The author of the book of Hebrews is speaking to the church when admonishing with the words…consider Jesus. It is a catalyst for self examination. Our hope must rest in this Jesus who is greater than Moses. It allows the option of listening to the heavenly calling and sharing in all that it has to offer. We have Jesus, Apostle and High Priest, bringing God to us and us to God.

Confidence comes not from making life choices that seam to work well, but making choices that come from time spent with the Lord. Confidence comes when we know this Jesus as… in history past as the once-for-all perfect sacrifice; in times present as the Ambassador of God the Father; and in the future as one who keeps all of the promises made to the church.

Consider Jesus is not just an evangelistic term used to present the Gospel to unbelievers, but a life long requirement for every believer.

HOMEWORK:

Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-23 and answer the following questions:

In Paul’s example to the Corinthian church who is the building (those who plant) and who is the builder (the one who gives growth)?

What will be the difference between building on the foundation with wood, hay and straw or gold, silver and precious stones?

What is the main idea in regards to receiving the offered rewards?

The Bible goes to great lengths picturing Israel under the rule of its kings. 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles detail the victories and ultimate failures of each monarch. Most of the kings were so wicked that it’s difficult to see any good in their reign. 

To think that Israel began with only God as it’s King, and because they desired to be like other nations, they rebelled against the Lord’s Kingship and adopted earthly sin-filled kings. Each king led the people from bad to worse with short periods of revival toward God few and far between. 

After reading these accounts I found myself wondering, “God why did you do it this way? After all, You were King! Why allow mortal man to take over the rule of your people?” 

It wasn’t until I heard one of my favorite teachers speak on the matter that I understood. It’s so simple that often times Bible students miss the main reason why the Bible goes to such lengths to tell us the accounts of the kings. It’s easy to get lost in the details of these remarkable stories. 

After reading through 1 & 2 Samuel, Kings and Chronicles one should walk away with one main point in view; NO EARTHLY KING WILL DO. That’s it. It’s that simple. The reign of the kings of Israel was a litmus test. Its result; REJECTED! Proof that sinful man cannot be the Messiah. 

Hebrews 2:17 says,  Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 

As we studied yesterday, we see Jesus in His humanity being tested through suffering just like us. This was His litmus test. Its result; ACCEPTED! Proof that the God-Man Jesus Christ is the Messiah. 

He is not ashamed to call us brothers! What a great salvation! We are loved and accepted in a family made perfect by our Victorious Older Brother, namely Jesus. What a great salvation! 

HOMEWORK: 

Read John 13:12-20 and answer the following questions: 

How did Jesus identify himself to the disciples? 

How did Jesus’ act of washing the disciple’s feet reflect his mercy and faithfulness toward them? 

Would Jesus do, and does Jesus do the same for you?

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?