Hebrews Chapter Six Verses 1-12

HEBREWS CHAPTER SIX VS 1-12 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 6:1  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 

Heb 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 

Heb 6:3  And this will we do, if God permit. 

Heb 6:4  For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 

Heb 6:5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 

Heb 6:6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 

Heb 6:7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 

Heb 6:8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. 

Heb 6:9  But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. 

Heb 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 

Heb 6:11  And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 

Heb 6:12  That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 

Main Point: An admonishment for lack of growth. Ultimately he is criticizing sinful practices. So far the context being a lack of belief manifested by disobedience.

1.   What does the Hebrew writer call “the elementary doctrine of Christ”? or PRINCIPLES – 746 commencement- beginner. Doctrine -3056 – Something said (to lay forth).
Repentance, Faith, Baptism, Laying on of Hands, Resurrection, Final Judgment.  

2.   Carefully read  verses 4-6. What does the writer say is impossible? Why is it impossible? “for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come. … If they shall fall away (it is impossible) to renew them again unto repentance … seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame”.
This is not a cut/dry scenario. There are parameters and conditions that put a soul in this position. Yes, the person who has obeyed the gospel and claims repentance but does not move beyond that initial conversion is the one in trouble here. You cannot RENEW someone to something they have not practiced, or practiced and disregarded to regress to a former position.
Analogy: Early release from prison through promise of good behavior: Go out and commit crimes.

3.   What is the main point of verses 7-8?  If I were hired to make a certain product and started out pushing a broom as a starting point: After twenty years, I should be making that certain product. If I’m still pushing a broom, I’ve made it clear I have no real interest in doing what is expected of me.
In the end the writer is looking for more from these who once believed. They should be producing fruit in their lives. Instead, they keep reverting to their old practices (including rejecting Jesus) and not working toward the goal set before them.

ADDITIONAL:

Contemporary Bible Version:
Heb 6:1  We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ. We shouldn't need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God. 

Heb 6:2  And we shouldn't need to keep teaching about baptisms or about the laying on of hands or about people being raised from death and the future judgment. 

Heb 6:3  Let's grow up, if God is willing. 

 

6) Fall Away: 3895 – parapito - to fall aside, that is, (figuratively) to apostatize:  - (The concept of falling by the wayside)

This definition brings in the idea of walking on a certain path (perhaps metaphorically) and failing to stay on course. Make no mistake, these specific people were ON THE PATH.

Hebrews Chapter Five Verses 11-14

HEBREWS CHAPTER FIVE VERSES 11-14 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 5:11  Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 

Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

Main Point: You are like babies and should be more mature!

4. What does “dull of hearing” mean? Ultimately it means lazy. It contains the thought of non-active hearing. It does not provoke the “listener” to action. The gospel is God’s word which looks to bear fruit in the life of the hearer (in many forms). If it returns to God with nothing, it tells God of the condition of the heart. As referenced earlier, a hardened heart is evidenced by disbelief (and disobedience).

5. List the symptoms given that would identify being “dull of hearing”: Not able to teach (in its broadest forms, not necessarily a formal teaching setting). Needing to be taught “first principles”. Dwelling on the simplest parts of the gospel and not the deeper messages God has ready for discovery. Unskilled in the “word of righteousness”.

6. According to the text, what are the differences between a “babe” and “those who are full of age”? See  #5  - In contrast, “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” The word “senses” suggests that understanding is obtained via a type of organ that needs to be used to improve. Most likely it is a call to exercise the brain to discern the deeper things of the gospel, and not just rudimentary thought.

7. How can we become what the writer of Hebrews wants us to grow into? Study and pray. That overworked answer is used so much! But it is absolutely true, and imperative to Christian growth. It is not as complicated as calculus, but it enriches life far more than anything else we can pursue. But like calculus, it requires attention and study….read your bible, pray to God.

Additional:

11) Dull: 3576 From a derivative of G3541; sluggish, that is, (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid ---3541 Of uncertain affinity; a spurious or illegitimate son (faker)

13) Unskilled – 552 From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3984; inexperienced, that is, ignorant: - unskilful. From the base of G4008 (through the idea of piercing); a test, that is, attempt, experience: - assaying, trial.

