Chapter Three Verses 7-13

HEBREWS CHAPTER THREE VS. 7-13 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 3:7  Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, 

Heb 3:8  Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 

Heb 3:9  When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 

Heb 3:10  Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 

Heb 3:11  So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 

Heb 3:12  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 

Heb 3:13  But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 

3:7-13   Main Point: Perform a self check. Are you looking to try God? An unbelieving heart separates itself from God.

               

4. There are a number of phrases in verses 7-11 that describe the “unbelief” that the Israelites had. List those phrases: (Do Not) Harden your hearts. “put me to the test”   - “they always go astray in their heart” – “they have not known my ways” – Summary: evil, unbelieving heart

5. You may have noticed that “unbelief “ begins in the “heart”. Since we are to “beware” of this, how do you recognize the beginnings of this departure from God in your own heart? What are we told to do to correct it? Harden: 4645- to indurate, that is, (figuratively) render stubborn: ROOT word indicates dry (like clay). Perhaps an analogy of “clay” is appropriate. We make sure we stay malleable so God can form us for His purpose. A clump of dried up clay is useless. The example of the people in the wilderness highlights trust. There was even back then a misconception of what deliverance would look like. When troubles started, their faith (trust) was tested, and in turn they tested God. Always consider first, that we are God’s clay our trust ion found in Him, not in our own ability(s).

6. How can we exhort each other every day so that we are not hardened by the lies of sin? Exhort: 3870 - to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) – (Secular: strongly encourage) - How do we “strongly encourage” through invitation or “calling near”? One must first have a close enough relationship with another to even think of exhorting. There first must be a trust, as between friends that each other’s best interests are being considered. Then and only then can we attempt to draw someone nearer to God.

Additional: Vs 12 Evil: 4190 From a derivative of G4192; hurtful,

4192: From the base of G3993; toil, that is, (by implication) anguish: - pain.

3993: From a primary “peno” (to toil for daily subsistence); starving, that is, indigent: - poor. Compare G4434.

4434: (to crouch; akin to G4422 and the alternate of G4098); a beggar (as cringing), that is, pauper

We find this rendering of evil describes more of the outcome of an unbelieving heart as opposed to the intent. The unbelieving heart is destitute, always struggling, and ultimately “hurtful”…both to the person, and to those surrounding.

Chapter 3 Verses 1-6

HEBREWS CHAPTER THREE VS. 1-6 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 3:1  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 

Heb 3:2  Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 

Heb 3:3  For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 

Heb 3:4  For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 

Heb 3:5  And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 

Heb 3:6  But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. 

3:1-6   Main Point: Jesus is worthy of more honor than Moses.              

1.   In what way does the writer tell us that Christ is better than Moses?

Moses’ work indicated something to come (the church). Jesus’ work is directly correlated to the church “whose house we ARE”…(present tense).The preacher, after already establishing that Jesus is God, reiterates the hierarchal position of Jesus (over mankind).

2.   Who held the positions of “Apostle” and “High Priest” in the Old Testament? Jesus! It makes perfect sense that Jesus is an apostle (one sent for the gospel). Sent out by the Father. It also makes sense that the great mediator would also be called a “high priest”….and who better to do the job than the son?

3.   How do we belong to the household of Christ?
House: 3624: Of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literally or figuratively); by implication a family

It is encouraging to know that we are a family for God. More importantly, the writer says we ARE the house….which carries much more weight. If we are God’s dwelling place, what responsibility does that place on me.
It’s important to remember that this ties in with chapter two with a powerful connection. We are SANCTIFIED (made holy) by a HIGH PRIEST who knows our every struggle. The writer’s point is that those who are in this covenant need to live out their sanctification!

Additional: Note the personal pronouns in verse 5 – his – is not a typical “self” pronoun, but carries the idea of a “baffling wind” (as in the case of “spirit”. Thus: Moses was faithful to God’s house.

Verse 6 “his own” – is a typical self identifying pronoun showing Jesus has ownership over the “house”….which is the church “whose house are we”.

Chapter 2 Verses 14-18

HEBREWS CHAPTER TWO VS. 14-18

Heb 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 

Heb 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

Heb 2:16  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 

Heb 2:17  Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 

Heb 2:18  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to help them that are tempted.  

2:14-18 Main Point: Reconciliation through Jesus is achieved through an understanding high priest…merciful, faithful, because he was one of us physically.

6. Why did Christ have to be made like His brethren in all things?

“that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people”
Merciful:1655- compassionate (actively)
Faithful: 4103 - objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful:
God understands that mankind’s faith required a solid foundation. Not one of simple rote fear, but an understanding that God is with us, not against us. That is exhibited in the human form of Jesus, the son. Becoming vulnerable, accessible…one of us in many ways. God understands us.

7. What hope is given to us in verse 18? (See 6)
Tempted: 3985 - to test (objectively)
Help: 997 to aid or relieve
Does it not make sense that we would trust sharing our shortcomings with a high priest who knows firsthand about the struggles with temptation?

