priests entered daily
2. Inside of it were
a. The lampstand – Exodus 25:31-40; Exodus 26:35
1) Placed next to the south wall of the tabernacle
2) Made of gold and had seven lamps for burning olive oil
3) It was never allowed to go out
b. The table and the showbread – Exodus 25:23-30; Exodus 26:35; Leviticus 24:5-9
1) A table overlaid with gold
2) On which were kept twelve loaves of bread, in two rows of six
3) Fresh loaves were brought in each Sabbath, and the old were eaten by the priests – 1 Samuel 21:3-6; Matthew 12:3-4
B. THE HOLIEST OF ALL (Hebrews 9:3-5)
1. This was the part of the tabernacle behind the veil, also called “The Most Holy” – Exodus 26:31-33
2. This innermost room of the tabernacle, the holiest place in the worship of Israel, had
a. The golden altar of incense (golden censor, KJV)
1) The golden altar of incense was actually in the Holy Place, just on the other side of the veil separating the two rooms – Exo 30:1-10
a) On this altar sweet spices were continually burned with fire taken from the brazen altar (which was outside the tabernacle)
b) The morning and evening services were begun by the High priest offering incense on this altar
c) Once a year, the High Priest would take a censer of burning coals from this altar along with incense into the The Most Holy Place – Leviticus 16:12
2) It is appropriate to say the The Most Holy Place “had” the golden altar
a) For the smoke of the daily incense would permeate through the veil, and as such be “a perpetual incense before the LORD” – Exodus 30:8
b) The annual ceremony on the Day of Atonement connected in a tangible way the altar of incense with The Most Holy Place – Leviticus 16:12
b. The ark of the covenant
1) A chest made of acacia wood, about four feet long by two and half feet high and wide – Exodus 25:10-16
2) Covered with gold, it was the most sacred thing in the tabernacle
3) In it contained:
a) The golden pot that had the manna – Exodus 16:32-34
b) Aaron’s rod that budded – Numbers 17:1-11
c) The tablets of the covenant – Deuteronomy 10:1-5
4) Covering the ark was the mercy seat – Exodus 25:17-22
a) This lid, covered with gold, was topped with two cherubim (with wings stretched upward, and their faces “toward each other and toward the mercy seat.”)
b) The Lord was said to appear in a cloud above the mercy seat – Leviticus 16:2; Numbers 7:89; 2 Kings 19:5
3. As stated by the author himself, “of these things we cannot now speak in detail”. But a little more is now said regarding the ritual of the earthly sanctuary
II. THE EARTHLY SANCTUARY: IT’S RITUAL (Hebrews 9:6-7)
A. THE RITUAL OF THE HOLY PLACE (Hebrews 9:6)
1. Every morning and evening, the priests would go into The Holy Place “performing the services”
a. They would trim the lamps on the lampstand – Exodus 27:20-21
b. They would offer incense on the altar of incense – Exodus 30:7-8
2. On the Sabbath, the priests would replace the Showbread – Leviticus 25:4-9
3. But none went into The Most Holy Place during these daily services
B. THE RITUAL OF THE MOST HOLY PLACE (Hebrews 9:7)
1. Once a year, only the high priest entered The Most Holy Place – Leviticus 16:2
a. On the Day of Atonement
b. The tenth day of the seventh month – Leviticus 16:29
2. The high priest would do three things:
a. Offer the incense to cloud the mercy seat – Leviticus 16:12-13
b. Sprinkle the mercy seat with the blood of a bull, as a sin offering for himself and his family – Leviticus 16:11,14
c. Sprinkle the mercy seat with the blood of a goat, as a sin offering for the people – Leviticus 16:15
3. In this way he offered blood for his own sins and those of the people committed in ignorance – Hebrews 9:7
4. With this summary of the ritual of the earthly sanctuary, we are reminded of the sort of services rendered under the first covenant. But what was the true purpose of such service? And did the sacrifices provide complete redemption? These questions are addressed in the next three verses.
III. THE EARTHLY SANCTUARY: ITS SYMBOLISM AND LIMITATION (Hebrews 9:8-10)
A. IT WAS SYMBOLIC
1. As already stated, the tabernacle and its service was “a copy and shadow of the Heavenly things” – Hebrews 8:4-5
2. Thus it was “symbolic for the present time” – Hebrews 9:9
a. Symbolizing what eventually would occur when Christ came
b. Symbolizing what Christ has now done in reality when He entered heaven – Hebrews 9:11-12, Hebrews 9:24-26
3. The Holy Spirit was thus indicating that “the way into heaven itself was not yet made manifest” – Hebrews 9:8
B. THERE WERE LIMITATIONS
1. The gifts and sacrifices could not make one perfect in regard to the conscience – Hebrews 9:9; cf. Hebrews 9:14; Hebrews 10:1-4
2. The ceremonies involved “fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation” – Hebrews 9:10
a. Just as the sanctuary was “earthly”, the ordinances were “fleshly”
1) In contrast to that which is heavenly, spiritual
2) Indeed, all of the ritual was designed to impact the physical side of man
a) His senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
b) The burning of incense, the blowing of trumpets, the vestments
b. Such ordinances were designed to be temporary
1) Until “the time of reformation”, when changes in worship would be made
2) Indeed, now God expects “spiritual” worship – John 4:21-24
a) Worship that is more in keeping with God’s true nature (Spirit)
b) Worship that focuses on the inner man
1. Singing, where the emphasis is on melody made in the heart – Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
2. Even in the Lord’s Supper, which has physical elements, the emphasis is on the communion we share in the body of and blood of Jesus as we commemorate His death – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
3. Therefore we should not be surprised to learn that the early church did not simply incorporate the fleshly ordinances of the first covenant into their worship
Conclusion
1. The earthly sanctuary and its fleshly ordinances served God’s purpose well
a. It revealed the terrible nature and high price of sin
b. It revealed the need for the shedding of blood to provide the remission of sin
c. It prepared people for the coming of the ultimate sacrifice and complete redemption
2. But as useful as it was, it was temporary and symbolic
a. A copy and shadow of what was to come
b. Designed to vanish away when what it represented came to pass
3. As we shall see more fully in our next study
a. Christ has come and entered into “the greater and more perfect tabernacle”
b. He has “obtained eternal redemption”
c. He has made it possible to “purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God”
