I know it’s been three weeks since I published Hebrews Bible Study-Week 1, but the first Wednesday of the month our church has a church-wide Night of Worship, so there was no meeting that Wednesday. The second Wednesday, we had several out, either sick or ministering out of town, so last Wednesday was actually just our second real week of study.
We picked up on the theme of a lawyer building a case from Week 1. The author is making the case for “the Son.” In chapters 1 & 2, the Son is depicted as greater than the angels, which in the ancient Jewish culture would have been extremely significant. Now, in chapter 3, the Son is depicted as greater than Moses. This would have been just as significant, if not more so, than being greater than the angels given Moses’ status in the Jewish tradition.
Also, we are introduced to the Son, and the author for the first time asserts that Jesus is the Son. We are advised to guard against hard hearts, which are the result of unbelief, so that we may enter God’s rest, unlike the Israelites in the days of Moses. We also learn that sin lies. The very nature of sin is deception, which goes hand-in-hand with unbelief and hard hearts.
Chapter 4 confirms that the promise to enter His rest is still available, and this is one instance in which we are permitted to fear – the fear of not entering God’s rest. Actually, this is also one of the few things in scripture for which we are encouraged to labor. Thus, we are to rest from our works, but work to enter into that rest. A beautiful and thought-provoking paradox that makes perfect sense.
#1 by Jason on September 23, 2009 - 10:49 am
I am working through 2:5-9 this Sunday, but only just started to exegete the text. I have found Hebrews to be a little tough thus far, but very rewarding. How’s your study going?
#2 by Peter on September 23, 2009 - 11:08 am
I love it. It’s challenging to be sure, but well worth it. We are getting into Chapter 5 tonight, with 6 & 7 coming over the next few weeks. Now, those are challenging. It’s hard admitting I’m still drinking milk. But there are truths in those chapters that the church needs to face head on. Good luck with your sermon (I assume it’s for a sermon?).
#3 by Jason on September 23, 2009 - 1:15 pm
Peter: Yes, I’m preaching through Hebrews in our evening service. I have also found Hebrews to be somewhat humbling, not only for the tremendous theology, but the text itself–it’s tough! I preached through 2 Peter a couple of years ago–THAT was a tough one!
#4 by Peter on September 23, 2009 - 2:35 pm
I’m sure it will be interesting and I’m sure your flock will learn a lot. Blessings to you, my brother.
#5 by Bob MacDonald on September 23, 2009 - 5:11 pm
I expect I noted the diagrams I did from Albert Vanhoye – they are fun to see. Here
#6 by Peter on September 24, 2009 - 10:12 am
Thanks, I hadn’t seen that before, but I like it.
#7 by Bob MacDonald on September 25, 2009 - 8:16 pm
I wonder if you know Ken Schenck’s blog – he has written on Hebrews some years ago and is posting thoughts on each chapter here
#8 by Peter on September 28, 2009 - 9:39 am
No, I’m not familiar with that blog, but I will check it out at your recommendation. Thanks, Bob.