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Some of the points and quotes from tonight's message were taken from the 2nd lesson of Capitol Hill Baptist's New Testament overview Core Seminar Class. This specific lesson along with other lessons can be downloaded by following the links at www.capitolhillbaptist.org/resources/core-seminars/
Here is a basic outline of Hebrews.
- The first part of Hebrews reminds us who Jesus is.
- The second part (8:1 - 10:18) focuses on what Jesus did.
- he final section is about what we have because of Jesus (10:19 - 13:18)
Dangers in our struggle to persevere
In Messages of the New Testament, Mark Dever gives seven dangers that the writer of Hebrews lays out throughout the book to warn these struggling Christians.
1. Ignoring what God has done in Christ
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (2:1) God’s Word must be studied carefully, particularly what it has to say about Christ and what He has done.2. Not Believing God
“See to it brothers that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (3:12) A heart that believes God is a heart that doesn’t just know the Scriptures, but seeks to understand the implications of what God has said and apply it to our lives.
3. Ceasing to Grow
“though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again…Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” (5:12, 6:1) The writer of Hebrews doesn’t know multiple classes of Christians, those who are growing and those that are not. While there may be different levels of Christian maturity, Scripture understands all Christians to be growing Christians. A Christian that does not bear fruit must consider whether they are actually a Christian at all.
4. Not persevering in holiness
“If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.” (10:26-27) Repetitious and unrepentant sin in the life of a professing believer is a very serious matter. Sin is scary indeed. Dever says, “If we remain unholy, we show that Christ’s sacrifice has been ineffective in our lives; and if Christ’s sacrifice has been ineffective in our lives, what hope do we have?”
5. Losing Faith
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (11:1) The author of Hebrews knew that losing faith was a danger, so he provides this section in chapter 11 to exemplify what Christian faith looks like. It is characterized by a hope that is rooted in certainty. Hope is the result of faith in a reality we have not yet seen, but know exists.
6. Rejecting Discipline
“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (12:10-11) The Christian must be one that learns to listen to God’s correction and obey that correction. Without accepting God’s discipline, we will not produce the harvest of righteousness He has prepared for us.
7. Refusing This Warning
“See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven?” (12:25) Refusing to listen to the warning God has given us though this book will mean there is no escape from His judgment.
Will you heed the message of Hebrews, will you believe in Christ, will you trust in the work He has accomplished to atone for the sins of all those who repent and trust in Him?
Monday Night's sermon notes can be found HERE
Monday Night's sermon notes can be found HERE
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