A Daily Bible Study in 7-Day Sections With a Summary-Commentary, Discussion Questions, and Daily Application
The authorship of the book of Hebrews is debated. An excellent discussion of the alternatives is contained in this article: http://bible.org/seriespage/hebrews-introduction-argument-and-outline
Their conclusion that it is probable that Barnabas was the primary author and the loquacious Apollos his co-author has the ring of truth to it given a careful study of the text.
The audience is obviously “completed Jews” (former Jews who have accepted Christ as their prophesied messiah) since Verse 1 reads “After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets...”.
Hebrews teaches that the same God Who spoke with power to the Jews has now spoken to them through the same Son “... whom He appointed heir of all things, and through Whom He created the world.”
[Note: Here and following the text speaks of Jesus, the Created man born of immaculate conception, rather than Christ the eternal member of the Trinity. It is important to understand the distinction because some who reject the concept of the Trinity misunderstand this, and the purpose thereof that the author makes of the distinction, and thus downgrade the entire Person of The Son to a sub-God entity somewhere between God and an angel.]
Hebrews then describes the Created Jesus:
“The Son is the radiance of His [God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - Trinity] glory...”
“The Son is ... the representation of His essence ...”
“... and He sustains all things by His powerful Word (the Word of His power) ...”
“... when He had accomplished cleansing for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high ...”
[Note: It has been suggested that this is a rhetorical reference to Psalm 110:1, David’s words reporting a prophesy to be passed from King to King. It’s purpose is a point of reference for Jewish readers, it is not intended to draw a literal equivalence between Jesus and any of the human kings of the OT.]
Introduction: God Has Spoken Fully and Finally in His Son
1:1 After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets,
1:2 in these last days he has spoken to us in a son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he created the world.
1:3 The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
1:4 Thus he became so far better than the angels as he has inherited a name superior to theirs.
The Son Is Superior to Angels
1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my son! Today I have fathered you”? And in another place he says, “I will be his father and he will be my son.”
1:6 But when he again brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him!”
1:7 And he says of the angels, “He makes his angels spirits and his ministers a flame of fire,”
1:8 but of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and a righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness. So God, your God, has anointed you over your companions with the oil of rejoicing.”
1:10 And, “You founded the earth in the beginning, Lord, and the heavens are the works of your hands.
1:11 They will perish, but you continue. And they will all grow old like a garment,
1:12 and like a robe you will fold them up and like a garment they will be changed, but you are the same and your years will never run out.”
1:13 But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Lord, Your Son is as much part of You as the Holy Spirit and the Father, all are One. May I accept that You are not like us, that You exist outside of created time, and You will be fully known to us only in Heaven.
The author of Hebrews emphasized the continuous linkage from creation to the cross, and beyond; the Christ (the Messiah), the One Who created, and the One to Whom all Christians belong are a singular being.
Hebrews 1:3-7 has been misunderstood by some, out of full context, as describing a being apart from the Lord God. Such an understanding is incorrect. The purpose of the verse is to describe a purpose and a role and not the entirety of a being.
The core purpose of this text was to contrast the Son with the angels. [One may reasonably speculate at this point in the text that there was a doctrinal problem where some were teaching that Jesus, the Christ, was an angel.]
Hebrews 1:8-13 illuminates the verses that precede as it reads “... of the Son he [the Lord God] says, “Your [the Son’s] throne, O God [He is still speaking of the Son]. So, it is the Lord God describing Himself as the “person” of the Trinity Who is the Son.
The object of Hebrews was to more-closely link Jesus the Christ to the common Hebrew knowledge of the Old Testament prophesies and Psalms as a means to cause them to recognize Jesus the Christ as their long-awaited Messiah.
What are some practical ways to assist not-yet-completed Jews, and improperly discipled “Christians” (overloaded with the OT instead of immersed in the NT) to better understand Who Jesus the Christ is in the context of what they know of the OT?
This text clearly declared Jesus, the Created One, The Son, to be an eternal Person of the God-Trinity.
When did you come to a sense of clarity about the Trinity?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you someone who may be blessed by an introductory study of Hebrews.
Today I will invite the person He has appointed to me to walk with me through the next two weeks of daily studies of Hebrews. Or I will make some other arrangement to share with them what I will be learning.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
Warning Against Drifting Away
2:1 Therefore we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
2:2 For if the message spoken through angels proved to be so firm that every violation or disobedience received its just penalty,
2:3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first communicated through the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard him,
2:4 while God confirmed their witness with signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Exposition of Psalm 8: Jesus and the Destiny of Humanity
2:5 For he did not put the world to come, about which we are speaking, under the control of angels.
2:6 Instead someone testified somewhere:
“What is man that you think of him or the son of man that you care for him?
2:7 You made him lower than the angels for a little while. You crowned him with glory and honor.
2:8 You put all things under his control.”
For when he put all things under his control, he left nothing outside of his control. At present we do not yet see all things under his control,
2:9 but we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by God’s grace he would experience death on behalf of everyone.
2:10 For it was fitting for him, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
2:11 For indeed he who makes holy and those being made holy all have the same origin, and so he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,
2:12 saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you.”
2:13 Again he says, “I will be confident in him,” and again, “Here I am, with the children God has given me.”
2:14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil),
2:15 and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death.
2:16 For surely his concern is not for angels, but he is concerned for Abraham’s descendants.
2:17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.
2:18 For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Lord, You poured part of Yourself into Jesus to create a being both acceptable as a human who was sacrificed for all humankind and worthy as a perfect sacrifice (without sin because of His essence as The Son). May I never forget that You humbled Yourself because You so loved us.
The Law required letter-perfect adherence.
“... such a great salvation” is the gift of Christ – making salvation possible for humankind – something we could never have earned.
A right-response to the gift of Christ requires all to “pay closer attention to what we have heard of the gospel-emphasized by “... signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, the Created Son-of-man, Who embodied “The Son” (member of the eternal Trinity) “... was made a little lower than the angels for a little while” so that He might bear our sin upon the Cross and open a path for us to follow.
[Note: Jewish tradition held a high view of angels and exalted their role in many things. The text of Hebrews makes a special effort to emphasize the higher view God placed upon man than even the angels.]
Jesus came for “... the descendants of Abraham”, not for the angels, and He has proclaimed “Here I am, with the children God has given me.”
Chapter two concluded “... since He Himself suffered when he was tempted [tested], He is able to help those who are tempted.
