Author: mikej2013
Teaching Outline Week 3
The Joy in Responsibility
(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews)
Commentary
Inheritance
Hebrews 2:5-9
Outline
Hebrews 1:1-14 Set the scene painted by chapter one:
The central theme of chapter one…
Jesus is Superior; this Jesus, the “Son of God” is the final Word spoken in these last days.
Vs 2:1-4 Therefore, listen!
God has spoken by His Son, listen, listen very carefully.
You’re either listening or drifting…
You either believe or you don’t…
It is suicide to neglect such a great salvation.
God has given us enough to respond. (no excuses)
Now pick up in verse 5 this week…
Vs 5 Look to the future
Who rules the world to come?
Our salvation is an inheritance (1:14)
Our salvation is past, present and future.
Vs 6-8 Man rules the world to come – Psalm 8
This is too exciting to neglect!
Vs 8b Big problem at present…
Death reigns and man is subjected to it.
Vs 9 Good News
Jesus conquered death and established a Co-Heir and Co-reign in the world to come.
(Romans 8:17)
LIFE APPLICATION:
Don’t live out your salvation as if only a past event.
Believe (find joy) in your future.
Say to death – Psalm 8 is my destiny!
The future is too great to neglect; just believe!
Don’t Neglect Your Joy!
God is not an ogre. He’s not a tyrant. He’s not egotistical. God gives commands for our good. The authors of the Bible trumpet over and over… He is Steadfast Love and Faithfulness. Every Word of this one and only beautiful Truth is for HIS GLORY. It is His Glory that we crave, even when we don’t realize it. For it is only in His Glory that we can be satisfied. It is only in His Glory we can find Steadfast Love and Faithfulness. It is only in His Glory that we have real and lasting JOY.
As we study Hebrews together remember our first command in chapter 2 verse 1…Listen! Listen to this Jesus tell you how much He loves you. Listen to your only source of joy. God gives commands for our good.
As Americans we must neglect hundreds of people and things each of our waking hours. We have images and data coming at us at the speed of light. We cannot address them all. We must flip by tons of information never giving it a chance to change our lives.
The author of Hebrews asks the question, “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” (Hebrew 2:3)
God threatens terrible things if we won’t be filled with joy. So, out of everything you choose to neglect this weekend…
Don’t neglect being loved,
Don’t neglect being forgiven,
Don’t neglect righteousness,
Don’t neglect your Wonderful Father,
Don’t neglect being a Child of Grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Mike
Synopsis and Homework Week 2
Chapter two opens with the word “Therefore” which is the author’s way of pointing us to the portrait of Christ’s eminence and greatness painted in chapter one and, therefore, we ought to listen to what he says. For the higher a person stands in rank, the greater authority he exerts, and the more he demands the listener’s attention.
Verse one of chapter two does not allow for “fence sitting”. It plainly states we are either listening or drifting. We are listening to the Words of Christ and becoming more like Him, or we are drifting right past this most precious salvation.
Verse three of chapter two asks the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?”
Read the following commentary;
3a. How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?
The key word in this part of the sentence, which began with the preceding verse, is “salvation.” The term has already been used in 1:14, in which the readers are told that all angels are ministering spirits that serve believers (the heirs of salvation). The value of salvation ought never be underestimated, for its price was the suffering and death of Jesus. He is called the author of salvation who brings many sons to glory (2:10). Therefore, the believer’s salvation is immeasurably great.
As verse 2 states, the message of the Old Testament could not and cannot be violated without suffering the consequences. How much more, then (this verse says), ought we to treasure our salvation. If we ever ignore the message concerning our redemption, it is impossible for us to escape God’s wrath and subsequent punishment. The more precious the gift, the greater the penalty if it is ignored. [1]
The only way to neglect something or someone is to de-value them in your heart. If you are neglecting your family or your business you are making the bold statement that other people and things are of more value.
What are the results of neglecting a spouse, children, home, business, garden…nothing good!
What then are the results of neglecting Jesus?
Homework:
Read the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
Answer the following two questions:
How are the first two servants like one who is listening to the Word’s of Christ?
How is the evil servant like one who is drifting?
[1] Simon J. Kistemaker and William Hendriksen, Exposition of Hebrews, vol. 15, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 58.
The Joy in Responsibility Week 2 (Audio and Video)
The Joy in Responsibility Week 1 (Audio and Video)
Teaching Outline Week 2
The Joy in Responsibility
(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews)
Commentary
Listen!
Hebrews 2:1–4
Outline
Vs. Hebrews 1:1-14 Set the scene painted by chapter one:
The central theme of chapter one…
Jesus is Superior; this Jesus, the “Son of God” is the final Word spoken in these last days.
Jesus is; Creator, Sustainer, Owner, Ruler and Redeemer of the world.
Jesus is; Eternal, Victorious, Perfect, Awesome God! Jesus is BIG!
Yet…
Jesus died for me, He gave me so great a salvation.
The PARADOX of the Christian Life:
Jesus is EVERYTHING, I am NOTHING.
Jesus wants ME, 1000 times more than I want Him.
