Sunday Evening Bible Study

January 7, 2001

Introduction

Who wrote the letter?

Possibilities

Paul

Many favor Paul.  There are some similarities to other of Paul's writings. But it isn't introduced like Paul's other letters, which mention him as the author.

The style of Greek used in Hebrews is more polished than Paul's usage of Greek.

Paul used both the Hebrew and Septuagint versions of the Old Testament when he quoted scripture, the book of Hebrews uses the Septuagint version exclusively.

Barnabas

Paul's traveling companion during the early missionary journeys.

He was considered an apostle.

The ancient historian Tertullian quoted from Hebrews and said it was written by Barnabas.

He was a Levite (Acts 4:36) and hence would have had good knowledge of the Jewish sacrificial system.

Apollos

He was the one who reasoned powerfully with the Jews. (Acts 18:24-28)

The ancient writer Origen said, "Only God knows who wrote Hebrews".

When was it written?

Clement of Rome quotes Hebrews in A.D. 95.

The book does not mention the end of the Old Testament sacrificial system which occured in A.D.70 when Jerusalem was destroyed.

Timothy was apparently still alive (13:23)

This suggests the book was written between A.D. 64 and 68

Who was it written to?

Jewish Believers (hence the title “Hebrews”)

The book is filled with Judaism.  It expects the readers to be well acquainted with the Jewish form of worship and sacrifice.

Jewish believers who were undergoing persecution.  They wanted to leave Christianity and go back to Judaism in order to escape persecution.  They are exhorted to stay with Jesus!

You’re going to see that the writer constantly quotes Old Testament scripture as a way of making his points.

Hebrews 1

:1  God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

sundry times – polumeros – by many portions, by many times and in many ways

divers manners – polutropos – in many manners

God spoke at many different times and in many different ways through the prophets …

:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

last – eschatos – extreme; last in time or in place; last, referring to time

appointed – tithemi – to set, put, place; to make; to set, fix establish; to establish, ordain

made – poieo – to make; to do

worlds – aion – for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity; the worlds, universe; period of time, age

The writer is saying that Jesus is the Creator.

:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

brightness – apaugasma – reflected brightness; of Christ in that he perfectly reflects the majesty of God; effulgence; shining forth, of a light coming from a luminous body (Vine); out-raying (Vincent)

express image – charakter – the instrument used for engraving or carving; the mark stamped upon that instrument or wrought out on it; a mark or figure burned in (#Le 13:28) or stamped on, an impression; the exact expression (the image) of any person or thing, marked likeness, precise reproduction in every respect, i.e. facsimile

Question:  Whose person is Jesus the “express image” of?  God (see back in verse 1) who has spoken.

person – hupostasis – a setting or placing under; thing put under, substructure, foundation; that which has foundation, is firm; that which has actual existence

(NLT) …everything about him represents God exactly.

upholding – phero – to carry; to carry some burden

word – rhema – that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word; any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning; speech, discourse

power – dunamis – strength, power, ability

Jesus hold me up with Your power!

purged – katharismos – a cleansing, purification, a ritual purgation or washing; a cleansing from the guilt of sins wrought by the expiatory sacrifice of Christ

Jesus cleansed us from our sins by dying on the cross in our place.

Majesty – megalosune – majesty; of the majesty of God

high – hupselos – high, lofty; metaph. eminent, exalted

:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

so much – tosoutos – of quantity: so great, so many

better than – kreitton – more useful, more serviceable, more advantageous; more excellent

more excellent – diaphoros – different, varying in kind; excellent, surpassing

by inheritance obtained – kleronomeo – to receive a lot, receive by lot; esp. to receive a part of an inheritance, receive as an inheritance, obtain by right of inheritance; to be an heir, to inherit; to receive the portion assigned to one, receive an allotted portion, receive as one’s own or as a possession; to become partaker of, to obtain

:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

said he – Said who?  God the Father (still the subject from verse 1)

this day – semeron – this (very) day)

begotten – gennao – of men who fathered children; to be born; of God making Christ his son

(Psa 2:7 KJV)  I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

(2 Sam 7:14 KJV)  I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

Lesson

The Excellency of Jesus

The writer is going to show us how Jesus is so much better than the angels.

Why is Jesus better?  Reason #1 – He’s God’s Son, angels aren’t.

:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

bringeth in – eisago – to lead in; to bring in, the place into which not being expressly stated

Question:  Who “bringeth in the firstbegotten …”?  God the Father (still from verse 1)

firstbegotten – prototokos – the firstborn

world – oikoumene – the inhabited earth; the universe, the world

worship – proskuneo – to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence; among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence; in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication

(Psa 89:27 KJV)  Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

Ps 97:7  Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all [ye] gods.

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #2 – Angels worship Him.  You worship beings that are higher than you, not lower.

:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

he saith – Says WHO?  God the Father (the subject from verse 1)

ministers – leitourgos – a public minister, a servant of the state; a minister, servant; of the temple; of one busied with holy things; of a priest; of the servants of a king

fire – pur – fire

flame – phlox – a flame

(Psa 104:4 KJV)  Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #3 –

Angels are created beings (“maketh his angels …”)

:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

throne – thronos – a throne seat; a chair of state having a footstool; assigned in the NT to kings, hence, kingly power or royalty

for ever – aion – for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity; the worlds, universe; period of time, age

sceptre – rhabdos – a staff, a walking stick, a twig, rod, branch; a rod with which one is beaten; a staff; when applied to kings; with a rod of iron, indicates the severest, most rigorous rule; a royal sceptre

righteousness – euthutes – rectitude, unrighteousness

(Psa 45:6 KJV)  Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #4 – He is eternal (He wasn’t created, He’s the Creator)

Reason #5 – He is God

Question:  WHO says to Jesus, “Thy throne O God …”?  God the Father, who is STILL the subject from verse 1.

God the Father even calls Jesus “God”.

:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

loved – agapao – of persons; to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly; to be well pleased, to be contented at or with a thing

righteousness – dikaiosune – in a broad sense: state of him who is as he ought to be, righteousness, the condition acceptable to God; integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting

iniquity – anomia – the condition of without law; contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

hath anointed – chrio – to anoint; consecrating Jesus to the Messianic office, and furnishing him with the necessary powers for its administration; enduing Christians with the gifts of the Holy Spirit

oil – elaion – olive oil

gladness – agalliasis – exultation, extreme joy, gladness

At feasts, people were anointed with the "oil of gladness".  Paul, in #Heb 1:9, is alluding to this inaugural ceremony of anointing, and uses it as an emblem of the divine power and majesty to which to which the Son of God has been exalted.

Ac 10:38  How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

fellows – metochos – sharing in, partaking; a partner (in a work, office, dignity)

(Psa 45:7 KJV)  Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Lesson

Jesus Joy

Jesus was a person filled with the Holy Spirit.  His life was characterized by joy, more than any other.

:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:

laid the foundation – themelioo – to lay the foundation, to found; to make stable, establish

(Psa 102:25-27 KJV)  Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. {26} They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: {27} But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

:11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;

perish – apollumi – to destroy; to put out of the way entirely, abolish, put an end to ruin; to perish, to be lost, ruined, destroyed

remainest – diameno – to stay permanently, remain permanently, continue

shall wax old – palaioo – to make ancient or old; to become old, to be worn out; of things worn out by time and use; to declare a thing to be old and so about to be abrogated

:12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.

vesture – peribolaion – a covering thrown around, a wrapper; a mantle; a veil

fold them up – helisso – to roll up, fold together

they shall be changed – allasso (from the word allos, “another”) – to change, to exchange one thing for another, to transform

shall not fail – ekleipo – fail; to fail; to leave off, cease, stop; of the failing or eclipse of the light of the sun and the moon

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #6 – He never changes.  Everything else will wear out, but Jesus won’t.

:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

footstool – hupopodion – a footstool; to make one a footstool of one’s feet, i.e. to subject, to reduce under one’s power; metaph. taken from the practice of conquerors who placed their feet on the necks of their conquered enemies

(Psa 110:1 KJV)  A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #7 – Jesus’ position.

He sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven.

:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

ministering – leitourgikos – relating to the performance of service, employed in ministering

spirits – pneuma – spirit

to minister – diakonia – service, ministering, esp. of those who execute the commands of others

sent forth – apostello – to order (one) to go to a place appointed; to send away, dismiss

them who shall be – mello – to be about; to be on the point of doing or suffering something

We are the ones who are “about to be” heirs of salvation.

Lesson

Ministering Angels

They are there for us, to help us.

What do angels do?  What is their purpose?

1.  They worship God

(Rev 5:11-12 KJV)  And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; {12} Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

2.  They are God's servants

(Psa 103:20-21 KJV)  Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. {21} Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

3.  They are used by God to respond to our prayers

Gabriel told Daniel the prophet that he had been sent to Daniel in response to his prayers (Dan. 10:10-14)

4.  They help us.

They render to us service (our verse)

Jesus warned about not causing a child to stumble ...

MAT 18:10 "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.

They have angels (our idea of "guardian angels") who have constant access to God's throne.  If you mess with them, it doesn't take long for a message to go from them to God, and then an angel is dispatched.

Angel experiences

When driving the old VW van to Costa Mesa.  Having to stop but the car was too heavy.  Somehow we stopped anyway.

A couple of months ago driving home in the rain, having to stop on a steep hill, brakes locked, sliding into the car in front of me and then suddenly stopping.

Natalie McKay.  Running out into the street at night as a little girl, with a speeding car coming at her.  The car didn't see her but swerved anyway, and the car's trunk popped open.  Did an angel push it out of the way?