[Note: The better rendering would be “tested”, rather than “tempted”, as the Lord God never tempts nor is He – even in the form of Jesus – tempted. One is tempted only when one faces a test and chooses to listen to the enemy rather than the Lord God.]
The amazing truth that Jesus, the Created Son-of-man, Who embodied “The Son” (member of the eternal Trinity) “... was made a little lower than the angels for a little while” so that He might bear our sin upon the Cross and open a path for us to follow.
What are some practical ways that we may assure that “... such a great salvation” as is the gift of Christ is never be forgotten in our lives and that of our fellowships?
The amazing declaration made by Jesus “Here I am, with the children God has given me.”
When have you observed an example of the Lord God’s blessing because of His promise and provision that “... since He Himself suffered when he was tempted [tested], He is able to help those who are tempted [tested]?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you an opportunity to assist a fellow believer to remember the Gospel.
Today I will encourage and pray so that when the enemy attempts to deceive him or her he will fail. If that fellow believer is already struggling to keep a test from becoming a temptation I will remind them what Jesus has done and the power they have to stand.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
Jesus and Moses
3:1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess,
3:2 who is faithful to the one who appointed him, as Moses was also in God’s house.
3:3 For he has come to deserve greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves greater honor than the house itself!
3:4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
3:5 Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken.
3:6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. We are of his house, if in fact we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope we take pride in.
Exposition of Psalm 95: Hearing God’s Word in Faith
3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks!
3:8 “Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness.
3:9 “There your fathers tested me and tried me, and they saw my works for forty years.
3:10 “Therefore, I became provoked at that generation and said, ‘Their hearts are always wandering and they have not known my ways.’
3:11 “As I swore in my anger, ‘They will never enter my rest!’”
3:12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has an evil, unbelieving heart that forsakes the living God.
3:13 But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” that none of you may become hardened by sin’s deception.
3:14 For we have become partners with Christ, if in fact we hold our initial confidence firm until the end.
3:15 As it says, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
3:16 For which ones heard and rebelled? Was it not all who came out of Egypt under Moses’ leadership?
3:17 And against whom was God provoked for forty years? Was it not those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness?
3:18 And to whom did he swear they would never enter into his rest, except those who were disobedient?
3:19 So we see that they could not enter because of unbelief.
Lord, Jesus as an extension of You (in the Person of the Son), built Your Church on Earth and because He guarantees our salvation through His acceptable sacrifice and His divinity we have assurance. May I never doubt that my salvation is secure in Him and never as a result of my works.
Hebrews challenges the reader, especially one from a traditional Jewish background (or one immersed in a retro-OT form of neo-Christianity), to compare and contrast Jesus with Moses.
“Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess ... faithful ... as Moses was also ...”
Jesus “... has come to deserve more glory than Moses ...”
Jesus “... the builder of a house deserves greater honor than the house itself”
“Moses was faithful in all God’s house ... to testify to the things that would be spoken.”
“But Christ is faithful as a Son *over* God’s house. We are of his house.”
A challenge of Hebrews, based on Psalm 95, is that upon hearing the truth one not harden one’s heart against that truth “... sin’s deception ... as in the rebellion” [of Israel] but rather to acknowledge the truth and to act upon it.
Rebellion against the gospel is a rebellion which parallels that of those who provoked God into a forty-year banishment into the wilderness which led to their death. “... they could not enter [the Promised Land] because of unbelief.”
Hebrews 3:12-19 has been misunderstood as teaching that one may lose their salvation, and while technically true, effectively that is not the case. The Word of God allows for only one means by which one may lose salvation, once truly gained, and that is what is being described here (and further clarified Mark 3:28-30). One must go so far as to “blaspheme the Holy Spirit”, meaning to deny the faith – guaranteed by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Such an action would appear to be nearly impossible for a truly saved person.
The contrast between Jesus and Moses, while Moses faithfully told of God’s promise, Jesus actually built the “house of promise”. [His “Church” and “... the mansion (in Heaven) prepared for you.”]
Do we have practical ways to help people to see the differences between Moses and Jesus?
The challenge is to surrender everything to the new covenant gift of Jesus.
What example can you use from a workplace or hobby or other modern experience to create a word-picture of the compare-and-contrast explanation of Jesus versus Moses?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you an opportunity to share Hebrews with someone whom you know who is from a traditional Jewish background, or some other OT-centric background.
Today I will pray for the courage and wisdom to share gently and respectfully with the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit. I will ask a fellow believer to pray in agreement with me.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
God’s Promised Rest
4:1 Therefore we must be wary that, while the promise of entering his rest remains open, none of you may seem to have come short of it.
4:2 For we had good news proclaimed to us just as they did. But the message they heard did them no good, since they did not join in with those who heard it in faith.
4:3 For we who have believed enter that rest, as he has said, “As I swore in my anger, ‘They will never enter my rest!’” And yet God’s works were accomplished from the foundation of the world.
4:4 For he has spoken somewhere about the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works,”
4:5 but to repeat the text cited earlier: “They will never enter my rest!”
4:6 Therefore it remains for some to enter it, yet those to whom it was previously proclaimed did not enter because of disobedience.
4:7 So God again ordains a certain day, “Today,” speaking through David after so long a time, as in the words quoted before, “O, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts.”
4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken afterward about another day. 4:9 Consequently a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God.
4:10 For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works.
4:11 Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.
4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart
4:13 And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.
Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest
4:14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
4:15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.
4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Lord, we must do more than to confess You with our mouths if we wish to have certain-salvation, we must genuinely surrender to Your Lordship with our hearts. May I be sure to challenge every new believer to know that they have absolutely-surrendered.
While it has generally been said that Hebrews was addressed to Hebrew-believers it may be more-correct to say that it was addressed to those who were among the Hebrew-believers – because this text addresses incomplete-believers “Thus we must make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.” rather than believers-only.
Disobedience, or rebellion, against the Lordship of God was what got Adam and Eve kicked out of the Garden.
Disobedience, or rebellion (as reported in the text of Hebrews 3), is what kept the adult (age of accountability) Jews out of the Promised Land.
Disobedience, or rebellion (against the full Lordship of Christ), is the same disqualification which God places upon the admission of anyone to Heaven.
The Jews and Gentiles alike heard from Jesus as He proclaimed the “... good news”, yet it was up to each to “... join in with those who heard it in faith.”
