November 14, 2021

HEBREWS: STAY COMMITTED

November 14, 2021

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Sometimes we make an enthusiastic commitment to a project or relationship, only to find that after a while we no longer feel it to be important. Can anyone share?

 

We read the Book of Hebrews this past week, seemingly written to Jewish believers, many of whom appeared to be losing their zeal for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The persecution that had begun in Jerusalem after Jesus had risen was beginning to penetrate most of the world around Israel. The writer—unidentified–tried to encourage these to remain committed to the faith that they had believed. He particularly emphasized the New Covenant of Jesus Christ that had replaced the Old Covenant of the law given to Moses.

 

Focal Passage: The Book of Hebrews

           

            Christ’s promises are absolute

 

  • Read Hebrews 3:1-4. Why did the writer ask the Hebrews to think of Jesus as an “apostle” and “high priest”? What was the significance of both titles?
  • Change is never easy for most people. These believers had been raised with Jewish laws, and in verse 3 they were encouraged to place Jesus above Moses. How hard would that have been for them, but why was it necessary?
  • Read verse 6a. Why was the author concerned they were losing sight of the truth that Jesus is the Son of God?

 

Our commitment is not absolute

 

  • Read verse 6b. What is the conditional statement that is made here? What is the confidence that is being referenced? What is the hope he is speaking of?
  • Read Heb. 3:7-11. We know Jesus never fails to keep His promises. What are some reasons Israel provoked God until He had to punish them? Why are people punished for disobeying God’s commandments? Read Psa. 34:18, 51:17, and 1 Jn.1:9. What is the proof of our salvation?
  • How and why do some people harden their hearts? Do you think Peter would have believed himself capable of denying Jesus (Mark 14:31)? Did he lose his salvation?

 

Stay committed in your trust in God

 

  • Read verse 12. What are we warned about in this verse? The Bible has many passages that admonish us to examine our hearts to make certain we are still on the right path. Does anyone recall one? Why is doing so necessary?
  • Read 2 Cor. 13:5 and Gal. 6:4. Can you tell your love for God has grown this year?

Develop relationships that will help you grow

 

  • Read verse 13. Why is isolation so bad for us? What are some of the benefits of belonging to the church? Why are you more vulnerable to depression when you are alone? Why do we need regular encouragement?
  • What are some different ways in which you can participate with those who will encourage and edify you? What will cause you to step out of your comfort zone?

 

Christ’s promises are absolute!

 

  • Read Heb. 3:14. This is the second time the writer encouraged these believers to persevere in their faith; when was the first time? Why does he repeat it?
  • Many working people mentally shake their job off when they enter their homes at the end of the day. Can you be a part-time believer as a Christian? How long will it be before your testimony suffers if you don’t experience change?

 

Close

 

The book written to the “Hebrews” (no other designation is added), was written to a group of Christians, perhaps including new believers and even unbelievers, from the inference in some of the passages. They knew the Jewish law, as evidenced by the number of references that speak of sacrifices, atonement, rituals, and more. Unlike most other books in the Bible, no one is named as the author, and to be dogmatic that it was Paul is to discount the number of esteemed scholars well versed in the deep study of the Bible, who find many passages that seem to point to someone other than Paul. As is said, “Only the Holy Spirit knows who wrote Hebrews.”

The main theme the writer was concerned with was that the church transition from an orthodox Jewish view of God and the perceived Messiah, to accepting totally that Jesus Christ was (is) the Son of God, God in the flesh, fully man yet fully God, who paid the penalty for our sins, was crucified, risen, and is now at the right hand of the Majesty on High. This theme—the heart attitude and not external actions—may make some passages difficult to understand in Hebrews, but is plain enough that all believers can be encouraged by the content.

These Christians were either experiencing some persecution or saw it coming toward them. The writer was encouraging them to stand firm, and not to assume they would never fall away (Mark 14:31 and 1 Cor. 10:12). Today we can see the persecution of Christians around the globe and realize it is coming to America. Will we stand? We will if we don’t lose heart, and if we “hold on to our confidence and the hope in which we boast.” We will—only by God’s grace, His mercy, His longsuffering, and in His strength.

 

 

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