For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14-5:11

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 4:14-5:11 - the author emphasizes how Jesus is a great high priest who is better than one from the Old Testament.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is great high priest, and he became great high priest after coming down from Heaven to become the Incarnate Son of God, and then ascending back to Heaven after His death and resurrection to sit at the right hand of God (v14). Because of how Jesus "passed through the heavens" (v14), we can be certain and confident that our confession to Him saves us (v14) from sin and seals us for eternity.  This high priest - Jesus - is unlike the priests from the Old Testament, as He is able to sympathize with us in our temptations as He was tempted in every way but lived a perfect life (v15).  This gives us that confidence to approach Him in prayer when we need help (v16).  Jesus was called by God to be great high priest (5:1, 5). He is also perfect in obedience (5:8-9), and able to save. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In contrast to Jesus, Old Testament priests were sinful just as we are and had to offer sacrifices not just for our sin but also for his own (5:1-3).  Just as there was during the time when Hebrews was written, there will also be those who are "dull of hearing" (5:11) and deny Jesus. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid becoming dull of hearing and see Jesus as great high priest able to save.  Claim the promise of eternal life - that gives victory over sin and death - through faith in Jesus Christ.  Follow the example of those who confess and believe and be saved.  Approach Christ in confidence.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who was tempted in all ways but lived a perfect life.  And then You suffered, died, and rose again, giving me - and anyone else who believes - victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving - the greatest gift of all time. My sin is great and it continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Hebrews 4:12-13

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 4:12-13 - the author pivots from an exhortation to seek God's rest - lest you fall into disobedience (v11) - to a reminder that while we may think we are not disobedient, we should be very careful to both understand our fallen nature and a holy, able and perfect God who sees everything.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Because the Word is God (John 1:1), we should see God as living and active (v12).  God (and the Word) is also all knowing/omniscient - He is able to discern thoughts and intentions (v12) - and our thoughts and intentions often drive us into sin even though we may feel as if we don't sin (Matthew 5:21-22, 28, and 1 John 3:15). The Word also exposes sin - see Romans 7:7.  He will hold us accountable either in this life but certainly upon death. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: All sin and all short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  We often deceive ourselves that we don't sin (1 John 1:8), because we believe we can hide sin (v13) - yet this is this foolish as God sees it all....including sins of commission and those of omission!
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid any claim to be without sin! Claim the promise that God not only forgives, but He also saves and sanctifies us - giving us victory over sin and death.  Follow the example of Paul (Romans 7) who recognized his struggle with sin and this drove him into the arms of Christ. Repent and be saved!

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - thank You Jesus!  I know the need for Jesus and I am grateful for my salvation and the mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

Hebrews 4:1-11

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. Hebrews 4:1-11

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 4:1-11 - the author further dives into the rest that God provides.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: VV1, 9-11: God offers a promise to enter his rest - both a physical rest, but most importantly a spiritual rest - a peace that surpasses understanding, and eternal life.  V7: The offer to claim God's promise to enter His rest is time-bound therefore we should act with urgency to do this "today" or as soon as possible.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: VV2-3, 5-7: We are reminded that there were some on the journey to the promised land that did not enter God's rest because of unbelief rebelliousness. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid not seeing God's hand in the world (creation, etc.) and in your own life - do not harden your heart as you will be lured away from God by temptation, sin, and rebelliousness. Believe and claim the promise of God's rest both today and eternally, a physical and spiritual rest.  Follow the example of Joshua and Caleb who had faith and believe and trust in God's plan (and promise) to lead Israel to the Promised Land.  Trust God. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves - You provide a peace that surpasses understanding and gives eternal life.  Thank You Jesus for this rest!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:7-19

Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 3:7-19 - the author (speaking to Jewish believers who well understood the Old Testament and its biblical heroes such as Moses) seeks for readers to not suffer the same fate as the first generation of Israelites who were rescued by God and escaped Egypt, but were not able to enter the promise land (God's rest) due to their rebelliousness.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V7 shares how scripture is God-breathed and divinely authored - see also 2 Timothy 3:16.  This verse (and v15) refer to Psalm 95:7-11, where David also warns (see also Hebrews 3:8, 12-13) believers not to miss God's hand and to avoid hardening of hearts and putting God to the test.  We also see God as a living God (v12) - not a distant, unseeing, unaware and uncaring God - if we abide in Him, He lives and works in our hearts (John 15:1-10).  God makes a promise (vv11, 19) - one that we don't to see - that if we don't believe, we cannot enter God's rest - and if you don't this is eternal damnation.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: When we wander and go astray from God - which we are prone to do - we fail to recognize and see His hand in our lives and then we experience hardness of heart, leading to falling away.  God wired us to live not just in fellowship with Him, but also with other believers and we are encouraged to "exhort one another every day" (v13) to stay close to Him with our spiritual disciplines (study of Word, prayer, etc.). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid straying from fellowship with Him lest you develop a hardened heart. Claim the promise that God lives in your heart if you abide in Him and He never stops working for good.  Follow the example of Joshua and Caleb who maintained steadfast faith and saw God's hand and were able to enter God's rest. Hold confidence in Him firm until the end.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You love, save, and bless through Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, and my brothers and sisters in Christ. My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.

Hebrews 3:1-6

Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. Hebrews 3:5-6

I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 3:1-6 - to help Jewish believers who well understood the Old Testament and its biblical heroes such as Moses, the author (key theme of entire book) helps readers better understand Jesus and emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Jesus is faithful (v2) and appointed by the Father (v2).  He is worthy of more glory than Moses (v3).  God built all things (v4). He is God's Son (v6).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Believers have a heavenly calling (v1) that we share with Jesus - to whom we can confess sin (v1).  Moses was faithful (vv2, 5), but less so as Jesus is perfectly faithful - we know Moses sinned (including murder, lied).  Moses testified to things that were to come - to the promised land and beyond. Believers are God's house (v6)- the temple - as the Holy Spirit resides inside our hearts.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should avoid seeing anything greater than Jesus - He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings. We should claim the promise of Jesus' faithfulness - all of the promises of God find their yes in Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:20).  We should follow the example of Moses who served faithfully, and of course Jesus!  Trust in Jesus and rest in His promises! 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who created all things and is faithful!  I can rest in Your promises.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for giving me a peace that surpasses understanding.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

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.

Hebrews 2

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. Hebrews 2:14-15

This morning, I start a study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 2 - the author shares that we should not neglect salvation, and He goes on to share more about the author of salvation Jesus Christ.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: The gospel is reliable (v2).  The gospel is heard, and seen through works of His hand, including through demonstration of spiritual gifts distributed by Him (vv3-4). God is in control of everything under the heavens and on earth (v8). All things were created by Him and for Him - we exist for His glory (v10). He is perfect (v10).  Christ gives us victory over sin and death (vv14-15).     
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We are easily distracted, and often stray from Him and His Word - therefore we are warned not to stray (v1). We must abide in Him if we seek to continue to bear fruit (John 15:1-10) and to avoid harsh punishment for sin we commit absent our fellowship with Him (v2).  Believers are brothers with each other and with Christ (vv11-12, 17).  Because Jesus was tempted in every way, He can help us with our temptations (v18). 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid straying/drifting too far from Him - maintain daily fellowship with Him in the Word and in prayer.  Claim and rest in the promise that He has already defeated sin and death and is able to help us in our struggles with the flesh.  Follow the example of Jesus who submitted to the will of the Father in the service of all. Abide and trust in Him.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of such blessings!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Hebrews 1

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. Hebrews 1:3-4

This morning, I start a study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 1:1-14, the author (unknown) describes Jesus and compares Him to Old Testament prophets and angels.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  The Father speaks to us through the Son, who is "heir of all things, and through whom also he created the world" (vv1-2).  "He is [also] the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" (v3).  Jesus purifies of sins (v3), sits at the right hand of God (v3), and is superior to angels (vv4-7). Jesus' throne is permanent (v8), upright (v8), and He loves righteousness and hates wickedness (v9).  The Father is pleased with the Son (v9). Although the heavens and earth will go away, Jesus' and His throne are eternal and will never change (vv11-12). Nothing - no angel or other being - compares to Jesus (vv13-14).   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: God reveals Himself and speaks to us - how incredible!  Our lives are in His hands - v3. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing anyone but Jesus as God - nothing compares.  Claim the promise that we share in the inheritance of Christ (see also Romans 8:17 and Ephesians 1:18). Follow the example of the angels who were "sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (v14).  See Jesus as superior to any other being - He is God and King of Kings.  

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You and Your Kingdom are eternal and I can rest on Your Promises because You are also faithful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.