Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 10:19-39 (day one)
To read Hebrews is to review the Old Testament, and no passage is more important than Habakkuk 2:3-4 (quoted in today’s lesson, v 37-38) “For the vision is yet for the appointed time; it hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; for it will certainly come, it will not delay. Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by faith.” Claiming that God uses years to accomplish His work (and that patience is, therefore, required of God’s people), the prophet Habakkuk also declares that true faith continues, perseveres, waits. . .even when it is difficult to do so. Pride doesn’t. Pride demands immediate answers. It protests the difficulty and shrinks back from the daily task that trust is. Faith doesn’t. Faith believes that “confidence will be richly rewarded”. (v 35) And the difference between the two attitudes is life itself!
If I am saved, am I safe?
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-12 (day seven)
“Land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.” (v 6:8) It is an interesting question. Important. If I am saved, am I safe? The answer depends on a follow-up question. Safe from what? Some believe that Hebrews 6 refers to believers who lose their salvation by “falling away” from Christ. I disagree. “He who began a good work in you will complete it” says Philippians 1:6. Salvation is a gift from God that cannot be taken from us. The danger for the true believer is that by falling away from Christ we experience His discipline. “If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15) Sin has consequences that we should fear. Being saved doesn’t make us safe from the danger of God’s holiness. Only reverent obedience can do that.
By this time you ought to be teachers
Re: Verse Reading–Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-12 (day six)
“By this time you ought to be teachers, (but) you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of. . . God.” (v 5:12) One factor that God uses in His righteous judgment is to compare what we are with what we could have been.” Provision compared to progress. To whom much is given. . .When God provides resources and time and teachers and pastors, He expects a return on His investment. What return? Progress in faith so that we, ourselves, become the teachers of the next generation of new/growing believers. It is ungrateful to do otherwise. Perpetual infancy, extended irresponsibility is evidence of a heart that receives the grace of God without embracing the purpose of God. We become land (see 6:7) that drinks in the rain but never bothers to bear fruit. Such ground is close to being cursed and WILL BE burned. What an ungrateful (and dangerous) way for a believer to live!
Progress and Change
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 10:19-39 (day 5)
Hebrews 5:11 – We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.
I had my own moments of refusing to learn and grow this week thanks to Apple (new iPhone software). Progress, opportunity, and effectiveness often require tenacity, patience, and perspective. Just when I’m ready to give up and chunk my phone, I read a review or hear a comment about the wonderful new and productive things iPhones can now do. This is not a commercial for cellular products but rather a testimony of the tendency of human nature to resist and reject progress and change. When I read on in this passage I see the potential: discerning good and evil (5:14), assurance of hope till the end (6:11) and an inheritance of God’s promises (6:12). So, I thank God for the reminder of my own tendencies and ask for grace and strength to listen, learn, and grow.
Dull of Hearing
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-12 (day four)
Verse 11 says, “Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing.” These are believers who have a relationship with Christ…how have they become ‘dull of hearing’? ‘Dull of hearing’ means they cannot comprehend the mature things of faith. They are still returning to the basics of the faith and are not ready for the ‘word of righteousness’. Verse 14 gives us a clue…the mature practices his spiritual senses in order to discern good and evil. Just as there are good practices to follow to become an excellent athlete, bad practices can tear down the body and destroy an athlete’s strength. As believers, we often allow sin in our lives that dulls our spiritual senses. Reading a questionable book or magazine, watching inappropriate movies or TV shows, or viewing sinful internet sites…these can all dull your spiritual senses. If you want to be mature in your faith, practice discernment!
Press on to Maturity
RE Verse reading–Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-12 (day two)
How many times during our reading of Hebrews over the past few weeks have we been told to “press on”? This idea of getting forward must have been a necessary reminder to those reading this first century text. As I have studied this text it appears that these readers needed to be challenged to move beyond a “children’s sermon” approach to our spiritual depth. I know, I know, every body loves the simplicity of the children’s sermon, and there is much depth that can be gained from these moments. But isn’t there a reason we leave elementary school towards middle and high school? Don’t we continue to pursue knowledge and learning in order to grow our understanding of this marvelous universe? If we press on our knowledge of the world around us, shouldn’t we do the same for our pursuit of understanding the mysteries of God? There is much to be gleaned from engaging our minds into the wonder of his gift of salvation. Press on.
Convinced of better things
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 5:11-14; 6:1-12 (day one)
“But beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you. . .though we are speaking in this way.” (6:9) He is the kind of Pastor I want to be. The kind I need. He is convinced, with the other church leaders, that his Hebrew/Christian friends could do better. That God would make it possible for them to do so. Not that he was naive to the challenges. In 5:11 he points out how dull their hearts have become. In 6:1 he outlines their duty to press forward into maturity. In 6:4 he warns of the danger of being disqualified. (We will talk more of this difficult paragraph this week) However, despite the difficulties ahead, he is confident, convinced of better things! “Now unto HIM who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy” (Jude 24) True Pastors see hope because they see HIM who is able.
Lettuce life
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day seven)
It is one of the characteristics of the book of Hebrews. “Let us” statements. Words that encourage group obedience. Notice today’s reading. “LET US hold fast our confession.” (v 14) “LET US draw near with confidence to the throne of grace.” (v 16) Last week’s lesson has several others. “LET US fear . . .(lest) any one of us. . . come short. (4:1) “LET US be diligent to enter that rest.” (v 4:11) We learn two important things from these statements. 1) The Christian faith requires action. 2) We are to act together with others, as members of a team, body or family. Neither solitary obedience or inactive membership is the will of God. Find a church! Join it! Imagine it as a context for group obedience! Encourage others! “LET US consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling, as is the habit of some.” (10:24-25) May the Lord be pleased as we gather this morning!
Hard days
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day six) “In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears.” (5:7) Did Jesus have hard days? Not just circumstantially hard, but spiritually hard? The Scripture says, “Yes”, without any hesitation. In the garden of Gethsemene, the Lord wept out his frustration and burden. Hours on His knees. It was hard! Which gives us a different perspective on suffering. “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you. . .as though some strange thing were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) “I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.” (Ephesians 3:13) At one level, no believer is glad to suffer. At the deepest level, we know that God allows these moments to accomplish His will in us and in the world. Hard days do not mean that we are forsaken. They means that we are human, and that Christ understands.
A Big Question
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day five)
Verse 16 – Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, Let me make sure I read this correctly. We are encouraged to approach the Holy Throne of the Living God with “confidence”? How is that possible? Is there ever a time we could approach the throne and not have a need or issue of some sort? So the big question is… Where does confidence come from?
It comes from a heart that believes seated on the throne is someone much wiser and much bigger (full of infinite resources). Confidence comes from a heart convinced that seated on the Throne is someone who desires to engage and guide. Confidence comes from the promises at the end of verse 16: “discovery and take-a-way” (find grace, receive mercy). It comes from the testimony of others’ experiences with the same Good God (Psalm 118, 1 Timothy 1:12-16).