Hebrews 2

:1  Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

more earnest – perissoteros – more abundantly; more in a greater degree; more earnestly, more exceedingly; especially, above others

give … heed – prosecho – to bring to, bring near; to bring a ship to land, and simply to touch at, put in; to turn the mind to, attend to be attentive; to attend to one’s self, i.e. to give heed to one’s self; give attention to, take heed; to apply one’s self to, attach one’s self to, hold or cleave to a person or a thing; to be given or addicted to; to devote thought and effort to

slip – pararrhueo (“alongside” + “to flow”) – to glide by: lest we be carried by, pass by; lest the salvation which these things heard show us how to obtain, slip away from us; a thing escapes me; slips my mind

If God has spoken to us through His Son, and His Son is so much higher than even the angels, we ought to be paying attention to what God has said through His Son.

A person needs to be paying attention to these things of salvation so that these things don’t “slip” by.

:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;

stedfast – bebaios (from basis, “a stepping”, “something you step on”) – stable, fast, firm; metaph. sure, trusty

transgression – parabasis – a going over, stepping over; metaph. a disregarding, violating; of the Mosaic Law; the breach of a definite, promulgated, ratified law

disobedience – parakoe – a hearing amiss; disobedience

just – endikos – according to right, righteous, just

recompense of reward – misthapodosia – payment of wages due, recompense

The word spoken by angels was the Law of Moses. It came with severe penalties for disobedience.

:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

escape – ekpheugo – to flee out of, flee away; to seek safety in flight; to escape

so great – telikoutos – of age; of so great an age, so old; of so great a size, in bulk; such and so great

we neglect – ameleo – to be careless of, to neglect

confirmed – bebaioo – to make firm, establish, confirm, make sure

Just as the word spoken by angels was “stedfast” (bebaios), this word was “made firm” (bebaioo) by the apostles.

the Lord – Jesus

them that heard him – the apostles

:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

bearing them witness – sunepimartureo – at attest together with; to join in bearing witness, to unite in adding testimony

The apostles weren’t the only ones that confirmed the word, but God did too, alongside the apostles with …

signs – semeion – a sign, mark, token; that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known; a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature; of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God’s

wonders – teras – a prodigy, portent; miracle: performed by any one

divers – poikilos – a various colours, variegated; of various sorts

miracles – dunamis – strength, power, ability

gifts – merismos – a division, partition; distribution (of various kinds); a separation; so far as to cleave asunder or separate

will – thelesis – a willing will

:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.

put in subjection – hupotasso – to arrange under, to subordinate; to subject, put in subjection

the world – oikoumene – the inhabited earth; the universe, the world

to come – mello – to be about; to be on the point of doing or suffering something

:6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

art mindful – mimnesko – to remind; to be recalled or to return to one’s mind, to remind one’s self of, to remember; to remember a thing; be mindful of

visitest – episkeptomai – to look upon or after, to inspect, examine with the eyes; in order to see how he is, i.e. to visit, go to see one; to look upon in order to help or to benefit; to look after, have care for, provide for: of God

(Psa 8:4-6 KJV)  What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? {5} For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. {6} Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

:7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

madest … lower – elattoo – to make less or inferior: in dignity; to be made less or inferior: in dignity; to decrease in authority or popularity

little – brachus – short, small, little

glory – doxa – opinion, judgment, view; in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory; splendour, brightness

honor – time – a valuing by which the price is fixed; honour which belongs or is shown to one; of the honour which one has by reason of rank and state of office which he holds; deference, reverence

thou crownedst – stephanoo – to encircle with a crown, to crown: the victor in a contest; to adorn, to honour

set him over – kathistemi – to set, place, put; to set one over a thing (in charge of it); to appoint one to administer an office

:8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

put … in subjection – hupotasso – to arrange under, to subordinate; to subject, put in subjection.  Aorist tense here.

he left – aphiemi – to send away; to bid going away or depart; to let go, let alone, let be; to leave, go way from one

not put under – anupotaktos – not made subject, unsubjected; that cannot be subjected to control, disobedient, unruly, refractory

put under – hupotasso – to arrange under, to subordinate; to subject, put in subjection.  Here the verb is a perfect participle, all things are not yet to the state where they’ve been put in subjection and have stayed in subjection.

God has put everything under Jesus, but for now we don’t see it yet.  Not until He comes back.

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #8 – Jesus will rule the world.

God will put everything under Jesus’ control.

:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

a little – brachus – short, small, little

made … lower – elattoo – to make less or inferior: in dignity

suffering – pathema – that which one suffers or has suffered; an enduring, undergoing, suffering

grace – charis – grace; that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech; good will, loving-kindness, favour

taste – geuomai – to taste, to try the flavour of; to taste; i.e. perceive the flavour of, partake of, enjoy; to feel, make trial of, experience; to take food, eat, to take nourishment, eat

Jesus was made lower than the angels (like man) so He could die.  Angels can’t die.

:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things

it became – prepo – to stand out, to be conspicuous, to be eminent; to be becoming, seemly, fit

God the Father – all things are for Him, He’s made all things

:10  in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

captain – archegos (“beginning” + “leader”) – the chief leader, prince; one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example, a predecessor in a matter, pioneer; the author

to make … perfect – teleioo – to make perfect, complete; to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end; to complete (perfect); add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full

sufferings – pathema – that which one suffers or has suffered; externally, a suffering, misfortune, calamity, evil, affliction; of the sufferings of Christ; an enduring, undergoing, suffering

Why was it fitting for Jesus, the author of our salvation, to suffer?

Because it was in His suffering death for us that our sins were paid for and our salvation was accomplished.

It was perfect.

We’ll get an entire clarification of the principles of sacrifice for our sins later on, but for the Jewish person, this was a given, that they’d understand this.

:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

sanctifieth … sanctified – hagiazo – to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow; to separate from profane things and dedicate to God; consecrate things to God; dedicate people to God; to purify; to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin

ashamed – epaischunomai – to be ashamed

God is the Father of Jesus, God is now our Father, so Jesus can call us “brethren”.

:12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

church – ekklesia – a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly; the assembly of the Israelites; an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting

I will sing praise – humneo – to sing the praise of, sing hymns to; to sing a hymn, to sing; singing of paschal hymns  these were Psalms 113-118 and 136, which the Jews called the "great Hallel"

This Psalm is quoted because He is calling us “brethren” –

(Psa 22:22 KJV)  I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

:13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

I will – esomai – future first person singular of "to be"

put my trust – peitho – persuade; be persuaded; to be persuaded, to suffer one’s self to be persuaded; to be induced to believe: to have faith: in a thing; to believe; to trust, have confidence, be confident

(2 Sam 22:3 KJV)  The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

(Isa 8:17-18 KJV)  And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. {18} Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.

:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

partakers – koinoneo – to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner; to enter into fellowship, join one’s self to an associate, make one’s self a sharer or partner

of the same – paraplesios – similarly, in like manner, in the same way

took part – metecho – to be or become partaker; to partake

destroy – katargeo – to render idle, unemployed, inactivate, inoperative; to cause a person or thing to have no further efficiency; to deprive of force, influence, power

power – kratos – force, strength; power, might: mighty with great power; a mighty deed, a work of power; dominion

the devil – diabolos – prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely; a calumniator, false accuser, slanderer

:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

deliver – apallasso – to remove, release, to be removed, to depart; to set free, deliver

fear – phobos – fear, dread, terror; that which strikes terror

subject to – enochos – bound, under obligation, subject to, liable

bondage – douleia – slavery, bondage, the condition of a slave

We were in bondage due to the fear of death.

:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

verily – depou – it is used when something is affirmed in a slightly ironical manner, as if with an pretence of uncertainty; perhaps; doubtless; verily; truly

he took … on – epilambanomai – to take in addition, to lay hold of, take possession of, overtake, attain, attain to; to lay hold of or to seize upon anything with the hands, to take hold of, lay hold of

seed – sperma – from which a plant germinates; the seed i.e. the grain or kernel which contains within itself the germ of the future plants; the semen virile; the product of this semen, seed, children, offspring, progeny; family, tribe, posterity

Jesus took on human flesh.

:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

it behoved him – opheilo – to owe; to owe money, be in debt for; that which is due, the debt; metaph. the goodwill due

to be made like – homoioo – to be made like

merciful – eleemon – merciful

He is merciful because He knows what it’s like to be human.

Matt. 18 – an example of how one ought to be merciful because they’ve been shown mercy.

The problem with us humans is that we often don’t turn around and show mercy to others even if we’ve been in their shoes.

faithful – pistos – trusty, faithful; of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties; one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust; that can be relied on

high priest – archiereus – chief priest, high priest

to make reconciliation – hilaskomai – to render one’s self, to appease, conciliate to one’s self; to become propitious, be placated or appeased; to be propitious, be gracious, be merciful; to expiate, make propitiation for

:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

hath suffered – pascho – to be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo

being tempted – peirazo – to try whether a thing can be done; to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself

This word can have a positive or a negative meaning:

Positive – to go through tough times, being “tested”

Negative – to be enticed to do sin or wickedness.

he is able – dunamai – to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom; to be able to do something; to be capable, strong and powerful

them that are tempted – peirazo – to try whether a thing can be done; to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself

to succour – boetheo (“to cry” + “to help”) – to help, succour, bring aid

Lesson

Jesus knows how to help you.

He knows what you’re going through.

He’s the best one to help.

He knows how to go through tough times.

He knows how to survive temptation.

There are times when I hear people say, "You don't know what I'm going through".

That may be true, I don't know.  But Jesus does.

Illustration

Joseph Mallord Turner, English painter, invited Charles Kingsley to his studio to see a picture of a storm at sea.  In rapt admiration, Kingsley exclaimed, “It’s wonderful!  It’s so realistic!  How did you do it?”