4. Why would one ever wish to go back to the earthly sanctuary and its fleshly ordinances?
5. Why do some people wish to introduce Old Testament practices into the worship of the Lord’s church?
6. It can only be a failure to appreciate what we now have in Christ, and the kind of worshippers God now desires. As Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well:
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:23-24
7. Are we worshipping God the way He desires? Or in whatever way that appeals to our fleshly senses and personal desires?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 08:07-13 The Promises of God’s New Covenant – audio
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Text: Hebrews 8:7-13
Introduction
1. Up to this point, the focus of the letter to the Hebrews has been on Christ
a. His superiority to prophets, angels, Moses
b. The superiority of His priesthood to the Levitical priesthood
2. With the transition in Hebrews 8:1-6, the focus shifts to the new covenant
a. A new covenant in which Jesus has already been described as:
1) The surety (guarantor) – Hebrews 7:22
2) The Mediator (one who intervenes) – Hebrews 8:6
b. In both passages, this covenant was described as a better covenant
3. Better than what? Better in what way? In Hebrews 8, we learn the answer
a. Better than the first covenant – Hebrews 8:7
b. Better because of the promises contained in it – Hebrews 8:6
Body
I. GOD’S PROMISE OF A NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 8:7-9, Hebrews 8:13)
A. THE FIRST COVENANT HAD FAULTS… (Hebrews 8:7)
1. Otherwise, there would have been no need for a second covenant
2. We have already seen concerning the first covenant that:
a. The Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection – Hebrews 7:11
b. The Law made nothing perfect, and was therefore annulled due to its weakness and unprofitableness – Hebrews 7:18-19
3. This inadequacy has special reference to the sacrifices of the first covenant
a. They could not make those who approach perfect – Hebrews 10:1-3
b. The blood of animals offered by the priests could not take away sins – Hebrews 10:4,11
B. THE PEOPLE DID NOT KEEP THE FIRST COVENANT… (Hebrews 8:8-9)
1. God found fault because they did not continue in His covenant – Jeremiah 11:7-10
2. For this reason He disregarded them, allowing them to be taken away by their enemies – Jeremiah 11:11-14
3. Even so, He did not leave them without some hope, for through the prophet Jeremiah He made a promise
C. GOD’S PLAN WAS A NEW COVENANT… (Hebrews 8:8-9)
1. Promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34
2. In which God would make a new covenant with Israel and Judah
3. A covenant different than the one made at Matthew Sinai (how, we shall see in a moment)
D. THE NEW COVENANT HAS MADE THE FIRST OBSOLETE… (Hebrews 8:13)
1. By even calling the promised covenant new, God made the first covenant obsolete
a. The old covenant actually continued on for about 500 years after Jeremiah
b. But with the promise of the new, attention would be taken away from the old covenant and directed toward the new one that was coming!
2. Its obsolescence was especially seen in the days of the Hebrew writer
a. It was becoming obsolete and growing old
1) The death of Jesus rendered the sacrifices of the first covenant unnecessary
2) Before long, the temple itself would be destroyed, and along with it, the last vestiges of the Levitical priesthood
b. Truly, it was ready to vanish away
II. GOD’S PROMISES INVOLVING THE NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 8:10-12)
A. IT WILL BE INWARD AND SPIRITUAL… (Hebrews 8:10)
1. I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts
2. The first covenant had its laws written on tablets of stone; the new covenant is one that requires God’s laws be written in our hearts
3. It is not enough to have God’s Word in our hands, on our coffee tables, etc.
a. We must plant God’s Word into our hearts – James 1:21
b. For only then can we truly be born again by the incorruptible seed, the word of God – 1 Peter 1:22-23
4. Are you living up to intent of the New Covenant, or are you little different than those under the first covenant, who had the Word, but not on their hearts?
B. IT WILL PROVIDE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD… (Hebrews 8:10)
1. I will be their God, and they shall be My people
2. The actual terms of this promise is really nothing new – Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12
3. But in each successive age, its promise is filled with fresh meaning; for example
a. In this age, we enjoy a closer relationship with God -2 Corinthians 6:16-18; 1 Peter 2:9-10
b. But even more so, in the age to come, which is in eternity – Revelation 21:1-7
4. Are you utilizing the blessings whereby you can have a closer relationship with God?
C. IT WILL BE WITH PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE LORD… (Hebrews 8:11)
1. None of them shall teach…saying, ‘Know the Lord’, for all shall know Me
2. The New Covenant will be with people who have already come to know the Lord
a. Unlike the first covenant, in which people entered it at birth; as they grew up, they needed to be taught about the Lord
b. In the new covenant, one must come to know the Lord before they can enter the covenant
3. So it is that one must believe in Jesus before they can enter into a covenant relationship with their Lord through baptism – Acts 8:36-38
4. Does not this feature of the New Covenant preclude the practice of infant baptism?
D. IT WILL PROVIDE TRUE FORGIVENESS FOR SIN… (Hebrews 8:12)
1. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more”
2. Here is the ultimate basis of the blessing previously described; by virtue of the forgiveness of sins can we truly be God’s people, and He our God!