Neither Moses or Joshua brought their people to the “rest” of which God speaks; through David the Lord God said “Today, after so long a time ...” he still desires to bring to them His eternal rest from the works of the law.
“And God rested on the seventh day from all *His* works.” [Emphasis on “His”, added.] - through Jesus the Christ, the Lord God desires that, through faith, we also may rest (a “Sabbath rest) from our fruitless efforts that are works-seeking-righteousness-to-earn-admission-into-Heaven.
“... the Word of God [the Holy Spirit, enlightening and empowering the written Word] is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it [the Word through the Holy Spirit] is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart.
“... no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must render an account.”
“Therefore ...”
“... we have a great high priest”
“Who has passed through the heavens ...”
“Jesus the son of God”
“... let us hold fast to our confession”
He is not “... incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses”
He “... has been tempted [tested] in every way as we are, yet without sin.”
“Therefore ...”
“... let us confidently approach the throne of grace”
“... to receive mercy and find grace”
“... whenever we need help.”
Jews and Gentiles alike heard from Jesus as He proclaimed the “... good news”, yet it was up to each to “... join-in with those who heard it in faith.” Salvation is volitional.
What are some ways you might explain to a “not-yet-completed Jew”, or someone who has been immersed in neo-Christian OT-centrism, that neither Moses or Joshua brought their people to the “rest” of which God speaks. The Lord God said, through David, “Today, after so long a time ...” that He still desires to bring to them His eternal rest – apart from the works of the law.
One may claim the name of Christ, as in the parable of Jesus some will come saying “Lord, Lord” but He will send them away saying “... I never knew you” - because they never truly surrendered.
When have you observed a practical example of the gospel presented to a varied audience and the obvious choices made by different people to either respond or to reject. What were some of the reasons given for either choice?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you a “not-yet-completed Jew”, or someone who has been immersed in neo-Christian OT-centrism, who in either case is trapped in the bondage of works-righteousness.
Today I will share with them the teaching that Jesus brings a “sabbath rest” which frees them from works-righteousness.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
5:1 For every high priest is taken from among the people and appointed to represent them before God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
5:2 He is able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant and erring, since he also is subject to weakness,
5:3 and for this reason he is obligated to make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people.
5:4 And no one assumes this honor on his own initiative, but only when called to it by God, as in fact Aaron was.
5:5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God, who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,”
5:6 as also in another place God says, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
5:7 During his earthly life Christ offered both requests and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of his devotion.
5:8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through the things he suffered.
5:9 And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
5:10 and he was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
The Need to Move on to Maturity
5:11 On this topic we have much to say and it is difficult to explain, since you have become sluggish in hearing.
5:12 For though you should in fact be teachers by this time, you need someone to teach you the beginning elements of God’s utterances. You have gone back to needing milk, not solid food.
5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is inexperienced in the message of righteousness, because he is an infant.
5:14 But solid food is for the mature, whose perceptions are trained by practice to discern both good and evil.
Lord, the Son is eternal and Lord God, Jesus the Christ born of the virgin (Mary) – as promised when the curse of the Fall was declared – and prophesied prior to His arrival. May I recognize and worship the sacrifice of the Son to humble Himself to provide salvation for humankind.
The historic practice of OT priests was that, like Aaron, they were called from among the people (the Tribe of Levites) and “appointed” to make sacrifices for others and themselves - because they were no more perfect than those whom they served.
Jesus the Christ, the “begotten” son of God, “... did not glorify himself ... the one who glorified him was God”.
During the days of his life in the flesh “Christ offered both requests and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death and he was heard because of his devotion.”
“Although he was a son he learned obedience through the things he suffered.”
“And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, and he was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”
[Note: Psalm 110:4 refers to Melchizedek and the NET Bible translator’s notes explain that “... the order of Melchizedek was a combination of king and priest which was superior in hierarchy to the Aaronic priesthood. The general geographical location from which Melchizedek came at the time of his interaction with Abraham is found in Genesis 13:18 as Abraham came from his home in Hebron - where he had last set his tents - to rescue Lot and returned there to be greeted and blessed by Melchizedek “king of Salem” Gen. 14:18-20. The NET translator’s notes suggest that Melchizedek may have been from “... the Jebusite stronghold of Jerusalem ... a Canaanite royal priest whom God used to renew the promise of His blessing to Abram ...”]
[Note: The key here is that Melchizedek’s role was one of spiritual and kingly authority - sent by God to affirm a promise of God. The role of Jesus is the same - He brings spiritual authority for salvation from God, He brings kingly authority over our earthly existence, also from God, and He is the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption.]
The important message is that all authority and purpose, for Christians, comes from the Lord God and no other source.
How would you help members of your fellowship better understand that Jesus brings spiritual authority for salvation from God, kingly authority over our earthly existence, also from God, and He is the fulfillment of God’s promise of redemption?
Hebrews links the OT history to the new in order to draw not-yet-completed Jews, and those immersed in neo-Christian OT teachings, to the inevitable conclusions of the Gospel.
When have you learned obedience through the things you suffered, even as you offered both requests and supplications to God with loud cries and tears, living-out the model of Jesus?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you an area where He wants you to reconsider the level of your devotion in allowing Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, to be your daily authority in both physical and spiritual matters.
Today I will offer up my requests and supplications to God with loud cries and tears and stand ready to learn and to mature, no matter what.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
6:1 Therefore we must progress beyond the elementary instructions about Christ and move on to maturity, not laying this foundation again: repentance from dead works and faith in God,
6:2 teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
6:3 And this is what we intend to do, if God permits.
6:4 For it is impossible in the case of those who have once been enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift, become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
6:5 tasted the good word of God and the miracles of the coming age,
6:6 and then have committed apostasy, to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again and holding him up to contempt.
6:7 For the ground that has soaked up the rain that frequently falls on it and yields useful vegetation for those who tend it receives a blessing from God.
6:8 But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is useless and about to be cursed; its fate is to be burned.
6:9 But in your case, dear friends, even though we speak like this, we are convinced of better things relating to salvation.
6:10 For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love you have demonstrated for his name, in having served and continuing to serve the saints.
6:11 But we passionately want each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of your hope until the end,
6:12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and perseverance inherit the promises.
6:13 Now when God made his promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself,
6:14 saying, “Surely I will bless you greatly and multiply your descendants abundantly.”
6:15 And so by persevering, Abraham inherited the promise.
