Sep 10, 2023. Hebrews 6:1-6

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TO MATURE OR WHITHER. Hebrews 6:1-6. 09/10/2203. #18.

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, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 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, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 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.

1. ABCs of Christianity

                a. Three basic approaches to passages:

                                a1. Those who are in Christ, but then back away lose their salvation (too many versus indicate that a believer can’t lose his or her salvation: Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8, John 6:47…)

                                a2. It is impossible for a believer to repent if he refuses to leave the elementary things of Christ in order to grow (remaining a carnal, immature Christian – I Corinthians 3)

                                a3. It is impossible for those who have initially entered into fellowship with the church, but who have not come to faith yet, to repent and be saved since they have rejected the Gospel

                b. The author of Hebrews chastises the Hebrew believers for remaining in the trappings of the Old Testament Law

                                a1. While professing Christ, they were still participating in rituals of washings and laying on of hands, praying for the dead, etc.

                                a2. OT ceremonies pointed to Christ

                c. Once Christ died and rose, the old rites were obsolete

                d. The ceremonial law was baby’s milk and as long as they were sucking on milk, they could not mature

2. Backing away

                a. Just as Paul was concerned for the carnal Corinthians, Hebrews was concerned for the immature Jews

                b. Just as it was hard to recognize if a carnal believer is saved by his actions, it is hard to know if an immature believer is saved by his lack of growth

                c. Those who back away had every advantage:

                                a1. Enlightened – heard and understood the Gospel and the Word of God

                                a2. Tasted the heavenly gift – they were around believers and experienced what salvation was

                                a3. Shared in Holy Spirit – benefitted from the fellowship and wisdom of Spirit filled believers

                                a4. Tasted the Word and its power – heard the teaching of the Word and felt its power

                d. The lack of growth and leaving Old Covenant, indicated that perhaps they had not truly come to faith

3. Impossible repentance

                a. The grave danger of participating with believers, but not coming to faith, is permanent rejection of Lord

                b. Several passages indicate that false believers exist

                                a1. 1 Jn. 2:19 those who leave us = never saved

                                a2. Mt. 13 there are tares among the wheat

                                a3. 2 Cr. 11:26 Paul dealt with false brethren

                                a4. 2 Th. 2:8-11 God will send a lie to deceive those who knew, but rejected the Gospel

                c. Those who reject the Gospel after having seemingly received it can’t come back since they rejected the only way of salvation (HEB. 10:26-31)

                                a1. This passage does not refer to those who are still seeking or believers struggling with sin

                                a2. Those who reject Christ after knowing fully who He is and what He did, are lost (Demus)

                d. Those who try to maintain OT sacrifices and rituals crucify Christ again by going back to vain offerings

                                a1. Puts Christ to open shame by trying to add futile offerings to His eternal offering

                                a2. Must depend on Christ alone to be saved

                e. I don’t know who is beyond repentance (a warning!)

Hebrews 10:26-31

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Sep 3, 2023. Hebrews 5:12-14

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FROM MILK TO MEAT. Hebrews 5:12-14. 09/03/2023. #17.

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.

1. Obligation neglected

                a. The author is very disappointed that the readers had not grown to spiritual maturity

                                a1. God was disappointed in the immaturity of the Jews from the wilderness to the Exile

                                a2. That which does not grow, dies

                b. By this time they ought to be teachers (ophelo = owe a debt, place under obligation)

                                a1. We are obligated to grow in Christ

                                a2. Tt. 2:1-5 mature believers are obligated to teach immature believers in spirituality

                                a3. 1 Tm. 3 church leaders are obligated to teach those over who they have charge

                c. They had been believers long enough to be teaching others, but they were not doing so

                                a1. Having been believers for years, they still know very little Scripture, doctrine, or principles of the God

                                a2. Very little fervency for the things of God

                d. Obligation = we are held accountable to grow

                                a1. 1 Cor. 3:12-15 loss or gain will in part be determined by desire to know the Word

                                a2. God can use us only in proportion to how much of the Word of God is within us

                                a3. Not to be equipped is not to be useful

2. To be retaught

                a. Those who forget the truth must be retaught it

                b. The Word must constantly be reviewed

                                a1. We cannot learn something once and then we have mastered what we have learned

                                a2. Rev. 2:1-5 the Ephesian church was told to remember from where they had fallen and go back and do the first works

                c. They had the need to be fed spiritual milk (galaktos), when they should be eating adult food

                                a1. Believers should grow to know sound doctrine and principles (2 PT. 3:14-18)

                                a2. Believers who have been saved for 20 years should still not be seeking answers taught in a beginner’s discipleship class

                d. Without a good understanding of the Word, its references, its meaning, and how to apply it, we are unskilled in both witnessing to others and helping them grow in Christ

3. Choose to grow

                a. Solid food is for the mature

                                a1. Just as children begin to eat full meals, a mature believer learns greater truths

                                a2. In order to eat nourishing food it must be sought after, prepared, and consumed

                b. Just like body and mind fitness, our spirits must be exercised (our word for gymnasium)