3. Thus the New Covenant provides what the first covenant could not: true forgiveness of sins! – Hebrews 10:1-4, Hebrews 10:11
Conclusion
1. Such are The Promises Of God’s New Covenant:
a. As foretold through the prophet Jeremiah
b. Now fulfilled through the coming of Jesus and His death on the cross
c. By virtue of better promises, Christ is truly the Mediator of a better covenant!
2. But there is more to be said about why the New Covenant is a better covenant
a. It also has a better sanctuary
b. It also has a better sacrifice
c. But consideration of these things will be saved for later
3. At this point it is appropriate to ask:
a. Have you truly entered into a covenant relationship with the Lord?
b. Entrance into this New Covenant is simple: They involve faith in Christ and a confession of that faith (Romans 10:9-10), along with repentance of sins and baptism into Christ – Acts 2:36-39
4. The promised blessings of the New Covenant await any and all who are willing to so respond to the gospel of Christ!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 08:01-06 Our Glorious High Priest – audio
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Text: Hebrews 8:1-6
Introduction
1. With the beginning of chapter eight, we come to the close of the first major section Hebrews
a. In which the key thought is the superiority of Christ
b. In which Jesus is shown to be superior to:
1) To the prophets – Hebrews 1:1-3
2) To angels – Hebrews 1:4-2:18
3) To Moses – Hebrews 3:1-5
4) To Aaron and his Levitical priesthood – Hebrews 5:1-10; 7:1-28
2. The next major section really begins in earnest with Hebrews 8:7
3. In Hebrews 8:1-6, we find a transition
a. In which the main point of the first section is summarized
b. In which the main points of the next section are introduced
c. Indeed, these six verses truly summarize what the author seeks to establish in the first ten chapters of this epistle!
4. It can all be summarized in these words: “We have such a High Priest…”
a. In Jesus, we have a High Priest
b. Not just any High Priest, but “such” a High Priest; a glorious High Priest!
Body
I. SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD (Hebrews 8:1)
A. MANY PASSAGES REFER TO JESUS AT GOD’S RIGHT HAND
1. David prophesied that the Messiah would sit at God’s right hand – Psalm 110:1
2. Jesus said that He would sit at the right hand of God – Mark 14:62
3. When He ascended to heaven, He sat down at God’s right hand – Mark 16:19
4. At God’s right hand, He poured forth the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:33
5. Peter preached Jesus as being exalted to be at God’s right hand as our Prince and Savior – Acts 5:30-31
6. Paul taught that Jesus is at God’s right hand, interceding for us – Romans 8:34
II. A MINISTER OF THE TRUE TABERNACLE (Hebrews 8:2-5)
A. ERECTED BY GOD, NOT MAN
1. We are now introduced to a contrast between two “tabernacles”
a. There had been the earthly sanctuary or tabernacle
1) As ordained under the first covenant (i.e., the Law) – Hebrews 9:1ff
2) It was built by man
b. But now we read of one “which the Lord erected”; a heavenly tabernacle
2. The heavenly tabernacle is none other than heaven itself! – Hebrews 9:11-12; 23-24
B. IN WHICH HE OFFERS SERVICE
1. As a High Priest, it is necessary for Him to have something to offer – Hebrews 8:3
a. Every high priest is appointed for this purpose – Hebrews 5:1
b. What Jesus has to offer is not mention here, but will be later – Hebrews 9:12
2. This service He renders in heaven, not on the earth – Hebrews 8:4
a. If He were on earth, He couldn’t be a priest!
b. For the Law required priests from the tribe of Levi, and Jesus was from Judah
3. As for priests on the earth
a. They serve only the copy and shadow of the heavenly things – Hebrews 8:5
b. For Moses had been told by God to build the earthly tabernacle according to pattern shown to him on the mountain – Exodus 25:40
III. THE MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT (Hebrews 8:6)
A. HE HAS OBTAINED A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY
1. In contrast with the ministry of the Levitical priests
2. Their ministry was simply a shadow and copy of His ministry – Colossians 2:16-17
B. AS MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT
1. The word “mediator”
a. The Greek is “mesites” {mes-ee’-tace}
b. It means “one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant”
2. By His death on the cross, Jesus has become the Mediator of the new covenant – Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24
3. This new covenant is here referred to as “a better covenant”
a. Better than what? Better than the “first covenant” – Hebrews 8:7
b. Which was established through Moses
C. ESTABLISHED ON BETTER PROMISES
1. What makes the new covenant better than the old are its promises
2. Some of those promises are explained later – Hebrews 8:10-12
3. But Peter describes the promises we receive as “exceedingly great and precious promises” – 2 Peter 1:3-4
Conclusion
1. With this transition passage, then, we are introduced to things that we will be discussing as we proceed through this letter.
a. The better covenant we have in Christ, based upon its better promises
b. The better ministry of Christ as our High Priest in heaven, seated at God’s right hand
