Sunday Evening Bible Study

February 4, 2001

Introduction

The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish people, people who understood the Old Testament, people who understood the Law of Moses, people who understood the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

We’ve seen that the Old Testament worship system was to be a picture of heaven, a picture that would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10

:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

shadow – skia – shadow; shade caused by the interception of light; an image cast by an object and representing the form of that object; a sketch, outline, adumbration

to come – mello – to be about; to be on the point of doing or suffering something; to intend, have in mind, think to

image – eikon – an image, figure, likeness

the things – pragma – that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact; what is done or being accomplished; that which is or exists, a thing

year – eniautos – a year, in a wider sense, for some fixed definite period of time

sacrifices – thusia – a sacrifice, victim

offered – prosphero – to bring to, lead to; to bring a present or a thing, to reach or hand a thing to one

continually – dienekes – continuously, continuous

never – oudepote – never

can – 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

the comers – proserchomai – to come to, approach; draw near to

make … perfect – teleioo – to make perfect, complete; to complete (perfect); add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full; to be found perfect

:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.

ceased – pauo – to make to cease or desist; to cease, to leave off

to be offered – prosphero – to bring to, lead to; to bring a present or a thing, to reach or hand a thing to one

conscience – suneidesis – the consciousness of anything; the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other; the conscience

of sins – hamartia – 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

the worshippers – latreuo – to serve for hire; to serve, minister to, either to the gods or men and used alike of slaves and freemen; in the NT, to render religious service or homage, to worship; to perform sacred services, to offer gifts, to worship God in the observance of the rites instituted for his worship; of priests, to officiate, to discharge the sacred office

once – hapax – once, one time; once for all

purged – kathairo – to cleanse, of filth impurity, etc; to prune trees and vines from useless shoots; metaph. from guilt, to expiate

If the Old Testament sacrifices made the worshippers complete and perfect, then they would be able to stop having to offer the sacrifices.

:3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.

remembrance – anamnesis – a remembering, recollection

:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

not possible – adunatos – without strength, impotent, powerless, weakly, disabled; unable to be done, impossible

blood – haima – blood

should take away – aphaireo – to take from, take away, remove, carry off; to cut off

:5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

sacrifice – thusia – a sacrifice, victim

offering – prosphora – the act of offering, a bringing to; that which is offered, a gift, a present. In the NT a sacrifice, whether bloody or not: offering for sin, expiatory offering

wouldest – thelo – to will, have in mind, intend; to be resolved or determined, to purpose; to desire, to wish; to love; to like to do a thing, be fond of doing; to take delight in, have pleasure

body – soma – the body both of men or animals

thou prepared – katartizo – to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete; to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust; to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare

The writer is now going to quote another Old Testament passage to make a point:

(Psa 40:6-8 KJV)  Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. {7} Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, {8} I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

There is one thing a little different here, and that is that the writer substitutes the word “body” (soma) for the word “ears” (hotia).  The writer is quoting from the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, and quotes it exactly except for this one word.  But it doesn’t seem to change the sense of the passage.

:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.

burnt offerings – holokautoma – a whole burnt offering; a victim the whole (and not like other victims only a part) of which was burned

hast had … pleasure – eudokeo – it seems good to one, is one’s good pleasure; think it good, choose, determine, decide; to do willingly; to be ready to, to prefer, choose rather; to be well pleased with, take pleasure in, to be favourably inclined towards one

:7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

This still part of the quote from Psalm 40.

I come – heko – to have come, have arrived, be present

volume – kephalis – a little head; the highest part, extremity of anything; the tips or knobs of the wooden rod around which parchments were rolled were called by this word, because they resembled little heads; the Alexandrian writers transferred the name to the roll or volume itself; in the roll of the book

the book – biblion – a small book, a scroll, a written document; a sheet on which something has been written

to do – poieo – to make; to do

will – thelema – what one wishes or has determined shall be done; will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure

Here is may get a little confusing because we saw last time how the English word “will” is used to describe future things, but also as a “covenant”, as in a “last will and testament”.

Here the idea is that of a person’s “choice”, a person’s “desire”, a person’s “wish”.

:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

above – anoteros – higher; of rest:  in a higher place, above

sacrifice – thusia – a sacrifice, victim

offering – prosphora – the act of offering, a bringing to; that which is offered, a gift, a present. In the NT a sacrifice, whether bloody or not: offering for sin, expiatory offering

burnt offerings – holokautoma – a whole burnt offering; a victim the whole (and not like other victims only a part) of which was burned

are offered – prosphero – to bring to, lead to; to bring a present or a thing, to reach or hand a thing to one

David is saying that these offerings that are made according to the Law of Moses did not give God pleasure.

:9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

taketh away – anaireo – to take up, to lift up (from the ground); to take away, abolish; to do away with or abrogate customs or ordinances

establish – histemi – to cause or make to stand, to place, put, set; to make firm, fix establish; to establish a thing, cause it to stand

He taketh away the first – God is showing that He is doing away with the sacrifices of Moses (the “first” in the paragraph).

may establish the second – the Law is done away and replaced by the “second” thing, the “doing of His will”.

:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

will – thelema – what one wishes or has determined shall be done; will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure

Jesus fulfilled God’s “will” and died on a cross for us.  This is what has made us holy, or “sanctified”.