14) Senses – 145 From a derivative of G143; properly an organ of perception, that is, (figuratively) judgment: - senses.  143-- Of uncertain derivation; to apprehend (properly by the senses): - perceive.

140 Exercised- 1128--   From G1131; to practise naked (in the games), that is, train (figuratively): - exercise.  1131 Of uncertain affinity; nude (absolutely or relatively, literally or figuratively): - naked.

Hebrews 5 Verses 1-10

HEBREWS CHAPTER FIVE vs. 1-10 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 5:1  For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 

Heb 5:2  Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 

Heb 5:3  And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 

Heb 5:4  And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 

Heb 5:5  So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 

Heb 5:6  As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 5:7  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 

Heb 5:8  Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 

Heb 5:9  And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 

Heb 5:10  Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 

Main Point: “he became the author of eternal salvation…. of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec…”

1.   How is Christ superior in this passage? Jesus as high priest understands our weaknesses. He himself had to suffer being human. By this he was made complete.  He did not exalt himself, but was appointed by the Father (no higher authoritative power).

2.   Explain what it means that Christ “learned obedience by the thing which he suffered”. The pain of being human. Of temptations. Like any trial we suffer, it makes us stronger when we persevere….it build character. These were things new to Jesus/God.

3.   What does it mean that Christ “was made perfect”? 5048: “To accomplish”. He was made complete, or whole in the sense that although he was God, he was also man and thus fulfilled a just role as savior, priest, and God for mankind.

Additional:
Vs 5 OT Ref: Ps2:7 – Of God speaking to the king – as one who defeats enemies.
Vs 6 OT Ref: Ps 110:4 - Of God speaking to the king (David)

Significance of Melchizedek:

Belief within Hebrew culture ascribes Milchizedek as Shem. Shem was still alive during the time of Abraham and would be the rightful priest to God. Some believed the “name” Milchiedek to be an office, not a personal name. This would be somewhat in conflict with the iedea that Milchizedek not have an ending since the death of Shem has a limit (602 years).
Genesis 14: Abraham defeats an army through a nighttime raid and rescues Lot. He defeats other armies as well during this time. On his return, he is met by high priest Melchizedek.
Melchizedek says a blessing over Abraham, and then also honors God. Because God was honored second in his address, it was believed (by some) that Milchizedek was turning the high priest duties over to Abraham (disputed thought).

Chapter 4 Verses 14-16

HEBREWS CHAPTER FOUR VS. 14-16 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 4:14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 

Heb 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Main Point: A continuing thought from chapter two. Jesus knows our every need intimately and gives us an avenue to God’s grace/mercy.

6. According to this passage, what makes our High Priest better than the Levitical priesthood?  “He passed through (into) the heavens”. This is also a continuation of thought that Jesus sits at the right hand of God (chapter 1). If our high priest is in heaven and equated with God, how much better is it that we would know that he knows our struggles from first-hand experience? This suggests that no other high priest has attained the authority that Jesus has (or that is was ever even possible). Certainly, an earthly high-priest would understand temptations, but none came from heaven, returned to heaven, defeated death and Satan.

7. What hope and confidence can we receive from this passage? The Greek language here means to go to the throne in all out frankness or bluntness. Not that we are proud of our shortcomings, but that we know we will find understanding at the throne.

ADDITIONAL:
Passed: 1330 to traverse (literally)
Heaven: 3772: the sky; by extension heaven (as the abode of God)
Infirmities:769-feebleness (of body or mind); by implication malady; moral frailty

Boldly: 3326- properly denoting accompaniment; 3954-all out spokenness, that is, frankness, bluntness,
Throne: 2362 -(to sit); a stately seat (“throne”); by implication power or (concretely) a potentate:
Grace: 5485 -graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act
Mercy: 1656 - Of uncertain affinity; compassion

CHAPTER FOUR VERSES 1-13

HEBREWS CHAPTER FOUR VS. 1-13 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 4:1  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.  2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3  For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4  For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.    5  And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6  Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.     10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 

Main Point: Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 

1.   Note the various verses and reasons listed as to why the people were prevented from entering the rest: (2) Not united by faith (did not listen), (6) disobedience, (7) hardened hearts (implied), - As previously covered, there is a concept of apathy or unpersuadableness that does not allow faith to grow. The root word for harden is equated with hardened clay. Can the potter use clay that is hard and brittle?

