8-27-2014 Vol. 9 Part 10 The Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 6:1-12)

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8-27-2014Vol. 9 Part 10 The Book of Hebrews

Psalms 134:1-3 A Song of Ascents. Behold, bless the LORD, All you servants of the LORD, Who by night stand in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD. The LORD who made heaven and earth Bless you from Zion!

Father God, let the Blessed Hope we have in You light a flame of zeal within us to do your will and promote the Gospel for your Kingdom. We pray and ask for this in Jesus name, Amen!

Book of Hebrews 6:1-12 NKJV

If you remember the last chapter Paul was still explaining who Jesus is and what He did for us on the Cross, but the Hebrew Christians became lazy in their faith and spiritually dull. Paul tells them this: Hebrews 5:11-14 NLT There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don't seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God's word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

This chapter starts out with Paul telling his readers that he is moving forward with his message to them; that he is not going through the fundamentals of salvation with them again and that they need to get up and start studying and practicing their faith; that they need to stop being a couch potato. Keep in mind these are Jewish Hebrew Christians about to fall back into the law of the OT, and also a very good lesson to keep in mind for ourselves, if we call ourselves believers. So let’s see what Paul has for us this week.

1   Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

Rephrasing this verse it would read something like this: So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ; This first verse is a continuation of the last chapter when Paul tells them they are like babies drinking milk instead of eating solid food like they should be. These Hebrew Christians already know about the basic Gospel in that salvation is not in their own good deeds, or performing rituals, or trying to obey laws, etc. but in faith in Jesus and that He died on the Cross for them. They had already repented and accept Jesus as their saviour.

Let us go on to perfection; They need to go on to maturity in understanding, they need to move beyond the basic teachings to a more complete understanding of the faith, but not away from the Cross and what it taught them. Mature Christians should be teaching new Christians the basics, and acting on what they know. The mature will then learn more from God's Word and become deeply rooted in the Word.

Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God; Again this is a repeat of the first phrase of this verse. Paul sees no value in repeating what is required of a person to be saved, which is faith, simple child like faith in what Jesus did at Calvary for whosoever that desires eternal life in Heaven.

2   of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

This verse broken down takes on two meanings, what is meant based on the OT teachings which always point to the NT, and what is meant based on the NT teachings.

Verse Phrases	Old Covenant (Pre-Jesus)	New Covenant (Post Jesus)
The Doctrine of Baptisms	Pertains to the Doctrine of Washings; Ceremonial washings of Judaism. Hebrews 9:10 Refers to all through the old and new testament washings and cleansings mentioned.	Many believe today that Baptism washes away sin and therefore they are saved. This isn’t what the Bible teaches. Baptism is an outward sign that we have place our faith in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection and that baptism by immersion is a symbol of what Jesus did for us. We are one with Jesus just as a wedding ring symbolized a couple are one. (We die to our old lifestyle, we are buried by immersion in water, and resurrected to a new life when we come up out of the water.)
The Laying on of Hands	This Jewish custom goes back to the Levitical Offerings of the Old Testament; when the person brought the animal for Sacrifice, he had to lay his hands on the head of the innocent victim, confessing his sins, thereby transferring them to the innocent animal which would be slain.	The NT Christians, and today we think of “laying on of hands,” of doing such in the Name of Jesus, etc. (Mark 16:18). But remember Paul is speaking to a Jewish audience. To go back to the Levitical way is saying Jesus death was of no value.
The Resurrections of the Dead	In OT times the doctrine of resurrection was very vague. The Jewish people for the most part believed in a resurrection, but didn’t know how this would come about. Job knew and believed in a resurrection. Job 14:14	We think of resurrection as Jesus resurrection, the Rapture, etc. We have a much better understanding than those of the OT times.
Eternal Judgment	In OT time God/Jesus was thought of as a judge placing judgment on the people.	In NT time we think of Jesus as our Saviour.

“In fact, and as we’ve stated, the entirety of the Old Testament was but a shadow of that which was to come. It all awaited Christ! If it is to be noticed, He is all of these things. He is cleansing from sin, therefore, all the washings of the past are no longer needed. He has taken our sin away, therefore, the animal sacrifices are no longer needed. He is our Resurrection, which now makes it easy to understand. As well, He took our judgment, so there will be no Judgment for the Believer in Christ.” (JSM)

3   And this we will do if God permits.

These Hebrew Christians needed to move beyond the basics of their faith to an understanding of Christ as the perfect High Priest and the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies. Rather than arguing about the respective merits of Judaism and Christianity, they needed to depend on Christ and live effectively for him.

