Hebrews 2

As we read Hebrews 2 this week remember to frequently ask yourself the 5 W’s, who, what when, where and why.

HEBREWS 2.1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Ask yourself, what is the therefore there for? And why must we pay closer attention to what we have heard?

For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

The first thing we have to admit is we need saving. What do we need saving from? Do you know you need a Savior?

It (salvation) was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Who declares that we have access to salvation? I see 4 who-s.

For it was not to angels (remember the angel’s job description from chap 1) that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.

6. It has been testified somewhere, (**Ok I just love this, Have you ever shared something and not known chapter and verse? It is written somewhere…. in the Bible? Hooray for the author of Hebrews!!***)

“What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?  You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.”

Read Ps 8. It is a great summary of creation and our position in God’s Kingdom. It also references the God given position Christ has in creation, before He was born. When the New Testament refers to the Old Testament it reminds us that the Bible is one continuous story.

Now in putting everything in subjection (under authority) to him (Jesus), he (God)  left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him (Christ). But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.  

Ever go out to eat? Buffets and Chinese food are great for sharing. Taking a taste of everyone’s food. A sample, experience the flavor, just a bit, so we don’t have to eat the whole thing. Especially if we don’t like the taste... Jesus tasted death for us.

For it was fitting that he (God), for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their (our) salvation perfect through suffering. For he (Jesus) who sanctifies and those who are sanctified (we believers) all have one source. That is why he (Jesus) is not ashamed to call them (us) brothers, saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”  And again, “I will put my trust in him(God)” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

We truly are sisters in Christ because we have the same Heavenly Father.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Fear keeps us captive. Christ sets us free. Our battle is not against flesh and blood...

For surely it is not angels that he (Jesus) helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham (us again). Therefore (what is the therefore…?) he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he (Jesus) might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he (Jesus) himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Our brother is the Son of God who takes away the sins of the world. This is a miracle just for you, love God

Hebrews 1 Part 3

Part 3

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?  And again, when he ( God) brings the firstborn into the world, he (God) says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”  Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”  But of the Son he (God) says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.  You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”  

Notice here that God the Father is confirming that Jesus, the Son of God is also God. That is proof of the Deity of Christ!

And, “You, Lord (Jesus), laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you(Jesus) remain; they will all wear out like a garment,  like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”  And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?  Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit (remember inheritance means someone died so I could have it) salvation?

HEIDI: Take a minute to imagine this scene. The throne room of heaven. God seated on His throne and at His right hand His Son Jesus. Good chance Jesus sat there before he took a 33 year break and came to earth to die for us. Now He sits on high, interceding for us, whispering in God’s right ear that we are His people, brothers and sisters, coheirs, children of the King. God and Jesus, together, rejoicing over you in gladness and exulting over you in loud singing.( Zephaniah 3:17)

Oh how THEY love us!! Have a great week! Love H

Hebrews 1 Part 2

Part two

HEB1.1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he (God) has spoken to us by his (God’s) Son, whom he (God) appointed the heir (Jesus)   (heir-person who has the legal right to receive property of someone who dies.) of all things, through whom also he (God) created the world. He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his (God’s) nature, and he (Jesus) upholds the universe by the word of his (Jesus) power. After making purification for sins, he (Jesus) sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he(Jesus) has inherited (inherit- received property or title by legal succession or a will usually from someone who died)  is more excellent than theirs (the angels).  

HEIDI: I was really struck by the thought that for an heir to inherit, someone has to die. Interesting that Jesus had to die to by the heir to His own Kingdom…..also note, I put in the proper name the pronouns is referring to. It keeps me from getting lost.

Hebrews 1 Part 1

Part one

Welcome to our online community. So glad you have decided to join us for our study of the book of Hebrews. The stated purpose of our investigation together is to help us be more confident in reading God’s Word. Please know that God will speak to you thru His word whether you have a little or a lot of Biblical knowledge. Thanks for joining us on this journey. All you will need is a Bible, study Bible or Bible app or just the device you are reading this on because we will include the Scripture w each lesson.

We are asking you to try an inductive method of reading Scripture by asking 5 W’s - who, what, when, where and why. Who is speaking, who are they speaking to, what are they talking about, when does it take place and why is it meaningful to me today? You will get the most out of this study if you read thru the chapters w these questions in mind, asking God to show you the answers as you go. Read thru each section a few times asking the 5W’s, or at least the ones that apply to that section, before you read study notes, commentaries or even our comments. Let God plant the first thoughts in your mind about His word. Trust your God to reveal Himself to you.  

Intro to the book of Hebrews

It helps to know a few things about a book before we read it. Like who wrote it? When was it written? Where was the author when he wrote? While there are many details you can study about Hebrews the most important to our conversation is we do not know the author for sure. It was written before 70 AD because the temple was still in existence and it was written to Jewish Christians as they would have been most familiar w the old covenant of sacrifice in the temple.

Read Hebrews chapter 1

Proverbs 31:30