><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hebrews) CHAPTER 11:23-40 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) vs23-28 Note how Moses' faith gave him the twofold awareness and assurance emphasized in v1. What choices did such faith lead him to make a) concerning the world in which he had grown up, and b) concerning the cost of siding with the Israelites? How ought similar faith to affect my attitude towards the interests to which I choose to devote my life? 2) vs 28-31. What different steps and stages of faith and its expression are illustrated by these four instances? What kind of faith did the capture of Jericho demand? Cf. 3:14;6:11,12;10:35,36. Is my faith at all weak in this last quality? 3) v32-40 These verses give a summary of the achievements and the sufferings of the men and women of faith. Note that the victories are of all kinds; and that the most outstanding witness is given by the 'martyrs' who suffered and died rather than deny their faith. In what ways am I more privileged than they? Woudl I be ready to follow their example, or does their faith put mine to shame? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hebrews) Chapter 11:23-40 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hebrews 11:23-40 God Is the Rewarder of Them that Diligently Seek Him 11:6b Moses "choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, KJV); considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the REWARD." 11:25-26. Hebrews 11:1-22 was concentrating on 11:6a - "--- without faith it is impossible to please Him, ---" about Abraham's FAITH. Now, this second half of Chapter 11 is mainly pondering around Moses vision of the REWARDS - "--- and He is a rewarder of those who seek Him." 11:6b. Moses dedicated his life to look for the better resurrection - "----in order that they might obtain a better resurrection;" 11:35b. The cross-references of this better resurrection are cited at I Kings 17:23 and II Kings 4:36. It is also related to Revelation 20:5-6; Acts 26:7 and Phil 3:11-21. These verses, in the New Testament, are stated respectively as the following: "The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years." "the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. And for this hope, O King (Agrippa), I am being accused by Jews." Paul also searched for this better resurrection (the first resurrection) as the goal of his life - "in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. -----." -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Moses' faith made him realize that all was in God's hands and that He had a better place for him than this world. It made him abandon the life of a courtier and lead his people out of Egypt. He realized the cost of losing his priviledges and position in Egypt, but was willing to sacrifice that to serve 'I am who I am' when He called him. Each one of us must count the cost in our lives. May we each one be willing to make the sacrifices that this world presents us with in order to the life more abundantly... John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 2) In 28-31 we see faith in very different aspects. The faith of the Passover was a trust in God to save them and pass over their children. The faith in the passing through the Red Sea was in God's power over nature. The faith that led to the capture of Jericho demanded was that of Heb 3:14 - Persistent faith. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, 3) Today, we live in a society that allows us the freedom to think what we want to think, to say what we want to say, and to within reason practice our religious convictions. We in America do not know the concept of religious percecution. Being persecuted for our faith to us is receiving the taunts of coworkers or friends who believe we are overly 'religious'. May we draw encouragement from the writer of Hebrews to live out in practice that which we profess from our lips and believe in our hearts. Heb 6:11-12 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 10:35-36 35 Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hebrews) CHAPTER 12:1-17 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) v1-4. What quality does the Christian race particularly demand? What conditions must be fulfilled if it is to be run successfully? How may I gain the help I need to finish my course? 2) v5-11 For what purpose does God in His providence order some of the earthly experiences to His children? What goal has He in view for us? Upon what kind of response from us does our full enjoyment of benefit depend? 3) v 12-17. What dangers beset those who are spiritually slack and careless? How many a whole group be affected by one renegade? What practical steps to avoid these dangers are here(either explicityly or implicitly) given? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hebrews) Chapter 12:1-17 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The Christian race demands perseverance. If we are to run successfully, we must be unencumbered, and pace ourselves. WE may obtain help from Christ, who is with us in this race, and who has perfected our faith. 2) Sometimes, God uses circumstances in our lives to discipline us or reprove us. This is NOT to say that ALL circumstances that are bad in our lives are because we have done wrong and are being disciplined - take Job for example, he had done nothing wrong yet bad things were happening to him because God wanted to show His glory. God has disciplines only out of love too. We should take joy in everything that comes our way, only then will we enjoy the full blessing of the fruit of righteousness God has planned for us. 3) There are many dangers waiting for us if we become slack and careless spiritually. In our race, there are many obstacles for us to stumble upon and turn our ankle, or injure ourselves to make it painful to run. Bitterness with others can be a source of trouble from which many are affected. We must be on guard that we pursue peace and that we attempt not to fall short of the grace of God. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hebrews) CHAPTER 12:18-29 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) v18-24. List the ways in which our CHristian privileges under the new covenant excel the experiences of the Israelites at Sinai. OF what ought we by faith deliberately to be conscious when we draw night to God through Christ and His shed blood? 2) v25-29. WHat is here said to be impending and inescapable? How do we know this? Cf Mk 13:31;2Pet 3:9-14. How, in consequence, ought we to live our present earhtly lives? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hebrews) Chapter 12:18-29 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- In the past, God was viewed w/awe, fear of punishment, etc., The new salvation of Jesus Christ is of love. I Jn 4:18, "There is NO FEAR in PERFECT LOVE. But perfect love DRIVES OUT FEAR, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." Through Christ, the mediator of a new covenant, we come to God Almighty without fear. Since we are receiving an unshakeable kingdom, we should worship and be thankful. We must live each day to the fullest potential that God has given us. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hebrews 12:18-29 The Unshakable Kingdom Abel's blood spoke about accusation and revenge of what is not right according to Law in his earthly life. Jesus blood speaks about eternal grace. It is the eternal covenant that enables us to enter into the Holy of Holies to have reconciliation, redemption, sanctification, purification and forgiveness. Moses went to mount Sinai with fear and trembling heart because of that he went before the holy God. The ones who go to Mount Zion, the New Jerusalem, they go there with permission to receive their rewards as overcomers. So often, we may excuse ourselves to think that it is good enough for me to have salvation. I don't really look after the reward. Not so, Paul said it plainly in Phil. 3:12b - In Life Application Bible it reads "--- I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and WANTS ME TO BE." The millennial kingdom is where Christ Jesus wants you and I to be. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Our Christian priviledges under the new covenant excel those of the Israelites in that we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. No longer do we have to go through the ritual of offering up goats and bulls for our sins, but we confess our sins to God and can receive forgiveness based upon Christ's blood. It was one offering for all. We ought to be concious of the fact that we ARE drawing nigh to Him when we approach, and approach in humility, with respect. The fact that we have access to God should not cause us to lose respect for Him. 2) In this passage we see the description of impending and inescapable judgement. Heaven and Earth will pass away, but Christ will remain constant. We must live our present lives by v28, with the realization of verse 29. 28 Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29 for our God is a consuming fire. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hebrews) CHAPTER 13:1-8 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) List in detail the various aspects of Christian duty which are here enjoined or implied. Examine you own life and circumstances in order to discover ways in which your practical obedience is demanded. 2) v5,6,8. What makes the Christian adequate to face every possible circumstance? Why is there for him nothing to fear, and no-one who can really harm him? FOr his encouragement what use may he make of the OT scriptures? 3) v7, In what ways should Christian leaders, whose life on earth has ended, be remembered? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hebrews) Chapter 13:1-8 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The exortation here is heartwarming. Then, the author reminds us, in Spirit, that, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (v5b-6) What powerful words to encourage us as we live and work each day. He is WITH US as we love one another, entertain strangers, remember those in prison and the mistreated, maintain honorable marriages, learn contentment, remember our spiritual leaders. Because "JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER." His love, His Spirit, His power and servant's humility is constantly with us as we glorify Him. Hallelujah! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hebrews Chapter 13:1-7 Performance Evaluation of Your Faith Let us examine ourselves for the fitness to the rewards: Love one another - church life; Show hospitality - love others; Remember the ill-treated ones - the unpopular ones in this world; Do not commit adultery; Do not love the world - do not coveting ; Honor His faithful servants, etc. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) Christian love, hospitality, compassion, marriage, and financial living are mentioned in this portion. Each of us should strive to remember these areas in our lives, and to surrender them over to God, and act in these areas in a Christ-like manner. 2) We are only made adequate to face circumstances through Christ as our Helper. He is the unchanging One, who is there to lead us and guide us. He has conquered fear, and death, and made it impossible for anyone to harm him - o death where is thy sting. 3) Christian leaders who have gone home to be with the Lord should be remembered for their faith, and should not be looked upon for their human traits, but should be remembered by their faith in action. All of us have our favorite Hymn writers, authors, and theologians who are passed away. It is wonderful that God has created a family system within the body of Christ that we may have so many great spiritual fathers and mothers to have gone before us in walking upright lives before God. Praise God for their encouragement to us even from beyond the grave. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hebrews) CHAPTER 13:9-25 ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) WHat decisive choice and action are here demanded of the first readers of this Epistle between their old Jewish associations and their new Christian allegiance? What comparable choices do those who wish to follow Christ still have to make today? 2) v15,16,20,21. What may we count on God to do for us, and why? What is the purpose in view? What sacrifices may we now offer in God's service? How far is this purpose finding fulfillment in my life? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hebrews) Chapter 13:9-25 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The believers are encouraged not to focus on old traditions, ceremonial foods, and to look at Jesus, the new Way. We are ultimately blessed/equipped with everything good for doing His will. We are to offer the sacrifice of praise. Note that it is a "sacrifice", and "fruit" of lips confessing His name. All very purposeful acts. We need to serve him actively, praise Him sacrificially, and confess His name as a righteous fruit. -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hebrew 13:9:25 Outside the Camp Bearing His Reproach The epistle was written between A.D. 64-68. Just before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The war against Rome began in A.D. 66. The Temple was burned and the city left ruined and desolate. Over 1,000,000 Jews were killed and 95,000 captives were taken. [Halley's Bible Handbook] With this background, the letter ended with - "Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come." 13:13-14. "Now the God of peace ----- throught the blood of the eternal covenant ----- equip you ------ to do His will, working in us ---- through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 13:20-21 CONCLUSION "JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER." 13:8 " ---- Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, ---" 12:24; "---- THE ETERNAL COVENANT, ---" 13:20. -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The first readers of this epistle are challenged to not be carried away with the fulfillment of the law, but to be strengthened by grace. Those early Christians had the burden of the practice of the Law. It is a tough thing to do to break a habit, and they had become very diligent in practicing the law, so much so that they wanted to keep practicing it even when they were now bound by the better covenant of grace. We too face these issues with wanting to remain in our wordly ways once we have accepted Christ's grace for ourselves. WE struggle with the law of humanism rather than old Levitical law, but it is wrong nonetheless. 2) This chapter tells us to offer up a sacrifice of praise, executed through the fruit of lips giving thanks. It also goes on to describe that we do good, and share with others. These sacrifices can be made by each one of us. God wants us to sacrifice to Him - not with the blood of animals, but with our lives. He wants our lives to be a living sacrifice to Him. The way we live, the way we act, the way we carry ourselves each day can either be a sweet smelling savour to the Lord, or an odious unacceptable sacrifice. May we each one strive to maintain the sweet smelling sacrifice to the Lord daily. ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> (Hebrews) CHAPTER Review ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Directing Questions -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) REivew the doctrinal teachings of this Epistle. See the Intro and Analysis. List the ways in which what is ours under the new covenant is better than the things which the Israelites enjoyed under the old covenant. WHat do we have to do to gain full possession of these benefits? Why is rejection of them so serious? 2) COnsider the positive exhortations to be found in the following passages: 2:1;4:1,1,15,16;6:1;10:22-24;12:1,28;13:17,22. Which of these exhortations do I particularly need to heed, and to act upon? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Comments from (Hebrews) Chapter Review =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -------------------------------------------- * Blenda Chao -------------------------------------------- The focus of Hebrews, in my opinion, is JESUS as High Priest of a NEW covenant. Heb 8:10b-12, "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. NO LONGER WILL A MAN TEACH HIS NEIGHBOR, OR A MAN HIS BROTHER , SAYING 'KNOW THE LORD,' BECAUSE THEY WILL ALL KNOW ME, FROM THE LEAST OF THEM TO THE GREATEST. FOR I WILL FORGIVE THEIR WICKEDNESS AND WILL REMEMBER THEIR SINS NO MORE." v13 goes on to say, "By calling this covenant "new," He has made the first one OBSOLETE; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. The most wonderful message of Hebrews is that we can KNOW GOD through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. Let us fix our eyes on Him! -------------------------------------------- * James Chao -------------------------------------------- Hebrew Review - The Eternal Covenant Let us review all the Covenants of God to appreciate the Eternal Covenant: THE EDENIC COVENANT: Genesis 1:26-28. The creative covenant between man and his Maker, to govern man in his innocent state. THE ADANIC COVENANT: Genesis 3:14-19. The discipline covenant regulating man's life as a sinner, with the promise of a coming Redeemer. THE NOAHIC COVENANT: Genesis 8:20-9:6. The human government covenant for man's social life and benefits. THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT: Genesis 12:1-3. The promise covenant that through him (in Christ) all the families of the earth would be blessed (Romans 4:16- 18; Galatians 3:16). THE MOSAIC COVENANT: Exodus 20:1-31:18. The legal covenant, consisting of God's laws (moral, ceremonial, and social), a conditional covenant of works. THE PALESTINIAN COVENANT: Genesis 15:18-21. Deuteronomy 30:1-10. The land (territory) covenant for Israel's dwelling place in Canaan. THE DAVIDIC COVENANT: II samuel 7:4-17; I Chronicles 17:4-15. The kingdom covenant, outlining David's temporal rule and the eternal rule of the "Greater" David upon the throne of David (Psalm 89:30-37; Acts 2:30-31). THE NEW COVENANT: Jermiah 31:31-33; Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 8:8-12. The forgiving covenant which assures the repentant sinner of forgiveness of sin and a new heart (Ephesians 1:7; II Corinthians 5:17). THE ETERNAL COVENANT: Hebrews 13:20. The redemptive covenant in eternity past between father and Son, to effect eternal redemption for fallen man (Revelation 13:8). [World's Bible Handbook, Robert Boyd] -------------------------------------------- * Alvin Chao -------------------------------------------- 1) The book of Hebrews is all about the Better Covenant and the pioneer of this new covenant Our Perfect High Priest - Jesus Christ. Old covenant New Covenant ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Continual sacrifices-bulls and goats One sacrifice for all - Jesus Christ High priest only had access to God Each of us has access to God No assurance Perfect assurance through Christ Earthly High priest Eternal Heavenly High Priest - Jesus. To obtain these promises we must - follow Heb 4:11-16. lest we be cut by the Word's sharp edge in judgement. 11 ¶ Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 2) Heb 6:1 is a challenge to each of us: 1 ¶ Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, May each of as Peter admonishes us in 2Peter 3:18 [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.