6:16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and the oath serves as a confirmation to end all dispute.
6:17 In the same way God wanted to demonstrate more clearly to the heirs of the promise that his purpose was unchangeable, and so he intervened with an oath,
6:18 so that we who have found refuge in him may find strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us through two unchangeable things, since it is impossible for God to lie.
6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which reaches inside behind the curtain,
6:20 where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
Lord, You teach us the essentials of Your Gospel so as to lead us to salvation, then you expect us to trust You and move-ahead to maturity and service. May I challenge fellow believers to never look back, rather pressing-ahead, never doubting what is the foundation of our faith.
The author of Hebrews challenged believers to mature, that it was not useful to revisit “... the elementary instructions about Christ”.
Anyone who was still questioning such teachings was either unsaved or very immature – definitely not appropriate for leadership.
Hebrews warned that “... it is impossible in the case of ... (those who) ... have committed apostasy, to renew them again to repentance, since they are crucifying the Son of God for themselves all over again and holding him up to contempt.”
[Note: Beginning at the conclusion of this argument, the text appears to say that one who denies the finality of forgiveness (and of salvation by faith, not works) also denies ones own salvation, since the consequence of such a philosophy would be the need for Christ to be as an OT sacrifice - only a temporary covering for each specific event of sin.]
The elements of their experience with Christ which they had rejected included:
“... once have been enlightened” [Heard the gospel.]
“... tasted the heavenly gift” [Been in the presence of Jesus through His Holy Spirit.]
“... become partakers of the Holy Spirit” [Observed the power of the Holy Spirit to heal, observed the miraculous “signs and wonders”, experienced the exceptional love among the truly saved who were submitted to and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, may even have themselves been “touched” by the power of the Holy Spirit - as was the experience of the OT saints whom the Holy Spirit touched on occasion.]
“... tasted the good Word of God” [Were among those who participating in discipleship, even though they were not themselves truly saved.]
“... and the miracles of the coming age” [Observed the salvation of others and the prophesies unfolding.]
[Note: The reason why the fallen angels cannot be saved is that they were in the presence of the Lord God, they had full-knowledge, and still rebelled.]
Hebrews is quick to remind the faithful that the promise of God is secure, yet it encourages them to be equally passionate with those who brought them the “... good Word of God” and who discipled them and to “... not be sluggish”.
Hebrews reminded Jewish readers that “... when God made His promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, he swore by Himself ... the oath serves as a confirmation ... His promise was unchangeable ... we have found refuge in Him ... since it is impossible for God to lie.”
Chapter 6 concluded “We have had this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since He became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
“... when God made His promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, he swore by Himself ... the oath serves as a confirmation ... His promise was unchangeable ... we have found refuge in Him ... since it is impossible for God to lie.”
How might your fellowship do a more-effective job of moving believers decisively-past “... the elementary instructions about Christ” and on to greater maturity and service?
The text of Hebrews appears to say that without the finality of forgiveness and imparted-righteousness Christ must be only an OT sacrifice, a temporary covering for a specific sins, over and over again.
When have you observed believers who have become so “sluggish” in their faith such that they required the teaching of the most elementary principles of the gospel over and over and never seemed to mature? What was the solution, and if none was applied, what was the result?
Ask the Holy Spirit to review your spiritual maturity and to reveal any place where you may have grown “sluggish”.
Today I will partner with a fellow believer in prayer and action in order to to move toward maturity and away from any uncertainty about the “... elementary instructions about Christ” as described in Hebrews 6.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
The Nature of Melchizedek’s Priesthood
7:1 Now this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him.
7:2 To him also Abraham apportioned a tithe of everything. His name first means king of righteousness, then king of Salem, that is, king of peace.
7:3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time.
7:4 But see how great he must be, if Abraham the patriarch gave him a tithe of his plunder.
7:5 And those of the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have authorization according to the law to collect a tithe from the people, that is, from their fellow countrymen, although they too are descendants of Abraham.
7:6 But Melchizedek who does not share their ancestry collected a tithe from Abraham and blessed the one who possessed the promise.
7:7 Now without dispute the inferior is blessed by the superior,
7:8 and in one case tithes are received by mortal men, while in the other by him who is affirmed to be alive.
7:9 And it could be said that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid a tithe through Abraham.
7:10 For he was still in his ancestor Abraham’s loins when Melchizedek met him.
Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek
7:11 So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood – for on that basis the people received the law – what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order?
7:12 For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well.
7:13 Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar.
7:14 For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.
7:15 And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,
7:16 who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life.
7:17 For here is the testimony about him: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”
7:18 On the one hand a former command is set aside because it is weak and useless,
7:19 for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
7:20 And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation – for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation,
7:21 but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” –
7:22 accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
7:23 And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,
7:24 but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever.
7:25 So he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
7:26 For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
7:27 He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all.
7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.
Lord, You have replaced the covenant of law with a covenant of love – an intimate and eternal relationship with surrendered-humankind through Jesus. May I never forget from what I have been set free and to whom I am love-bound to be gratefully-surrendered.
Hebrews revisits the matter of Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek, a man “Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God ...”, adding that one only pays a tithe to one who is greater.
[Note: The Bible sometimes uses phrases such as “is like” to mean “is”, perhaps an anomaly of the translation process. In this case it seems that Melchizedek is a case of Jesus, outside of the constraints of time – as He is the embodiment of God - appearing in the Old Testament.)
The One “like Melchizedek” Who came, Jesus the Christ, was not of the Aaronic line but was a high priest.
The law was set aside “... because it is weak and useless, for the law made nothing perfect.”
Jesus has the power from God to make one perfect, Jesus never dies, therefore Jesus can save us completely whereas the old priests provided temporary refuge and were themselves subject to death.
“... the Word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.”
[Note: The “solemn affirmation” was from the Lord God “You are a priest forever ...”.]
There is a clear contrast between the law, which illustrates sin and illuminates our need for Christ but cannot make us perfect (therefore, cannot save us eternally) and the gift of Christ which is the power to make perfect and therefore to save.
What are some practical ways to illustrate the differences between the purpose of the law and the purpose of grace?
It is the eternal-essence of Jesus the Christ that which makes Him the son of God and an eternal member of the Triune Godhead.
