JESUS: Our Conclusion
Hebrews 13:20-21
We’ve come to the end of our of our study of Hebrews. It’s been a challenging study in many regards from doctrine to practical living. So let’s hear these ending words.
Read: Hebrews 13:1-19
With these final exhortations the author says … “In conclusion” (which often doesn’t mean too much to preachers)
Hebrews 13:20-22 (ESV) Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.
These words are much like those of Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes that looks at all of life and its living to which he concludes:
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
The author of Hebrews concludes with a summary of doctrinal issues that he has pursued throughout his letter.
§ The Supreme Nature of Christ … His Person & Work
§ The Caring Nature of Christ … Great Shepherd
§ The Eternal Nature of Christ … New Covenant
Doctrine! Doctrine! Doctrine! Tt’s is a “stuffy shirt!” some say. So we ask, “Is there a purpose to all this doctrinal teaching?” Yes!, Yes!, Yes!
The author states God is …
§ Equipping you! … God prepares and provides all you need to do His will
Ephesians 4:12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
§ Working in you! … His good pleasure
Ephesians 1:9 (NKJV) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,
Philippians 2:13 (NKJV) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
This is not the “easy believe-ism” that excuses sin-filled living with, “Oh well God loves me!”
The emphasis of the conclusion the author is making is … doctrine is for everyday life living. There could be no better conclusion!
If right doctrine does not produce right living then it is merely information (bits of knowledge) and not transformation … that is changing the heart, mind and body … then it’s just more “useless” information in an over-informed world.
So let’s say it like this … Jesus in WHO He is, WHAT He has accomplished and HOW he accomplished it … is to be the “concluding” difference in how we live everyday in every way.
My life in Christ changes the way I think, act and talk.
1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
It’s more than a “WWJD” mentality … but it realizing the reality of the work God is doing … transforming and conforming that God is doing within His born-again children.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. (See: 1 Peter 1:2)
§ The NEGATIVE … “not be conformed” is our active participation in the life of Christ … “discern” and make wise choices.
§ The POSITIVE … transforming (inside – out) and conforming (responding in form & character: i.e. Christians … “little Christs”) us to the image of Jesus is God’s active participation in our lives.
So the author lays out the doctrine of Christ to impact our living in:
ü LOVE … Let brotherly love continue (13:1) … throughout the NT we are commanded to love … not as a particular “emotion” but a call to “motion” to meet one another’s needs … and thus show that we are disciples (Jn 13:35) … marked by love … build a fellowship of deep affection for one another. (Piper)
ü HOSPITALITY … Do not neglect to show hospitality (entertain) (13:2) … in context to one’s home being used a means of ministry … we are to “seek” … be given to hospitality with the heart of meeting needs of all, not just our own friends.
ü ASSOCIATION … Remember those in prison & mistreated (13:3) … Continued hospitality of caring for others … the Great Shepherd leaves an indelible mark on His sheep … love & care for the down and out of this world. (Mt 25:36 … I was in prison and you came to visit me.)
ü MARRIAGE … Let marriage be held in honor (13:4) … thought & action … God created & ordained marriage (male & female) … keep it pure, hold it in truth and lift it up before all …God, family, church and world … Draw near to God knowing God will judge the sexual immoral and adulterous acting persons.
ü FINANCES … Keep your life free from love of money (13:5) … Stay away from greed … that takes one out seeing God’s provisions are enough. “Greed accuses God of incompetence as provider.” (Guthrie) … love of money is the root for all kinds of evil (1 Tm 6:10)
Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
These are not arbitrary points the author picks out … but the govern life from the love of God to the love of others and they are governed on … Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
From beginning to end we conclude with Jesus.
Hebrews 1:1-4 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
And so we conclude to KNOW of Christ and LIVE for Christ.
Amen!
Jesus: Start to Finish
Hebrews 12:1-2
In the most likely progression everyone knows that 12 follows 11 … and thus the writer of Hebrews while having taken us into the corridors of faith now brings to the point of exiting the hall and entering the race.
Hebrews 12 takes the baton of faith from the “exhibitors” now being handed off to the “exercisers” of faith.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
The writer encourages us to take one last look at the faith examples that surround us and then get in the race.
Some have suggested with the “great cloud of witnesses” that the likes of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, etc are watching and rooting us on as spectators in the stands.
It sounds good, but to that we should say:
§ It is NOT positively or directly sustained by Scripture.
§ Faith is not a passive spectator sport … faith is always active
§ More than watchers these are “martyrs” of faith having died in faith … and though dead their faith witness lives on.
