Workers
For Jesus Online Bible Study
Hebrews 4 -7
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Timeline of the Bible
God creates the world. --- God destroys the world with the flood,
but saves Noah and his family.---
God
chooses Abraham and his descendants to His people. ---Abraham's
grandson, Jacob, has 12 sons who lead the 12 tribes of Israel.---
The Israelites become slaves in Egypt.--- God helps the Israelites
escape and leads them to Canaan. ---The Israelites fight in wars and
take control of Canaan.---Judges lead the Israelites, but the
Israelites want to have kings instead of judges. ----
David is
Israel's greatest king. -- Israel divides into 2
parts: Israel and Judah.---
The people of Israel and Judah continue to sin and worship false
gods.--- God allows the
Assyrians and the Babylonians to take the Israelites out of Israel
and Judah.--- The
Israelites (Jews) live in Babylonia and then Persia.
--- When Persia defeats the Babylonians, the Jews go back to
Judah.--- The Jews build God's Temple in Jerusalem again.---
Greece defeats Persia, and the Greeks control Judah (also now called
Israel).--- The Jews become independent for 100 years.-- The Romans
take control of Israel.--- Jesus is born. At age 30, Jesus begins
his ministry. ---Jesus is crucified and then is resurrected. --- A
Roman named Saul is converted to Christianity and becomes Paul.---
Christianity spreads. ---►
This book of the Bible covers this time Paul write letters to Christians in other
places.
◄In the year, 70 A.D., God's Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed
again.
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Bible scholars do not agree about who wrote this letter. Many feel that Paul
wrote it, but others feel that he did not. One theory is that the letter
was written to Jewish Christians who were living in Rome. Another theory is that
it was written to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. It was probably written in the
years 64 to 69 A.D. before the temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D.
This letter was mostly addressed to Jews who had become
Christians and were having a hard time and being persecuted.
Main points of the Book of Hebrews:
Jesus is superior over any person or any part of Judaism.
Jesus is superior over angels.
Jesus acts as our high priest to make us acceptable to God.
Much is written about the priests, tabernacle, and law of Moses
The importance of faith
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Hebrews 4 - 7
God promises that we will enter into His rest if we have faith.
God knows everything and sees everything.
Jesus is our high priest. He makes us acceptable
to God.
Jesus is compared to human high priests.
Paul discusses the high priest named Melchizedek.
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Hebrews 4
God promises that we will enter into His rest if
we have faith.
God makes a promise that we can enter into His
rest. We should be careful so that we don't fail to have faith. The gospel is
preached to us like it was preached to the Israelites in the wilderness. But
they did not have faith so it did not benefit them.
[1] Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into
his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
[2] For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the
word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard
it.
If we believe, we will enter into His rest. God was
angry with the Israelites and did not let them enter the Promised Land. He did
not let them enter even though His work there was finished a long time ago when
He created the earth.
[3] For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said,
As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the
works were finished from the foundation of the world.
Back in scriptures, God talked about resting on the
seventh day. The scriptures say, "And God did rest from His work on the seventh
day."
[4] For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And
God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
Now, He says again, "If they will enter into My rest."
That means that some can still enter in. The Israelites didn't get to, but
others can.
[5] And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
[6] Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they
to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
God told people in David's time that they could have
rest if they would hear God's voice and not harden their hearts.
[7] Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day,
after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden
not your hearts.
If they had already gotten their rest, God would not
have talked about another day.
[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have
spoken of another day.
So, there is still a rest coming to God's people.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
When someone enters rest, they have finished their
work. It is the same as when God finished His work.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his
own works, as God did from his.
We need to keep working so that we can enter God's
rest. Don't stop believing.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall
after the same example of unbelief.
God knows everything and sees everything.
God's word is sharp and powerful. It is sharper
than a sword with two edges. It can go right to the heart and soul of people.
God knows everything we think and why we do what we do.
[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any
twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of
the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
heart.
God sees everyone and everything. He knows
everything about everyone.
[13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but
all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Jesus is our high priest. He makes us acceptable
to God.
Our high priest, Jesus the Son of God, is in heaven. We
must hold on to our faith.
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into
the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Our high priest, Jesus, knows how it feels to be weak
like us. He knows how it feels to be tempted. But He did not sin.