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

offering – prosphora – the act of offering, a bringing to; that which is offered, a gift, a present. In the NT a sacrifice, whether bloody or not: offering for sin, expiatory offering

body – soma – the body both of men or animals

once – ephapax – once, at once; all at once; once for all

:11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

oftentimes – pollakis – often, frequently

never – oudepote – never

can – 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

take away – periaireo – to take away that which surrounds or envelopes a thing; metaph. to take away altogether or entirely; the guilt of sin, to expiate perfectly

:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

one – mia – only one, someone

offered – prosphero – to bring to, lead to; to bring a present or a thing, to reach or hand a thing to one

for ever – dienekes – continuously, continuous

sat down – kathizo – to make to sit down; to sit down

Jesus had a better sacrifice, so He only had to offer it once for all time.  After He was done with His sacrifice, He was able to sit at God’s right hand.

:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.

expecting – ekdechomai – to receive, accept; to look for, expect, wait for, await

be made – tithemi – to set, put, place

footstool – hupopodion – a footstool

The author is again quoting from

(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.

:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

one – mia – only one, someone

offering – prosphora – the act of offering, a bringing to; that which is offered, a gift, a present. In the NT a sacrifice, whether bloody or not: offering for sin, expiatory offering

perfected – teleioo – to make perfect, complete; add what is yet wanting in order to render a thing full

for ever – dienekes – continuously, continuous

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; to purify; to cleanse externally; to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin; to purify internally by renewing of the soul

:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

said before – proereo – to say before; to say in what precedes, to say above; to say beforehand i.e. before the event: prophecies

:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

Again, now quoting from

(Jer 31:33-34 KJV)  But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. {34} And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

covenant – diatheke – a disposition, arrangement, of any sort, which one wishes to be valid, the last disposition which one makes of his earthly possessions after his death, a testament or will; a compact, a covenant, a testament

will make – diatithemai – to arrange, dispose of, one’s own affairs; of something that belongs to one; to dispose of by will, make a testament; to make a covenant, enter into a covenant, with one

literally, “the covenant that I will covenant”

:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

remember – mnaomai – to remind; to be recalled or to return to one’s mind, to remind one’s self of, to remember; to be recalled to mind, to be remembered, had in remembrance; to remember a thing; be mindful of

:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

remission – aphesis – release from bondage or imprisonment; forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty

The author is using “remission” to be equivalent to God not remembering our sins.

With the New Covenant, the New Testament, there is complete forgiveness.  God no longer remembers your sins.  There is no longer a need to keep making sacrifices for your sins.

:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

boldness – parrhesia – freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance

to enter – eisodos – an entrance; the place or way leading into a place (as a gate); the act of entering

the holiest – hagion – reverend, worthy of veneration; of things which on account of some connection with God possess a certain distinction and claim to reverence, as places sacred to God which are not to be profaned

:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

consecrated – egkainizo – to renew; to do anew, again; to initiate, consecrate, dedication

new – prosphatos (“before” + “slayed”) – lately slaughtered, freshly killed; recently made, new

living – zao – to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); to enjoy real life; to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting

the veil – katapetasma – a veil spread out, a curtain; the name given to the two curtains in the temple at Jerusalem, one of them at the entrance to the temple separated the Holy Place from the outer court, the other veiled the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place

flesh – sarx – flesh

His flesh is not the “veil”, but the “new and living way” through the veil.

:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

let us draw near – proserchomai – to come to, approach; draw near to; to assent to

true – alethinos – that which has not only the name and resemblance, but the real nature corresponding to the name, in every respect corresponding to the idea signified by the name, real, true genuine; true, veracious, sincere

full assurance – plerophoria – full assurance, most certain confidence; from plerophoreo – to bear or bring full, to make full

sprinkled – rhantizo – to sprinkle; to cleanse by sprinkling, hence to purify, cleanse

conscience – suneidesis – the consciousness of anything; the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other; the conscience

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

washed – louo – to bathe, wash

pure – katharos – clean, pure; in a levitical sense; clean, the use of which is not forbidden, imparts no uncleanness; ethically; free from corrupt desire, from sin and guilt

The writer is painting some pictures of how the priests prepared themselves before coming into God’s presence in the Tabernacle.

The priests were to be “sprinkled” with blood:

(Exo 29:21 KJV)  And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him.

The priests were to wash their hands and feet in the water from the laver:

(Exo 30:18-21 KJV)  Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. {19} For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: {20} When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: {21} So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

But those were the “shadows”, the things that couldn’t really make a person clean.  Jesus can really make us clean.

:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

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

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

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

without wavering – aklines (“not” + “bowing”) – not inclining, firm, unmoved

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

promised – epaggello – to announce that one is about to do or furnish something; to promise (of one’s own accord) to engage voluntarily

:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

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

to provoke – paroxusmos – an inciting, incitement; irritation

love – agape – brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence

good – kalos – beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable

works – ergon – business, employment, that which any one is occupied; an act, deed, thing done

: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.

forsaking – egkataleipo – abandon, desert; leave in straits, leave helpless; totally abandoned, utterly forsaken; to leave behind among, to leave surviving

the assembling – episunagoge (“synagogue”) – a gathering together in one place; the (religious) assembly (of Christians)

the manner – ethos – custom

exhorting – 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.

approaching – eggizo – to bring near, to join one thing to another; to draw or come near to, to approach

:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

willfully – hekousios – voluntarily, willingly, of one’s own accord; to sin wilfully as opposed to sins committed inconsiderately, and from ignorance or from weakness

we sin – 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

received – lambano – to take; to receive (what is given), to gain, get, obtain, to get back

knowledge – epignosis – precise and correct knowledge; used in the NT of the knowledge of things ethical and divine

truth – aletheia – truth

no more – ouketi – no longer, no more, no further

remaineth – apoleipo – to leave, to leave behind; to desert or forsake

sacrifice – thusia – a sacrifice, victim

Note:  This verse can give you the idea that if you should ever sin willfully after having become a Christian, that you are going to go to hell.  Slow down and think about the context.