§ More than they looking at us the intent is that we look at them … their faith.
These people are not witnessing what we are doing; rather, they are bearing witness to us that God can see us through. – Warren Wiersbe
Ultimately we are exhorted to “look” at Jesus for our faith. From “start to finish” the writer has encouraged us to “fix your thoughts” on Jesus (3:1) and now to be “looking to Jesus”. (12:2)
The language is strong, like that of a running coach barking instructions to his runners … run smart, run controlled, lean forward, maintain your pace, pick up the pace, use your arms!
Why? Because we have all started something but not finished it. In this case we are not talking about household projects of honey-do’s that we might not complete.
Realize that our “faith” is always under attack. The objective of the enemy is get you and me to stop running the race of faith. And he is ruthless at it (steal, kill, destroy – John 10:10).
That’s why we have heard the strong exhortations to … pay careful attention … don’t drift away … don’t harden your hearts (deceitfulness of sin) … don’t fall short (of finish line) … grow up in maturity.
God intends to “stretch” our faith, whereas the enemy intends to “destroy” it. So the writer of Hebrews says … from start to finish:
The author turns the “spotlight” on his own community of faith … as he does ours to boldly suggest we do three things … strip down … start running and keep looking to Jesus. The third is predicated by the previous two.
1a. Strip Down … anything that keeps you down
§ Lay it aside … throw it off … strip it off … idea is get it off and get it out of the way … Ask youself, “Is this going to help me run the race for Jesus?”
Mark 10:50 And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. (Blind Bartimaeus … you going to let a blind man out run you?)
§ Weight … not necessarily sin … good but not best … hinders, occupies our time to keep us from … what is most important … Jesus.
§ Sins … no parasite habits, desires, lusts, greed … that interrupts the progress of faith … contributing nothing and habitually taking advantage of my faith.
Some believe the author speaks to a specific sin. If we must point out a particular sin … it would most likely be the sin of UNBELIEF.
Hebrews 3:12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. (see 3:19)
“Unbelief always assaults our position in Christ … as temptation is always an attack on what God has said.” - Donald Guthrie
But regardless of the sin … the fact is all sin hinders the progress of living by faith. Therefore, “The Christ-Follower must lay aside everything that hinders.”
1b. Start Running … the race before you
And let us run … This is the whole point of this text … RUN! Get to running the race. The idea is to exert some effort.
§ Endurance … a sustained effort … not the short burst … but a marathon of faith
I use to RUN a lot. In fact I use to enjoy running … but through the years I have digressed to the point of occasionally running. What happened? Truth is I QUIT running … oh I know it’s healthy and benefits the body, but … I just don’t run to much any more.
Galatians 5:7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
§ Set Race … marked out course … already run by Jesus (Heb 6:20, Forerunner … go before)
Psalm 119:32 I will run the course of your commandments for you shall enlarge my heart.
The first two imperatives are geared to get us to look at ourselves and thus prepare to run and then start running.
2. Finish with Jesus … Look Ahead
Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are called to look “to” Jesus … fix our eyes on His Person (God in the flesh), His Power, His Life Work … is to hold our gaze. We are look to Jesus and keep on looking to Jesus.
§ See Jesus: Founder & Perfecter … He is the foundation of our faith … the author & finisher of it … it takes faith to see Him as the A&F … He will complete us … so keep running!
NLT: We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.
§ See Jesus: Enduring Endurance
ü Joy of Accomplishment (man’s salvation & justification)
ü Despising the Shame … thought more of us than Himself … disregarded the open shame & disgrace for the final outcome.
ü Seated Right … authority of divine nature
Keep your eye on the prize!
1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
Let me read from THE MESSAGE … Hebrews 12:1-3
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Go home, get out paper and pencil … write down all the weights (not necessarily sin) that could be keeping you from running … then write down any know sins (unbelief, rebellion against God & His Word) … make note of people, places and things that are interrupting your progress to run.
Once you have done this … get away and pray … through each one to resolve, dismantle any weights … pray for victory over old habits to be broken … confess any know sin, and then resist the reoccurrence of them. Get an accountability partner … and pray with them … and then start RUNNING!
Run back to Jesus … and let Him show you again the race to RUN … start to finish.
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Amen!
Jesus: Our Testimony
Hebrews 11
In Hebrews 10 the author hopefully boosted our confidence by shifting the focus off of ourselves (man oriented) and onto Jesus (God oriented).
On the heels of the assurance of faith, and confession of hope the writer of Hebrews leads us into chapter eleven that has been called the … Faith Chapter … Hall of Fame of Faith … Heroes of Faith among other things.
