A Focused Life - Hebrews 1 and 2 - August 3, 2008

Sunday School Lesson – A Focused Life – August 3, 2008

This is lesson one (1) in a new series of study entitled “Life at Its Best.”

August 3 – Focusing on CHRIST
August 10 – Being faithful to JESUS
August 17 – Growing Spiritually
August 23 – Worshiping and witnessing with confidence
August 30 – Being more consistent in your Christian walk

Our scripture is Hebrews 1:1-6, 10-14; 2:1-4.

Our study for the month of August will be in Hebrews. Hebrews is an exciting book to study. It explodes with understanding and fundamentals that bridge the old covenant and the new covenant instituted by CHRIST.

We are not sure who wrote Hebrews. Some scholars think it was the Apostle Paul but other potential authors are Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Priscilla and Phillip. It was written around 70 A.D. It is believed that the audience was second- generation Christians. Tradition was a very strong motive for Christian Jews to return to their old ways of worship. The temptation to leave Christianity and return to Judaism was powerful because the Christian Jews had not grown and matured in their walk with CHRIST. They needed a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of their faith. Going from “religion”, which has ritual and physical things that a follower has to do, to CHRIST being in you, as a believer, is a huge change in worship – works versus faith. It is easy to understand, without a good understanding of the fundamentals of what CHRIST in you means versus going to the temple to worship GOD, why some Christian Jews were being lured back to Judaism.

We, as humans, are works orientated. Grace far exceeds having to follow the dictates of the law. Obediently following GOD’S commands through the prompting of the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is more awkward and less reassuring than following specific guidelines to be obedient to GOD. As a Christian, we are individually and personally accountable and responsible to GOD. It is more comforting to shift that responsibility to a priest or pastor but as Christians the buck stops with us. Christians have direct access to GOD. We do not need a priest or pastor to take our problems or sins to GOD; we can go to GOD, directly, ourselves 24/7. Hebrews helps us to understand this.
During the month of July we studied selected scripture from the Book of Revelation. Believers know how the world will end and until it does end GOD wants us to serve HIM, as HE directs us, while there is still time for the lost to receive forgiveness and salvation. Armed with this knowledge, we are to build and maintain our relationship with CHRIST. Understanding our basic foundation in CHRIST is vital for us to have the relationship GOD wants us to have with HIM. HE is our teacher, through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, as we study HIS Word, pray and obediently serve HIM. My prayer is that our LORD will reveal and dispel any false notions we have about HIM. Once these false notions or assumptions are identified and dispelled, it clears the path for us to have a deeper relationship with CHRIST.

GOD teaches believers through on-the-job training. HE gives us baby steps and then scales up as we gain trust and confidence in HIM. Often, we let our eagerness to serve get ahead of HIS call for us to serve. HE lets us travel that road and learn from it. It is vital that we keep in step with HIM as HE leads us daily to serve HIM. We must keep in mind that we were not created for time but for eternity. If it takes most of our earthly life to understand truth and apply truth in our walk with HIM, it is worth the wait. There is a balance between our ability to comprehend and understand and our spiritual growth and maturity. GOD created the world in seven (7) days. When you read Genesis you find that what HE created on day one (1) was vital to what happened on day two (2). What HE created on day two (2) was vital to what HE created on day three (3) and so forth. It is the same with our spiritual growth and maturity. Whether or not we grow and mature spiritually is our choice. When we choose to be obedient to CHRIST then the growth and maturing begins. HE reveals spiritual matters to us based upon our spiritual ability to comprehend them. They build upon each other. What HE reveals to us today becomes a building block for HE will teach us tomorrow – tomorrow being the length of time needed for us to assimilate what HE has revealed to us. The process continues throughout our lifetime into eternity.