The artist replied, “I went to the coast of Holland and engaged a fisherman to take me out to sea in the next storm. Entering his boat as a storm was brewing, I asked him to bind me to the mast.  Then he steered his boat into the teeth of the storm.

“The storm raged with such fury that at times I longed to be in the bottom of the boat where the waves would blow over me.  I could not, however.  I was bound to the mast.  Not only did I see the storm in its raging fury, I felt it! It blew into me, as it were, until I became a part of it.  After this terrible ordeal, I returned to my studio and painted the picture.”

Jesus has gone through all the things you have gone through and are going to go through. He's faced all the temptations.  He knows what you're going through.

Ever faced the temptation to throw your relationship with God away and cash in on the big money?

So has Jesus.  Satan offered it to Him.

Going through the pain of divorce?

So has Jesus.  God has been "divorced" from Israel (Hosea)

Ever been deeply hurt or betrayed by someone close to you?

So has Jesus.  He cared very much for Judas.

Let Jesus come to your aid.

(Heb 4:15-16 NIV)  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. {16} Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 3

:1  Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

holy – hagios – most holy thing, a saint

partakers – metochos – sharing in, partaking; a partner (in a work, office, dignity)

consider – katanoeo – to perceive, remark, observe, understand; to consider attentively, fix one’s eyes or mind upon

Apostle – apostolos – a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders

profession – homologia – profession; subjectively: whom we profess to be ours; objectively: profession [confession] i.e. what one professes [confesses]

:2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

faithful – pistos – trusty, faithful; of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties; one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust; that can be relied on

appointed – poieo – to make; to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that; to do

Jesus was faithful to the Father.  He could be counted on to obey the Father.

The writer is now going to compare Jesus and Moses.

:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.

counted worthy – axioo – to think meet, fit, right; to judge worthy, deem, deserving

house – oikos – a house

builded – kataskeuazo – to furnish, equip, prepare, make ready; of one who makes anything ready for a person or thing; of builders, to construct, erect, with the included idea of adorning and equipping with all things necessary

:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.

Jesus deserves more honor than Moses because He “built” Moses.

The builder of all things is God.

Jesus is God.

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #9 – Jesus is better than Moses, He is Moses’ Creator.

:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;

servant – therapon – an attendant, servant: of God; spoken of Moses discharging the duties committed to him by God; the voluntary performer of services prompted by duty or love.

(Heb 3:5 NLT)  Moses was certainly faithful in God's house, but only as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.

What was the “house” of Moses that he was faithful to?  Israel.

:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

son – huios – a son

Moses was called a “servant”, but Jesus was called a “son”.

Lesson

Jesus is better

Reason #10 – Jesus is a Son, Moses was just a servant.

if – This is a “third class” conditional statement.  The idea is that there is some doubt as to whether or not we will “hold fast”, but the outlook is a favorable one, that we probably will “hold fast” (A.T. Robertson’s Grammar, pg.1016; it is third class because the “hold fast” is a subjunctive).  It is not a “first class” condition, which would translate, “if we hold fast, and we will …”.

the confidence – parrhesia – freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; openly, frankly, i.e without concealment; without ambiguity or circumlocution; without the use of figures and comparisons; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance

rejoicing – kauchema – that of which one glories or can glory, matter or ground of glorying; a glorying or boasting

the hope – elpis – expectation of evil, fear; expectation of good, hope; in the Christian sense; joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; on hope, in hope, having hope

firm – bebaios – stable, fast, firm

the end – telos – end; termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time); that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue; the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose

hold fast – katecho – to hold back, detain, retain; to hold fast, keep secure, keep firm possession of; to get possession of, take; to possess

(Heb 3:6 NLT)  But Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God's household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.

Who is the “house” of Jesus?  We are, as long as we stay faithful.

A.T. Robertson:

“…We are God’s house if we do not play the traitor and desert…The author makes no effort to reconcile this warning with God’s elective purpose. He is not exhorting God,  but these wavering Christians.”

When it comes to asking the question, “Can a Christian lose their salvation?”, there are two distinct points of views, sometimes referred to as “Calvinist” and “Arminian”.  The Calvinist view is that you have been chosen by God and He will never let you go.  The Arminian view is that you could let go of God and lose your salvation.

You may consider yourself a “Calvinist” in that you believe that it is impossible for a person to lose their salvation.  I’m not calling that belief into question.  The issue is still the same, are you clinging to Jesus?

If you are a truly saved person, you will keep clinging to Jesus.  If you have stopped clinging to Jesus, then you ought to get your act together and get back to Jesus.  I’ll let you decide whether or not you lost your salvation or whether you were never saved to begin with.  Just get back to Jesus.

I really no longer care whether or not you call yourself a “Calvinist” or an “Armenian”.  All I care about is whether or not you are sticking with Jesus.

