Hebrews 4 - a promise of rest

Again the writer of Hebrews makes a comparison from the Israelites to the Christians of that day. Where the Israelites had the promise of rest in the land of Canaan, we have a promise of rest in Heaven. The writer mentions that even God chose to rest on the seventh day after creation, but he takes notice that He did not take his rest until his job was done.

We receive another warning to stay diligent in our faith and obedience. Vs12 and V13 are very powerful- For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even the the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

We must stay faithful because we will have to give an account of all things, and to no one else but God. But luckily we have a high priest that can sympathize with our struggles and can help us obtain mercy and grace when we need it most.


(Next Hebrews 5)

Hebrews 3

In chapter 3, the writer is comparing Jesus to Moses. Since the book was written to Jewish Christians, a comparison to Moses is very important. Moses was a very important figure in Judaism. He delivered the people, he brought forth the covenant with God(the ten commandments), and he spoke directly to God. When the writer says that Jesus is counted with more glory than Moses, this really hit home with the readers.

vs3 For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. vs4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.

The writer refers to the "House of God." In vs 6 he states "but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house - whose house we are..." We are part of that household if we have followed his commandments and are in Christ. The writer then gives a warning in vs 12 Take care, brethren, that the not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God."

The writer encourages the reader to encourage one another so that none may fall away. Just as God punished the Israelites by wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, God will punish those who are disobedient in this age.

Hebrews 4

Hebrews 2

Good morning :)

Where Hebrews chapter one is about the deity of Jesus and that he is now on the right hand of God, Chapter two is reaffirming he came to earth. He came to earth to become a little lower than the angels and to suffer and understand what we as humans go through and be a sacrifice for all.

vs. 9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely , Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

But why? Why would he need to become a human and taste death?

vs. 14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, vs 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.

And then what was the purpose of him overcoming death?

vs. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

The writer is explaining why Jesus needed to come to earth and why he needed to die. When Jesus arose from the dead He overcame the one thing as a human that we can never defeat. Death is certain for us physically and spiritually. A spiritual death can be overcome if we have a venue straight to God, a high priest. Jesus is the only high priest now and we can find salvation from death through him.

Hebrews 1

Hebrews was written, most likely, to Jewish Christians who were considering lapsing back into Judaism.

The author is unknown, many believe it could have been written by Paul, Apollo or Barnabas. The date is also unknown but seems to have been written before the fall of Jerusalem in 70AD.

The theme is the supremacy and deity of Jesus Christ and the new covenant.

Hebrews 1:1-14

Much of the first chapter is quotations of old testament scripture. These scriptures proclaim Jesus to be the Son of God and higher than the angels. That Jesus sits on the right hand of God and is now and will forever be unchanged.

The people that this letter was originally written to were most likely beginning to doubt their faith and belief in Jesus and his message. The writer is trying to reinforce the importance of who Jesus is, The Son of God.

continue with chapter 2

Introduction

This blog is to help a friend of mine and me study together in God's word although we are far apart. You are welcome to join us, make comments, ask questions and make yourself at home.

I am going to try to read a passage everyday and then comment on it in my blog. I will then post what I intend to read before my next blog entry. That way we can all read ahead and be able to discuss the content.

The intention here is to get into God's word more often which will bring us closer to God.

I hope you will join us. :)