Let’s read Hebrews 1:1-3:

The Nature of the Son

1 Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, He has spoken to us by [His]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe.[1] Lit ages 3 He is the radiance[2] Or reflection of His glory, the exact expression[3] Or representation, or copy, or reproduction of His nature, and He sustains all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins,[4] Other mss read for our sins by Himself He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.[5] Or He sat down on high at the right hand of the Majesty

The writer of Hebrews is very knowledgeable of the Old Testament scriptures and uses the Old Testament scripture to educate and inspire his or her audience. The author is building a bridge to show that CHRIST fulfills the Old Testament scriptures. In the Old Testament days, GOD spoke in many different ways to HIS chosen vessels – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah and the list goes on. GOD was more visible to some of the prophets than others. He spoke to Moses through a burning bush and face to face without Moses seeing HIS face. The important thing is that GOD speaks to HIS children any way HE chooses. This was true then and true today. HIS message has not changed. GOD loves and seeks obedient children.

In essence the author was saying, since CHRIST has come into the world, GOD was speaking directly to mankind through CHRIST. Why, because CHRIST is the exact expression of GOD’S nature. HE is the exact representation of GOD in human form. GOD placed all power into HIS hands. CHRIST spoke the world into being. CHRIST formed man and gave life to mankind. CHRIST is the Word. HE proved WHO HE is by giving HIS life for the sins of mankind through HIS death and resurrection from the dead. CHRIST was given HIS glorified body when HE was resurrected. HE ascended into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of GOD as proof that HE had obediently accomplished HIS mission.

In the Old Testament, GOD spoke through prophets but in the New Testament, HE speaks directly through HIS SON WHO is the exact expression of GOD, as JESUS explains to Philip in John 14:7-11:

Jesus Reveals the Father

7 “If you know Me, you will also know[4] Other mss read If you had known Me, you would have known My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” 8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?[5] Jn 10:30,38 The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Otherwise, believe[6] Other mss read believe Me because of the works themselves.

In John 1:1-4 we find that in the beginning JESUS was identified as the Word and HE created all things:

1 In the beginning[1] Gn 1:1 was the Word,[2] The Word (Gk Logos) is a title for Jesus as the communication and the revealer of God the Father; Jn 1:14,18; Rv 19:13. and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.[3]

CHRIST is still in charge and runs the universe with the power of HIS Word.
This is the message the author wants to convey. When we examine the scriptures, they are the revelation of GOD, on an ever ascending scale, revealing HIS plan to redeem mankind, culminating with the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of CHRIST. GOD dwelt on earth in human form, spoke directly to mankind, performed miracles and died for the sins of mankind. As proof that HE conquered sin and death, HE was resurrected from the dead.

HE ascended into Heaven and sat at the right-hand of the FATHER. HIS work was completed until HE returns for the final days, as we studied in the Book of Revelation last month.

JESUS is the power that maintains the universe and guides it to a final conclusion. This thought is expressed in verse 3.

Let’s read Hebrews 1:4-6, 10-14:

4 So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs.

The Son Superior to Angels

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say, You are My Son; today I have become Your Father,[6] Or have begotten You [7] Ps 2:7 or again, I will be His Father, and He will be My Son?[8] 2 Sm 7:14; 1 Ch 17:13 6 When He again brings His firstborn into the world,[9] Or And again, when He brings His firstborn into the world He says, And all God’s angels must worship Him.[10] Dt 32:43 LXX; Ps 97:7

The author of Hebrews sets JESUS apart from angels. Angels are ministering servants. Just as I try to use scripture to confirm a statement, the author of Hebrews used scripture to confirm statements such as in verse 5 by using - Psalm 2:7 - 7 I will declare the Lord’s decree: He said to Me, “You are My Son;[9] Or me, “You are My son today I have become Your[10] Or your Father.[11] This gives us a clue that the audience is likely well versed in scripture.

To emphasize that JESUS is superior to angels, in verse 6, the author states that the angels will worship HIM. This verse can be confusing with the phrase “When HE again brings HIS first born into the world.” An alternate translation is “And again, when HE brings HIS first born into the world.”