Additional:

17: he had to be made (behooved): 3784 to owe (pecuniarily)

Note that the term “high priest” is used and opens a much longer dialog

CHAPTER 2 VERSES 10-13

HEBREWS CHAPTER TWO VS. 10-13

Heb 2:10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 

Heb 2:11  For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 

Heb 2:12  Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 

Heb 2:13  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 

2:10-13 Main Point: Jesus has unified mankind with himself, and in turn mankind with God (through sanctification)

4. What is meant by the fact that Jesus was made “perfect through sufferings”? Perfect: 5048-to complete, that is, (literally) accomplish
Sufferings:3804 something undergone, that is, hardship or pain
By becoming man, Jesus (the chief leader) became the unifying benefactor for God. God, through Jesus, now relates to mankind through this brotherly relationship.

What is the significance of this established brother relationship?

Jesus is part of the church! Among us! One of us! His life, his personae declares the name of Jehovah, and sings His praises in our midst!

5. How does this passage prove that Christ is superior?

In contrast, no angel has (or can) do this. Ultimately we will see that there was only one that could accomplish this…Jesus.

Additional: How does Jesus “tell of your name” (Jehovah)
One looks to the life of Jesus. It is exemplified with great compassion to those who are lost and seeks justice for the glory of God. Jesus never made a step that was not directed by the father.

Isn’t that what he wants from us?

Sanctify: 37- to make holy, that is, (ceremonially) purify or consecrate

Other Important words –Sons, children – denoting a familial relationship

Chapter 2 Verses 5-9

HEBREWS CHAPTER TWO VS. 5-9 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 2:5  For not unto angels did he subject the world to come, whereof we speak. 

Heb 2:6  But one hath somewhere testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 

Heb 2:7  Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; Thou crownedst him with glory and honor, And didst set him over the works of thy hands: 

Heb 2:8  Thou didst put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he subjected all things unto him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we see not yet all things subjected to him. 

Heb 2:9  But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for every man. 

2:5-9   Main Point: Jesus was like us, human, lower than the angels…so he could die for us. Now he is honored and in his glory.

3. What is the “world to come” that is spoken of in verse 5?

Context of “the last days” has been established previously. The fulfillment of scripture and law, punctuated with eh destruction of Jerusalem.

Additional:

Is there a contradiction in verse 8? Why would David say all things are put under the subjection of man, and the writer say “we see NOT yet all things subjected to him”?
(2 differing focus points) David’s focus is on the natural world. The writer’s focus is on mankind’s eternal (spiritual) existence.

Comparative/Contrast:

Subjection: 5293 to subordinate; reflexively to obey:

Suffering: 3804: something undergone, that is, hardship or pain

The power is found in the act of subjection to death…Why? (Read On)

Chapter 2 Verses 1-4

HEBREWS CHAPTER TWO VS. 1-4

Heb 2:1  Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. 

Heb 2:2  For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 

Heb 2:3  how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard; 

Heb 2:4  God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will. 

2:1-4  Main point: If this is from God, and Jesus is God you’d better pay attention to the offer of salvation. If you ignore it, how will you escape (judgment implied)?

Additional Notes:
Chapter one relates the importance (power) of the speaker – establishes authority. This chapter continues the thought and applies the gravity of the consequences against the HEARER that neglects that authority.

Escape: 1688 to flee out: - escape, flee. Literally, to run away.
Neglect: 272 – to be careless of: - make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard.

1.   What is the warning? How do we heed the warning?
Chapter one establishes the deity of Jesus, higher than angels and sits at the right hand of God. Denying this makes that person an enemy of God….a subject ultimately under penalty of objective judgment (a footstool for your feet). 
The inverse of not “giving more earnest heed”= 4337: to hold the mind towards, that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: and 4055 more superabundantly: - more abundant.
How do we practice superabundant attention to God? When we wake, when we speak, when we think, when we see those we love, when we see those in the world?

2.   To fully understand the phrase, “the word spoken through angels”, consider Acts 7:53 and Galatians 3:19. How does this lend more strength to the writer’s argument?---32 Angels: to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication a pastor: - angel, messenger.  Root words imply to drive (a herd) Act 7:53  ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not. Gal 3:19  Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. ORDAINED: 1299- to arrange thoroughly, that is, (specifically) institute, prescribe, etc.: - appoint, command, give, (set in) order, ordain. (SET IN ORDER)

When Exodus is read, it is clear that Jehovah is the one dispensing the law. The indication is that angels were more of an administration of the practice of the law. The writer’s point is not to exalt angels! Just the opposite. It has already been established that Jesus is over the angels. God is over the angels. If the law that the (lower) angels administrated over could convict you, why would you ignore the higher authority!!!

Chapter 1 Verses 5-14

HEBREWS CHAPTER ONE VS. 5-14 (KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION READING TEXT)

PRELUDE: There are some studies in first century cultures and their attitudes towards angels. Suffice it to say that the cultural view of some towards angels was to honor them. Some studies have concluded actual angel worship, some of which has been debated and shown to be possibly erroneous.

