Hebrews Chapter Seven Verses 11-19

HEBREWS CHAPTER SEVEN VS 11-19 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 7:11  If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 

Heb 7:12  For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 

Heb 7:13  For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 

Heb 7:14  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 

Heb 7:15  And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 

Heb 7:16  Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 

Heb 7:17  For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Heb 7:18  For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 

Heb 7:19  For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. 

Main Point: The priesthood of Jesus is eternal (spiritual), as is exampled in the order of Melchizedek. His appointment required a change of order (from Levi to Judah). Jesus’ priesthood draws us nearer to God, something the law could not do.

3. Why was the priesthood changed from the Levitical order, to the order of Melchizedek? 11) (paraphrase)- the law could not perfect the one under its subjection 16) ….not after carnal commandment, but after the power of endless life. 19) For the law made nothing perfect. The Levitical order dealt with the transient life, which held no hope for after life. It was simply an instrument for everyday physical living. The priesthood of Melchizedek embodies the concept of eternal life….and as such, affords hope on a much deeper level.

4. Why was the law weak and unprofitable? What purpose did the law have, according to the text? The Levitical order dealt with the transient life, which held no hope for after life. It was simply an instrument for everyday physical living. The text actually does not spell out what the purpose of the law was. It does make it clear that it could not perfect the one under its rule. *And by contrast, if the new order DRAWS them near to God, the old order kept them aloof from God. *Arguable when we consider David’s psalms praising God’s laws. The system of law may have had a negative effect, but not from any fault of God’s doing.

5. According to this section of text, what about Christ and His priesthood is better than the Levitical priesthood? *By contrast, if the new order DRAWS them near to God, the old order kept them aloof from God. *Arguable when we consider David’s psalms praising God’s laws. The system of law may have had a negative effect, but not from any fault of God’s doing.

We must be careful when reviewing and/or criticizing the system of law. If God set up a system where man could not be drawn to him and mankind would suffer for it, that makes God unjust. (Which is an impossibility)
The laws God dispensed were never meant to draw mankind. It has always been His grace that he has sought us out.

Additional:

11) – Perfection – again, means completion – indicating that the old testament covenant was not a sum total agreement

12) Change 3346_ From G3326 and G5087; to transfer, that is, (literally) transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change sides,

The writer sets up thought to accept a CHANGE. Which could easily be rejected, but because of the ORDER by which this change took place, there can be no argument. The writer has already soundly illustrated the superior order of Melchizedek over the Levites….Jesus belongs to that order. This closes any argument against the priesthood of Christ needing to be within the Levite tribe.

18) disannulling – 115 From G114; cancellation

19) better – 2909 - Comparative of a derivative of G2904; stronger,

      hope – 1680 - Fromἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: -

Verse 17 references the Psalm below. What is the writer saying in its original context? How could he say it truthfully if he is not a priest?

Psa 110:4  The LORD has made a promise that will never be broken: "You will be a priest forever, just like Melchizedek." 

PRIEST-H3548 - Active participle of H3547; literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman): - chief ruler, X own, priest, prince, principal officer.

Hebrews Chapter Seven Verses 1-10

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

Heb 7:1  For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 

Heb 7:2  To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; 

Heb 7:3  Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. 

Heb 7:4  Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 

Heb 7:5  And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: 

Heb 7:6  But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. 

Heb 7:7  And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. 

Heb 7:8  And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. 

Heb 7:9  And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. 

Heb 7:10  For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him. 

Main Point: (To the Hebrew) – Consider what you know about Melchizedek, he is better than Abraham!

1.   List the ways that Melchizedek was greater than those of the Levitical priesthood: Priest AND King (like Jesus), the Abrahamic lineage is subordinate to Melchizedek (the one giving the blessing is greater than the one receiving), the Abrahamic lineage is subordinate to Melchizedek since Abraham tithed to him and in so doing represented all his later lineage, Melchizedek has no recorded beginning or ending and in that sense is still alive (like Jesus) – also Melchizedek is not of the order of Levi

2.   Why is the statement in verse 3 ”without father, without mother, without genealogy” important? The statement supports the concept of a true reflection of God. (Although the writer does not imply Melchizedek as equal with God). Ultimately, Melchizedek’s life reflected a life similar to the Son of God,” made like unto the Son of God “.
3): Like: 871- to assimilate closely: - make like.
It also disassociates the man from the rest of mankind….puts him “in a league” above others.

Additional:

Melchizedek: H4442- king of right; Malki-Tsedek

Salem: G4532- Hebrew origin [H8004]; Salem – H8004- The same as H8003; peaceful; Shalem, an early name of Jerusalem: - Salem. H8003- From H7999; complete H7999 - A primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate)

Is it no wonder that Jesus is continually referenced as “perfect, perfected, or complete”? This dissertation would have welled up in the Hebrew heart: The NAME of Jerusalem (or Salem….or shalom), and the association of peace, perfection, completion. Jesus embodied these characteristics both in physical, and spiritual levels (as was witnessed by men (see chapter one)).

As we see here, the writer merely associated the ministry of Jesus as similar to Melchizedek in an abstract application. However, the STORY of Melchizedek can be read within minutes. Everything else written about him was not a witnessed act or traceable through historical writings by witnesses to his life. In this sense Jesus is far superior AND believable.

Verse eight is one key to the argument. In the Hebrew teaching (based on Psalms) was that Melchizedek did not die, is still alive, and is still a high priest (forever).

Hebrews Chapter Six Verses 13-20

HEBREWS CHAPTER SIX VS 13-20 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 6:13  For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, 

Heb 6:14  Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. 

Heb 6:15  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 

Heb 6:16  For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 

Heb 6:17  Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: 

Heb 6:18  That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: 

Heb 6:19  Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; 

Heb 6:20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 

Main Point: More reason to stay steadfast in the word: It is IMPOSSIBLE for God’s word to fail through Jesus.

4. What are the two “unchangeable” things upon which our salvation is based? 1. God cannot lie (fail). 2. Jesus (our hope) gives us access to our father (Jesus cannot fail either).

5. What is the strong encouragement that we are to have from this text? This promise is not one of physical manifestation. It is the promise of God that defeats sin through His sacrifice. It is a guarantee, not just “hope” as one might measure “hope”. It is an assurance. How else could we come to the throne of mercy if this wasn’t more than hope? These are foundational blocks for belief, not “I hope so”.

6. What does the writer intend for us to understand from his phrase in verse 19, “that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone…? This is for the Hebrew first, not the Gentile. But the implication refers to the most holy place, WHERE GOD IS. We put our belief in this Jesus. He IS the promised of God who CANNOT lie (or fail), and is there before us. This is WHY we can come “boldly” to God and expect mercy (chap.4). This is the assurance afforded to us as humble servants.

ADDITIONAL:

18) hope: 1680 - Fromἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation

19) hope we have: 2192 - A primary verb (including an alternate form σχέω scheō skheh'-o used in certain tenses only); to hold

Verse 19 extends words of surety…. SURE…STEADFAST. The writer is looking to remove an argument that depicts doubt.

This is NOT a hope for something doubtful. This is expectation. The issue of course is that with expectation can come arrogance. These two characteristics are not compatible within God’s covenant. It is expectation tempered with understanding of God’s grace that is required.

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