When have you observed an example of the confusion created when a pastor or a teacher, or someone else, claims Biblical authority or wisdom but then confuses the purpose of the law and grace? What was the result?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you someone with whom you already have a respect/trust relationship but who is confused about law and grace and to give you an opportunity to share this chapter of Hebrews with them
Today I am committing to pray for humility and patience and I agree to pray fervently that the one who needs clarity will see and respond wisely to the light of this Word.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated - http://bible.org
Note 1: These Studies often rely upon the guidance of the NET Translators from their associated notes. Careful attention has been given to cite that source where it has been quoted directly or closely paraphrased. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned.
Note 2: When NET text is quoted in commentary and discussion all pronouns referring to God are capitalized, though they are lower-case in the original NET text.
Commentary text is from David M. Colburn, D.Min. unless otherwise noted.
Copyright © 2012 by David M. Colburn. This is a BibleSeven Study – Section 1 of 2 the series, “Hebrews” – prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org in April of 2012. This text may be used for non-profit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author.
The High Priest of a Better Covenant
8:1 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We have such a high priest, one who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
8:2 a minister in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle that the Lord, not man, set up.
8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. So this one too had to have something to offer.
8:4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest, since there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.
8:5 The place where they serve is a sketch and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary, just as Moses was warned by God as he was about to complete the tabernacle. For he says, “See that you make everything according to the design shown to you on the mountain.”
8:6 But now Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, since the covenant that he mediates is also better and is enacted on better promises.
8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, no one would have looked for a second one.
8:8 But showing its fault, God says to them,
“Look, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will complete a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
8:9 “It will not be like the covenant that I made with their fathers, on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not continue in my covenant and I had no regard for them, says the Lord.
8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will establish with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and I will inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God and they will be my people.
8:11 “And there will be no need at all for each one to teach his countryman or each one to teach his brother saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ since they will all know me, from the least to the greatest.
8:12 “For I will be merciful toward their evil deeds, and their sins I will remember no longer.”
8:13 When he speaks of a new covenant, he makes the first obsolete. Now what is growing obsolete and aging is about to disappear.
Lord, You have provided a pathway to Heaven, where Your covenant is perfect and pure love and everyone dwells in it. May I be encouraged to mature here so that I may be an encouragement to others to seek after the same unique covenant.
Building upon Chapter 7 the text brings the reader to Moses on the mountain with the Lord God where he was shown an image of the “heavenly sanctuary” upon which he was to model the temporary sanctuary for sacrifice on earth.
The text instructs “But now Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, since the covenant that He mediates is also better and is enacted on better promises.”
The text describes how the failure of the first covenant “... because they did not continue in My covenant” ... created the need for a new covenant.
The condition of the new covenant is that “I will put my laws in their minds and I will inscribe them on their hearts”.
[Note: This describes one of the essential minimums of true salvation; we surrender our free will so that the Lord God may put His laws in our minds and inscribe them on our hearts”. It also describes one of the roles of the Holy Spirit inside of every believer. And it describes a non-negotiable of anyone permitted into Heaven; they must have been equipped to obey.]
Hebrews concludes with a powerful challenge to those who remained stuck in OT-legalism “When He speaks of a new covenant, He makes the first obsolete. Now what is growing obsolete and aging is about to disappear.”
Hebrews 7 declared the old covenant ineffective as it made nothing perfect. It was not the covenant that fail but the human half of the covenant participants.
What are some practical ways to assist prospective new believers to understand one of the essential minimums of true salvation; we surrender our free will so that God may “... put His laws in our minds and inscribe them on our hearts”?
This is a powerful teaching “But now Jesus has obtained a superior ministry, since the covenant that He mediates is also better and is enacted on better promises.”
When did you learn that the non-negotiable of anyone permitted into Heaven is that all must have been equipped to obey (thus be incapable of rebellion)?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to someone who is stuck in OT-legalism.
Today I will use this text to explain the freedom that comes from understanding “When He speaks of a new covenant, He makes the first obsolete. Now what is growing obsolete and aging is about to disappear.”
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
The Arrangement and Ritual of the Earthly Sanctuary
9:1 Now the first covenant, in fact, had regulations for worship and its earthly sanctuary. 9:2 For a tent was prepared, the outer one, which contained the lampstand, the table, and the presentation of the loaves; this is called the holy place. 9:3 And after the second curtain there was a tent called the holy of holies. 9:4 It contained the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered entirely with gold. In this ark were the golden urn containing the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 9:5 And above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Now is not the time to speak of these things in detail. 9:6 So with these things prepared like this, the priests enter continually into the outer tent as they perform their duties. 9:7 But only the high priest enters once a year into the inner tent, and not without blood that he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance.
9:8 The Holy Spirit is making clear that the way into the holy place had not yet appeared as long as the old tabernacle was standing.
9:9 This was a symbol for the time then present, when gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. 9:10 They served only for matters of food and drink and various washings; they are external regulations imposed until the new order came.
Christ’s Service in the Heavenly Sanctuary
9:11 But now Christ has come as the high priest of the good things to come. He passed through the greater and more perfect tent not made with hands, that is, not of this creation,
9:12 and he entered once for all into the most holy place not by the blood of goats and calves but by his own blood, and so he himself secured eternal redemption.
9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow sprinkled on those who are defiled consecrated them and provided ritual purity, 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.
9:15 And so he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the eternal inheritance he has promised, since he died to set them free from the violations committed under the first covenant.
9:16 For where there is a will, the death of the one who made it must be proven.
9:17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it carries no force while the one who made it is alive. 9:18 So even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood.
9:19 For when Moses had spoken every command to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats with water and scarlet wool and hyssop and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 9:20 and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you to keep.” 9:21 And both the tabernacle and all the utensils of worship he likewise sprinkled with blood.
9:22 Indeed according to the law almost everything was purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
9:23 So it was necessary for the sketches of the things in heaven to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves required better sacrifices than these.
9:24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands – the representation of the true sanctuary – but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God’s presence for us.
9:25 And he did not enter to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the sanctuary year after year with blood that is not his own, 9:26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice.
9:27 And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment,
9:28 so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.
Lord, Your sacrifice was more powerful than the millions of sacrifices of millions of Israelites for hundreds of years, and those whose names are in Your Book of Life will welcome Your return to make-complete the salvation You have brought. May I be faithful to tell Your story so that many will choose to share in the Gospel promise of salvation.
