Hebrews 2

Greetings,

While at first I wasn't sure about tackling Hebrews, I have found it to be a tremendous blessing. After only 2 chapters, the richness of this letter is plainly evident. Hebrews 2 has two main sections which are outlined with the 'O' of Son is Mediator (the first O, obviously).

• Observe Salvation (1-4)
• Originator of Salvation (5-18)

The memory passages from each section are:

• Observe Salvation
  Hebrews 2:1
  ¹Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

• Originator of Salvation
  Hebrews 2:10,17-18
  ¹⁰For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.
  ¹⁷Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

The first section, while short, packs a heavy warning punch for us to Observe Salvation: we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it (1). The Old Testament message was affective in its designed purpose. The warning for us now is to not neglect the great salvation which was declared by Christ, attested to by the apostles, and born witness to by signs, wonders and gifts of Holy Spirit. To me, the phrase 'we must pay closer attention to it' doesn't necessarily refer to a one-time adjustment. I read this to mean that I must pay closer, and closer, and closer attention to it as I continue to walk with God. One readjustment of the rudder cannot permanently prevent drifting; one must continually pay closer attention to keep the ship righted as wind, current, and weather changes.

The second, and much longer section, focuses on the Originator of Salvation. The writer has not forgotten this issue about the angels (as covered in ch 1). He spends considerable time at the beginning of this section (5-9) again separating the role and priority of Christ from that of the angels. Quoting Psalm 8, the writer re-asserts that man, not angels, were given dominion on the earth and created a little lower than the angels. Jesus, who for a time was made (not created) to be lower than the angels (in the form of man) suffered and died on behalf of everyone and now is crowned with glory and honor.

We can see how this sets the stage for the argument to follow. While angels have a ministry and purpose, man was made lower than the angels and given dominion on the earth. Jesus did not have to become like an angel in order to save human-kine; He had to become a man and suffer willingly unto death to pay the debt for our sin.

Verse 10 (one of the memory verses) picks up on this; It was fitting for God (who made everything), in order to bring salvation to humanity, to make the blameless sacrifice (Christ) perfect through suffering. This is not to say that Christ wasn't already perfect (which He was in every way), but that his role as High Priest (more to follow) was made complete by His 'completion' of the human life and His victory over it in resurrection.

Look at the beauty of verse 11; because Christ and those He sanctified are of the same source (family; like in human-hood), He is not ashamed to call us brothers. Wow. And then we get 3 OT references to back it up (Ps 22:22, Isa 8:17,18). Verse 14 continues the explanation: we share with Christ in flesh and blood, and because He partook of all the sufferings of humanness even unto death, we can be free from slavery to fear! He beat the human life through His suffering, death, and resurrection so that we (not the angels) could be free. Hallelujah!!!

At 17-18 we get the clincher. He had to be made like us in order to 1) fully be qualified as our high priest, 2) take care of our sin debt, and 3) help those who suffer under temptation. Because of His incarnation, His life, His suffering, and His death, He proved to be the one and only worthy Lamb who could completely pave the way for the redemption of mankind. This would all be impossible if Christ were anything but fully man and fully God.

How does this affect my worship?
The joy and impact of the incarnation should not be limited to the yuletide season. The implications of Christ's work in birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension stretch to the very core of our salvation. He had to become a man to save mankind. So 'Go, Tell it on the Mountain' that Jesus Christ was born!

How does this affect my discipleship?
Look at the last couple verses in light of the relationship God wants with us. Christ becoming like us was not just some isolated event to technically and legally deal with sin, it allows Him to be our merciful and faithful Advocate and to help us when we are tempted. He went through what He had to in order that we may have life and so He could help us through life. He gave His life for our sin and now He offers us His life (eternal life) now and forever. His work was not finished at our redemption and regeneration; He continues His work through our relationship with Him.


May we all pay closer, and closer attention to what we have heard,


Ethan

Hebrews 1

Greetings,

After many months of whipping through smaller books, I decided to tackle a big chunk. It was between Hebrews and 2 Corinthians. I'd love to say there was some incredible deduction that led me to Hebrews, but I feel like I just landed there. This is a life study; I intend to keep on going as long as it takes (now I'm suddenly curious how many chapters there are in the Bible...). And by then it will be time to start over.

So, here we are in Hebrews. I actually did a search online for a list of 13-letter words to use as the framework for the outline (Hebrews has 13 chapters), but didn't pursue that. I settled on a phrase that counts out to 13 letters; 'Son is Mediator'. From my pre-study, I determined this would be an adequate foundation to begin the outline. (frankly, I wanted to start with an 's' because I had an idea what the first chapter would be).

The outline theme for Chapter 1 is Supremacy over all things, Supremacy over angels.

The memory passage is
Hebrews 1:1-3, 4

¹Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. ³He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, ⁴having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

The very first words of this chapter set the stage for the entire opening argument. The author of Hebrews (who is not named and not certainly known; I will probably just say 'the author' from now on....or TAH :) Begins with a reach into the past. God spoke to our fathers (this is written to a Jewish audience) through the prophets. But now, in this age, He has spoken through His Son; the Heir of all things, the Creator of the world, the radiance of the glory of God, the exact imprint of His nature, and the sustainer of the universe. He is the Savior and Redeemer of man and is now seated in authority at the right hand of God.

Wow.

The author makes one thing certain; Jesus is the eternal Christ and Messiah.

Then in verse 4, as if responding to some specific issue among the readers, the author contrasts the Son with the angels. The author quotes 7 different OT passages to prove the superiority of the Son over the angels. (this is my summary)

He is superior in name
He is superior in Sonship
He is superior in worth (due worship)
He is superior in role (angels are the wind and fire; Christ rules the elements)
He is superior in rule
He is superior in origin (eternal)
He is superior in authority (seated at the right hand of God, commands the ministering spirits)

The author uses very descriptive language and a wealth of OT input to clearly elevate the position of the Son Christ over the angels (and everyone else). He is lifted high in nature, role, and authority.

How does this affect my worship?
One could write unending songs of praise, worship, and adoration using only the first three verses of Hebrews 1. He is worthy of all glory, honor and praise. He is highly exalted in name and role. He is Son, Savior, and Sovereign. He is worthy.

How does this affect my discipleship?
It's interesting how the author just digs right in to this issue about the angels. Before anything else, he corrects a false belief and establishes the truth of Christ. While my disciple-making should be Biblical, Intentional, Relational, Sustainable, and Reproducible, I also must make room to pause and correct whatever false teaching may creep in. It has happened a few times (with a book or a movie, etc) in which we needed to step away from 'the study' and reset the foundation of or faith and belief. This was a good reminder.

May you walk in the light of the Son,

Ethan