Keep in mind that the writer is writing to Jewish people.  These are people who have trusted in the sacrificial system of Moses.  But as we’ve seen, the sacrificial system of Moses was only a shadow of the real thing, Jesus Christ.  Once a Jewish person has come to understand that Jesus is the real sacrifice for sins, they can’t just turn their back on Jesus and go back to the old system of sacrificing goats and bulls.

Once a Jewish person has heard of Jesus, there is no going back to the old way of sacrifices because they were meant to point to Jesus.

:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

fearful – phoberos – inspiring fear, terrible, formidable; affected with fear, timid

looking for – ekdoche – the act or manner of receiving from; reception; expectation, waiting

judgment – krisis – a separating, sundering, separation; judgment; sentence of condemnation, damnatory judgment, condemnation and punishment

fiery – pur – fire

indignation – zelos – excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit; zeal, ardour in embracing, pursuing, defending anything; the fierceness of indignation, punitive zeal

devour – esthio – to eat; metaph. to devour, consume

adversaries – hupenantios – opposite to; set over against: meeting one another; opposed to, contrary to, an adversary

Are you on God’s side or against Him?

:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:

despised – atheteo (“away” + “to place”) – to do away with, to set aside, disregard; to thwart the efficacy of anything, nullify, make void, frustrate; to reject, to refuse, to slight

mercy – oiktirmos – compassion, pity, mercy; bowels in which compassion resides, a heart of compassion; emotions, longings, manifestations of pity

Note:  The writer is drawing from the what the Law said about itself:

(Deu 17:6 KJV)  At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.

In context, it was talking about those who had done something that deserved the death penalty.  Doing something worthy of death is being called “despising the law” or “setting aside the law”.  The person has made a decision that they don’t care to do what the Law required.

A person who had two or more witnessed testify against them would be put to death.  There was no room for mercy.

:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?

suppose ye – dokeo – to be of opinion, think, suppose

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

punishment – timoria – a rendering help; assistance; vengeance, punishment, penalty

trodden under foot – katapateo – to tread down, trample under foot, to trample on; metaph. to treat with rudeness and insult; to spurn, treat with insulting neglect

unholy – koinos – common; common i.e. ordinary, belonging to generality; by the Jews, unhallowed, profane, Levitically unclean

hath counted – hegeomai – to lead; to consider, deem, account, think

he was sanctified – hagiazo – to render or acknowledge, or to be venerable or hallow; to separate from profane things and dedicate to God; to purify

The blood of Jesus has sanctified every person in the world in that Jesus has paid the price for their forgiveness, whether or not they have chosen to believe or not.

Spirit of grace – the Holy Spirit is working to bring people into God’s grace, but sometimes people step all over God’s grace.

done despite – enubrizo (“in” + “treat shamefully”, “proudfully”) – to insult

If the things of the Law were just shadows of the real thing, and the real thing was Jesus, the Son of God, then how much worse will the penalty be to the one who despises Jesus?

Lesson

Have pity on those that blaspheme.

Sometimes we have some pretty goofy ideas when people say horrible things about Jesus. 

Sometimes we are hurt because we feel as if they are rejecting us.  Sometimes we feel like we need to get upset and defend Jesus.

I wonder if we shouldn’t be feeling sorry for the person because of the horrible predicament they are putting themselves in.

:30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.

These are quotes from Deut. 32:35-36 and Ps. 135:14.

vengeance – ekdikesis – a revenging, vengeance, punishment

recompense – antapodidomi – in a good sense, to repay, requite; in a bad sense, penalty and vengeance

:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

fearful – phoberos – inspiring fear, terrible, formidable; affected with fear, timid

fall into – empipto – to fall into; to fall among robbers; fall into one’s power

living – zao – to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); to enjoy real life

God is not dead.  He’s alive.

Lesson

Fear God

Jesus said,

(Mat 10:28 KJV)  And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

call to remembrance – anamimnesko (“again” + “remember”) – to call to remembrance, to remind, to admonish; to remember, to remember and weigh well and consider

illuminated – photizo – to give light, to shine; to enlighten, light up, illumine; to bring to light, render evident; to enlighten, spiritually, imbue with saving knowledge

afflictions – athlesis (“athletic”) – to contest, to combat, to strive, struggle, hard trial

ye endured – hupomeno (“under” + “remain”) – to remain; to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee; to preserve: under misfortunes and trials to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ; to endure, bear bravely and calmly: ill treatments

This is the verb form of one of the words often translated “patience” (hupomone).

:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

reproaches – oneidismos – a reproach; such as Christ suffered, for the cause of God, from his enemies

afflictions – thlipsis – a pressing, pressing together, pressure; metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits

made a gazingstock – theatrizo (“theater”) – to bring upon the stage; to set forth as a spectacle, expose to contempt; NAS – “public spectacle”

became companions – koinonos – a partner, associate, comrade, companion; a partner, sharer, in anything.  These people now had something in common with the people of old who were persecuted.

were so used – anastrepho – to turn upside down, overturn; to turn back; to turn hither and thither, to turn one’s self about, sojourn dwell in a place; metaph. to conduct one’s self, behave one’s self, live

Lesson

When you endure persecution, you are a part of a special group

(Mat 5:10-12 KJV)  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. {12} Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

ye had compassion – sumpatheo (“sympathetic”) – to be affected with the same feeling as another, to sympathise with; to feel for, have compassion on

the spoiling – harpage – the act of plundering, robbery; plunder spoil

goods – huparchonta – possessions, goods, wealth, property

joyfully – chara – joy, gladness

took – prosdechomai – to receive to one’s self, to admit, to give access to one’s self

substance – huparxis – possessions, goods, wealth, property; a form of the word translated “goods”.

enduring – meno – to remain, abide

Lesson

Heaven’s riches last longer than earthly ones.