Hebrews documented the need for The Christ “...gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper. ”
The sacrifice of Jesus the Christ was unique “For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands – the representation of the true sanctuary – but into heaven itself,”
And His work while “finished” (in the sense that the sin-death mandate had been broken) is not done “… and he appears now in God’s presence for us.”
Our Lord Jesus the Christ “... has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice.”
“Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.”
The repeated message of Hebrews was that “... the law perfected nothing”, here rephrased “... gifts and sacrifices ... could not perfect the conscience of the worshiper.”
What are some practical ways that one might describe the contrast between the OT sacrificial system and the provision of Christ, and His unique capacity to “... purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.”?
Take note of the volitional aspect of both actions; Jesus the Christ as “... the mediator of a new covenant”, replacing the temporary blood of the old covenant with his own “... once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation.” -- Christ voluntarily sacrificing for others, and those who will be saved first being in a receptive state “... eagerly await”.
When have you observed an example in your own life, or in that of someone whom you know, moving from “... dead works to worship the living God.” because of a newfound understanding of this text?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you an opportunity to share this text with someone who is still trapped in works-righteousness
Today I will describe to them the contrast between the OT sacrificial system and the provision of Christ, and His unique capacity to “... purify our consciences from dead works to worship the living God.” who alone can “... bring salvation.”
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
Concluding Exposition: Old and New Sacrifices Contrasted
10:1 For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship.
10:2 For otherwise would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers would have been purified once for all and so have no further consciousness of sin? 10:3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. 10:4 For the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins.
10:5 So when he came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me.
10:6 “Whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you took no delight in.
10:7 “Then I said, ‘Here I am: I have come – it is written of me in the scroll of the book – to do your will, O God.’”
10:8 When he says above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you did not desire nor did you take delight in them” (which are offered according to the law), 10:9 then he says, “Here I am: I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first to establish the second.
10:10 By his will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
10:11 And every priest stands day after day serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again – sacrifices that can never take away sins.
10:12 But when this priest had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, he sat down at the right hand of God, 10:13 where he is now waiting until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet.
10:14 For by one offering he has perfected for all time those who are made holy.
10:15 And the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us, for after saying, 10:16 “This is the covenant that I will establish with them after those days, says the Lord. I will put my laws on their hearts and I will inscribe them on their minds,”
10:17 then he says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer.”
10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
Lord, You have set me free, I owe my eternal life to You. May I live here and now in grateful thanks for the then and forever that awaits.
“For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship.”
[Note: God repeats Himself yet again, always evidence that He really wants us to get the message, “... completely unable ... to perfect those who come to worship”.]
The text instructs that if sacrifices under the law had the power to “perfect” then they would have ceased long ago as all would have been perfected. It goes on to remind that Psalms 40 said that God did not “...take delight” in the offerings made under the law.
[Note: The purpose of the law and sacrifices was to press His people to recognize their dependence upon Him and to point ahead to Jesus. When Jesus began His ministry He specifically pointed to His purpose in fulfilling what the law and sacrifices which attempted to fulfill our need for perfect forgiveness, but failed.]
“He does away with the first to establish the second. By His will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all ... when this priest (Jesus) had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, he sat down at the right hand of God, where He is now waiting until his enemies are made a footstool for His feet.”
“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer. Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.”
The Lord God places great importance on our understanding that “the law and sacrifices are ... completely unable ... to perfect those who come to worship”.
What are some practical ways to explain the linkages between the work of Jesus and the historic OT law and sacrifices?
We have been given freedom from the condemnation of the enemy because Jesus the Christ declared “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no longer. Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.”
When have you experienced an example of God’s forgiveness in your life which has set you free from something in your past - liberating you to live a life at peace with God and to serve Him more effectively?
Ask the Holy Spirit to search out any place in your life where unforgiveness in your past, despite the your efforts at sacrificial service as a form of works-righteousness, may have become unforgiveness in your present.
Today I will partner with the Holy Spirit, and I will ask a fellow believer to pray in agreement with me and to assist me with accountability - so that once I accept the forgiveness of Christ I do not give-away power to the enemy by accepting any of the enemy’s accusations against me for something the Lord God has forgiven.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
Drawing Near to God in Enduring Faith
10:19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus,
10:20 by the fresh and living way that he inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
10:21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water.
10:23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy.
10:24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,
10:25 not abandoning our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day drawing near.
10:26 For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us,
10:27 but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will consume God’s enemies. 10:28 Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
10:29 How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has contempt for the Son of God, and profanes the blood of the covenant that made him holy, and insults the Spirit of grace?
10:30 For we know the one who said, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”
10:31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
10:32 But remember the former days when you endured a harsh conflict of suffering after you were enlightened.
10:33 At times you were publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions, and at other times you came to share with others who were treated in that way.
10:34 For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession.
10:35 So do not throw away your confidence, because it has great reward.
10:36 For you need endurance in order to do God’s will and so receive what is promised.
10:37 For just a little longer and he who is coming will arrive and not delay.
10:38 But my righteous one will live by faith, and if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him.
10:39 But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Lord, You saved us, You disciple us, You defend us, You bless us, You have given to us Your indwelling Holy Spirit, and You allow us to be Your instruments in this world – You expect that we will not deliberately rebel. May I continue to mature so that I will contemplate rebellion less-often and stand when tested (so I am not tempted) more-often.
The text encourages believers to draw near to God because our faith is in the One Who opened the way to Him and Who has made us spiritually-pure.
We are exhorted to “spur one another on to love and good works ... not abandoning our own meetings”
[Note: This necessarily requires that we be intentional about what we say and do - in order to both present a positive role model and effectively teach and encourage others. There is also an implication that believers were choosing to gather with non-believers instead of gathering with believers, for reasons not clear in the text, but the need to gather-together is emphasized again here as elsewhere in the NT. The Lord God repeats messages He wants us not to miss.]
The text then gives a warning to those who remain in rebellion, through intentional and unrepentant sin, despite receiving the Word of truth. It reminds the reader of the OT consequences of rebellion against “the law of Moses”, summarizing “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Believers are cautioned to remember that they endured troubles early on in their faith, and that more endurance may be required of them, but despite their losses they have remained standing “... because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession.”
Hebrews 10 concludes with a contrast between those who have heard the Word yet failed to respond and live with perseverance through faith “... if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him” versus those who heard and responded and persevered “But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.”