2. When such things are properly understood, we can see how Jesus is truly our glorious High Priest!
a. One who stands ready to minister in our behalf
b. He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him – Hebrews 7:25
c. He is able to aid those who are tempted – Hebrews 2:18
a. Have you accepted Jesus as your High Priest by obeying His gospel? – Hebrews 5:9
b. For those who have not obeyed His gospel, we find this awesome warning – 1 Thessalonians 1:7-9
c. Please render obedience to the gospel today if you have not yet done so! – Acts 2:36-39
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 07:20-28 The Superiority of Christ’s Priesthood – audio
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Text: Hebrews 7:20-28
Introduction
1. In the first seven chapters of the epistle to the Hebrews, the main thought is the superiority of Christ
a. To the prophets – Hebrews 1:1-3
b. To angels – Hebrews 1:4-2:18
c. To Moses – Hebrews 3:1-5
d. To Aaron and his Levitical priesthood – Hebrews 5:1-10; 7:1-28
2. In showing the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood, the author has done so step-by-step
a. Jesus is qualified to be a priest by virtue of His calling by God and His suffering – Hebrews 5:1-8
b. He has been called to be a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek – Hebrews 5:9-10
c. The priestly order of Melchizedek is shown to be superior by comparing Abraham and Melchizedek – Hebrews 7:1-10
d. That Christ has become such a priest has several implications – Hebrews 7:11-19
1) The Levitical priesthood could not make one perfect before God
2) The Law upon which the Levitical priesthood was based has been annulled
3) Christ now provides a better hope, through which we draw near to God
3. This brings us to Hebrews 7:20-28, in which we come to the conclusion
a. Where Jesus is contrasted with those who served in the Levitical priesthood
b. Where the superiority of Christ’s priesthood is clearly demonstrated
Body
I. HIS DIVINE APPOINTMENT (Hebrews 7:20-22)
A. LEVITICAL PRIESTS WERE APPOINTED BY A COMMAND
1. Beginning with Aaron, he and his descendants served in the Levitical priesthood
2. It was a divine command that so appointed them – Exodus 28:1-4
3. While divinely commanded, it was not with an oath
B. JESUS WAS MADE A PRIEST WITH AN OATH
1. In Psalm 110:4, God swore an oath concerning the coming Messiah and His priesthood
2. We saw earlier that a promise joined with an oath really confirms the immutability (unchangeableness) of God’s counsel – Hebrews 6:17
3. Appointed by an oath and not just a command, Jesus has become a surety of a better Covenant – Hebrews 7:22
a. surety means guarantor (NEB)
b. Appointed by such an oath from God, Jesus guarantees the new covenant, that it is better (there is that key word again!)
II. HIS ETERNAL INTERCESSION (Hebrews 7:23-25)
A. LEVITICAL PRIESTS WERE LIMITED IN SERVICE BY DEATH
1. When one died, another took his place
2. Of necessity there had to be many priests
B. JESUS EVER LIVES TO MAKE INTERCESSION FOR US
1. That is because He continues forever
2. As seen earlier, Jesus came according to the power of an endless life – Hebrews 7:16
3. He therefore has an unchangeable priesthood
a. He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him
1) He can do what the law could not do: make one perfect – Hebrews 7:19
2) That is, make one holy, and blameless – Colossians 1:21-22
b. And He ever lives to make intercession for them
1) I have always been impressed by this phrase
2) For it suggests what Jesus is doing for us now, and is most willing to do!
III. HIS PERFECT CHARACTER (Hebrews 7:26-27)
A. LEVITICAL PRIESTS WERE SINNERS
1. Some more so than others
2. Even the best of them had to offer up sacrifices
a. On a daily basis
b. For his own sins before offering sacrifices others
B. JESUS IS SEPARATE FROM SINNERS
1. We see our High Priest described in regards to:
a. His holy character: holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners
b. His preeminent position: higher than the heavens
c. Thus He does not need to offer sins for Himself
2. This makes Him a High Priest fitting (becoming, seemly) for us
IV. HIS PERMANENT SACRIFICE (Hebrews 7:27)
A. THE LEVITICAL PRIESTS SACRIFICED DAILY
1. Every day they offered sacrifices for their own sins and for those of the people
2. That they had to be continually offered implies a fundamental weakness in the efficacy of the sacrifices themselves
3. Later we learn that the problem was the inability of animal sacrifices to make one perfect and to cleanse the conscience of sins – Hebrews 10:1-4; cf. 9:9
B. JESUS OFFERED HIMSELF ONCE FOR ALL
1. This implies the efficacy of His sacrifice
2. The superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice will be explained further, later on – Hebrews Chapters 9 – 10
Conclusion
1. In Hebrews 7:28, we find a summary statement that contrasts the two priesthoods
a. The law, upon which the Levitical priesthood derives its authority, appoints men who have weaknesses; for example:
1) They are sinners themselves, and death terminates their service
2) Their sacrifices cannot truly remove sin, so had to be repeated daily and yearly
b. The oath, given after the law and the basis for Christ’s priesthood, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever; for example:
1) His humanity and the obedience learned through suffering makes Him most fitting to be our High Priest – Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 5:8-9
2) His sinlessness makes the sacrifice of Himself the perfect and all-sufficient sacrifice, given once for all! – Hebrews 10:12-14
2. In chapters 9 and 10, the focus of this epistle will center on the superiority of Christ’s sacrifice; but for now, our attention has been on those things that illustrate our great High Priest:
a. His appointment by an oath from God, not just a command
b. His eternal intercession, not limited by death
c. His perfect character, untainted by sin
d. His permanent sacrifice, offered once for all when He offered Himself
3. Don’t you desire to have such a High Priest interceding in your behalf?
a. Then as Christians:
1) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16
2) Let us never forget that He ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God through Him!