                                 a1. Just as bodily exercise is a choice, exercising our spiritual minds is a choice

                                a2. Bible study, memorization, and meditating on Scripture must be consistently done

                c. Christians do not grow naturally over time

                                a1. Ps. 1 there must be engagement on our part

                                a2. To exercise senses is to become fully aware of spiritual training and call to spiritual action

                d. The acuteness of a spiritually driven believer discerns the battle of good and evil and his part in it

                                a1. Moves from dullness of mind to sharp focus

                                a2. Developing a keen curiosity and passion for God’s Word and His will

                e. Devotionally level Christianity can’t produce spiritual growth just as milk alone can’t maintain health

Key verse: 2 Peter 3:14-1814 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

Aug 27, 2023. Hebrews 5:5-11

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AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. Hebrews 5:5-11. 8/27/2023. #16.

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.” 6 As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”; 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, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” 11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

1. Appointed High Priest

                a. The author of Hebrews makes clear that Jesus was not seeking to honor Himself

                                a1. He did not appoint Himself High Priest

                                a2. He sought no glory for Himself

                b. God the Father appointed Jesus to fulfill His role

                                a1. God had begotten His Son

                                a2. God had appointed Him to sacrifice for sin

                                a3. Through the cross, Christ emerged as the High Priest

                                                b1. Not after Aaron, the Levite

                                                b2. Jesus was a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, who was both priest and king

                                a4. Jesus’s priesthood is effective, eternal, and elevated (next to the throne of God)

                c. Gen. 14 Melchizedek was both the king of Salem (later, Jerusalem) and the priest of the Lord

2. The agony of the cross

                a. Luke 22:39-46 Jesus was in great agony before going to the cross

                                a1. The Father could save Him from the agony of the cross (spare His life)

                                a2. Christ had to submit if sins were to be paid for

                b. Christ had a legitimate choice to make

                                a1. In His flesh, He was in great agony

                                a2. God did not force Him to submit

                                a3. Christ could have chosen not to go through the agony of trial and crucifixion

                c. The idea that Christ as God had to die is not correct

                                a1. God left the choice of action up to His son

                                a2. Through suffering Christ learned to obey and trust His Father

                                                b1. His emptying (kenosis) of the powers and privileges of His Godhood were so complete that He faced death as a man with all its terrors

                                                b2. Christ felt the gut-wrenching terror of facing pain, humiliation, suffering, bearing the sins of the world, and the agony of the soul with all the weakness of His humanity

                d. Christ had to learn obedience just like any man

                                a1. He triumphed over His fears as a man, for it was His humanity that was subject to death and His divinity that gave His sacrifice the worth to defeat Satan and sin

                                a2. His godly reverence in His humanity made Him choose suffering over sparing Himself

                e. Christ became perfected (complete) in His suffering

                                a1. By choosing to endure the cross, the ministry of Christ finished the work of atonement

                                a2. Eternal salvation (used only here in NT) was accomplished by His obedience (ever saved)

3. The order of Melchizedek

                a. Psalm 110:4 only after Christ obeyed His Father did He become priest and king after the pattern of Melchizedek

                b. Genesis 14 much can be said of Melchizedek, but the readers were dull of hearing (not well studied in doctrine)

                                a1. Symbolism of Abraham giving tithes to Melchizedek and Melchizedek offering bread and wine to Abraham

                                a2. Understanding the symbols strengthens faith

                c. Christ fulfilled all that was prophesied about Him

Key Verse: Luke 22:39-46

39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him. 40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow. 46 Then He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”

Aug 20, 2023. Hebrews 1:1-5

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PRIEST ABOVE ALL PRIESTS. Hebrews 5:1-5. 8/20/2023. #15.

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. 2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. 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.”

1. The High Priest

                a. Comparison of Christ with position of High Priest

                b. Old Testament system of priests, offerings, and laws

                                a1. God precisely prescribed how to serve Him

                                a2. System of offerings spelled out in detail

                c. 3 areas of the ceremonial laws delineated

                                a1. The instruments to be used in service

                                a2. The people who would serve

                                a3. The time and manner of service

                d. The High Priest was chosen (appointed) by God

                                a1. Aaron was chosen to be the 1st High Priest

                                                b1. Aaron was not perfect nor pious

                                                b2. Aaron’s descendants were serve after Aaron

                                a2. No one could serve who God didn’t select

2. The ministry of the High Priest

                a. Aaron was a mediator between God and man

                b. The HIGH PRIEST’s job was to offer gifts and offerings

                                a1. To seek forgiveness of sins

                                a2. Gifts – to offer sacrifices when sinned

                                a3. Offerings – specifically ordered sacrifices, such as the Day of Atonement offering

                c. The HIGH PRIEST could have compassion on the people because he also is a sinner needing forgiveness

                                a1. Compassion (metriopathein – lit., between passions) refers to a medium ground between anger and apathy (to loathe the sin committed, but to gently deal with sinner)

                                a2. The HIGH PRIEST can identify with the sinners he serves, but he is subject to same flaws

                d. Two kinds of sin

                                a1. Sins of ignorance (unaware of law) – inadvertent sin due to lack of attention or understanding of what is required