You can fight hard and long to acquire wealth on the earth, and then work hard at trying to keep it.  Or, you can work at acquiring wealth in heaven, where nothing can touch it.

(Mat 6:19-21 KJV)  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: {20} But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: {21} For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

cast … away – apoballo – to throw off, cast away.  “Don’t throw away …”

confidence – parrhesia – freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance

This is the same word that was translated “boldness” in verse 19, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter …”

recompense of reward – misthapodosia (“hire” + “to pay back”) – payment of wages due, recompense

There is a great payoff for being able to trust the Lord and come boldly before Him.

:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

patience – hupomone – steadfastness, constancy, endurance; a patient, steadfast waiting for; a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance.  Verse 32, the verb form of this word was translated “endured”.

These people used to have endurance (verse 32), but they have need of more.

need – chreia – necessity, need; duty, business

the will – thelema – what one wishes or has determined shall be done; of the purpose of God to bless mankind through Christ; of what God wishes to be done by us; commands, precepts; will, choice, inclination, desire, pleasure

ye might receive – komizo – to care for, take care of, provide for; to carry, bear, bring to, to carry away for one’s self, to carry off what is one’s own, to bring back; to receive, obtain: the promised blessing

:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

tarry – chronizo – to linger, delay, tarry

The writer is again going to quote and apply a couple of verses:

(Hab 2:3-4 KJV)  For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. {4} Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Hold on, Jesus is coming.

:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

The writer is actually quoting Hab. 2:4, but it sounds a little different because he’s quoting the Greek Septuagint translation, not the Hebrew original, and he’s transposed the position of the two phrases.

just – dikaios – righteous, observing divine laws

faith – pistis – conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it

shall live – zao – to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead); to enjoy real life.  The verb is a future indicative.

“But the righteous, out of his faith, he will definitely live, he will have life”

draw back – hupostello – to draw back, let down, lower; to withdraw: of a timid person; to withdraw one’s self, i.e. to be timid, to cover, shrink

have no pleasure – eudokeo – it seems good to one, is one’s good pleasure; to be well pleased with, take pleasure in, to be favorably inclined towards one

God does not take pleasure in those who walk away and stay away from Him.

:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

of them who draw back – hupostole – the timidity of one stealthily retreating

perdition – apoleia – destroying, utter destruction; a perishing, ruin, destruction; the destruction which consists of eternal misery in hell

them that believe – pistis – faith; conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it

You might translate this, “we are not of them that draw back leading to destruction, but those of faith, ending up with the preserving of their soul”

the saving – peripoiesis – a preserving, a preservation; an obtaining

soul – psuche – breath; the soul

The writer is telling his reader that he doesn’t seem them as faithless, but as faithful.

The people are going through tough times.  They need to endure.  And the key to enduring is faith.  So, just what is “faith”?

Hebrews 11

:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

faith – pistis – faith; conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it.

This is the same word translated in 10:39 as “them that believe”.

things hoped for – elpizo – to hope; in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence; hopefully to trust in. 

The noun form of this word was translated “faith” in 10:23, “let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering…”.  I don’t bring this out to confuse this word with the word for “faith” (pistis), but in order to show that the writer has been encouraging his readers to hold on to their “hope”.  Now he’s saying that they need to have faith to endure, and that faith is all tied up with “hope”.

substance – hupostasis – a setting or placing under; thing put under, substructure, foundation; that which has foundation, is firm; that which has actual existence; a substance, real being; the substantial quality, nature, of a person or thing; the steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage, resolution; confidence, firm trust, assurance

NAS – “assurance”; NIV – “being sure”; NLT – “confident assurance”

The word is found 5 times in the NT, and three of those times is it translated “confident” or “confidence” (2Cor. 9:4; 11:17; Heb. 3:14).

…of things … (second time) – pragma – that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact; what is done or being accomplished; that which is or exists, a thing

evidence – elegchos – a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction; from elegcho – to convict, refute, confute; reprove; rebuke.

A prosecuting attorney won’t take a case to court before the judge and jury unless he has the right kind of solid evidence to bring a conviction.

seen – blepo – to see, discern, of the bodily eye; metaph. to see with the mind’s eye; to discern mentally, observe, perceive, discover, understand.

This is a key word for this chapter.  You’ll see over and over again different words that carry the idea of “seeing” or “not seeing” and how they are tied to faith. 

Definition:  Faith is learning to trust in something you don’t see.

We could translate this, “faith is the confidence of what you hope for, faith is knowing the proof of something that you can’t see”

Lesson

Faith in difficult times.

The whole context here is to encourage people to trust God when it’s difficult.  It’s the times when everything is going wrong that we need to take up the challenge to keep trusting the Lord.

It’s one thing to say you trust the Lord when everything is going right with your life, but when you hit difficult times, it can be pretty hard to keep trusting.

It’s in difficult times that we have a hard time believing that God really cares about us, that God knows what is going on in our lives, and that God has the power to do something to help us out.

The writer is going to be giving us a TON of examples to chew on.

Through each of the examples, look for the common thread, that faith is all about trusting in something that you just can’t see, trusting in something that you don’t understand.

:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

obtained a good report – martureo – to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration; to give (not to keep back) testimony; to utter honourable testimony, give a good report; conjure, implore

Pay attention because this word is used a couple of times throughout this chapter (vs. 4,5,39).

elders – presbuteros – elder, of age.  We’ll see who he’s talking about as we keep reading …

:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

we understand – noeo – to perceive with the mind, to understand, to have understanding; to think upon, heed, ponder, consider

were framed – katartizo – to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete; to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust; to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare

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

word – rhema – that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word; subject matter of speech, thing spoken of

things which do appear – phaino – to bring forth into the light, cause to shine, shed light; shine; to become evident, to be brought forth into the light, come to view, appear

things which are seen – blepo – to see, discern, of the bodily eye; metaph. to see with the mind’s eye; to have (the power of) understanding

God made all the things that we see out of things that are not visible.  Even though we don’t understand this or can’t “see” it, it is our faith that helps us understand that it happened.

:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

more excellent – pleion – greater in quantity; greater in quality, superior, more excellent

sacrifice – thusia – a sacrifice, victim

The writer has been talking a LOT about sacrifices.  Here we have the instance of the first sacrifice.  And of two sacrifices that were made, one was better than the other.  The better one was accepted because it was done by faith.

offered – prosphero – to bring to, lead to; to bring a present or a thing, to reach or hand a thing to one

he obtained witness – martureo – to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.

This is the word “obtained a good report” used in verse 11:2.  This is Abel’s “good report”.

righteous – dikaios – righteous, observing divine laws

testifying – martureo – to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.

gifts – doron – a gift, present; of sacrifices and other gifts offered to God

Cain & Abel

Genesis 4:1-10

Two brothers bringing offerings to the Lord

Abel brought an animal sacrifice, Cain brought from the fruit of the ground

God liked Abel's sacrifice (NIV - "looked with favor"), but not Cain's.

Lots of people try to figure out why Abel's was better.

Some think it was that fact that it was a blood sacrifice - I think that is probably part of it.  But not all sacrifices have to be blood sacrifices, just look through Leviticus.

But the bottom line is that Abel offered his sacrifice "by faith".

He was trusting in God.

Lesson

Faith is better

Two people can be doing basically the same thing, but one is acceptable to God, and one isn't.

It all comes down to faith.

Are you letting God lead you?

Are you doing things in your life because you love God and want to follow Him?  Or because you're just watching others and trying to be like them?

being dead yet he speaketh

I believe this is referring to when Cain killed his brother out of jealousy, and God says:

Ge   4:10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.

Abel's blood was crying out to God from the ground.

Yet there's more, because the writer speaks in a present tense, as though Abel speaks today.

Abel's example of living by faith is what is still speaking to us today.

:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

translated – metatithemi – to transpose (two things, one of which is put in place of the other); to transfer; to change

he had this testimony – martureo – to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.  This was Enoch’s “good report” (11:2).

he pleased – euaresteo – to be well pleasing; to be well pleased with a thing

All we know of Enoch is a little excerpt from one of the geneaologies:

(Gen 5:24 KJV)  And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

The idea is that Enoch walked with God, and God liked the guy so much that one day God just took him home, without dying!

Enoch is a picture of the rapture of the church.  One day we will just not be there.

:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

it is impossible – adunatos – without strength, impotent, powerless, weakly, disabled; unable to be done, impossible

to please – euaresteo – to be well pleasing; to be well pleased with a thing

must – dei – it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves, is right and proper

diligently seek – ekzeteo – to seek out, search for; to seek out, i.e. investigate, scrutinize; to seek out for one’s self, beg, crave; to demand back, require

a rewarder – misthapodotes – one who pays wages, a rewarder

This is the same word translated “recompense of reward” in

(Heb 10:35 KJV)  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

Lesson

You need to believe He’s there.

Illustration

“During the terrible days of the Blitz, a father, holding his small son by the hand, ran from a building that had been struck by a bomb.  In the front yard was a shell hole.  Seeking shelter as quickly as possible, the father jumped into the hole and held up his arms for his son to follow.  Terrified, yet hearing his father’s voice telling him to jump, the boy replied, “I can’t see you!”  The father, looking up against the sky tinted red by the burning buildings, called to the silhouette of his son, “But I can see you.  Jump!”  The boy jumped, because he trusted his father.  The Christian faith enables us to face life or meet death, not because we can see, but with the certainty that we are seen; not that we know all the answers, but that we are known.”

We have a Father that loves us.  Jump.

You may not think He’s there sometimes.  You may question if He’s still there sometimes.

But faith is coming to trust in Him even when things look like He’s not there.

Lesson

You need to believe He loves you.

He is a rewarder of those who seek after Him.

Circumstances may have you thinking that God doesn’t care anymore about you.

But God’s plans for you are way more complex than just giving you everything you want.

Sometimes God is working to make you a better person.  And sometimes that is a difficult thing to achieve without you going through some difficulties.

God’s Word tells you that He loves you.

(Rom 8:32 KJV)  He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

(Rom 8:38-39 KJV)  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, {39} Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The question is, will you trust God’s Word, or will you trust your circumstances?

Lesson

You have to trust Him.

There is no other way.  It is impossible to be pleasing without trusting Him.

There are going to be times when we will face challenges, difficult times, things we don’t understand.

We can choose to step back to where it’s comfortable and where we understand, or we can choose to move forward, into the realm of “taking chances”, into the realm of trusting God.

Illustration

A young man who was disconcerted about the uncertainty of his future and in a quandary as to which direction to take with his life, sat in a park, watching squirrels scamper among the trees.  Suddenly, a squirrel jumped from one high tree to another.  It appeared to be aiming for a limb so far out of reach that the leap looked like suicide.  As the young man had anticipated, the squirrel missed its mark, but, it landed, safe and unconcerned, on a branch several feet lower.  Then it climbed to its goal and all was well.

An old man sitting on the other end of the bench occupied by the young man, remarked, "Funny, I've seen hundreds of 'em jump like that, especially when there are dogs around and they can't come down to the ground.  A lot of 'em miss, but I've never seen any hurt in trying."  Then he chuckled and added, "I guess they've got to risk it if they don't want to spend their lives in one tree."