b. If you have never been immersed for the forgiveness of your sins:
1) Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be Baptized
2) Live a faithful life
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 07:11-19 The Significance of Christ’s Priesthood – audio
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Text: Hebrews 7:11-19
Introduction
1. A major theme in the epistle to the Hebrews is the priesthood of Jesus Christ
a. His humanity prepared Him to be a merciful and faithful High Priest – Hebrews 2:17
b. He is the High Priest of our confession – Hebrews 3:1
c. He is a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens – Hebrews 4:14
d. He is a sympathetic High Priest, for He was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin – Hebrews 4:15
e. His calling as High Priest came from God Himself – Hebrews 5:5-6
2. His is a unique priesthood, however:
a. It is NOT according to the Levitical priesthood
1) He is a not priest in the order of Aaron
2) A priesthood that began with the giving of the Law through Moses at Matthew Sinai
b. His priesthood is according to the order of Melchizedek – Hebrews 5:9-10
1) Melchizedek was a priest of God Most High who met Abram – Genesis 14:14-20
2) And God swore that the Messiah would be a priest like Melchizedek – Psalm 110:4
3. In our previous study, we saw Melchizedek was superior in that:
a. He received tithes from Abraham – Hebrews 7:4-6a
b. He blessed Abraham – Hebrews 7:6b-7
c. Even Levi, in the loins of his ancestor Abraham, paid tithes to Melchizedek – Hebrews 7:9-10
d. All of this proving that the priesthood of Christ, which is after the order of Melchizedek, is superior to the Levitical priesthood
4. That Jesus would come to serve as a priest after the order the Melchizedek is not without significance and major implications:
a. Regarding the efficacy of the Levitical priesthood
b. Regarding the law of Moses itself!
Body
I. THE LEVITICAL PRIESTHOOD WAS LACKING (Hebrews 7:11)
A. IT DID NOT BRING PERFECTION
1. Otherwise there would not have been another priest to arise like Melchizedek
2. That one was foretold (Psalms 110:4) and has come proves the order of Aaron was lacking
B. THE MEANING OF PERFECTION
1. Perfection means completeness and in this context it speaks of making men acceptable to God
2. The Old Law with its priesthood could never fully reconcile man back to God
a. Animal sacrifices could not make one perfect – Hebrews 10:1
b. They could not cleanse the sinner’s conscience – Hebrews 10:2-3; 9:9
c. They could not take away sin – Hebrews 10:4; 10:11
II. THE LAW HAS BEEN ANNULLED (Hebrews 7:12-18)
A. A CHANGE IN THE PRIESTHOOD SIGNIFIES A CHANGE IN THE LAW
1. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi – Hebrews 7:13-14; Matthew 1:1-2
2. Moses had not authorized anyone from Judah to serve as priest; indeed, God specifically forbid anyone other than a descendant of Aaron – Numbers 16:40
3. For Christ to serve as priest, then, a change must have occurred – Hebrews 7:14
4. Especially for one who serves according to the power of an endless life – Hebrews 7:15-17
a. The Levitical priests were mortal men, whose service ended at death
b. But Jesus is a priest forever, His priesthood is therefore unchangeable – Hebrews 7:24
B. WITH THE CHANGE IN PRIESTHOOD, THE LAW IS NOW ANNULLED
1. Annulled means to declare as void, to invalidate
2. The former commandment has therefore been set aside – Hebrews 7:18-19a
a. Because it was weak and unprofitable
b. In the sense of making us perfect – Hebrews 10:1
3. That the Law has been done away should not surprise us
a. God foretold this would happen – Jere 31:31
b. Jesus implied that the Law would be done away once it was fulfilled – Matthew 5:17-18
1) One jot or tittle would not pass from the law until it was fulfilled
2) If the priesthood has changed, then it must have been fulfilled and done away!
c. Paul described how Jesus abolished it in His death on the cross
1) To the Ephesians – Ephesians 2:14-16
2) To the Colossians – Colossians 2:14-16
C. THIS SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST’S PRIESTHOOD HAS POWERFUL IMPLICATIONS
a. With the Law annulled, it is folly to seek justification by the Law – Galatians 5:4
b. It also explains why we should not go to the Old Law to find our authority for the work, worship, and organization of the church!
III. THERE IS NOW A BETTER HOPE (Hebrews 7:19)
A. THROUGH WHICH WE CAN DRAW NEAR TO GOD
1. As seen earlier, the Levitical priesthood did not offer perfection
a. Its sacrifices could not make one perfect regarding:
1) Consciousness of sins, for sacrifices were year by year – Hebrews 10:1-3
2) Actual forgiveness of sins, for it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins – Hebrews 10:4
b. Thus the Law, because of its weakness and unprofitableness, made nothing perfect – Hebrews 7:18-19
2. But now we have in Christ a better hope
a. Here we find the keyword of this epistle: better
1) First used in comparing Jesus to angels – Hebrews 1:4
2) Used later in contrasting the new covenant and its promises with the old covenant – Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6
b. Our hope in drawing near to God is now better than before!
B. CHRIST’S SUPERIOR PRIESTHOOD IS THE BASIS OF THAT HOPE
1. Because Jesus is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, our hope for drawing near to God is much better:
a. As we’ve seen, Melchizedek is superior to Abraham and Levi
b. Therefore his priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood
c. Making Jesus’ own priesthood superior
2. More evidence of superiority will be considered shortly (Hebrews 7:20-28), but for now note again how the greatness of Jesus’ priesthood should strengthen our hope in drawing near to God:
a. Our High Priest has passed through the heavens – Hebrews 4:14
b. Our High Priest can sympathize with our weaknesses – Hebrews 4:15
c. Our High Priest makes it possible to come boldly to the throne of grace and obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need – Hebrews 4:16
3. Can we see how His service as our High Priest provides a better hope, through which we draw near to God?
Conclusion
1. More is yet to come regarding Christ’s Priesthood, but perhaps we can appreciate how
a. The Levitical priesthood does not provide what man really needs (access to God)
b. There has been a change in the Law; indeed, it has been replaced with a new covenant
c. In Jesus, our hope in drawing near to God is much better than ever before!
2. In view of such things
a. Why would the Hebrew Christians ever want to leave Jesus and return to the Law?
b. Why would people today seek to use the Law to justify religious practices, as many do when they turn to the Old Testament to establish authority for such things as a separate priesthood (clergy), burning of incense, or even instrumental music?
3. Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6). Are you willing to come to the Father through Him? Let us be sure to serve God through Him only!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 07:01-10 The Greatness of Melchizedek
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Text: Hebrews 7:1-10
Introduction
1. Thus far in our study, we have seen the writer mention Melchizedek
a. That Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek – Hebrews 5:9-10; 6:20
b. It has only been a brief mention, for the dullness of the readers required a necessary digression – Hebrews 5:11-6:20
2. But now the writer returns to his theme concerning Melchizedek, in which he:
a. Establishes the greatness of Melchizedek – Hebrews 7:1-10
b. Shows the significance of Melchizedek’s priesthood – Hebrews 7:11-19
c. Thereby illustrating the greatness of Christ’s priesthood – Hebrews 7:20-28
3. Since this subject is meat compared to the milk of the Word:
a. We want to approach it slowly and carefully
b. Allowing ourselves to slowly digest what is said in this seventh chapter of Hebrews
Body
I. THE HISTORY OF MELCHIZEDEK (Hebrews 7:1-3)
A. THE HISTORICAL RECORD AS FOUND IN GENESIS 14
1. We first read of The Battle Of The Kings – Genesis 14:1-11
2. In which Lot is captured, and then rescued by Abram (Abraham) – Genesis 14:12-17
3. Upon his return, Abram is met by Melchizedek – Genesis 14:18
a. Who is king of Salem
b. Who is also the priest of God Most High
4. In this meeting, two things happen:
a. Melchizedek blesses Abram (Abraham) – Genesis 14:19
b. Abram pays tithes to Melchizedek – Genesis 14:20b
B. IN REFERRING TO MELCHIZEDEK, THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS
1. Summarizes the events in Hebrews 7:1-2
a. How Melchizedek met Abraham and blessed him
b. How Abraham gave a tenth part of all to Melchizedek
2. Explains the meaning of his name and title – Hebrews 7:2
a. The name Melchizedek means king of righteousness
b. The title king of Salem means king of peace
3. Makes some intriguing statements about Melchizedek
a. without father, without mother, without genealogy
b. having neither beginning of days nor end of life
c. made like the Son of God
d. remains a priest continually
C. WHO IS THIS MELCHIZEDEK?
1. He was simply a man, but because he appears suddenly in Scripture as a priest:
a. With no mention of parentage or genealogy
b. With no mention of his birth or death
c. With only a mention of him as a priest of God Most High
d. That he is a type of Christ, and what His priesthood would be like
II. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MELCHIZEDEK (Hebrews 7:4-10)
A. MELCHIZEDEK RECEIVED TITHES FROM ABRAHAM (Hebrews 7:4-6a)
1. Abraham paid a tenth to Melchizedek
2. Just as the nation of Israel would later pay a tenth to the sons of Levi
3. Thus Abraham, great as he was, showed his deference to Melchizedek
B. MELCHIZEDEK BLESSED ABRAHAM (6b-7)
1. Melchizedek blessed him who had the promises (Abraham)
2. There is no dispute that the lesser is blessed by the better
3. Thus Melchizedek is clearly better than Abraham
C. MELCHIZEDEK’S SERVICE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY DEATH (Hebrews 7:8)
1. In the priesthood under the Jewish system tithes were received by mortal men (whose service ended at death)
2. But it has been witnessed that Melchizedek lives (remains a priest continually Hebrews 7:3)
3. How he lives and remains a priest continually, the Bible does not say
4. But in this way Melchizedek is greater than the Levitical priests
D. EVEN LEVI PAID TITHES TO MELCHIZEDEK (Hebrews 7:9-10)
1. Levi was in the loins of his father Abraham when Melchizedek met him
2. Thus Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak
3. Again illustrating the greatness of Melchizedek, as one greater than Levi!
Conclusion
1. There is a lot more I wish I knew about Melchizedek
a. I would love to know where he came from, and how he came to be priest of God Most High
b. And how does he remain a priest continually?
2. But what I do know is this
a. Jesus is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, as God swore He would be in Psalm 110:4
b. And that Melchizedek is clearly presented to be greater than Abraham and Levi!
3. Understanding the greatness of Melchizedek helps prepare us to appreciate the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, which we will consider later
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 06:09-20 Are We Spiritually Secure? – audio
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Text: Hebrews 6:9-20
Introduction
1. We have seen the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews express his concern
a. He makes mention of their spiritual immaturity – Hebrews 5:11-14
b. He warns them of the peril of not progressing – Hebrews 6:1-8
2. While he writes in this way, he has great confidence for their ultimate salvation
a. Though others had indeed fallen to the point where it was impossible to renew them again to repentance – Hebrews 6:4-6
b. Yet he could say of them, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things which accompany salvation… – Hebrews 6:9
3. What was it that gave the author confidence regarding his readers’ salvation?
a. What was the basis for their spiritual security, when the danger of apostasy had just been described in vivid detail?
b. What can we learn from this passage that may help us understand the basis for our own spiritual security?
Body
I. GOD DOES NOT FORGET OUR WORK AND LABOR OF LOVE (Hebrews 6:9-10)
A. GOD IS A JUST GOD, ONE WHO DOES NOT FORGET
1. He is very much aware of our service in the PAST (in that you have ministered)
a. Service that has been shown toward Him (toward His name) – Matthew 24:40
b. Service that has been shown toward His servants (to the saints)
2. He is very much aware of our service in the PRESENT (and do minister)
B. KNOWING THIS CAN BE A SOURCE OF GREAT COMFORT
1. In contrast to every sin which is blotted out and remembered no more (Hebrews 8:12), service rendered in love to God is not forgotten!