4   For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened; This is speaking of those that were/are truly Born Again to go back to their old beliefs. If a person is not truly Born Again, they will continue to live the same lifestyle. There has to be a change in the life of a Born Again Saint.

And have tasted the heavenly gift; This is referring to Jesus and His death and resurrection; placing ones faith in Jesus and being truly saved. A person that is truly saved will experience a change in their life along with peace in knowing Jesus is in control.

And have become partakers of the Holy Spirit; This refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within an individual that accepts Jesus as their Saviour. Acts 15:8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us.

5   and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,

This verse goes right along with verse 4 in stating that anyone that is truly Born Again will know the truth and what is to come. They will believe what the Word of God states and what lies ahead.

6   if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

This verse is better stated: and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing Him to the cross once again and holding Him up to public shame.

If they fall away; This should have been translated, “and having fallen away”.

To renew them again to repentance; This phrase tells us that these Hebrew’s were saved at one point in time.

Since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God; This phrase is stating they no longer believe what Christ did at the Cross, actually professing Him to be an imposter.

And put Him to an open shame; This is referring to denying Jesus, who He is, and what He did on the Cross for us.

7   For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;

8   but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

Paul compares a Christian to a crop grown in a field here with these 2 verses. Real seeds (the gospel) given genuine care by the farmer (God) and planted in a fertile field (your heart and life) will produce a bountiful crop (spiritual maturity). Weeds (temptations) threaten to overwhelm the crop (once saved individuals). If the field (individuals) produces only weeds (sinful life, in this case going back to OT Law), then the seeds are lost and the field ruined (will perish in Hell).

9   But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.

But, beloved; This statement, “beloved” by Paul tells us these are believers. The following verses also verify this fact. Paul uses beloved many times in this Epistle, meaning believers, but they were on the verge of abandoning their faith in Jesus. (Hebrews 3:1, 12; 10:19; 13:22)

We are confident of better things concerning you; Paul is telling his listeners that he expects fruit from them. They should be doing things out of love that comes from all true believers. This also holds true for today.

Yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner; Things like the fruit of the spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

10  For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

What a grand promise we have knowing that God will remember all the things we did out of love for Him. Whether it be to those around us or fellow Saints. Everything we do must be done in His name and for Him. Paul is telling these Hebrew Christians not to turn their backs on the things they did in the name of Jesus out of love for Him. This is evidence that they were truly saved. Their love reached out to other Saints, which will always be the characteristic of true Christians. Unsaved people don’t do these types of things. God knows your efforts of love and ministry. Let God's love for you and his intimate knowledge of your service for him, strengthen you as you face disappointment and rejection here on earth.

11  And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,

12  that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Here Paul is telling the Hebrews and us, that if we claim to be truly saved then we must diligently minister God’s will till death. We are soldiers of Christ and our duty is to minister the will of God, as the Apostles did, till we die or are Raptured up. Being a true believer we cannot retire when it comes to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Hope keeps the Christian from becoming lazy or feeling bored. Like an athlete, train hard, run well, and remember the reward (Philippians 3:14).

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

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)

8-20-2014 Vol. 9 Part 9 The Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 5:1-14)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

8-20-2014Vol. 9 Part 9 The Book of Hebrews 

Psalms 133:1-3 A Song of Ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.

The theme of this psalm is - The goodness and the pleasantness of brotherly unity. The lessons taught by this psalm - True unity is found only in Christ and unity in a social unit comes when all the members of this social unit are in union and communion with Him and with each other. True unity is indeed good and precious.

Father God, open our eyes so we can see clearly when it comes to understanding scripture. Help us to mature into seasoned Christians so we can partake of the meat of the Bible and apply it to our lives. We pray and ask for this in Jesus name, Amen!

Book of Hebrews 5:1-14 NKJV

The one thing we must keep in mind with this chapter is what the writer of this book it attempting to do, and that is convince his listeners who Jesus is. The Hebrew people if this time period were saved individuals, but were slipping back into the customs, rules, and laws of OT times. So the writer stresses both Christ's divine appointment and his humanity in this chapter. The writer uses two OT verses to show Jesus divine appointment: Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 110:4.