Vs 2:1 Therefore, listen!
God has spoken by His Son, listen, listen very carefully.
You’re either listening or drifting…
The Bible only offers assurance to those who are vigilant.
There is no such thing as vigilantly earning your salvation.
There is no such thing as drifting along in complete assurance.
Listening = Believe
Drifting = Unbelief
Why do we not listen? (Unbelief) Hosea 7:13
We make God the way we want Him to be. (Build an idol)
We stay faithful to the false God we create.
Our false God always lets us down.
The final lie – God really doesn’t love me. (I’m off the hook)
There is something about you that wants to believe lies.
We want to avoid this reality…
If God has given me everything, He can ask me for anything.
If God is perfect, there is no excuse for sin.
LIFE APPLICATION:
Jesus has a fix on reality, you don’t!
For God to cease to love you, He would cease to be God.
Just believe!
Synopsis and Homework Week 1
The journey through the book of Hebrews will be a long one (we will most likely be studying our topic “The Joy in Responsibility” in Hebrews for six months or so) and a fruitful one (as journeys through God’s Word always are).
Yesterday (Nov. 6th), we started to lay the foundation for joy in our lives. The author of Hebrews wants us to understand the proper place that Jesus has in Creation and our personal lives. He is Superior.
It’s only with Right Thinking that Right Living can be achieved. We must have Jesus in His rightful place in our lives.
As an example of Right Thinking affecting the way we live, I am embedding a TED talk by Dr. Kelly McGonigal, Stanford University psychologist and leader in the growing field of “science-help.” Through books, articles, courses and workshops, McGonigal works to help us understand and implement the latest scientific findings in psychology, neuroscience and medicine.
Although McGonigal doesn’t acknowledge God’s perfect design and His revealed Truth, her data supports the reality of Right Thinking that the author of Hebrews asserts. Listen to the talk and then move on to the homework section.
Your homework:
Read 2 Kings 6:8-23 Elisha Traps Syria’s Army (2 Kings 6:8–23)
Commentary:
When Elisha and his servant awake, they discover the city surrounded by Syrians. Like any “normal” person, the servant is afraid, but the prophet commands him to stay calm. Why? Because, he claims, their army is more numerous and powerful than the Syrian forces. After Elisha prays that his servant may see these “soldiers,” the man indeed views “the hills full of horses and chariots of fire.” At this point the Lord is defending Elisha from death by the same instrument with which Elijah was protected from death and taken to heaven. Such awareness of God’s power must have soothed the servant’s shattered nerves.
Not content with protection for himself, Elisha provides safety for all Israel. God strikes the Syrian army with blindness at Elisha’s request, thus allowing the prophet to lead them to Samaria, about twelve miles north of Dothan. Though Israel’s king could exterminate these troops, Elisha counsels leniency, so the Israelites feed the Syrians and send them home, obviously humbled. In effect, then, Elisha brings peace through divine intervention. Everyone concerned receives safety from their enemies because of the prophet’s ministry. Again Elisha aids those in distress over “small” matters, such as a lost axhead, and those concerned with larger, societal issues such as war.[1]
[1] Paul R. House, 1, 2 Kings, vol. 8, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), 276–277.
Questions:
As the morning began, how did the thinking of Elisha and his servant differ?
When the servants eyes were opened, I am sure his heart was still pounding…but how was it different from just moments before?
Remember:
We worship Victorious Jesus; perfect in every way!
The universe is filled with helpers!
Teaching Outline Week 1
The Joy in Responsibility
(An In-Depth Study of Hebrews)
Commentary
Jesus’ Superiority and His Role as
Savior and High Priest/King
Hebrews 1:1–14
Outline
Vs. 1-4 Introduction:
Possible problem in the church regarding angels
Jesus is Superior
Vs. 5-13 How is Jesus Superior?
Vs 5 (Psalm 2:7) (2 Samuel 7:14)
Jesus is the Son of God in a way that no angel ever was or is…
Vs 6 (Deuteronomy 32:43)
Jesus is not an angel; He is worshipped by angels…
Vs 7-9 (Psalm 104:4) (Psalm 45:6-7)
Jesus is not an angel, He is God… (Trinity)
Vs 10-12 (Psalm 102:25-27)
Jesus is not an angel; He is the Eternal Creator of all things…
Vs 13 (Psalm 110:1)
Jesus is not an angel; He is a Reigning, Victorious King!
Vs. 14 So what are angels?
- They worship Jesus and do His bidding. (vs 6)
- They serve God’s people and help us reach salvation. (vs 14)
LIFE APPLICATION:
So what does this have to do with my joy?
- You worship Eternal, Victorious Perfection.
- The universe is filled with helpers.
Getting Ready
The first regularly scheduled Bible study begins this Wednesday at 11:45 am and 6:00 pm.
The sound and video system is now installed and working great (thanks to Billy Hobbs)! The floors are clean, windows washed, tables and chairs setup…we’re ready for company!
Please pray with me that lives will be impacted by the Gospel.
Hope to see you Wednesday!
Blessings,
Pastor Mike
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