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Psalms
145:13-21 Your
kingdom is an everlasting
kingdom, And Your dominion endures
throughout all generations. The LORD upholds all who fall, And raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all
look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. You open
Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works. The LORD is
near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will
fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save
them. The LORD preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.
My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh shall bless His holy
name Forever and ever.
Father God we ask for your Spirit to light our path each
day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!
Book of Hebrews 12:12-29
NKJV
Had a
question last week pertaining to the prayer stating, “send you’re Holy Spirit
to us each day”. The Question was, “Where does the Holy Spirit go?” After
thinking about the question I agree that the statement could raise this
question. For a Born Again Saint the Holy Spirit never leaves us because He
resides in our heart, but for someone not Born Again it is very good to ask the
Holy Spirit to walk with them each day. It doesn’t hurt to ask the Holy Spirit
to heighten our walk in faith daily, because as human beings we tend to get
caught up in daily activities. I hope this helps explain what I was saying.
The
balance of this chapter deals with: Renewing Spiritual Vitality verses 12-17;
Glorious Company verses 18-24; and Hearing the Heavenly Voice verses 25-29. Keep
in mind that last week’s lesson was on chastening by the Lord as we finish this
chapter.
12 Therefore
strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
Therefore
strengthen the hands which hang down; Paul
is painting a picture in this verse of the Hebrew believers that were
discouraged. You can almost picture them walking around with slumped over
shoulders and their hands hanging straight down at their sides.
And
the feeble knees; Paul
also adds feeble knees as they may have been totally discouraged and dragging
their feet.
We to get discouraged just
like the Hebrew believers, but Paul is telling them and us to strengthen our
hands and knees; don’t let things get you down. We all go through tough times
and these times may be the result of a calling from God we ignored, or it could
very well be a chastening for something we have done wrong. We shouldn’t get
down, but examine our life, get into the Bible, and seek God for answers.
13 and make
straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.
And
make straight paths for your feet; Paul
is referring to us staying on the straight and narrow path toward Heaven.
Through chastisement from the Lord and refocusing on the Cross of Christ we are
then brought back to the straight path. Matthew 7:14 Because narrow is
the gate and difficult is the
way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
So that what is lame may not be dislocated; When we
veer off the straight path, we run the risk of dislocation, sprains, broken
bones, so we need to keep the path we walk free of things that cause us to
stumble. We need to separate ourselves from situations that cause us to sin. Matthew 5:29-30 If your right eye causes
you to sin, pluck it out and cast it
from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish,
than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast
it from you; for it is more
profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to
be cast into hell.
But rather be healed; In making straight paths for our feet,
then we will grow in faith and the sanctification process will continue to
flourish.
God is not only a
disciplining parent but also a demanding coach who pushes us to our limits and
requires our lives to be closely controlled. Although we may not feel strong
enough to push on to victory, we will be able to accomplish it as we follow
Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us at all times. Then we can
use our growing strength to help those around us who are weak and struggling.
14 Pursue
peace with all people, and
holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:
If a person is Born Again
they will love their neighbor, they won’t hold grudges, they won’t quibble over
petty things, and the result will be peace and with peace comes holiness. A
right relationship with God leads to right relationships with people. Although
we will not always feel loving toward all other believers, but we must pursue
peace to become more Christlike to see the Kingdom of God. Do you know anyone
that calls themselves a Christian, that can’t forgive, therefore holds a
grudge?
15 looking
carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of
bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;
Looking
carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; We are to be an example for each other
when it comes to living a Christlike life. We need to walk the talk and help
our fellow brothers and sisters stay on the narrow path.
Lest
any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble; Like a small root that grows into a
great tree, bitterness springs up in our hearts and overshadows even our
deepest Christian relationships. A "poisonous root of bitterness"
comes when we allow disappointment to grow into resentment, or when we nurse
grudges over past hurts. Bitterness brings with it jealousy, dissension, and
immorality.
And
by this many become defiled; If
we don’t walk the talk by our actions then we not only sin, but also cause our
brethren to sin. We have to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus at all times.