At the time this book was written, the Mosaic regulations had been disregarded and Romans were selecting High Priest in Jerusalem. There were several persons at one time given the title of High Priest, in other words the office was being bought and sold. In the Old Testament, however, God chose Aaron, and only Aaron's descendants could be High Priests. Jesus, like Aaron, was chosen and called by God.

1  For every High Priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

For every High Priest; This statement right here is one that the Jewish people could not accept, because priest and High Priest were to be descendants of Aaron, this alone caused the Jewish people not to believe that Jesus could be a High Priest. But His Priesthood was of another order, that of Melchizedek. In fact, the Messiah while on Earth did not have access to the Jerusalem Temple so far as officiating as a Priest was concerned.

Taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God; It was customary for High Priest to be taken from men with the correct Jewish lineage. These priests’ duties were to minister to the people in things that involve man’s relationship with God. It was fitting for the priests to be of human nature in order to relate to the problems of the individuals they were ministering to. He was to be a family man by marrying a virgin. He was also the judge of all that pertained to the general justice of the Hebrew commonwealth (Deuteronomy 17:8–12; 19:17; 21:5; 23:9–10).

That he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; One of the main duties of these High Priests was to offer gifts and sacrifices for individual’s sins. Once a year the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood on the mercy seat for the atonement of sin.

2  He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.

This verse is also referring to the appointment and nature of a High Priest. With him being of human nature and being subject to the sin nature, he could draw from his own life and experiences in order to counsel someone going down the wrong path and away from God whether it is in holiness or family matters.

In the OT this was all handed down by God pertaining to priest and High Priest. It all makes sense because God loves his people and He holds marriage and families with high regard, because they are a part of His prescribe order of life. Who else could minister to His people with compassion, if a priest isn’t a husband and father, how can he have compassion and life experience to draw from to minister to his flock?

3  Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.

Because he (High Priest) is a sinner; an imperfect man the priest makes amends for sins, his and others. He needs the same atonement; he offers the sacrifice for himself and others. Leviticus 9:7 And Moses said to Aaron, "Go to the altar, offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself and for the people. Offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them, as the LORD commanded."

This duty of offering sacrifices by the High Priest of the OT was one of a mediator between the people and God. This system of sacrifices and atonement of sins was all done away with when Jesus died on the Cross and the veil of the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom. Jesus became our High Priest because He was sinless and He died for us as the last and ultimate sacrifice for sin. This is why we go to Jesus and confess our sins now; he is our mediator before God. There is no record of any of the apostles being named as a High Priest.

4  And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.

No one can become a High Priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work. Aaron was called by God to serve as a High Priest.

5  So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: "YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU."

So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest; Jesus came to save the lost, He did not seek the office of High Priest. Jesus was humble and didn’t desire the status of High Priest like some did.

But it was He who said to Him: "YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU."; It was this statement by God to Jesus that exalted Jesus to the High Priest office. There is no one else higher than Jesus, with Jesus being the Son of the one and only living God.

6  As He also says in another place: "YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK";

Paul is bringing out a comparison of Melchizedek and Jesus. His Hebrew listeners know about Melchizedek and he was viewed by them as a High Priest, but was not from the linage of Aaron. Paul is trying to get his point across that God can do as He pleases when it comes to High Priest and all they need to do is accept Jesus as a High Priest appointed by God and believe.

Melchizedek, King of Salem, and priest of the most high God, who met Abram in the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's valley, bought out bread and wine, blessed Abram, and received tithes from Abram. Genesis 14:18-20.

The "order of Melchizedek," in Psalm 110:4, is explained to mean "manner" or likeness in official dignity or a king and priest. The relation between Melchizedek and Jesus both being a priest are: (1) not of the Levitical tribe; (2) superior to Abraham; (3) whose beginning and end are unknown; (4) who is not only a priest, but also a king of righteousness and peace.

To sum this verse up, God is saying to His Son that He is a priest forever just like Melchizedek. God proclaims the eternal High Priesthood not man.

7  who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,

Who, in the days of His flesh; This represents Jesus incarnation.

When He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears; Jesus was in great agony as he prepared to face death (Luke_22:41-44). Although Jesus cried out to God asking to be delivered, he was prepared to suffer humiliation, separation from his Father, and death in order to do God's will.

