letter to the hebrews
DESCRIPTION
Letter to the Hebrews. Purpose of this book. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Purpose of this bookPurpose of this book• It is said to have been written by Paul a few years It is said to have been written by Paul a few years
earlier than the Jewish revolt against the Roman earlier than the Jewish revolt against the Roman empire in A.D 72. Already a lot of them have empire in A.D 72. Already a lot of them have settled in different parts of the world for trade and settled in different parts of the world for trade and business. After Pentecost even many Jewish business. After Pentecost even many Jewish Christians went as far as Rome to find livelihood. Christians went as far as Rome to find livelihood.
• In Greek Diaspora means scattered far and wide In Greek Diaspora means scattered far and wide in the world and this book was written for those in the world and this book was written for those people who werepeople who were
• Frustrated/ lost/ loss of hope/ unsettled in life. Frustrated/ lost/ loss of hope/ unsettled in life.
Events during that periodEvents during that period• 30 A.D. Departure of Jesus30 A.D. Departure of Jesus• 30 A.D. Pentecost & church movement30 A.D. Pentecost & church movement• 40 A.D. Conversion of Paul & persecution40 A.D. Conversion of Paul & persecution• 45A.D. Gospel reach Samaria, Syria, Turkey45A.D. Gospel reach Samaria, Syria, Turkey• 55.A.D. Thomas to India, Paul to Greece and 55.A.D. Thomas to India, Paul to Greece and
others elsewhereothers elsewhere• 65 A.D. Paul martyred. Others move out65 A.D. Paul martyred. Others move out• 72 A.D. Jerusalem destroyed. Final scattering 72 A.D. Jerusalem destroyed. Final scattering • What next was in the minds of the people.What next was in the minds of the people.
Why letter to Hebrews And not Why letter to Hebrews And not Christians?Christians?
• The whole book is about tabernacle, The whole book is about tabernacle, sacrifices, priesthood and High priestsacrifices, priesthood and High priest
• Not only Jews but Christians also suffered Not only Jews but Christians also suffered more in persecution for their faith/religionmore in persecution for their faith/religion
• What about the gentiles who have no What about the gentiles who have no tabernacle or set religion or faith?tabernacle or set religion or faith?
• What is faith?What is faith?
Why Tabernacle-central theme?Why Tabernacle-central theme?
• When this book was written, there was the great When this book was written, there was the great temple at Jerusalem in tact and worship was temple at Jerusalem in tact and worship was continued as usual.continued as usual.
• The people had a great longing and zeal for the The people had a great longing and zeal for the city of Jerusalem – city of peace which was not city of Jerusalem – city of peace which was not peaceful but anticipating a revolt against the peaceful but anticipating a revolt against the Roman ruleRoman rule
• Instead of putting trust in God (unseen) they Instead of putting trust in God (unseen) they trusted in temple and the city which they trusted in temple and the city which they believed God would not permit to be destroyed believed God would not permit to be destroyed because it is His seat. What is our trust?because it is His seat. What is our trust?
The Tabernacle- not God was greatThe Tabernacle- not God was great The people remembered how in the times of The people remembered how in the times of
Moses there was the tabernacle in the Moses there was the tabernacle in the wilderness and during those forty years, though wilderness and during those forty years, though they were landless and wanderers, every need of they were landless and wanderers, every need of life was met and they lived in safety and life was met and they lived in safety and freedom. They always dreamt of such days freedom. They always dreamt of such days would repeat when Messiah comes. They would repeat when Messiah comes. They confessed Moses as leader and provider, not confessed Moses as leader and provider, not God. So they missed Jesus the Messiah when He God. So they missed Jesus the Messiah when He came. They lived in the glory of the past not in came. They lived in the glory of the past not in the hope of the future.the hope of the future.
Faith is Faith is ……
• Not on things- Money, job, Not on things- Money, job, propertyproperty
• Not on people- Moses the Not on people- Moses the leaderleader
• Not on our goodness- Not on our goodness- tabernacle, church going, tabernacle, church going, donations, meetings.donations, meetings.
• Not to live in the past but in Not to live in the past but in the hope of future.the hope of future.
• But God’s indwelling in us. But God’s indwelling in us. [email protected]
DefinitionsDefinitions• What is faith?What is faith?
• How to get faith?How to get faith?
• Why to get faith?Why to get faith?
• Does it guarantee that Does it guarantee that all would go well or all would go well or according to God’s according to God’s plan?plan?