2. We need not fear that God will not see or remember our efforts to be pleasing to Him
a. God seeks to show Himself strong to those who are loyal to Him 2 Chronicles 16:9
b. If He took note of Cornelius’ desire to please Him in his unsaved state, how much more will He take note of His children’s effort to serve Him! – Acts 10:1-6
3. Thus when we stumble, but repent of our sins, our labor of love is remembered and our sins forgotten!
II. DILIGENCE, FAITH, AND PATIENCE ON OUR PART (Hebrews 6:11-12)
A. NOTE THE AUTHOR’S DESIRE
1. That his readers’ show the same diligence (earnestness) they had shown in the past
a. Diligent regarding their assurance of hope
b. Diligent until the end – Hebrews 3:6-14
2. That they do not become sluggish
a. The word sluggish is from a Greek word meaning dull
b. The same word as used in dull of hearing – Hebrews 5:11
c. They were already dull of hearing; his desire is they not become dull in conduct!
3. That they have faith and patience
a. Imitating those who through faith and patience inherit the promises
b. Such as Abraham, who is given as an example later – Hebrews 6:15
B. THESE QUALITIES ARE NECESSARY FOR SPIRITUAL SECURITY
1. Peter describes the need for diligence to make your calling and election sure – 2 Peter 1:5, 2 Peter 1:10-11
2. Jesus called upon His disciples to remain faithful if they wished to receive the crown of life – Revelation 2:10
3. Paul wrote that eternal life is for those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor and immortality – Romans 2:7
III. GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES (Hebrews 6:13-20)
A. THE EXAMPLE OF GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAHAM
1. God made a promise to Abraham – Hebrews 6:13-15
a. In which He swore by Himself (because He could not swear by anyone higher)
b. A promise which Abraham obtained after patient endurance – v.15 with v.12
2. God confirmed His promise with an oath – Hebrews 6:16-18a
a. For men, an oath confirms what they say, ending all dispute
b. To assure us of the unchangeableness of His promise, God also swore an oath
c. This provided a double assurance that He would keep His promise:
1) One, because it impossible for God to lie anyway – Titus 1:2
2) Two, because of the oath by which He confirmed it — How does this relate to our spiritual security?
B. GOD’S FAITHFULNESS IS OUR ASSURANCE!
1. It gives us strong consolation – Hebrews 6:18b-19b
a. We who are seeking refuge
b. We who need an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast
2. This is especially true regarding our hope, which is Jesus! – Hebrews 6:19b-20
a. I understand Jesus to be the hope in this passage
1) For He is our hope, to whom we can flee as a refuge – 1 Timothy 1:1
2) As such, He is our anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast
b. As a forerunner, He has entered the Presence behind the veil (i.e., heaven)
c. He has become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek
1) Even as God swore He would do – Psalm 110:4
2) God not only promised, but He swore an oath, just like He did for Abraham
d. So He has kept His promise, providing us a superior High Priest!
3. Upon such an example of God’s faithfulness, we can have an assurance of our salvation as long as we continue to lay hold of the hope (Jesus) set before us
Conclusion
1. With a finely crafted argument, the author has returned his readers back to his original subject, which is Jesus as a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek
a. Our spiritual security is first based upon the character of God
1) Who is not unjust to forget our work and labor of love
2) Who keeps His promises
b. God has promised and swore with an oath concerning the priesthood of the Messiah
c. This priesthood Jesus now has in heaven, and as such is the basis of our hope
d. For which reason we should seek to learn what we can about the priesthood of Jesus
2. Yet as wonderful are the character and promises of God, we are not to take them for granted
a. We must be careful not to become sluggish
b. We must be careful to be diligent, imitating the faith and patience of those like Abraham who obtained God’s promise for them
c. Together with God’s character and promises, this is the basis for spiritual security
3. Have you fled to Jesus for refuge? Is He your hope, your anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast? Is He your High Priest? If so, then let these words sink deep into your heart:
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)
4. If you have not yet fled to Jesus for refuge, then please consider His tender invitation:
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 06:01-08 The Peril of Not Progressing
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Text: Hebrews 6:1-8
Introduction
1. The normal Christian life is to be one of spiritual growth and progression
a. Starting as babes in Christ, we feed on the milk of the Word
b. As our spiritual senses are exercised to discern good and evil, we are then able to progress to solid food (meat)
c. In this way we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 3:18
2. But as we saw in last week’s lesson, not all grow as they should, and some are:
a. Dull of hearing
b. Unable to teach others
c. Getting a diet of milk only
d. Unable to discern good and evil – Hebrews 5:11-14
3. But if we don’t grow spiritually as we should, so what?
a. Is spiritual growth really that essential?
b. Is there a danger involved in not progressing spiritually?