That great Calvinist, Jonathan Edwards, once said that “the sure proof of election is that one holds out to the end.”

Illustration

Holding On

On a commuter flight from Portland, Maine, to Boston, Henry Dempsey, the pilot heard an unusual noise near the rear of the small aircraft.  He turned the controls over to his co-pilot and went back to check it out. As he reached the tail section, the plain hit an air pocket, and Dempsey was tossed against the rear door.  He quickly discovered the source of the mysterious noise.  The rear door had not been properly latched prior to takeoff, and it flew open.  He was instantly sucked out of the jet. The co-pilot, seeing the red light that indicated an open door, radioed the nearest airport, requesting permission to make an emergency landing.  He reported that the pilot had fallen out of the plane, and he requested a helicopter search of that area of the ocean. After the plane landed, they found Henry Dempsey - holding onto the outdoor ladder of the aircraft.  Somehow he had caught the ladder, held on for ten minutes as the plane flew 200 mph at an altitude of 4,000 feet, and then, at landing, kept his head from hitting the runway, which was a mere twelve inches away.  It took airport personnel several minutes to pry Dempsey's fingers from the ladder.

Things in life may be turbulent, and you may not feel like holding on.  But have you considered the alternative?

:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,

the Holy Ghost saith – The Holy Spirit was speaking through the writing of King David.  The Holy Spirit has personality.  David wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The writer is going to be quoting Psalm 95:7-11 and then drawing his point from it.  Keep in mind as we look at verses 7-11 here in Hebrews 3, that the writer is quoting David in Psalm 95.

To day – semeron – this (very) day); what has happened today

if ye will hear – akouo – to be endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf; to hear; to hear something; to comprehend, to understand.  The verb is a “subjunctive” mood.  It’s a possibility you might be hearing God’s voice.  This would be another “third class” condition where there is some doubt as to whether the reader is hearing, but it’s very possible that they might be hearing.

Two questions from this verse:

1)  Is it “today”?

This is not yesterday.  This is today.

2)  Are you hearing God speak to you today?

If so, then you’d better listen up, because this next couple of verses are for you.

:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

harden – skleruno – to make hard, harden; metaph. to render obstinate, stubborn. “Hardening of the arteries” is called “arteriosclerosis”.

provocation – parapikrasmos (“alongside” + “bitter”) – provocation

temptation – peirasmos – an experiment, attempt, trial, proving; the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy; an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from the desires or from the outward circumstances

The Hebrew of Psalm 95 might be translated better as in the NAS:

(Psa 95:8-9 NASB)  Do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness; {9} "When your fathers tested Me, They tried Me, though they had seen My work.

David wasn’t just talking generally about the people testing God’s patience.  There were some specific times we could look at when they tested God, they events known as “Meribah” and “Massah”.

:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.

tempted – peirazo – to try whether a thing can be done; to attempt, endeavour; to try, make trial of, test: for the purpose of ascertaining his quantity, or what he thinks, or how he will behave himself

proved – dokimazo – to test, examine, prove, scrutinise (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals; to recognise as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy

Here’s the story that David is talking about in Psalm 95:

(Exo 17:1-7 KJV)  And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. {2} Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

For a long time I’ve looked at this and thought, “What’s so bad with the people’s response?”  They were out of water, shouldn’t they have a right to complain?

It’s not wrong to be aware of your needs.  It’s not wrong to know that you are thirsty and there is no water.  The problem comes with what you do with that knowledge.

{3} And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? {4} And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. {5} And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. {6} Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. {7} And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

The people were having a tough go in the desert.  And they thought that because it was tough, that God wasn’t with them.

The issue isn’t whether God is with you or not.  It is wrong to assume that if God is with you that you will not have any problems.

The problem lies in whether or not you are going to come to God and ask Him for help, or whether you’re just going to complain and make a big fuss.

Keep in mind, the Israelites in the wilderness had NO EXCUSE for doubting God’s presence with them.  They had been delivered from Egypt.  They had lived through the plagues.  They had crossed the Red Sea on dry land.  They had no excuse for not trusting God.

The readers of Hebrews were also going through tough times.  Were they going to start questioning God or were they going to trust Him?

:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.

grieved – prosochthizo – to be wroth or displeased with; to loathe; to spew out; to be disgusted with

alway – aei – perpetually, incessantly; invariably, at any and every time: when according to the circumstances something is or ought to be done again

err – planao – to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way; to go astray, wander, roam about

in their heart – God was concerned about what was going on in the heart more than the actual actions.  It’s the heart that’s important.

ways – hodos – a way; metaph. a course of conduct; a way (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding

If the people had been paying attention, they might have gotten a clue about God’s concern for His children.  After all, they had been delivered from slavery from Egypt.  God had supernaturally protected Israel during the plagues in Egypt.  They had made it through the Red Sea, but the Egyptians all drowned.  God had even started His free food program in the desert, the “manna”.