Israel’s attitude/knowledge of angels throughout biblical history:
Gen 18:2  and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth

(the promise of a son to Abraham, and the judgement against Sodom)

David illustrates the hierarchal position of man/angels:
Psa 8:5  For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,  (gods)

Dan 9:21  yea, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. 

Dan 9:22  And he instructed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee wisdom and understanding.

Luk 1:18  And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. 

Luk 1:19  And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak unto thee, and to bring thee these good tidings. 

(The same Gabriel? Who visited Daniel some 600 years prior visited Zacharias for the promise of a son (John the baptist))

Apostle John’s reaction to an angel:
Rev 19:10  I knelt at the feet of the angel and began to worship him. But the angel said, "Don't do that! I am a servant, just like you and everyone else who tells about Jesus. Don't worship anyone but God.

Rev 22:8  My name is John, and I am the one who heard and saw these things. Then after I had heard and seen all this, I knelt down and began to worship at the feet of the angel who had shown it to me. 

Rev 22:9  But the angel said, Don't do that! I am a servant, just like you. I am the same as a follower or a prophet or anyone else who obeys what is written in this book. God is the one you should worship. 

Paul states in Colossians:

Col 2:18  Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels

In Hebrews:

Heb 13:2  Be sure to welcome strangers into your home. By doing this, some people have welcomed angels as guests, without even knowing it. 

Created by God: Col 1:6, Ps 148:2-5

So what do we know? Angels have direct access to God. They perform various duties for Him. They look like men. They are not to be worshipped.

Study Text:

Heb 1:5  For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son? 6)  And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (See “Other Notes” Below) 7)  And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame of fire: (Ps 104:4) 8) but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Ps 45:6) 9) Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10)  And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: 11) They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12)  And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail. 13)  But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? 14)  Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation? 

1:5-14   Main Point: Jesus is the son of God, to be revered and positioned above the angels…..(by inference – Equal to God)

4. List all the ways that Jesus is shown to be better than the angels

vs. 5: Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son?  This relationship is not shared by any angel	vs.10-12: 10) Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: 11) They shall perish; but thou continues 12) they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.  The writer leaves no doubt of the diety of Jesus
vs. 6: And let all the angels of God worship him  -    Angels do not worship other angels	vs.13-14: Contrastive: 13) Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? 14) Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service The contrast here illustrates Jesus at the right hand of God, while the function of angels (they) is to serve
vs. 7-9: (contrastive statements) 7: maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame of fire: 8: the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.  9: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Is the writer equating Jesus with God?

5. Why does the author emphasize the superior nature of angels? What does this say about Jesus?
 Angels dwell with God and so, are associated with the spiritual realm. Angels go before the presence of God, and do not die….thus it is assumed they have a peaceful/associative covenant with God. This covenant allows them to dwell, work and be blessed by/with the most holy and authoritative eternal  being, Jehovah.  (Isn’t that what Christians seek?)
If angels in their hierarchy are thus blessed by God,  how much more should it be for the son? If these messengers are subjective to Jehovah, should they also be subjective to the son? Who deserves more honor, the son, or the servant of the son?

Transformation: What do we learn about God in this chapter? How does this change the way you see God and how does this change your life? How does this encourage us to stand in the faith?

Other Notes:

1:5 References – Ps2 A song by David and 2 Sam 7:14 God’s promises to David

1:6  The statement  “And let all the angels of God worship him. “ is not found in Hebrew  biblical scripture.
 The Septuagint says in Deut 32:   43 Rejoice, ye heavens, with him, and let all the angels of God worship him; rejoice ye Gentiles, with his people, and let all the sons of God strengthen themselves in him; for he will avenge the blood of his sons, and he will render vengeance, and recompense justice to his enemies, and will reward them that hate him; and the Lord shall purge the land of his people.
The reference to angels worshipping is an additional phrase not found in the Hebrew scripture.
The Context: “bringeth in the firstborn into the world” – tells me that it could also be the scene in Luke where we see angels praising God at the birth of Jesus.

Ps 97:7 references “worship  Him, all ye gods” – denoting Jehovah’s superior position is cross referenced  in application to verse 6.

1:7 Reference – Ps 104:4 – First part of a contrastive statement – God’s servants are made spirits and flaming fire. (Messengers and enforcers) 1:8-9 Reference- Ps 45:6-7 –  Second part of contrastive statement: A wedding song for the king, ascribed to messianic prophecy. In this interpretation, Jehovah makes statements to his son …throne forever…scepter of righteousness…therefore God, thy God

1:10-12 – Ref: Ps 102:25-27 – The unknown writer of this prayer sought salvation from God, recognizing that Jehovah will restore his people.  His eternal nature will be a blessing to His people.

1:13 – Ref: Ps 110 – A praise written by David to extol the advantages of having Jehovah as the one who directs your every move and motive. (A messianic poem)