                                a2. Going astray = wandering off the right path either by inattention or willful rebellion

                e. Before the HIGH PRIEST could offer for the sins of the people, he had to offer for his own sins (Lv. 16:3)

                                a1. There was an identification with the people in their sinful state

                                a2. Aaron’s ministry was from weakness

3. The new High Priest

                a. The Old Testament HIGH PRIEST could not remove sin

                b. The new HIGH PRIEST, Jesus Christ, had the same ministry of the Old Testament HIGH PRIEST, except He could overcome sin

                c. Jesus had the same qualities of the Old Testament HIGH PRIEST, but without any of the weaknesses

                                a1. Aaron set the pattern, but Jesus completed the task after the original pattern

                                a2. As with Aaron, Jesus was appointed HIGH PRIEST

                                a3. Unlike Aaron, the Levite, Jesus was from the tribe of Judah (both priest and king)

                                a4. Hebrews 4:16-17 Jesus could identify with the sinners he mediated for, not because He was a sinner, but because He was tempted in all ways as we are, but without sin (Hebrews 10:1-10)

                d. Jesus identified with our weaknesses through experiencing temptation first hand

                                a1. His conquest of sin was not only a proof of His worthiness as a sacrifice, but it was for us as well as both an advocate and redeemer

                                a2. Jesus did what no HIGH PRIEST could have done

                e. John 1:14 Jesus is eternally begotten of the Father, as His eternal Son, whom He gave as a sin offering

Hebrews 10:1-10

1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. 5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,

But a body You have prepared for Me.

6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin

You had no pleasure.

7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—

In the volume of the book it is written of Me—

To do Your will, O God.’ ”8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Aug 13, 2023. Hebrews 4:11-13

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THE LIVING WORD. Hebrews 4:11-13. 8/13/2023. #14.

11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

1. Eager to submit to God

                a. After Hebrews exhorts readers to abandon the rebellion of their ancestors exiting Egypt

                                a1. As they held onto idols, the professing Jews were holding onto the Law

                                a2. Christ fulfilled the Law, so we are free from it

                b. Be diligent (eager, hasten, fervent enthusiasm) to enter into to the Lord’s rest

                                a1. Be exited to embrace Jesus to cease struggles

                                a2. The rest of God is found in His Son

                c. The example of those who failed in the desert should warn the readers not to fail in the same way

                d. The odd aspect of coming to Christ is the struggle to be freed from sin

                                a1. Many hold tightly to their old way of life, even though it causes much heartache and grief

                                a2. Most do not struggle against the evidence of the Gospel, but the lure of sin and temptation

                                a3. It should be exciting and joyful to leave our sins behind to fully enter into God’s rest in Jesus

2. Through the Word, by the Word, in the Word

                a. God has infused His Word with power

                                a1. It is alive (zoa, the English word zoo) – not the words or letters, but the concepts expressed

                                a2. God has given His Word the power to change lives as we receive it (Romans 10:17)

                                a3. It is powerful (Energeia, energized, effective; the English word: energy)

                b. The Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword

                                a1. The received Word is able to cut through all pretense to find sin, discover motives, and uncover hidden evil cravings

                                a2. The Word can apply both reproof and correction (II Timothy 3:16-4:5)

                b. The Word pierces to dividing soul and spirit; joints and marrow

                                a1. The Word penetrates everything

                                a2. To divide soul (pseuches, Eng. words psychology and psychic) and spirit (pneumatos, English words pneumatic, pneumonia, referring to wind or spirit) means that the Word can impact both our lives and eternal souls (i.e., how we think as temporal beings and the destiny of our souls)

                                a3. Every part of our being is impacted by the Word (for this reason, those who reject the Word react very strongly against it due to conviction of sin)

                c. Discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

                                a1. The Word uncovers our secret motivations that may be hidden from others

                                a2. Once the Word convicts of both sins and wrongful motivations the person can rebel or forsake the sin and receive Christ and forgiveness

                                a3. The Word can even reveal sinful motivations that was hidden to the person who had them

3. Naked before the creator

                a. Nothing is ever hidden from God

                b. Numbers 32:23 God knows and will reveal all sin

                                a1. Matthew 5 even the sins of thoughts will be revealed

                                a2. No unconfessed sin will go unjudged

                c. 3 categories of sin:

                                a1. COMMISSION – evil acts

                                a2. OMMISSION – good that is left undone

                                a3. CONTEMPLATION – sins of thought, attitude, and motivation

                d. 3 avenues of judgment

                                a1. EARTHLY JUDGMENT – sowing and reaping

                                a2. ETERNAL JUDGMENT – Revelation 20 lost condemned

                                a3. LOSS OF REWARD – believers useless endeavors

                e. I John 1:9 important to confess and forsake sin

                f. It is the job of the Word of God empowered by the Spirit of God to be used to cleanse our souls (Psalm 119)

                g. II Timothy 2:15 study of the Word is paramount to holy living

                h. To increase holiness, increase time in the Word

Key verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.4:1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.