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).
Hold Fast
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day four)
Verse 14 – “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Confession…what exactly is this confession we are to hold to? Our side notes reference us back to Hebrews 3:1 where the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to “consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” Let’s go back another layer…look at John 17:3. In Jesus’ High Priestly prayer, He says, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” This verse gives us the confession. It answers the question of who Jesus is…He is sent from God. He was sent from God as our High Priest. After His death on the cross, the veil in the Temple was rent. Jesus opened for us access to the Father! We are to hold fast to the work of Christ that restored our standing before God!
Seriously
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (Day Three)
“He was heard because of his reverent submission.” Until one fears God, prayer is a placebo. It might be eloquent. It might be solemn. One might even really mean it. But until one approaches God with the understanding that though he is love, he is also dangerous, prayer will accomplish nothing except to bring a little comfort to the mind—and that only temporarily. Our Lord took God seriously. And God heard him.
Undercover Boss
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day two)
I am not a huge fan of reality TV, but I will confess there a few shows that I have seen that I would perhaps consider watching more than once. Have you seen “Undercover Boss”? This is the show where the CEO of a company goes around the country to different franchises dressed incognito so that he/she can get a better picture of what it is like to work the line, to handle the merchandise, to talk with employees and customers. The boss gains a great deal of insight into his employees’ needs. This servant/leader model creates a new appreciation for corporate head side to empathize with the human element.
The writer of Hebrews tells us that we have a Savior who was an “Undercover Messiah” for 30 years. Isn’t that incredible? Think of it, for 30 years he walked and talked with us, ate, worked, learned all so that He could say to us; “I understand”. Then after he revealed himself, he took the ultimate step, he suffered and died…all for us.
When I need counsel, I am always comforted to know someone else has walked this journey and understands my pain. Jesus opens his arms every day as we take our lives to him and he says, “I understand, I’ve been there too, and with my help you’ll make it through this.”
Our High Priest
Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-10 (day one)
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (v 4:14) It would be hard to find a more universally respected figure in the ancient world than the Jewish High Priest. White robes flowing. Having gone through a process of purification. He appeared in public every Passover to enter into the “Holy of Holies” and present the offering before God, symbolizing the promise of atonement. There is One who deserves more respect. Much more. When Jesus “disappeared” into heaven, as the High Priest disappeared by passing through the Temple veil, He did a similar and superior work. He successfully represented the needs of sinful people before a Holy God. Our study this week will make use of this powerful image. Can you see (eyes of faith) the Lord still there before the throne of God faithfully interceding for you?