It is a remarkable contrast between those who have heard the Word yet failed to respond and live with perseverance through faith “... if he shrinks back, I take no pleasure in him” versus those who heard and responded and persevered “But we are not among those who shrink back and thus perish, but are among those who have faith and preserve their souls.”
What are some practical ways to “spur one another on to love and good works ... not abandoning our own meetings”?
The consequence for those who do not live under the grace of the salvation of Christ is that they remain in slavery to sin and under the judgment of law-without-mercy of the former covenant.
When have you experienced or observed a practical example of being intentional about what is said and what is done in order to both present a positive role model and effectively teach and encourage others?
Ask the Holy Spirit to examine your faithfulness in spurring “one another on to love and good works … not abandoning our own meetings” and in being intentional about what you say and do.
Today I am choosing to both present a positive role model and effectively teach and encourage others. Where I find a lapse in my faithfulness to the Word of God I will ask the Holy Spirit to find me a willing follower of His leading to a more righteous place in my daily walk.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
People Commended for Their Faith
11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.
11:2 For by it the people of old received God’s commendation.
11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible.
11:4 By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith he still speaks, though he is dead.
11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death, and he was not to be found because God took him up. For before his removal he had been commended as having pleased God.
11:6 Now without faith it is impossible to please him, for the one who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
11:7 By faith Noah, when he was warned about things not yet seen, with reverent regard constructed an ark for the deliverance of his family. Through faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
11:8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place he would later receive as an inheritance, and he went out without understanding where he was going.
11:9 By faith he lived as a foreigner in the promised land as though it were a foreign country, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were fellow heirs of the same promise.
11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with firm foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11:11 By faith, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was too old, he received the ability to procreate, because he regarded the one who had given the promise to be trustworthy.
11:12 So in fact children were fathered by one man – and this one as good as dead – like the number of stars in the sky and like the innumerable grains of sand on the seashore.
11:13 These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth.
11:14 For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.
11:15 In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.
11:16 But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He had received the promises, yet he was ready to offer up his only son.
11:18 God had told him, “Through Isaac descendants will carry on your name,”
11:19 and he reasoned that God could even raise him from the dead, and in a sense he received him back from there.
11:20 By faith also Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.
11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.
11:22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave instructions about his burial.
11:23 By faith, when Moses was born, his parents hid him for three months, because they saw the child was beautiful and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.
11:24 By faith, when he grew up, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
11:25 choosing rather to be ill-treated with the people of God than to enjoy sin’s fleeting pleasure.
11:26 He regarded abuse suffered for Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on the reward.
11:27 By faith he left Egypt without fearing the king’s anger, for he persevered as though he could see the one who is invisible.
11:28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the one who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.
11:29 By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if on dry ground, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were swallowed up.
11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched around them for seven days.
11:31 By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace.
11:32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.
11:33 Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice, gained what was promised, shut the mouths of lions,
11:34 quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight,
11:35 and women received back their dead raised to life. But others were tortured, not accepting release, to obtain resurrection to a better life.
11:36 And others experienced mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
11:37 They were stoned, sawed apart, murdered with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; they were destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
11:38 (the world was not worthy of them); they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and openings in the earth.
11:39 And these all were commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.
11:40 For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.
Lord, Your list of faith-models is instructive, the martydom of Christians a sobering testimony to the hate-filled fury of the enemy and the power of truth to prevail. May I learn from those who have come before, share their testimonies, and model my commitment after theirs.
Hebrews challenges the reader with a powerful statement “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.” The text then sets out to explain and “prove” this through the lives of OT persons.
In the OT “... people of old received God’s commendation”. A prime example is Abraham in Genesis 15:6 “Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord considered his response of faith proof of genuine loyalty.”
“... we understand that the worlds were set in order at God’s command, so that the visible has its origin in the invisible.
“Now without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who approaches God must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who seek Him.”
“By faith Abel ...”
“By faith Enoch ...”
“By faith Noah ...”
“By faith Abraham ...”
“These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth ... they were seeking a homeland ... a heavenly one”
“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.”
“By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff.
By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave instructions about his burial.”
[Note: Joseph prophesied the Exodus and that his bones should travel with his people to the Promised Land.]
Hebrews 11 reports the faith that caused Moses’ parents to hide him without fear of Pharaoh, Moses to leave Pharaoh for God’s people, and on through the generations leaders of faith; Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. It also describes the deprivation and suffering and death of the faithful over time.
Hebrews 11 concludes “For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.”
The Lord God places great importance on a genuine faith.
How might we disciple a genuine faith like that which empowered these OT persons to be used so mightily of the Lord God?
These people of faith recognize the dividing line of value between the things and faith.
When have you experienced a difficult choice you have made, knowing that the consequences would likely not be to your temporary benefit here on earth, but that based on faith you knew to be right before God?
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one place in your life where you have placed worldly comfort or convenience above faithfulness to God’s call.
Today I will study the OT people of faith to prayerfully reflect on how I may bring more of my life into line with felicity to the call of the Lord God on me.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
The Lord’s Discipline
12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,
12:2 keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.
12:4 You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin.
12:5 And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons?
“My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you.
12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.”
12:7 Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline?
12:8 But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons.
12:9 Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life?
12:10 For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.
12:11 Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.
12:12 Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees, 12:13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.
Do Not Reject God’s Warning
12:14 Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.
12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.
12:16 And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.
12:17 For you know that later when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears.
12:18 For you have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind 12:19 and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more. 12:20 For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” 12:21 In fact, the scene was so terrifying that Moses said, “I shudder with fear.”
12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly 12:23 and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, 12:24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does.
12:25 Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? 12:26 Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.”
12:27 Now this phrase “once more” indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain.
12:28 So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. 12:29 For our God is indeed a devouring fire.
Lord, Your discipline purifies, and all who are truly Yours will welcome Your purification – no matter the cost. May I welcome learning and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit so that I will not require the harsher discipline of the Lord God as He purifies me.
The Lord God purifies “... we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses ... we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus”
We surrender the easy stuff but avoid the difficult “You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin. Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons.”
“But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons.”
[Note: It is often considered a test of our value to God that the enemy feels threatened enough to divert resource to attack us, but here it is the discipline of the Lord which defines us as His and therefore worthy of re-direction when we drift toward sin, though it is sometimes the case that the Lord will allow the enemy as a tool of His discipline of us.]
“Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.”