It is a truly a challenging chapter and one of which we will not begin to unfold or touch upon all it has to say to us. But I do want us to consider what I believe is the intent of the chapter … the exhibition of faith. That is the “show me your faith” kind of living. (SEE: James 2:18)
Hebrews 11:1-2 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
This we know … faith is an “irreducible integral ingredient” in the life of the Christian.
ü Saved through faith (Eph 2:8-9)
ü Justified by faith (Rom 5:1)
ü Live by faith (Rom 1:17)
ü Work by faith (1 Tim 1:4)
ü Stand (firm) by faith (2 Cor 1:24)
ü Wait for Christ’s return by faith (Gal 5:5)
So when the writer speaks … Now faith is the substance (assurance/being sure) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction/certain) of things not seen … he is giving us more than a well tuned definition … he is striving to encourage a well tuned life of living faith in the believer … to which they obtain a testimony.
Testimony: bear a record, testify (can I get witness?), a witness
So more than just pointing out the heroes of faith where we might “ooo” and “aaah” … the writer is pointing to how they acted in faith to bear a record of One they were following, rather than the cultural likes of the day. And to that we say, “Oh! Now I get it … my faith is to be as such!”
And how were they to bear such a record, testimony? Ah, now we see … substance and evidence of faith in their lives!
ü Substance of faith … the “hoped for” … assurance, being sure based on the Person, Word & Work of God. To be resolute … no doubting, dabbling or dallying! [Abraham & Isaac 11:17]
ü Evidence of faith … the “not (yet) seen” … conviction, certain … faith is only as good as the object it is placed in. God is faithful! [Noah … yet unseen … moved with godly fear, prepared an ark, 11:7]
ESV Study Bible Commentary: Biblical faith is not a vague hope grounded in imaginary, wishful thinking. Instead, faith is a settled confidence that something in the future—something that is not yet seen but has been promised by God—will actually come to pass because God will bring it about.
Faith, the real stuff was their living testimony! How about you and me?
1. Testimony at Death … Dying in Faith (11:13)
Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Such was the faith of the likes of an Abraham, Sarah, etc.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith
· They died in a state of trust … from beginning to end.
· Didn’t receive (see) the fulfillment of the promises.
· No quitting … No wavering … just trusting by faith.
· If you know how to die, you will know how to live.
You and I have a choice to make …
#1 We can DIE IN SIN
John 8:24 (ESV) I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.”
#2 We can DIE IN FAITH
· Longevity of faith … “to the end”
· Die daily to Christ … 1 Cor 15:31
· Any living that is not “faith” generated is sin! (Rom 14:23)
Testimony Time! … Abel … and through his faith, though he died, he still speaks (11:4b)
2. Testimony of Living … Live by Faith (10:38)
Hebrews 10:38a … but my righteous one shall live by faith
· “By faith” … is not to be the “exception” but the norm.
By Faith List …
· Extensive examples of everyday living by faith.
· Extensive evidence of living by faith is the best course of action
The writer’s point is not “heroism” but the normal thing to do as the people of God. The people of God live BY FAITH … even through discouraging difficulties and unfulfilled hopes & dreams.
C.S. Lewis calls such … “Mere Christianity” … living by faith in the substantial evidential Word of God … day in and day out … faith, faith, faith. It is imperative we read the Word … there we will find our way to live by faith (do the Word).
Faith believing, living and dying … nothing more can be added to the life we, the born-again of God are called to.
Testimony Time! … Abraham … by faith HE WENT to live (11:9)
3. Testimony of Going On … Continuing by Faith (10:39)
Hebrews 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
The writer gives a sound crescendo … But we ARE NOT. Let it not be said of us … that our faith has waned … keep on keeping on in faith.
Two Be Warned …
· No Shrinking Faith … “Honey I Shrunk My Faith”
Revelation 12:11 (NIV) They overcame him (accuser of the brethren) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
· Nothing But Faith Pleases …
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Hebrews 10:13-16
ü Faith perseveres to the end
ü Faith believes and sees God’s promises are true
ü Faith desires the eternal …seeking a homeland (citizen of heaven)
ü Faith endears us to God … “not ashamed”
Testimony Time! … Enoch … before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God (11:5b)
Conclusion:
Hebrews 11:39a And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith,
May it be so and said in our lives!
Amen!
Jesus: Our Confidence
Hebrews 10:19-25
With the talk around town being about “stimulus’” … “bailouts” … “layoffs” … “national & personal debt” … “foreclosures” … “bankruptcy” … you have to admit it doesn’t give one a lot of confidence in the now or the near future.