• Believing Believing unseenunseen things Heb 11:1things Heb 11:1
• If you have faith If you have faith the size of a the size of a mustard seed. mustard seed. Luke:17:6 Luke:17:6
• It is impossible It is impossible to please God to please God without faithwithout faith
Faith- in God or self• Too much of faith in one self and too Too much of faith in one self and too
little of it is uselesslittle of it is useless• It is interdependent on God and selfIt is interdependent on God and self• In God’s word and authority over In God’s word and authority over
one’s own life and all around himone’s own life and all around him• God’s authority in this world and God’s authority in this world and
that to comethat to come• God’s authority over time including God’s authority over time including
past and the presentpast and the present God is my creator- Gardener- He God is my creator- Gardener- He
has the controlhas the [email protected]
Angels- for what?Angels- for what?• The first chapter refers to angels 7 times.The first chapter refers to angels 7 times.• Sadducees did not believe in the angelsSadducees did not believe in the angels• Why talk about the angels?Why talk about the angels?• What idea had they of Jesus- A God or an angel?What idea had they of Jesus- A God or an angel?• How could God come as a man? And why did He How could God come as a man? And why did He
go away if He were Messiah?go away if He were Messiah?• Where is He now and doing what?Where is He now and doing what?• Miracles He did but Disciples did greaterMiracles He did but Disciples did greater• Angels cannot die but Jesus died on crossAngels cannot die but Jesus died on cross
Distinction- Jesus is not an angelDistinction- Jesus is not an angel
• Jesus existed even before creation and a creator
• But angels are a creation
• Angels are messengers not honoured or rewarded
• Even mbut an is created to reign not angels
• Jesus took the form of a Son; angels are not considered so
Why talk about JesusWhy talk about Jesus?
• Jewish Christians and Jews did not come Jewish Christians and Jews did not come out of the traditional beliefs about temple out of the traditional beliefs about temple and the concept of Messiah was deep rooted and the concept of Messiah was deep rooted in their minds for thousands of years.in their minds for thousands of years.
• That caused a dilemma in their faith. So That caused a dilemma in their faith. So they could not put their total trust on Jesus they could not put their total trust on Jesus as much on God. as much on God.
• That is true even today. Even after baptism That is true even today. Even after baptism many are still holding onto traditionsmany are still holding onto traditions
Methods of unbeliefMethods of unbelief• When problems come what do people do?When problems come what do people do?• Go to the pastor or some one to prayGo to the pastor or some one to pray• Others make vowOthers make vow• Others grumble and complainOthers grumble and complain• Others envy at those out side or their old time Others envy at those out side or their old time
friendsfriends• Some want to adopt methods of worldly people Some want to adopt methods of worldly people • All these stem from the idea that God who led us All these stem from the idea that God who led us
out of Egypt would not lead us to promised out of Egypt would not lead us to promised destination.destination.
A warning against disbeliefA warning against disbelief• Those who heard the gospel did not take it Those who heard the gospel did not take it
seriously ( Heb.2.1)seriously ( Heb.2.1)
• Those who did not listen to the angelic messages Those who did not listen to the angelic messages suffered.(2.2). The msg. of salvationsuffered.(2.2). The msg. of salvation
• Even the angels were not spared for disobedience.Even the angels were not spared for disobedience.