The young man thought, A squirrel takes a chance.  Have I less nerve than a squirrel?

-- God's Little Devotional Book For Students (Honor Books), p. 29.

Walking by faith isn’t a “safe” thing.  It involves trusting in things you don’t see.

Walking by faith requires hearing from God, and then trusting Him despite how things look.  It’s learning to trust in things you don’t see.

Illustration

Faith is the vitamin that makes all we take from the Bible digestible and makes us able to receive it and assimilate it. If we do not have faith, we cannot get anything.

-- A. W. Tozer in Rut, Rot or Revival.  Christianity Today, Vol. 40, no. 5.

:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Genesis 6:13-22

being warned of God – chrematizo – to transact business, esp. to manage public affairs; to give a response to those consulting an oracle, to give a divine command or admonition, to teach from heaven; to be divinely commanded, admonished, instructed

moved with fear – eulabeomai – to act cautiously, circumspectly; to beware, fear; to reverence, stand in awe of

prepared – 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

Noah had never seen rain.  The world had never seen rain.  There was no visible evidence of a flood, yet Noah chose to trust God and obeyed God.

:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Genesis 12:1-4

called – kaleo – to call; to call aloud, utter in a loud voice; to call i.e. to name, by name

obeyed – hupakouo – to listen, to harken; of one who on the knock at the door comes to listen who it is, (the duty of a porter); to harken to a command; to obey, be obedient to, submit to

not knowing – epistamai – to put one’s attention on, fix one’s thoughts on, to turn one’s self or one’s mind to, put one’s thought upon a thing; to be acquainted with, to understand; to know

Abraham didn’t “see” where he was going.  He didn’t know exactly what he was getting into.  But he went anyway.

Lesson

Blind obedience

There is an aspect of living the Christian life where God would indeed call us to a kind of “blind obedience” to Him.

There are going to be times when He is going to ask us to do something and He’s not going to fill us in on all the details before we are required to go.

Illustration

This was the verse that God used to move us off the dime and start Calvary Chapel of Fullerton.  I had been an assistant pastor at Calvary Chapel Anaheim for eight years and had been considering starting a church in Fullerton.  Pastor Mark was for it, the elders were for it, but I was a little scared.  I wanted to feel “safe”.  I was a little scared to let go of the security of being in a fairly large church and getting a paycheck every week.  I thought that perhaps I would wait until we had thirty people ready to go with us before I would make my final decision.

On Sunday nights I was teaching through Hebrews, and on September 4, 1994, we had reached Hebrews 11:8.  I couldn’t get past the “coincidence”.  I think that at the time we had only about four couples who were committed to help start the church, but I felt that we needed to take a step of faith, so we decided to make the commitment and we gave our two-month notice at the church.  By the time we started, we didn’t have thirty people, we had thirty families.

:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

sojourned – paroikeo – to dwell beside (one) or in one’s neighbourhood, to live near; in the NT, to be or dwell in a place as a stranger, to sojourn

strange country – allotrios – belonging to another; foreign, strange, not of one’s own family, alien, an enemy

:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

he looked for – ekdechomai – to receive, accept; to look for, expect, wait for, await

Since the idea of faith is that it is trusting in things you “don’t see”, perhaps the translation “looked for” is a poor one since the actual word doesn’t have anything to do with physical “sight”.

He expected.  He waited.

:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

strength – dunamis – strength power, ability

she judged – hegeomai – to lead; to consider, deem, account, think

Sarah was ninety years old when she got pregnant with Isaac.  She had never been able to get pregnant before.  She didn’t have a great “track record” to count on.  All she could count on was the promise of God.

:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

as good as dead – nekroo – to make dead, to put to death, slay; worn out; of an impotent old man; to deprive of power, destroy the strength of.  The verb is a “perfect” tense, meaning that the action happened in the past, but the results carried on into the present.  He was dead and was still dead.

Abraham was “as good as dead”, yet when he was a hundred years old, he became the father of Isaac.  And from Isaac came Jacob and from Jacob came the nation of Israel.

:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

afar off – porrhothen – from afar, afar off

embraced – aspazomai – to draw to one’s self; to salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to; to receive joyfully, welcome

confessed – homologeo – to say the same thing as another, i.e. to agree with, assent; to concede; to confess; declare; to profess; to declare openly, speak out freely

This is the same basic word translated “profession” in:

(Heb 10:23 KJV)  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

We are to hold fast to our confession that Jesus is Lord.

Abraham held fast to the confession that he was a stranger and a pilgrim.

strangers – xenos – a foreigner, a stranger; alien (from a person or a thing)

pilgrims – parepidemos – one who comes from a foreign country into a city or land to reside there by the side of the natives

Lesson

Trusting without seeing the big picture

The big picture of God’s promise to Abraham (“as many as the stars of the sky…”) wouldn’t happen until long after Abraham’s death.  But that didn’t stop Abraham from trusting the Lord.

God’s promises to you may be bigger than you.

Illustration

I think that there are rewards that come as we live a life that is pleasing to God, a life where we learn to say “no” to sin and temptation.  We benefit directly from our own obedience.

But there’s more to the picture.

Your life also affects those around you as well.  Sometimes it’s the people at work that are watching you.  When you walk close to the Lord, you are an encouragement for them to do the same.  Sometimes it’s your own kids.  They see your example and want to follow it.

:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

declare plainly – emphanizo – to manifest, exhibit to view; to show one’s self, come to view, appear, be manifest; to indicate, disclose, declare, make known

seek – epizeteo – to enquire for, seek for, search for, seek diligently; to wish for, crave; to demand, clamour for

:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

mindful – mnemoneuo – to be mindful of, to remember, to call to mind; to think of and feel for a person or thing; to hold in memory, keep in mind

returned – anakampto – to bend back, to turn back; to return

Lesson

Don’t look back.