He prayed with great intensity and shed tears. Who says that men don’t cry, or that if a man cries he is weak? I say a man that doesn’t shed tears is a man that doesn’t know Jesus and needs to get saved. It is recorded in scripture three times Jesus wept: (1) at the grave of Lazarus, tears of loving sympathy, (2) when He looked upon Jerusalem and saw the tribulations through which the devoted city must pass, (3) and in Gethsemane’s garden.

To Him who was able to save Him from death; Jesus was crying out to God the Father to save Him from what was about to happen, but was also obedient to the Fathers will. There are two words in Greek which mean “from.” The first one “apo” means “from the edge of.” The second one “ek” means “out from within.” This is the one that is used here. So Jesus cry was to be saved from death, in other words to be resurrected. It wasn’t a cry to be saved from a physical death, because that was the purpose of Jesus coming in human form, to die on the Cross in our place, a perfect sacrifice.

And was heard because of His godly fear; Jesus was heard by His Father, how do we know this? Jesus was always heard by His Father because He was the Son of God, and also scriptures tell us also. John 11:42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me." Jesus was also heard because He always prayed according to God’s will. He lived to please God and not Himself. Jesus was obedient and allowed God to sustain Him in all that He did through the power of the Holy Spirit.

At times we all undergo trials, and during these times of tribulation we need to be obedient as Jesus was and allow Him to sustain and encourage us in times of trial. We can face anything if we know that Jesus Christ is with us.

What about “His godly fear”? What is meant by this statement? Just because Jesus was the Son of God it doesn’t mean that Jesus wasn’t tempted. Jesus was incarnate; in human flesh, He was susceptible to sin, disobedience. This is what this Godly fear is, failing due to the fleshly desires of not wanting to undergo the agonizing death Jesus was facing. He feared letting His Father down and not doing His will. Jesus wanted everything to be done as God had declared. The eternal destiny of man was at stake, and He must not veer from His Fathers course in any detail. If we don’t have this type of fear of living God’s will, we should be praying for it daily.

8  though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Just because Jesus was the Son of God which stresses Deity, but also man, Jesus learned obedience through suffering, not sin. Jesus learned obedience through the suffering of the world, observing peoples lifestyles that were sinful with, greed, envy, lies, murders, hate, fornication, adultery, filthy language, worship of idols, homosexuality, covetousness, etc. He suffered these things through the actions of other people around Him because He knew they were destined for eternal darkness.

9  And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

“Having been perfected”, refers to Jesus learning obedience through suffering. With Him being perfected He was ready for the sacrifice on the Cross, which is what we must place our faith in for salvation. Salvation is believing in Jesus death, burial, and resurrection. Remember this chapter is also referring to the High Priest; this perfection is also what makes Jesus our High Priest.

“All who obey”, refers to those that are saved and living for Jesus, if we truly have made Him the Lord of our lives, we will definitely obey Him.

10 called by God as High Priest "ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK,"

This call of God as High Priest was given to Jesus having completed His earthly mission of perfection. His priesthood is according to Melchizedek because Jesus died for all of mankind not just Jews. His Priesthood had to rest in something other than the OT Levitical Order. Being after the Order of Melchizedek, which ministered to all people satisfied both demands, because Melchizedek preceded Israel as God’s people, thus a position forever (“Forever” note verse 6 above).

11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.

14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

In these four verses Paul is addressing the sluggishness of these Hebrew Jewish Christians. These Jewish Christians were immature. Some of them should have been teaching others, but they had not even applied the basics to their own lives. Paul is stating it was useless for him to go deep into the meaning of the Gospel, because they wouldn’t understand due to their laziness. They were reluctant to move beyond age-old traditions, doctrines, and Jewish law. They wouldn't be able to understand the high-priestly role of Christ unless they moved out of their comfortable position, cut some of their Jewish ties, and stopped trying to blend in with their culture. Just like babies are started out on milk, a new believer must start out on the basics of the Gospel and fully understand before moving deeper into God’s word. Commitment to Christ moves people out of their comfort zones. Are you in a comfort zone of the religion that you practice? Do you practice religion or faith in the message of the Cross for salvation?