• Jesus came to i. sanctify ii. To take away the fear Jesus came to i. sanctify ii. To take away the fear of death iii to make them all reign in glory.2.11, of death iii to make them all reign in glory.2.11, 1212
• Jesus did not come just to suffer and go away but Jesus did not come just to suffer and go away but raised to glory and sit on the Right Handraised to glory and sit on the Right Hand2.42.4
Seeing is believing- known and Seeing is believing- known and unknown- faith relies on unseenunknown- faith relies on unseen
• Divide each verse into known and unknownDivide each verse into known and unknown• Known Known unknownunknown• PunishmentsPunishments 2.22.2 angelsangels• Death of JesusDeath of Jesus 2.92.9 His gloryHis glory• SanctifierSanctifier 2.11 2.11 sanctificationsanctification• Death Death 2.152.15 fear of it gonefear of it gone• Abraham Abraham 2.162.16 aid givenaid given• Jesus like us 2.17Jesus like us 2.17 High priestHigh priest• MosesMoses 3.33.3 JesusJesus
Building up faith- from known to unknownVs4 signs and wondersVs4 signs and wondersVs9Jesus tasted deathVs9Jesus tasted deathVs8 all things under manVs8 all things under manVs11.The sanctifiedVs11.The sanctifiedVs12.He partook sufferingVs12.He partook sufferingVs15. fear of deathVs15. fear of deathVs16 He came to aidVs16 He came to aidVs17. He became like usVs17. He became like usVs.18Who are temptedVs.18Who are tempted
• Vs5 the world to comeVs5 the world to come• Vs9 Jesus crownedVs9 Jesus crowned• Vs10.to bring many sonsVs10.to bring many sons• Vs11. He sanctifiesVs11. He sanctifies• Vs12 destroy death/devilVs12 destroy death/devil• Vs15 fear of death goneVs15 fear of death gone• Vs16. seed of AbrahamVs16. seed of Abraham• Vs17merciful high priestVs17merciful high priest• Vs18 He is able to helpVs18 He is able to help
• July 5, 2005 Hebrews Ch2July 5, 2005 Hebrews Ch2
Belief in Moses but not GodBelief in Moses but not God• Moses was a hero but yet only a servant in Moses was a hero but yet only a servant in
God’s house. They listened to Moses who lead God’s house. They listened to Moses who lead them in the desert and cared for all their them in the desert and cared for all their needs ;how much more Jesus?. They could needs ;how much more Jesus?. They could believe Moses who lived thousand years ago believe Moses who lived thousand years ago and not Jesus just 40 years back. 3.3and not Jesus just 40 years back. 3.3
• In the wilderness they In the wilderness they heard God’s voice,heard God’s voice, yet yet hardened their heart due to unbelief if they hardened their heart due to unbelief if they are on the right journey 3.10are on the right journey 3.10
About Jesus the captainAbout Jesus the captain• They went astray in thinking 3.9They went astray in thinking 3.9
• Deceitfulness 3.13Deceitfulness 3.13
• Departing from God 3.12Departing from God 3.12
• They rebelled 3.16They rebelled 3.16
• They did not obey by unbelief 3.18They did not obey by unbelief 3.18
• They lost the rest in canaanThey lost the rest in canaan
Lessons from History- unknown to knownLessons from History- unknown to known
9,10 tested in wilderness9,10 tested in wildernessHarden your heartsHarden your hearts11. Not entered rest11. Not entered rest12. Depart from living 12. Depart from living
GodGod13. Exhort one another13. Exhort one another16. Rebelled though came. 16. Rebelled though came.
EgyptEgypt18 Did not obey by 18 Did not obey by
unbeliefunbelief
• 1.partakers of calling1.partakers of calling• 2.Jesus appointed by God2.Jesus appointed by God• 3.More than Moses3.More than Moses• 6.Was of house hold6.Was of house hold• 10.Hear his voice10.Hear his voice
• 13deceitfulness of sin13deceitfulness of sin• 14Partakers of christ in 14Partakers of christ in
faithfaith
July 5, 2005Hebrews Ch3July 5, 2005Hebrews Ch3 [email protected]
Moses Vs JesusMoses Vs JesusSlave to princeSlave to prince yesyes yesyesFought for freedomFought for freedom yesyes yesyesBetrayed by own Betrayed by own yes yes yes yesVision in the desertVision in the desert yesyes yesyesChallenged enemy Challenged enemy PharaohPharaoh devildevilDid miraclesDid miracles By GodBy God HimselfHimselfFed the peopleFed the people mannamanna breadbreadBuilt the tabernacleBuilt the tabernacle yesyes eternal churcheternal churchEstablished worshipEstablished worship YesYes universaluniversalHonored in deathHonored in death yesyes GlorifiedGlorifiedPleaded for the peoplePleaded for the people yesyes HumanityHumanityTestifiesTestifies thru lawthru law HimselfHimself
Ch 4. Then Who is this Jesus?Ch 4. Then Who is this Jesus?