16 lest
there be any fornicator or
profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
Lest
there be any fornicator or
profane person like Esau; Fornicator
is referring to Esau being an idolater here because his faith was not in God,
but in himself. Any time our faith is in something other than God for
salvation, then idolatry is practiced. Esau was also profane because he didn’t
give reverence to God. A man is profane when he takes the name of God in vain,
or treats sacred things with abuse and irreverence.
Who
for one morsel of food sold his birthright; Esau not being a Godly man got caught up in the moment
and sold his birthright for food because he was hungry. This is how our flesh
and can cause us to sin and then we have to suffer the consequences, and
sometimes it is long term consequences. Esau was in the Family of God, but was
not of the Family of God. How often do you make decisions based on what you
want now, rather than on what you need in the long run? We need to evaluate the
long-range effects of decisions and actions.
17 For you
know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected,
for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with
tears.
For
you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was
rejected; If you know
the story (Genesis 25:29-34; Genesis 27:36) at a later time Esau wanted the blessing but couldn’t
have it since he sold his birth right. He wanted the reward of the blessing,
but didn’t want to live for God.
For he found no place for repentance,
though he sought it diligently with tears; This phrase tells us for sure that Esau was not willing
to repent and live according to God’s ways even though he shed tears. A person
can shed tears and appear to repent, but still have a stony heart and continue
to live a life the way they always have. If there is no change in a person’s
lifestyle, which is proof of being saved, then they are not saved.
18 For you
have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire,
and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
Verses 18 – 21 are
referring to Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments physical attributes. In other
words the Old Covenant of attempting to live according to Law. Verses 22 – 24
refers to the New Testament and living according to Faith in Jesus sacrifice and
resurrection. Jesus is a mountain that can’t be touched because the New
Covenant, salvation, is about spirituality/faith.
If we rephrase this verse
it would read like this: You have not come to a physical mountain that can be
touched, or to a mountain of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as
the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. Paul is telling his Hebrew listeners that they
can face God respecting His Law according to the symbols given here, or they
can face Him through the Blood of His Son our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Exodus
19:12-19
19 and the
sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be
spoken to them anymore.
And the sound of a
trumpet; Exodus 19:16.
The sound of the trumpet amidst the thundering and lightening was so loud it increased
the terror of the people.
And the voice of words;
Spoken by God; Exodus
19:19. It is easy to envision
what must have been the fearfulness produced by a voice uttered from the midst
of smoke that covered the mountain, so distinct as to be heard by the hundreds
of thousands of Israel, when the speaker was invisible.
So that those who heard
it begged that the word should
not be spoken to them anymore; Exodus 20:18-19. It was so fearful and overpowering
that the people earnestly prayed that if they must be addressed, it might he by
the familiar voice of Moses and not by the awful voice of the Deity.
20 (For they
could not endure what was commanded: "AND IF SO MUCH AS A BEAST TOUCHES
THE MOUNTAIN, IT SHALL BE STONED OR SHOT WITH AN ARROW."
When God came and engulfed
the mountain in smoke, the order was that man nor beast was not to touch the
mountain, if they did they would be stoned to death. All of this portrays the
Holiness of God. Exodus 19:12-13
21 And so
terrifying was the sight that
Moses said, "I AM EXCEEDINGLY AFRAID AND TREMBLING.")
This tells us it must have
been a sight that was indescribable for us to comprehend, especially if Moses
trembled. The righteousness of God is something that should strike fear in any
person.
22 But you
have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
But
you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly
Jerusalem; Paul now
switches his focus from the appearances of God with the Israelites to the New
Covenant. Jesus is Mt. Zion, our living God, our salvation, our rock, our
fortress, the one that intercedes for us to God the Father. Mt. Zion can never
be reached through Law, only through faith in the works of the Cross.
To
an innumerable company of angels; This
refers to such a great number of angels that it is incomprehensible.
23 to the
general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the
spirits of just men made perfect,
The general assembly and church of the
firstborn who are registered in
heaven; This pertains
to every Born-Again Believer from the time of Abel up to the Second Coming; the
price was the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross!