[Note: This does not intend to promote pacifism in the face of a violent threat, it is about relationships and about our half of the relationship, we cannot control the actions of another - though we can model peace and not respond in-kind to those who are not acting in a peaceful manner. Also, the last phrase refers to us, that is that “no one will see the Lord” in us if we do not seek peace and holiness in our daily walk.]
“See that no one comes short of the grace of God, that no one be like a bitter root springing up and causing trouble, and through him many become defiled.”
[Note: The NET translator’s notes link this to Deut. 29:17 which refers to someone with a self-serving conditional relationship with God - which is not an acceptable relationship at all and will poison them and others around them.]
And see to it that no one becomes an immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you have not come to something that can be touched [as in the Exodus 19:12-13 experience of Moses on the mountain] ... But you have come to Mount Zion ...”
[Note: The contrast here is between a law-based relationship and an intimate relationship, the first driven by fear-based obedience, the latter on love-based awe and obligation.]
“I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too. Now this phrase “once more” indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken will remain.”
[Note: The Lord God, through Jesus, brings us into the “unshakable kingdom” of eternity with Him, He then will obliterate everything that was created and rendered sinful through the twin rebellions of the enemy and of Adam and Eve. Nothing will remain.]
“... let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe.”
The Lord God expects us to resist sin “... to the point of bloodshed”, not the blood of others but our own. He also expects us to have an unconditional relationship with Him, for if we harbor selfish motives we will become bitter toward Him when discipline comes and will spread that bitterness.
What are some practical ways to “Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, for without it no one will see the Lord.”? Consider intentionally avoiding conflict by being vessels of His peace and intentionally combining a peaceful attitude with a holy walk so that people may see Christ in us and want what we have.
The Lord God will return to judge the world and to obliterate everything of earth and Heaven that is not part of His eternal perfect kingdom. This includes not only the physical world but also unsaved humans and the rebellious angels who followed the enemy.
When have you struggled to resist sin and lived-out the fruits of a good witness – by seeking peace and holiness - for Christ?
Ask the Holy Spirit to use you to draw someone nearer to a decision to surrender to Him and thus to share in the joy of your salvation.
Today I am choosing to resist sin and to seek peace and holiness so that the fruits of a good witness for Christ will make it possible for the Holy Spirit to use me. I will share the results of this with at least one other believer so that they may be encouraged to do the same.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
Final Exhortations
13:1 Brotherly love must continue.
13:2 Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.
13:3 Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them, and those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment.
13:4 Marriage must be honored among all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.
13:5 Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you and I will never abandon you.”
13:6 So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
13:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.
13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!
13:9 Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings. For it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not ritual meals, which have never benefited those who participated in them.
13:10 We have an altar that those who serve in the tabernacle have no right to eat from.
13:11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood the high priest brings into the sanctuary as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp.
13:12 Therefore, to sanctify the people by his own blood, Jesus also suffered outside the camp.
13:13 We must go out to him, then, outside the camp, bearing the abuse he experienced.
13:14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
13:15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name.
13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.
13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give an account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.
13:18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to conduct ourselves rightly in every respect. 13:19 I especially ask you to pray that I may be restored to you very soon.
Benediction and Conclusion
13:20 Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, 13:21 equip you with every good thing to do his will, working in us what is pleasing before him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
13:22 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you briefly. 13:23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, he will be with me when I see you.
13:24 Greetings to all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings. 13:25 Grace be with you all.
Lord, it is reassuring to know that You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. May I walk in faith with Your strength and wisdom, a willing instrument, and absolutely surrendered.
Hebrews 13 begins with a list of instructions:
“Brotherly love must continue.”
“Do not neglect hospitality, because through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
“Remember those in prison as though you were in prison with them ...”
“Remember ... those ill-treated as though you too felt their torment.”
“Marriage must be honored among all ...”
“... the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge sexually immoral people and adulterers.”
“Your conduct must be free of the love of money and you must be content with what you have ...”
“Remember your leaders who spoke God’s message to you; reflect on the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith.”
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings.”
The text reminds us that rituals “... have never benefited those who participated in them.”
“... Jesus ... suffered outside the camp.”
[Note: According to the ancient OT regulations one was put out of the camp if ritually unclean, and if they were traveling and did not return in time to be ritually prepared they were required to wait outside and miss the cleansing rituals. Jesus was outside of the traditions of the religious leaders.]
“... do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for god is pleased with such sacrifices.”
“Obey your [Biblical] leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.”
As was common to the NT books Hebrews concludef with a prayer/benediction “Now may the God of peace who by the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus Christ, equip you with every good thing to do His will, working in us [or working together with us or working in all of us] what is pleasing before Him through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever. Amen.”
A sort of postscript asks that they “... bear with my message of exhortation” as it was somewhat more terse than the author desired. It also notes the release of Timothy and sends greetings from “Those in Italy ... to all your leaders and all the saints.” Finally concluding “Grace be with you all.”
The list of instructions at the beginning of Chapter 13 is challenging but is critical to civilization, especially a God-honoring one.
What are some practical examples of “... do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.”
How does “Obey your [Biblical] leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls and will give account for their work. Let them do this with joy and not with complaints, for this would be no advantage for you.” show up in the relationship of members and elders/deacons with the shepherd of your fellowship?
What is an example of “strange teachings” as referenced in this phrase “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever! Do not be carried away by all sorts of strange teachings.”?
Ask the Holy Spirit to assess where you need to make changes to get right with the Word of God
Today I am committing to the list of instructions at the beginning of Chapter 13. I agree to partner with the Holy Spirit I will ask at least one other believer to pray in agreement and to assist with accountability so that I meet the goals I set for greater spiritual maturity.
Be Specific ______________________________________________________
All Bible text is from the NET unless otherwise indicated - http://bible.org
Note 1: These Studies often rely upon the guidance of the NET Translators from their associated notes. Careful attention has been given to cite that source where it has been quoted directly or closely paraphrased. Feedback is encouraged where credit has not been sufficiently assigned.
Note 2: When NET text is quoted in commentary and discussion all pronouns referring to God are capitalized, though they are lower-case in the original NET text.
Commentary text is from David M. Colburn, D.Min. unless otherwise noted.
Copyright © 2012 by David M. Colburn. This is a BibleSeven Study – Section 2 of 2 the series, “Hebrews” – prepared by David M. Colburn and edited for bible.org in April of 2012. This text may be used for non-profit educational purposes only, with credit; all other usage requires prior written consent of the author.