Shouldn’t this tell them that God could be trusted?  Why wouldn’t they trust God?  Why wouldn’t they go to God and ask for help?

We see this also in the lives of the disciples.  They, like us, were also prone to doubting God’s care for them.

(Mark 4:35-41 KJV)  And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. {36} And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. {37} And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. {38} And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? {39} And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. {40} And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? {41} And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Just like the disciples, sometimes we are going through the “storms” of life, and it seems like Jesus is “asleep on a pillow”.  It seems that He must not care for us.

What should we do?  It’s okay to “wake the Lord up”.  But instead of questioning His love for you, why don’t you simply ask Him for help?  The disciples’ lack of faith wasn’t in that they didn’t rebuke the storm, it was in their doubting of Jesus’ love for them.

God’s love for you does not mean that He’s not going to let you have difficult times.  But it does mean that you can ask Him for help.

:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

I sware – omnuo – to swear; to affirm, promise, threaten, with an oath; in swearing to call a person or thing as witness, to invoke, swear by

wrath – orge – anger, the natural disposition, temper, character; anger, wrath, indignation; anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself

enter into – eiserchomai – to go out or come in: to enter

rest – katapausis – a putting to rest; calming of the winds; a resting place; metaph. the heavenly blessedness in which God dwells, and of which he has promised to make persevering believers in Christ partakers after the toils and trials of life on earth are ended

Pay attention here.  The writer is going to draw a lesson from the fact that an entire generation of Israelites did not enter into their Promised Land because of their disobedience.  The writer is going to make this be the point to move us into action.

:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

take heed – blepo – to see, discern, of the bodily eye; metaph. to see with the mind’s eye; to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand; to turn the thoughts or direct the mind to a thing, to consider, contemplate, to look at, to weigh carefully, examine

lest – mepote – that ... not, lest, whether perhaps, whether or not, in no way, perhaps

there be – the verb is a “future indicative” (not subjunctive).  There is no “might” or “should” in this sentence (like NAS).  It is “shall”.  “Lest there shall be in you …”  This is a pretty strongly worded warning.  You don’t want to be going down the road where you are in unbelief.

evil – poneros – full of labours, annoyances; bad, of a bad nature or condition; in an ethical sense: evil wicked, bad

unbelief – apistia – unfaithfulness, faithless; want of faith, unbelief; weakness of faith

departing – aphistemi – to make stand off, cause to withdraw, to remove; to stand off, to stand aloof; to go away, to depart from anyone; to desert, withdraw from one; to fall away, become faithless; to withdraw one’s self from, to fall away

living – zao – to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead).  God is not dead.  He is not just some kind of philosophy.  He does not exist only because we “believe” in Him.  He is a living entity.  Even if you doubt His existence, that doesn’t change the fact that He is the Living God.

Lesson

Warning:  Wicked hearts depart from God

The writer is warning us that we too face the possibility that we could develop wicked unbelieving hearts.

I think we need to be careful of thinking that we would never depart from Him.

When Jesus told His disciples that they would be offended by Him and scatter, Peter said that he’d never be offended by Jesus.  Jesus said,

(Mat 26:34 KJV)  Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

I believe the point the writer is trying to make is to realize that we too could be carried away by our own wicked hearts.

:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

exhort – parakaleo – to call to one’s side, call for, summon; to address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.; to console, to encourage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort

daily – literally, “according to each day”

To day – semeron – this (very) day); what has happened today

hardened – skleruno – to make hard, harden; metaph.  to render obstinate, stubborn

The writer is referring back to Psalm 95, “today … harden not your hearts”

How do our hearts become “hardened”?  Through the deceitfulness of sin.

Every time we sin and refuse to deal with it, our hearts become a little harder. 

It’s like building up calluses on your fingers when you’re learning to play guitar.  At first it can be very painful to push the strings down with your fingers, but as the calluses grow on your fingers, you don’t notice the pain any longer.

When we refuse to deal with our sin, we become callused to the point where we no longer feel the pain of conviction or guilt.

deceitfulness – apate – deceit, deceitfulness; from apatao – to cheat, beguile, deceive

Sin is incredibly deceitful.  Our hearts are incredibly deceitful.  If left to myself, I can talk myself into just about anything.

I may be on a diet and trying to lose weight, but if I’ve had a particularly hard day, I’ll tell myself, “Hey, you deserve a big old hot fudge sundae!”  I’ll tell myself, “It won’t hurt you to cheat just this once!”  But then one time becomes two times.  Two times become three.  Before you know it, I’m hooked.

What can we do to protect ourselves from the “deceitfulness of sin”?  Encourage one another daily. Besides simply “trusting” in God, this is the one thing we can do to guard ourselves from being in that condition where we would “depart” from God.

Lesson

Get connected

It’s hard to be encouraged by others if you never really get connected to others.