To
God the Judge of all; This
is simply stating that God has judged all that are in the Church of the First
Born. They are perfectly justified in His sight.
To
the spirits of just men made perfect; This
refers to justification by Faith in what Jesus did for us on the Cross.
24 to Jesus
the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks
better things than that of
Abel.
What Paul is saying here
is that because of Jesus shedding His blood on the Cross for us by being the
perfect sacrifice, He was granted the rights of Mediator of the new covenant
for us. Jesus blood was so much more perfect, pure, and life giving, than any
blood of an animal.
25 See that
you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him
who spoke on earth, much more shall we
not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,
See
that you do not refuse Him who speaks; This is referring to Jesus, the Holy Spirit that speaks
to us now since His Ascension into Heaven.
For
if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth; Refers to the Israelites and the many
times God spoke to them, yet they rejected Him.
Much
more shall we not escape if we
turn away from Him who speaks
from heaven; Simply
stating if we reject Jesus and the Cross then judgment is a sure thing. We need
to listen to that little voice within us and go the direction it points us in.
26 whose
voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE
MORE I SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO HEAVEN."
Whose
voice then shook the earth; Refers
to the Voice of God which spoke the Law on Mt. Sinai. His Voice then was of
such magnitude, such power, and authority, that the mountain literally trembled
when He spoke.
But
now He has promised, saying, "YET ONCE MORE I SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH,
BUT ALSO HEAVEN; This
is taken from Haggai 2:6.
This refers to the First Advent of Christ, Whose Death on the Cross, shook both
Heaven and Earth. Paul is saying the death and resurrection of Jesus would bring about such change that it
would rock Heaven and Earth with the introduction of the Gospel.
27 Now this,
"YET ONCE MORE," indicates the removal of those things that are being
shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may
remain.
What Paul is telling his
listeners and us is this: With Jesus death and resurrection the things of the
Old Covenant is dead. The Levitical Laws, animal sacrifices, rituals, etc.,
faith in these things of old are dead and leads to spiritual death. What
remains is faith in the works of the Cross by Jesus and faith in Him for all
things. The Ten Commandments are still alive and written in every Born Again
Saints heart.
28
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let
us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly
fear.
Remember Paul is speaking
to converted Hebrew believers and he is telling them if they remain faithful the
Kingdom of God is theirs. They have the assurance of Heaven by faith in what
Jesus did on the Cross for them and serving God only by the means of Grace. It
is this Grace that gives a believer reverence and godly fear to serve God.
29 For our
God is a consuming fire.
This
verse should strike fear in the heart of any person. The fire of God will
consume everything that is not Faith in Christ and the Cross. 1
Corinthians 3:10–17
Colossians 1:16 For by Him all things were created
that are in heaven and that are on earth,
visible and invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.
All
things were created through Him and for Him.
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of
the glory of God,
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you,
unless one is born again, he
cannot see the kingdom of God."
Bill
Wiesbrock https://www.facebook.com/bill.wiesbrock?ref=tn_tnmn
The
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church
Sinners
Prayer; Pray this, and if you believe it with your heart, Jesus will save you!
“Lord Jesus I know I am a sinner. I confess my sins to you; I am sorry for my
sins; I repent (Meaning, desiring to turn from a sinful lifestyle.) of all my
sins, and I am asking for your forgiveness of all of my sins. I believe that only you can forgive sin. I commit my life to you and ask you to come
into my heart, direct, and take charge of my life. I believe that you died to set me free from
my sinful lifestyle and you rose from the dead to give me eternal life, and
right now you are seated at the Right Hand of God Almighty. I believe you are
the Son of God; the only Way, the only Truth, the only Life, and my
Savior.” I believe this and have faith
you will make a new person out of me, by sending the Holy Spirit to dwell in my
heart and lead me in a new life. In Jesus name I pray Amen.” (John 3:16,17;
Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9-13; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1
John 5:11-14; 1:6-10) (Sin: Rom.
1:22-32; Gal. 5:19-21; Eph. 5:3-7)
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