2.   What was the promised rest? Carefully look at verse 8 in consideration your answer. The context is found in chapter three. The rest would be understood as Canaan to the Hebrew (Joshua). However, within the context of Jesus, the rest takes on a more eternal value, not just a limited human lifetime.

3.   Explain the meaning of verse 10. What application should we make from this verse? God rested from “His Works” in the creation sense, then ultimately in the acquisition (redemption) of mankind. Once creation was completed, He rested (from that work). God continued to work on mankind’s behalf through his son. Jesus, perfected, and fulfilled that work. God can rest from that work (meaning there may still be work to do). Likewise, we are still active in our work through our alliance to God through Christ. Our rest takes place when we are transitioned from these lowly bodies.

4.   How do verses 12-13 connect with the thoughts of verse 11? These teachings have to do with both the physical and nature of mankind. God is the author of this, only he can make these wonderful events happen. Only he understands it completely.

5.   According to verses 12-13, what especially about our lives is of concern to God? “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”
Is this not what God has striven with mankind for? Even when mankind is disobedient, God has shown Himself to be longsuffering and forgiving.
Jehovah has always loved a humble heart. All the examples of people that God views as “after” His heart are the one’s who trust him with all their might.

ADDITIONAL: The preacher is again comparing the rejection of the gospel with unbelief and forced rejection by God. He again equates the works of Jesus with the works of God. It is a joining or completion of physical and spiritual works by the God-Head.

Chapter Three Verses 14-19

HEBREWS CHAPTER THREE VS. 14-19 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 3:14  For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end; 

Heb 3:15  While it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 

Heb 3:16  For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 

Heb 3:17  But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 

Heb 3:18  And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 

Heb 3:19  So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. 

3:14-19   Main Point: This is an extension of the warning “how will you escape” (judgment). Their unbelief in Jesus will result in rejection of them by God!
             

7. What must we do to “share in Christ”? What does this mean?
Share (Partakers-KJ): 3353- Participant – Christ: 5547 anointed, that is, the Messiah --- i.e. Participants (of) the anointed messiah. The preacher points out the believer’s role as one of being active. Actively tied to the messiah, and participating in the word and its goals.
First identify the goal(s) of the messiah, then identify how they (we) are to participate in the achievement of those goals:
General salvation – Becoming “more Godly” more “Christ-like”

8. Exactly what did the Israelites do so that God would not allow them to enter Canaan? How can we apply this to ourselves?
Rebelled-3893: to embitter alongside, that is, (figuratively) to exasperate: - provoke, Sinned-264: properly to miss the mark (and so not share in the prize), Disobedient –544:( ap-i-theh'-o) to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): - not believe (root word means unpersuadable)
The above characteristics are indicative of the underlying problem:
Unbelief: 570-faithlessness
The preacher is comparing their actions to those that hear while being void of reasoning, thus lacking the positive action that God’s word has on the active hearer. Their faithlessness was exhibited in their disobedience which misses the mark (set by God)….and only tests (exasperates) God. Their disobedience (apathy) also exhibited their state of being unpersuadable.

9. Why is disobedience equated with unbelief (3:18-19)? What Do we learn?
SEE #8. Belief is demonstrated by what we do.

Additional: Importance of active hearing: God spoke (chap 1): That should transform the hearer to action(s).

The emphasis here is placed on the weight of trust (faith). Do we (they) continue to trust in those things previously heard?  If indeed it is the word of God, there needs to be evidence of that belief….obedience. Obedience is necessary, but it is not the end-game.

The illustration of those that fell in the wilderness is not used to cast judgment on the disobedient of Moses’ time. It is simply a comparative narration/warning to those who are once again not trusting God (faith).

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.