If Abraham had his eyes on Ur of the Chaldees, he might not have ever left there.

Instead, he had his eyes on Canaan.

Don’t look back to the old life that you’ve left.  Look ahead.

:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

they desire – oregomai – to stretch one’s self out in order to touch or to grasp something, to reach after or desire something

:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.

Genesis 22

offered up – prosphero – to bring to, lead to; to bring a present or a thing, to reach or hand a thing to one

he was tried – 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

After Isaac had been born and was a young man, God told Abraham to sacrifice his only begotten son.  Abraham obeyed God and was about to thrust the knife into his son when God stopped him.

:18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

(Gen 21:12 KJV)  And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Accounting – logizomai – to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over; to reckon inward, count up or weigh the reasons, to deliberate

in a figure – parabole – a placing of one thing by the side of another, juxtaposition, as of ships in battle; metaph.  a comparing, comparison of one thing with another, likeness, similitude

The story of Abraham sacrificing Isaac was a picture of another Father who would one day sacrifice His Only Begotten Son for us.

How could Abraham have done such a thing, sacrificing his own son?

He knew God’s promise – that Isaac would be the chosen offspring.

Since Isaac wasn’t married and didn’t have any kids yet, God would have to raise Isaac from the dead in order to keep His promise.

He knew that God kept His promises.

So he obeyed.

:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Gen. 27:26-40

Isaac didn’t have solid proof of what would take place in the future, yet when he “blessed” his sons, he spoke prophetically, saying that the older would serve the younger.

:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

Genesis 48:1, 5, 16, 20

worshipped – 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

Jacob did something similar to Isaac when he blessed the two sons of Joseph.  He switched the normal route of blessing and instead of giving the greater blessing to the older son, he gave the greater blessing to the younger son.  In doing this, he was speaking prophetically.  He was speaking with confidence about things of which he had no positive “proof”.

:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

Gen. 50:24,25

when he died – teleutao – to finish, bring to and end, close; to have an end or close, come to an end

Joseph made the Israelites promise to take his bones with them when they would one day leave Egypt and go back to the Promised Land of Canaan.

Why would Joseph make his people commit to such a promise when according to all the evidence, there was no place better for them than Egypt?  After all, it was their own man, Joseph, who was SECOND in command in Egypt.  How much better could it get?

Joseph spoke by faith.  He spoke about things of which he had no positive proof.

:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

Exodus 2:1-3

proper – asteios – of the city; of polished manners; elegant (of body), comely, fair

afraid – phobeo – to put to flight by terrifying (to scare away); to put to flight, to flee; to fear, be afraid; to be struck with fear, to be seized with alarm

Moses’ parents were not afraid of disobeying Pharaoh’s command because they sensed God’s leading.

:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

Exodus 2:11-15

refused – arneomai – to deny; to deny someone; not to accept, to reject, to refuse something offered

By faith Moses denied the world to himself.

:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

choosing – haireomai – to take for oneself, to prefer, choose; to choose by vote, elect to office

to suffer affliction with – sugkakoucheo – to treat ill with another; to be ill treated in company with, share persecutions or come into a fellowship of ills

By faith, Moses made a choice that made him very uncomfortable, choosing affliction over comfort.

:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.

esteeming – hegeomai – to lead; to consider, deem, account, think

This is the same word describing Sarah’s action of “judging” God to be faithful.

he had respect – apoblepo – to turn the eyes away from other things and fix them on some one thing; to look at attentively; to look with steadfast mental gaze

Faith is having confidence in what you don’t see.

Here we see Moses choosing to turn his eyes from what he saw (pleasure and treasure in Egypt) and trusting in what he didn’t see (God’s rewards).

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

(Heb 10:35 KJV)  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

There are GREAT rewards in following after the Lord.  But you won’t see them right away.

(Heb 11:6 KJV)  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

To be able to please God, you need to believe that God is a rewarder.

Lesson

You have to make some “faith judgments”

There are going to be some places in life where you are going to be called on to make a “judgment”.

Are you going to make a judgment based on what God says, based on “faith”, or based on what will make you comfortable?

:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

he forsook – kataleipo – to leave behind; to forsake, leave to one’s self a person or thing by ceasing to care for it, to abandon, leave in the lurch; of those who sail past a place without stopping

invisible – aoratos – unseen, or that which can not be seen, e.g. invisible

seeing – horao – to see with the eyes

he endured – kartereo – to be steadfast; from kratos – force, strength; power, might: mighty with great power

Lesson

Endure by seeing the unseen

The whole theme of Hebrews has been an encouragement to keep going, an encouragement to endure.

How did Moses do it?

By “seeing” the “unseen”.  That’s faith.  Trusting something you don’t see.

:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

(Exo 12:21 KJV)  Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

They had never before done such a thing, killing a lamb and putting it’s blood on the doorposts of the houses.  Who would think that such a thing was even necessary?

But they obeyed because they trusted in the unseen.

:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

(Exo 14:22 KJV)  And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

assaying – peira – a trial, experience, attempt; to attempt a thing, to make trial of a thing or of a person; to have a trial of a thing; to experience, learn to know by experience

were drowned – katapino – to drink down, swallow down; to devour; to swallow up, destroy

It wasn’t their faith that kept the Red Sea from collapsing around them.  It was their faith that made them obey God when He told them to go through the Sea.

:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

(Josh 6:20 KJV)  So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.

compassed about – kukloo – to go around, lead around; to surround, encircle, encompass

:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

(Josh 6:23 KJV)  And the young men that were spies went in, and brought out Rahab, and her father, and her mother, and her brethren, and all that she had; and they brought out all her kindred, and left them without the camp of Israel.

perished … with – sunapollumi – to destroy together; to perish together (to be slain along with)

them that 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

:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

Gedeon (Gideon) – Judges 6-8

He was the guy who had the army that was too big.  Even though it was outnumbered 5 to 1.  He ended up facing 150,000 Midianites with an army of 300 guys.

How could he have followed such a foolish strategy?  He trusted in the unseen.

Barak – Judges 4-5

A man who would deliver Israel from their enemies, along with the help of a very special woman named Deborah.

Samson – Judges 13-16

The “strongman” if Israel.  A man who had great strength not because of his long hair, but because of his vow of serving God.

Jephthae  (Jephthah) – Judges 11-12

Jephthah was a bastard, the son of Gilead and a harlot.

He was disowned by his family and joined a rough group of men. But when Israel needed help, they knew that he was the man, and they asked him to lead them.

David – 1Samuel 16 – 1Kings 2

The man after God’s own heart.  The man whose line would lead to the Messiah.

Samuel – 1Samuel 1-28

The prophet that brought the kingdom to Israel, anointing it’s first two kings, Saul and David.

The prophets

Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc.

:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

subdued – katagonizomai – to struggle against; to overcome

stopped – phrasso – to fence in, block up, stop up, close up; to put to silence

Daniel in the lions’ den (Dan. 6).

:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

violence – dunamis – strength, power, ability

quenched the violence of fire – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Dan. 3).

escaped the edge of the sword –

David running from Saul

were made strong – endunamoo – to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen; to receive strength, be strengthened, increase in strength

Samson - blinded and shorn, then hair grew back with strength.

waxed valiant in fight –

Jonathan and his armor bearer (1Sam. 14)

armies of aliens – is this proof of UFO’s?  (just a BAD joke!)

2Ki.6-7 - The Syrians beseiging Samaria, famine in the city, but when the 4 lepers go out to the other camp, the Syrians all flee.

:35 Women received their dead raised to life again:

Elijah - Son of the widow of Zarephath  # 1Ki 17:22

Elisha - Son of the Shunammite  # 2Ki 4:35

Dead man restored to life at touch of Elisha's bones  # 2Ki 13:21

:35  and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

tortured – tumpanizo – to beat the drum or timbrel; to torture with the tympanum, an instrument of punishment; The tympanum seems to have been a wheel shaped instrument of torture, over which criminals were stretched as though they were skins and then horribly beaten with clubs or thongs (cf our "break upon the wheel")

Lesson

Faith doesn’t always turn bad things good.

Don’t think that your faith is going to make everything unpleasant stop.

The people who preach the “health and prosperity” doctrines don’t tend to read this far into chapter 11.

Faith doesn’t just bring great victories, it also helps you endure great tragedies.

Keep in mind, the point of Hebrews is to encourage the people to endure their hard times.

:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

mockings – empaigmos (“in” + “play like a child”) – a mocking, scoffing

scourgings – mastix – a whip, scourge

:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

sawn asunder –

This is thought to be a reference to the prophet Isaiah, being put to death by Manasseh.

being destitute – hustereo – behind; to come late or too tardily; to be left behind in the race and so fail to reach the goal, to fall short of the end; to be inferior in power, influence and rank; to fail, be wanting; to be in want of, lack

afflicted – thlibo – to press (as grapes), press hard upon; metaph. to trouble, afflict, distress

tormented – kakoucheo – to treat ill, oppress, plague

:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

worthy – axios – weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much; befitting, congruous, corresponding to a thing

:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

all – both the ones that had great victories as well as the ones who suffered greatly.

having obtained a good report – martureo – to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration; to utter honourable testimony, give a good report

This was the word used way back in 11:2.  All these people got an “A” on their report card, even those who were persecuted and died a martyr’s death.

received – komizo – to care for, take care of, provide for; to carry, bear, bring to, to carry away for one’s self, to carry off what is one’s own, to bring back; to receive, obtain: the promised blessing

:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

having provided – problepo – to foresee; to provide

An interesting choice of words.

Faith is learning to trust in something you don’t see.

But all along, God sees.  He sees ahead.  That’s why you can trust Him because He sees what is up ahead.

Illustration

In a View from the Zoo, Gary Richmond tells about the birth of a giraffe:  “The first thing to emerge are the baby giraffe’s front hooves and head.  A few minutes later the plucky newborn calf is hurled forth, falls ten feed, and lands on its back.  Within seconds, he rolls to an upright position with his legs tucked under his body.  From this position he considers the world for the first time and shakes off the last vestiges of the birthing fluid from his eyes and ears.

The mother giraffe lowers her head long enough to take a quick look.  Then she positions herself directly over her calf.  She waits for about a minute, and then she does the most unreasonable thing.  She swings her long, pendulous leg outward and kicks her baby, so that it is sent sprawling head over heals.

When it doesn’t get up, the violent process is repeated over and over again.  The struggle to rise is momentous.  As the baby calf grows tired, the mother kicks it again to stimulate its efforts...Finally, the calf stands for the first time on its wobbly legs.  Then the mother giraffe does the most remarkable thing.  She kicks it off its feet again.  Why?  She wants it to remember how it got up.  In the wild, baby giraffes must be able to get up as quickly as possible in order to stay with the herd, where there is safety.  Lions, hyenas, leopards, and wild hunting dogs all enjoy young giraffes, and they’d get it too, if the mother didn’t teach her calf to get up quickly and get with it...

I’ve thought about the birth of the giraffe many times.  I can see its parallel in my own life.  There have been many times when it seemed that I had just stood up after a trial, only to be knocked down again by the next.  It was God helping me to remember how it was that I got up, urging me always to walk with him, in his shadow, under his care.”