Let’s read Hebrews 1:10-14:

10 And: In the beginning, Lord, You established the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands; 11 they will perish, but You remain. They will all wear out like clothing; 12 You will roll them up like a cloak,[16] Other mss omit like a cloak and they will be changed like a robe. But You are the same, and Your years will never end.[17] Ps 102:25–27 13 Now to which of the angels has He ever said: Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies Your footstool?[18] Or enemies a footstool for Your feet [19] Ps 110:1 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Psalm 102:25-27 is reflected in verses 10-12. The Psalmist is referring to GOD but the author of Hebrews is referring to CHRIST. The physical things, earth and sky, will one day perish but CHRIST, on the other hand, is eternal and will never perish or end. This statement was likely directed toward some of the Greek and Roman philosophers because they thought the earth and sky were eternal. This gives us a clue that the audience was well educated.

The role of angels was addressed again. Angels are ministering spirits to those who are to receive salvation. Satan would love nothing better than to kill off all who are to receive salvation. GOD has a plan for all of HIS children and sends HIS angels to watch over them.

Let’s read Hebrews 2:1-4:

Warning against Neglect

1 We must therefore pay even more attention to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding,[1] Or valid, or reliable and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was first spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. 4 At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions [of gifts]* The bracketed text has been added for clarity. from the Holy Spirit according to His will.

The use of the word “therefore” refers back to all that had been said. Since these things are true, focus on truth and not tradition or some feel good statements that have no basis for believing. Stay focused on what you know to be the truth, so you will not drift away from it.

The audience for Hebrews seems to have been giving a lot of value to angels. If they considered the message of angels so important and punishable, if broken, how much more accountable are those who know the message spoken by JESUS, WHO is the exact representation of GOD. Do not lose your focus on CHRIST and do not neglect the gift of salvation.

The terms “focus” and “neglect” apply to both the non-Christian and the Christian. For the non-Christian, it means they know they need to focus on spiritual matters but they let other things lure them away from being a Christian – pride, peer pressure, evil desires, addictions and the list goes on and on. For the Christian, it means they know the truth but unless they stay focused on CHRIST, it is easy for them to drift away and neglect growing and maturing spiritually. Christians can also be lured away by many of the same things as non-Christians. Since so much importance was placed on complying with the message of angels, to turn your back on the message of CHRIST was far more serious.

The message of CHRIST was first spoken by HIM to HIS disciples who in turn communicated it others. As proof that HIS disciples were communicating truth, GOD authenticated the message of CHRIST spoken by them through miracles, signs, wonders and gifts of the HOLY SPIRIT.

This puts the message of CHRIST into perspective and gives non-believers, as well as believers, something to ponder. Do you have the power and joy of CHRIST in your life?

Verse 3, to me, gives a clue that the Apostle Paul did not author Hebrews. Paul had a special, personal encounter with CHRIST on the road to Damascus. He considered himself to be an apostle because he saw CHRIST, was specially called by CHRIST and was specially commissioned by CHRIST to carry the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul considered that he received the message directly from CHRIST and not second-handed. This special calling was confirmed by the LORD blessing his ministry through the manifestation of the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.

As we reflect on this scripture, we need to ask our LORD to reveal to us anything that is causing us to lose our focus on HIM, causing us to drift away from HIM or neglect HIM. Are we spending time in HIS Word, talking to HIM in prayer, listening to what HE has to tell us, responding to what HE asks us to do and maintaining our relationship with HIM? Are we obediently serving HIM as HE directs us? Believers must put into action what our LORD is teaching us. Many of us go to church, Bible studies, Sunday school, various spiritual group meetings, etc. but are we applying what GOD is revealing to us. Or do we only take in the Word but never apply the Word.

First, make sure that your relationship with CHRIST is what it should be. Let HIM show you what HE wants you to do and then do it. As you take baby steps that HE directs, as you grow and mature spiritually HE will direct you to take giant steps.

In this busy world we live in, it is easy to compromise our time with HIM and our focus on HIM. If you sense you have drifted away from the LORD, confess it and ask HIM to restore the joy of fellowship with HIM.