[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the
feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet
without sin.
We can ask God for mercy and help without
hesitating.
[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 5
Jesus is compared to human high priests.
A human high priest is given power by other men. He
can offer gifts and sacrifices to God.
[1] For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in
things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
A human high priest feels sorry for people who are sinning because he also has
been a sinner. Then, he can offer sacrifices for their sins and his own sins.
[2] Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of
the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
[3] And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for
himself, to offer for sins.
No man can be a high priest unless he is called by
God like Aaron was.
[4] And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of
God, as was Aaron.
Jesus Christ could not be the high priest on His
own. He had to be called by God. God said, "You are My Son, today you have
become My Son."
[5] So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but
he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
In a different scripture, God also said, "You are a
priest forever, like the priest
Melchizedek."
[6] As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after
the order of Melchisedec
When Jesus was suffering on earth, He prayed and
cried to God. He prayed to God because God could save Him from death. God heard
Him because Jesus loved and respected God.
[7] Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and
supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him
from death, and was heard in that he feared;
Even though Jesus was God's Son, He learned to obey
by suffering.
[8] Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he
suffered;
God said that Jesus was the high priest like
Melchizedek. He was perfect. Everyone who obeyed Him could be saved forever.
[9] And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation
unto all them that obey him;
[10] Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
The Jewish believers are not ready to hear everything.
We have many more things to say. But it is hard, since you don't listen well.
[11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing
ye are dull of hearing.
By this time, you should be teachers. But, you still
need someone to teach you about God. You are like babies that still drink milk
instead of eating solid food.
[12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one
teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are
become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Milk is for babies. That's like beginners who study
the Bible.
[13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of
righteousness: for he is a babe.
Solid food is for older people. That's like people
who can recognize good and evil.
[14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those
who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 6
What happens if a Christian turns away from Jesus.
So, we will move on from the basics about Christ. We
want to move on to other things. We have talked about faith without works,
faith in God, baptism, laying on hands, resurrection of the dead, and eternal
judgment.
[1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go
on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead
works, and of faith toward God,
[2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of
resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
We will do all of these things, if God lets us.
[3] And this will we do, if God permit.
But if someone is saved and then turns his back on
Jesus, it is impossible for them to start over. If the person already knew the
truth and knew about heaven, the Holy Spirit, and the goodness and power of God,
he would have to crucify Christ again to get back. Once he has already
understood about Jesus and then rejects Him, it puts Jesus to shame to other
people.
[4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have
tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
[5] And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come,
[6] If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing
they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
A field that soaks in the rain and then grows good
food is blessed by God. But a field that soaks in the rain and then grows
thorns and stickers will be cursed and burned.
[7] For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and
bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing
from God:
[8] But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh
unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.
But, dear friends, we don't think that will happen
to you. We know you have been saved and then have done good things.
[9] But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that
accompany salvation, though we thus speak.
Keep hoping and working hard.
God is good. He doesn't forget about the work you
have done. He knows you work because you love Him. You have helped His
people.
[10] For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,
which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints,
and do minister.
We want every one of you to keep doing that faithfully. Keep hoping until the
end.
[11] And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to
the full assurance of hope unto the end:
Do not be lazy. But do things like faithful and
patient people do. They will inherit what God has promised them.
[12] That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and
patience inherit the promises.
God keeps His promises.
When God made His promise to Abraham, He swore by
His own name. That's because there was no one higher to swear to. God said that
He would bless Abraham and give him many descendants.
[13] For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no
greater, he sware by himself,
[14] Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will
multiply thee.
After Abraham waited patiently, he got what God
promised him.
[15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
When men make promises, they swear by someone
greater than themselves. They do that to show they will keep their promises.
[16] For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is
to them an end of all strife.
God made a promise to Abraham and his descendants.
God cannot lie. That will never change. We can always have hope that God will
help us. This hope is like an anchor to our souls. We know God will always
be steady and true. We have Him to help us. That is because Jesus is our
high priest. Jesus is like Melchizedek.