In order to grow from infant Christians to mature Christians, we must learn discernment. We must train our conscience, our senses, our mind, and our body to distinguish good from evil. Can you recognize temptation before it traps you? Can you tell the difference between a correct use of Scripture and a mistaken one? Can you discern whether a message from a minister or priest is from God’s Word or mans word? Do you live according to God’s Word or what you want it to mean?

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

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)

8-13-2014 Vol. 9 Part 8 The Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:9-16)

Note: To download/print the document, click on the title below.

8-13-2014Vol. 9 Part 8 The Book of Hebrews

Psalms 132:1-18 LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions: How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob; Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood. We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool. Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy. For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed. The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore. For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

Father God, bless us and guide us in all that we do each day. Shower us with your love and send your Holy Spirit to show us the things in our lives we need to correct. We pray and ask for this in Jesus name, Amen!

Book of Hebrews 4:9-16 NKJV

Last week’s lesson was about the unbelief of the Israelites and their disobedience, which caused them to fall from the Grace of God and not enter into the Promise Land. Their rest was in their own rational even though they saw firsthand how God delivered them out of Egypt and provided for them during their journey. We see this type of thinking and lifestyle today where people do not depend on God.

The rest of this chapter is about listening and hearing the call of God, so that one can submit and rest in God while here on earth and also in Heaven for eternity. We need to examine our life and determine who we are trusting in for rest. When we examine our life we need to listen to the small voice inside and do what that voice is telling us. It is a very difficult thing to do as a human being to heed what that voice it telling us because it may be telling us what we are practicing is wrong. Maybe the same thought about where your faith is comes up several times, but you push it away each time because you don’t want to admit you are wrong, or what would family and friends think? If you have the same thought time after time you need to listen to what it is saying, this is the Holy Spirit of God. Now don’t get me wrong some people may have the same thought time and again, but it may be a bad thought and I don’t want you to act upon it because of what I have said. You have to go to God’s Word and see where that thought fits. Is it what Jesus would do or what He is telling us to do according to the Bible? This is why it is so important to know what the Word of God says so that we can discern from good and bad.  It is a very difficult thing to humble one’s self and deny what you have been taught and come to believe, but many times it is necessary in order to be Born Again.

9    There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

There remaineth therefore a rest; This refers to the rest that Salvation provides to a child of God. It isn’t a complete rest while we are here on earth, but it will be complete when we meet Jesus. What a Born Again Christian has on earth is two of Salvations parts: One knowing we are Justified by the blood of Jesus when we give our life to Him. When we confess to Jesus we are sinners and ask Him into our life, our sins are forgiven and God the Father sees them no more, we are Justified in God’s eyes. The second is the process of being Sanctified, in other words when we are saved the Holy Spirit takes up residence within our heart and starts showing us things we do (sin) that are offensive and separates us from God so that we can correct our lifestyle. The third part of Salvation is when we receive our Glorified bodies at the Resurrection of Life.

To the people of God; This phrase proclaims that it is only the people of God which will have, and which do have this rest. It is only the people that have accepted Jesus Christ as their life source.

10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

For he that is entered into his rest; This phrase is referring to anyone that has accepted Jesus and has become a child of God, has entered into His (Jesus) rest. It also means the individual is resting like God rested on the seventh day.

He also hath ceased from his own works; By entering into Jesus rest an individual no longer has to labor, or wrestle with his soul because he has found peace that gives him comfort.

As God did from his; This is referring to how God rested on the seventh day following all of His work of creation.

11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Rephrase of this verse: So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.

Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest; How do we labor to find this rest or let us labor in what?

“Let us labour,” does not mean that it can be earned by works. Not at all! The words “let us labour” are the translation of the Greek “spoudazo,” which means “to hasten, make haste, to exert one’s self, endeavor, give diligence.” It is used in the sense of “do your best, take care, hurry on the doing of something.” It speaks of intensity of purpose followed by intensity of effort toward the realization of that purpose (Wuest).

From the word “labour” we now know we have to seek the Lord with a fever (Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.), but in what way? A person must come to the realization that Christ will provide all things through the finished works of the Cross. He must make a decision that faith in Jesus and what He did on the Cross is where his faith must be, and only there, then deny himself and all other beliefs. Luke 9:23-24 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.  24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. A person must pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the light of the New Testament so they can understand it. It is seeking the mystery of the NT and understanding it to find rest in Jesus. This is what the labor is all about. We have to put forth the effort in order to receive that free gift of Grace that God has for us. Romans 5:17-19 NLT For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and His gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one Man, Jesus Christ.  18 Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.  19 Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.

Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief; This phrase pertains to anyone that places their faith in anything other than Jesus, and what He did for us on the Cross. It is unbelief just like the unbelief of the Israelites that causes mankind to fall or not be saved.

12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

For the word of God is quick; Quick has the meaning of God’s Word being alive. The Bible is a living document and what we are to live by. It isn’t just a book, it is a guide as to how we are to be living according to God’s will, his rules, his commands so that one day we will rejoice in Heaven with Him. The Word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas; it is living, life-changing, and dynamic as it, or should, work in us.

And powerful; Powerful meaning active or energizing, we must not only read or listen to the Word like a story book, but we must also let it shape our lives.

And sharper than any two edged sword; This phrase emphasizes the ability of the Word of God to cut us to the bone just as a razor sharp sword will dismember. The Word of God has the ability to probe to the inner most part of a person’s soul and spirit.

Piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow; This doesn’t mean the separating of soul from spirit or joints from marrow, but instead the Word of God pierces the soul and the spirit to reveal what man shall be to abide in Christ. The Word of God reveals to us the Holy Spirit and His Power, and proclaims the fact that He Alone can “quicken our mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11), which refers to giving us power to yield this physical body to that which is Righteous (Romans 6:12-13).

And is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; Discerner meaning analyzing or sifting out good from bad. The Word of God discerns what is within our heart, both good and evil. With the sting and accuracy of a surgeon's knife, God's Word reveals who we are, and what we are not. The Word penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life. The demands of God's Word require decisions by us as to how we will live, in light or darkness. God’s Word is the standard of judgment, and not our knowledge of it.

13  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; There is no being who is not completely known to God. All his thoughts, feelings, and plans are clearly understood.

But all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him; God created us and knows everything of the past, present, and future about us. There are no secrets we can keep from Him. Psalms 139:11-12 If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me;  12 Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

With whom we have to do; With whom meaning God or Jesus because it is Jesus we will stand before one day. When we stand before Jesus we will not pass off hypocrisy for sincerity. He will judge us according to truth, His Word, not according to appearances; and his sentence, therefore, will be just. A man who is to be tried by one “who knows all about him,” should be a pure and holy man.

14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest; This is referring to Jesus and Him being our High Priest. There is no one higher than Jesus, He is superior. Jesus mediates between God and us, He is humanity's representative, and intercedes for us before God. Jesus represents us before God and assures us of God’s forgiveness, yet many people don’t believe what the Word of God states and still go to man for forgiveness of sins. The Pharisees and Scribe understood this because they, being unbelievers of who Jesus was, stated only God can forgive sin. Mark 2:6-7 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts,  7 "Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

That is passed into the heavens; This is of course speaking of Jesus Christ the Son of God. Our High Priest that died for us on the Cross and is now sitting at Gods right hand, He is our advocate before God Almighty.

Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession; Jesus is who we have to hold fast to for all things. He is who we place our faith in for entry into Heaven. It is our profession of faith that we are sinners by nature and that we need Jesus in our heart to overcome sin. The shed blood of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus is what we need to cover us to be righteous in God’s eyes.

15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus is like us because He experienced a full range of temptations throughout His life as a human being. We can be comforted knowing that Jesus faced temptation and He can sympathize with us. We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to sin. He shows us that we do not have to sin when facing the seductive lure of temptation. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived.

16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Prayer is our approach to God, and we are to come "boldly." Some Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask him to meet their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say. Come with reverence because he is your King. But also come with bold assurance because he is your Friend and Counselor. (LASB)

When the Bible commands us to pray to God through His Son Jesus, why do people make up excuses not to do it? Lame excuses like God is too busy, I don’t want to bother Him; I’m just a nobody; I’m too bad of a person; He’s not in charge of car safety, He’s not in charge of selling real estate, Mary is a woman and has more compassion, the list goes on and on. I wonder how it makes the one that created them feel? Food for thought; if a conceived born child of yours always went to the neighbors house for his needs, like first aid, deserts, kisses and hugs, how to play sports, fish, hunt; how would you feel?

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."

http://jesus-christ-spiritual-food.blogspot.com/

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)