It’s a great time to ask ourselves … “Where does our confidence come from? Who and what is our confidence in?”
The writer of Hebrews wants to talk to us about this matter of “confidence” …. and he says, “since we have confidence.”
Confidence has at least three elements built into it.
|
Confidence |
Man |
God |
|
Person |
Me – My – Mine (unholy trinity) |
God – Son – Spirit (Holy Trinity) |
|
Knowledge |
Experience (opinions; cause & effect) |
Word of God (Truth/Faith) |
|
Orientation |
Self Oriented (image, starting, esteem) |
God Oriented (God-Conscience) |
The writer is going to contend that our confidence is not “self” manufactured, but Christ “produced.”
Hebrews 10:19-25 (ESV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
The Basis of our “confidence” … regardless of the circumstances of the failing or prevailing culture is not within us, but gained for us through the all holy work of Christ our Savior and Lord.
· Blood of Jesus … cleared & cleansed sin and guilt … Enter In
· Body of Jesus … opened the (inaccessible) way … into House of God
Proverbs 14:26 In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.
The fear of the Lord brings with it the confidence of lasting security and molds a person’s character to follow the right path. (ESV Study Bible Note)
And with the confidence of a “right path” the writer issues three IMPERATIVES.
With that exhortation let us be confronted, called, challenged that we might come to hear and do what God’s Word speaks to one who is hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of Christ.
1. Let Us Draw Near (22)
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
“After all God has done for us (in Christ) it would be the greatest ingratitude and contempt of God and Christ to keep at a distance from Him.” - Matthew Henry Commentary, Hebrews
Repetition is a good teacher! The writer had already issued such a commanding call … Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
It is imperative for the born-again “draw near” to God. But not in “Oz” like fearfulness, but in bold “fearlessness” because of the effective and affirmative work of Christ.
§ Hearts sprinkled clean from guilt
§ Bodies washed with pure water (symbolic of sins washed away, 1 Pt 3:21)
Therefore we draw near …
§ Heart that is “plumed” true … sincere, inner life, genuine desire aligned with God, His person, Word and Work (in Christ).
§ Heart full of the assurance of faith … conviction of certainty … substance (Heb 11:1)
Such faith the writer speaks of is not blind faith or a leap of faith … but “full assuring faith” that is always increased by opposition, where “trials, obstacles, difficulties and sometime defeats are the very food of faith.” – Miles Stanford, The Green Letters
James 4:8 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
In such real faith the writer imperatively says … Draw near to God
2. Let Us Hold Fast (23)
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
What is the ultimate Christian hope? What hope is there for change, rescue, transformation, new possibilities, within the world in the present? – N.T. Wright
Most make hope to be some:
§ “fictional” character of “uncertainty”
§ “futuristic” term of just making it to heaven (it’s not hope that brings us into heaven, but the One we hope in, Jesus Christ.)
The disappointment in either of these as standalone hope is that neither will bring about a sustained work in the midst of trying times.
More than “holding on” to such … the writer encourages us to cling to so as to possess the hope that transcends and transforms … not merely the outcome of circumstances, but the mind so as not to be moved by circumstances. This hope is based up the faithful character of God that does not disappoint.
§ Do so “without wavering” … concept of stability (immutable hope = no change)
We are “fickled flip-flopping” creatures … going back and forth changing our mind, with no sustaining action. (Eph 4:14 tossed here and there with the latest craze of belief)
Matthew Henry says … “Do this, without doubting, disputing, dallying … be immovable.”
Hold fast to hope … for God is faithful to provide strength and stamina to keep on holding to Him … His Word, Person, Promise and power.
3. Let Us Consider (24)
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
From faith and hope the writer delivers us to “love” (1 Cor 13) Let us consider (give thought to so as to discover)
§ Stir Up … not agitation … but love and good works
“Believer’s are to rivet their attention on the need for conscious activities of encouragement.” - Donald Guthrie
Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
It’s on that love we the beloved and born-again … must not and must do.
§ Must Not … neglect meeting together (as some were and are doing)
Ø More than just attending services
Ø Not “frequency” … but “consistency”
Ø Body life … stirring and encouraging cannot be done in “isolation”
§ Must Do … love and encourage … promotes “fidelity” in family life (too much “infidelity to Christ & His Bride the church).
We “do” and “don’t” do all based on … all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
As that Day awaits us … Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great reward. (Hebrews 10:35)
Amen!