[17] Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of
promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
[18] That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to
lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold
upon the hope set before us:
[19] Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast,
and which entereth into that within the veil;
[20] Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high
priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
| Paul discusses Melchizedek. He compares
Melchizedek to the Jewish priests. Melchizedek lived in Abraham's
time, so there were no Jews yet. He was God's priest so he wasn't
just for the Jewish people. Paul is saying that Jesus is like
Melchizedek. He is for everyone and not just the Jews.
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Melchizedek blesses Abram. (note: this is before God changed
Abraham's name from Abram)
From http://www.wels.net |
Genesis 14:17-20
The kings came out to meet Abram and his army when they returned.
One good king who was named Melchizedek also worshipped God. He
brought out bread and wine and blessed Abram. Abram gave a tithe (10
percent of what he owned) to the king.
[17 ] And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return
from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with
him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale.
[18] And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and
he was the priest of the most high God.
[19] And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high
God, possessor of heaven and earth:
[20] And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine
enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
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Hebrews 7
Paul discusses the high priest (from the book of
Genesis) named Melchizedek.
Melchizedek was the king of Salem. He was the
priest of the most high God. He met Abraham when Abraham was coming back from
rescuing Lot when Lot was kidnapped. Melchizedek blessed Abraham.
[1] For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who
met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
Abraham gave Melchizedek 10% of everything his had.
That shows that Abraham knew he was a good man. Mechizedek was the King of Salem
which means King of peace.
[2] To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by
interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which
is, King of peace;
Melchizedek didn't come from a family of priests. In that way, he was like Jesus
the Son of God.
[3] Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither
beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a
priest continually.
You can see how great Melchizedek was because
Abraham gave him 10% of what he captured from the army that kidnapped Lot.
[4] Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch
Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
Later, the sons of Levi who were the priests,
collected 10% from the people. That was according to the law of Moses.
[5] And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office
of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to
the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of
Abraham:
But Melchizedek received the tithes from Abraham
even though he was not a descendant. He blessed Abraham. When this happened, the
greater person blessed the lesser person.
[6] But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of
Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
[7] And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
We now pay tithes to men who die. But Abraham
gave tithes to Melchizedek. In a way, Melchizedek still lives because Levi pays
tithes, and Levi is the descendant of Abraham.
[8] And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of
whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
[9] And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in
Abraham.
[10] For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
The people received the laws of Moses, and they had
Aaron and Levi for their priests. If that made people perfect, they wouldn't
have needed a new priest that was like Melchizedek.
[11] If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under
it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest
should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of
Aaron?
Now that there is a new priest, the law has changed.
[12] For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a
change also of the law.
The new priest is Jesus, and He is not from the
family of Aaron and Levi.
[13] For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe,
of which no man gave attendance at the altar.
Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. Moses never said
anything about the tribe of Judah being priests.
[14] For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe
Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
Jesus is more like Melchizedek. He is not a priest
because of a family tie, but because He has been resurrected.
[15] And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of
Melchisedec there ariseth another priest,
[16] Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after
the power of an endless life.
God said that Jesus was a priest forever more like
Melchizedek than the Jewish priests.
[17] For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec.
The laws before do not apply anymore. They were
weak, and they didn't save people. They didn't make anyone perfect. But Jesus is
our way to get near to God.
[18] For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before
for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.
[19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better
hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
The Jewish priests became priests because they were
born into that family. But Jesus became our priest because God said He was a
priest forever more like Melchizedek.
[20] And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest:
[21] (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath
by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest
for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)
This makes Jesus much better.
[22] By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament.
There were many Jewish priests. When one died, he
was replaced with a new one. But Jesus lives forever, so He is the only One.
[23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to
continue by reason of death:
[24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable
priesthood.
And Jesus can save anyone who comes to God through
them. He lives forever to go between men and God.
[25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come
unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
This high priest became one of us. He is holy,
harmless, clean, separate from sinners, and is higher than the heavens.
[26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
He does not need to make sacrifices everyday
like the Jewish priests. The Jewish priests first made sacrifices for their own
sins and then for the Jewish people. Jesus already made the sacrifice when He
gave His life on the cross.
[27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice,
first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he
offered up himself.
Jewish law makes men who are not perfect to be
the high priests. But Jesus the high priest who came later is holy
forever.
[28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the
word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated
for evermore.
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