I know that there is an extreme danger of getting too close to any human being.  They can turn on you and hurt you.  They can betray you.

But God’s way is that you are not to be “alone”.  God doesn’t make “Lone Ranger Christians”.

Some of you may be thinking that the person you will “connect” to will be me.  I’m flattered by that, but in reality I’m not going to be able to encourage everybody.

(Heb 10:23-25 KJV)  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) {24} And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: {25} Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

You need to make a commitment to yourself to “plug in” to church.  You will need to make an effort to build relationships with other people in the church.  I know I will offend some of you, but I have to be honest, I have a hard time seeing how anyone can do it seriously when they only come to church occasionally, or even only once a week.  I think I’ve held back at times from trying too much to push people to come to church more because it sounds like I’m pushing “me”.  But it’s not about me.  It’s about Jesus.  It’s about being in God’s Word.  It’s about growing in Him.

Lesson

Encourage each other

David was a man with a heart for God.  He was a guy who was even willing to trust God when he faced giants like Goliath.  But as David was being used by God, his boss, Saul, grew jealous.  Saul eventually began to try and have David killed because of jealousy.  David became a fugitive.  We pick up the story after David has just rescued the city of Keilah from the Philistines, but the people from Keilah are about to betray David:

(1 Sam 23:8-18 KJV)  And Saul called all the people together to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. {9} And David knew that Saul secretly practiced mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. {10} Then said David, O LORD God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. {11} Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, He will come down. {12} Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the LORD said, They will deliver thee up. {13} Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. {14} And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand. {15} And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. {16} And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.

NAS – vs. 16 – “encouraged him in God”.

{17} And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth. {18} And they two made a covenant before the LORD: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.

Jonathan knew that his friend needed help.  He didn’t just try and make him laugh at a few jokes.  He encouraged him “in God”.  He encouraged him to keep trusting God.

We could learn a lot from Jonathan.  He was the “crown prince” of Israel.  He was the one in line to become king after Saul.  Yet he was willing to lay down his job, his reputation, even his life for his friend.  He encouraged his friend David.

:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

partakers – metochos – sharing in, partaking; a partner (in a work, office, dignity)

the beginning – arche – beginning, origin

confidence – hupostasis – a setting or placing under; that which has foundation, is firm; the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution; confidence, firm trust, assurance

unto – mechri – as far as, until

the end – telos – end; termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time)

steadfast – bebaios – stable, fast, firm; metaph. sure, trusty; hold – katecho – to hold back, detain, retain; to hold fast, keep secure, keep firm possession of; to get possession of, take

(Heb 3:14 NLT)  For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.

This is the same kind of language that we saw in verse 6.

:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.

Same language as in verses 7-8.

:16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.

when they had heard – some of the people had heard God’s voice.

The people who left Egypt with Moses had actually heard God’s voice.

(Exo 19:17-19 KJV)  And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. {18} And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. {19} And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

did provoke – parapikraino – to provoke, exasperate; to rouse to indignation

came out of  - exerchomai - to go or come forth of

The King James is a bit awkward here –

(Heb 3:16 NKJV)  For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?

:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

grieved – prosochthizo – to be wroth or displeased with; to loathe; to spew out; to be disgusted with

sinned – hamartano – to be without a share in; to miss the mark; to err, be mistaken; to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong; to wander from the law of God, violate God’s law, sin

carcases – kolon – a member of a body, particularly the more external and prominent members esp. the feet; a dead body, corpse, inasmuch as the members of a corpse are loose and fall apart

:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?

believed not – apeitheo – not to allow one’s self to be persuaded; to refuse or withhold belief; to refuse belief and obedience; not to comply with

Joshua and Caleb had returned along with the other ten spies from checking out the Promised Land.  The land was wonderful, except for the giants that lived there.  When the people heard about the giants, they panicked and didn’t want to go into God’s Promised Land.

:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

they could – dunamai – to be able, have power whether by virtue of one’s own ability and resources, or of a state of mind, or through favourable circumstances, or by permission of law or custom; to be able to do something; to be capable, strong and powerful

unbelief – apistia – unfaithfulness, faithless; want of faith, unbelief; weakness of faith

Lesson

The Christian life is tough

There are going to be “giants” in the land.  There are going to be things that are going to make you want to run.

Will you trust God and still go on with Him anyway?

God has the power and strength you need to be able to make it in the Promised Land, but you’ve got to be willing to trust Him.

Illustration

Available Power

Herbert Jackson told how, as a new missionary, he was assigned a car that would not start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised a plan.  He went to the school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them push his car off.  As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave the engine running.  He used this ingenious procedure for two years. Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new missionary came to that station.  When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood.  Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, "Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable."  He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson's astonishment, the engine roared to life. For two years needless trouble had become routine.  The power was there all the time.  Only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting the power to work.

J.B.Phillips paraphrases Ephesians 1:19-20, "How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God."  When we make firm our connection with God, his life and power flow through us.