Body
I. THE DUTY OF PRESSING ON TO PERFECTION (Hebrews 6:1-3)
A. THE PERFECTION WE SEEK IS TWO-FOLD
1. Maturity in religious knowledge
a. We need the Word of God, that we may grow thereby – 1 Peter 2:2
b. By receiving the Word with humility into our hearts, it can save our souls – James 1:21
2. Full development of spiritual life
a. To faith and knowledge, we must add the qualities of godly character – 2 Peter 1:5-8
b. As we develop this godly character, we truly come to know the Lord
B. BEFORE THIS WE NEED THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST
1. Our text reveals that this involves teaching on such subjects as:
a. Repentance from dead works
1) Turning from works which produce spiritual death, not life
2) Paul describes such works in Ephesians 2:1-3
3) Sorrow for sin and a purpose to turn from it
b. Faith toward God
1) That trusting conviction in God and His promises that is essential to pleasing Him – Hebrews 11:6
2) This faith is produced by the Word of God itself – Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31
c. The doctrine of baptisms
1) In the first century A.D., there were many ritual washings practiced by various sects of the pagans and Jews
a) Such practices needed to be carefully distinguished from Christian baptism
b) Just as John’s baptism was distinguished from baptism into Christ – Acts 19:1-5
2) Today, it is important to understand the different kinds of baptisms practiced
a) Nearly all Christian religions practice some sort of baptism
b) But most do not baptize for the reasons stated in the Scriptures – Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-6
d. Laying on of hands
1) In the early church, this was done for various reasons:
a) By Jesus, and others with the gift of healing, to heal the sick – Luke 4:40; Mark 16:18; Acts 28:8
b) By Jesus, to bestow special blessings upon others – Mark 10:16
c) By the apostles, to impart the Spirit in a miraculous measure – Acts 8:14-25; 19:1-7
d) By church leaders, to appoint different ones for service – Acts 6:1-6; Acts 13:1-3
2) Note that the laying on of hands was often accompanied with prayer; perhaps the imposition of hands being the outward symbol of the prayer
e. Resurrection of the dead
1) A central theme of preaching was the resurrection of Jesus – Acts 2:31-32; Acts 10:40
2) They also preached in Jesus our own resurrection, which is our precious hope! Acts 4:2; 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
f. Eternal judgment
1) Another theme of apostolic preaching – Acts 17:30-31; Acts 24:24-25
2) Also stressed in their epistles – Romans 2:16; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10
2. Understanding these concepts serves as the beginning of spiritual growth!
a. Sadly, some who have been Christians for years still need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God;
b. Such people are still babes who need milk and not solid food. – Hebrews 5:12
C. BUT WE ALSO NEED TO GO ON TO PERFECTION
1. Once we have laid the foundation, we need to build on it
2. With an understanding of the doctrines previously described, we are ready to receive more difficult knowledge
a. Such as the high priesthood of Christ – Hebrews 5:9-11
b. We might also add the work of Christ as our King of kings and Lord of lords, as depicted in the book of Revelation
3. By comprehending the meatier parts of the Word of God, we are more likely to remain steadfast in our faith
4. We need the attitude of striving toward perfection as described by Paul – Philippians 3:7-15
II. THE DANGER OF IRREVERSIBLE APOSTASY (Hebrews 6:4-8)
A. NOTE THE PRIVILEGES SOME APOSTATES HAD ENJOYED
1. They were once enlightened
a. This likely refers to their conversion – Hebrews 10:32
b. By the second century, the word enlightenment was used as a synonym for baptism (Justin, Apology, 1.61.65)
2. They have tasted of the heavenly gift
a. The word taste suggests a deep personal experience – 1 Peter 2:3
b. Their tasting the heavenly gift refers back to the past experience of salvation
1) In which they experienced the forgiveness of sins
2) In which they began to receive the spiritual blessings of being in Christ
3. They have become partakers of the Holy Spirit
a. This also refers back to their conversion – Acts 2:38
b. The word partakers (metochous) is significant
1) Christians are partakers (metochoi) of the heavenly calling – Hebrews 3:1
2) They are partakers (metochoi) of Christ – Hebrews 3:14
3) So they are also partakers in the Holy Spirit!
4. They have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come
a. Again the word tasted suggests personal experience
b. They had experienced the good things the word of God promises
c. They had experienced the powers of the age to come
1) The age to come is the Messianic age, ushered in with the first coming of Christ, and consummated with His second coming
2) The powers of the age they had experienced:
a) Certainly included the power experienced by all Christians – Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 6:10
b) But perhaps even signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 2:4
5. Can these be anyone other than true Christians who had once believed in Jesus?
B. NOTE HOW FAR THEY HAD FALLEN
1. It was now impossible…to renew them again to repentance – Hebrews 6:4-6
a. It is apparent that Christians can fall away
1) Paul warned that one can become estranged from Christ and fall from grace – Galatians 5:4
2) Peter described those once saved – 2 Peter 2:20-22
b. Here we learn that some can fall away to the point they are beyond rescue!
1) We cannot say when a person reaches that point
2) But there is a point where renewal becomes impossible!
2. In such a state they crucifying again for themselves the Son of God and putting Him to an open shame.
a. This is not a Christian who sins out of weakness or ignorance
b. This is one who knowingly and openly rejects Christ publicly!
1) It is one whose heart has been so hardened by sin that in unbelief they have departed from the living God – Hebrews 3:12-14
2) It is one who despises Jesus, His blood, and the Spirit of grace – Hebrews 10:29
c. It is one thing to yield to sin contrary to the new life in Christ, it is another thing to abandon that new life altogether!
d. But such can happen if we are not careful to go on to perfection!
C. NOTE THE FEARFUL DESTRUCTION RESERVED FOR THEM
1. Like unproductive branches, they are rejected…whose end is to be burned
a. Having received blessings from God, they should have produced good fruit
b. But instead they are like thorns and briars, taking nourishment but not producing useful fruit in return – Hebrews 6:7-8
2. With a similar illustration, Jesus warned His disciples! – John 15:1-8
a. By abiding in Him, we are able to bear fruit to God’s glory
b. But if we do not bear fruit, we will be cut off and burned!
Conclusion
1. From this stern passage, we learn some sobering truths
a. Receiving wonderful blessings from God does not preclude the impossibility of apostasy
b. For those who fall away to the point of casting off their faith, destruction awaits!
2. In view of such truths
a. The peril of not progressing is very real!
b. We need to heed the exhortation: let us go on to perfection
1) We cannot be content with spiritual immaturity
2) We must be diligent to press on in our spiritual growth
3. Does this mean we must live our Christian lives with insecurity regarding our salvation? No
4. As we will see in our next lesson, there are things upon which we can base our hope and trust for the future. But the warnings in this passage should be heeded!
5. Brethren, what are you doing with the blessings you have received in Christ…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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