• Not an angelNot an angel
• A human being in flesh and bloodA human being in flesh and blood
• More than MosesMore than Moses
• Came to give restCame to give rest
• More than the high priestMore than the high priest
• Of the order of MelchizedekOf the order of Melchizedek
• Greater order and assignmentsGreater order and [email protected]
Ch 5. High PriestCh 5. High Priest• What has the high priest to do with rest?What has the high priest to do with rest?• Did not the people have rest in the wilderness?Did not the people have rest in the wilderness?• What were they supposed to do in Canaan once What were they supposed to do in Canaan once
they reached?they reached?• Was the wilderness only a fore shadow?Was the wilderness only a fore shadow?• Did they have wars in the wilderness or rest?Did they have wars in the wilderness or rest?• The people had food and shelter an protection The people had food and shelter an protection
and occasional wars in forty years.and occasional wars in forty years.• But they rebelled every time they had problem. But they rebelled every time they had problem. • Because they forgot all that happened in EgyptBecause they forgot all that happened in Egypt
High PriestHigh Priest• The high priest job was to rest in God’s The high priest job was to rest in God’s
presence and wait for commandspresence and wait for commands• The high priest was supposed to The high priest was supposed to
continually plead on behalf of the people.continually plead on behalf of the people.• The high priest supposed to know the directionThe high priest supposed to know the direction• The high priest was supposed to bring in God’s The high priest was supposed to bring in God’s
instruction to people an d their cries before God. instruction to people an d their cries before God. • The high priest knew the weakness of people and The high priest knew the weakness of people and
the majesty of Godthe majesty of God
Ch. 6 Abraham and MelchizedekCh. 6 Abraham and Melchizedek
• Abraham was the first Hebrew who Abraham was the first Hebrew who received the promise from God and received the promise from God and
blessings from Melchizedek.blessings from Melchizedek.
• Why Abraham?Why Abraham?
• He waited patiently to receive the promiseHe waited patiently to receive the promise
• Who is Melchizedek? - came from Who is Melchizedek? - came from unknown.unknown.
• God sends help from unknown- faithGod sends help from unknown- faith
Hebrew Chapter summary 4-10Hebrew Chapter summary 4-10
• 4. rest4. rest
• 5. High Priest5. High Priest
• 6.Abraham6.Abraham
• 7. Melchizedek7. Melchizedek
• 8. Mediator Vs 10, 58. Mediator Vs 10, 5
• 9.Sacrifice Vs 14,269.Sacrifice Vs 14,26
• 10.Judge on the RH of God Vs 1610.Judge on the RH of God Vs 16
Ch5.The High PriestCh5.The High Priest• They were familiar with High Priests Anna and They were familiar with High Priests Anna and
Caiphas who did nothing to community.Caiphas who did nothing to community.• Aaron was the high priest.Aaron was the high priest.• He was to plead for the people once in a year in the He was to plead for the people once in a year in the
most Holy Placemost Holy Place• Could he solve the problem like Moses? No.Could he solve the problem like Moses? No.• In the Most Holy place only listening and no talkingIn the Most Holy place only listening and no talking• He himself had to make atonement for himself! He himself had to make atonement for himself! • He himself failed and introduced calf worship and He himself failed and introduced calf worship and
blamed the people!blamed the people!• Jesus took the blame on HimselfJesus took the blame on Himself
Ch 6. Jesus Vs AbrahamCh 6. Jesus Vs Abraham• He was the first Hebrew who crossed a river of no returnHe was the first Hebrew who crossed a river of no return• He gave up everything trusting God bu did not inherit He gave up everything trusting God bu did not inherit
anything during life timeanything during life time• He had only more problems since He left Ur and still did He had only more problems since He left Ur and still did
not question Godnot question God• He was a worship leader to his clan and built altarsHe was a worship leader to his clan and built altars• He was redeemer to lot when taken captiveHe was redeemer to lot when taken captive• He was an intercessor when Sodom was to be destroyedHe was an intercessor when Sodom was to be destroyed
• Jesus was more than Abraham in all respects. The Jews Jesus was more than Abraham in all respects. The Jews did not accept when He said, “I was before Abraham”did not accept when He said, “I was before Abraham”
• Did they see Abraham? Why then such strong faith than Did they see Abraham? Why then such strong faith than JesusJesus [email protected]
7. Melchizedek7. Melchizedek
• Who is that mysterious historical personality?Who is that mysterious historical personality?• The servants of Abraham must be wondering The servants of Abraham must be wondering
why Abraham the veteran pay homage to him?why Abraham the veteran pay homage to him?• Did Abraham know him before or meet him Did Abraham know him before or meet him
thereafter?thereafter?• What did he bring to Abraham in his most What did he bring to Abraham in his most
fearful moments?fearful moments?• What does bread and water signify?What does bread and water signify?• What is meaning of Melchizedek King priest- What is meaning of Melchizedek King priest-
Prince of PeacePrince of Peace• How Jesus is better than Melchizedek? How Jesus is better than Melchizedek?
Appeared and gone away or still available?Appeared and gone away or still [email protected]
Ch8. Mediator- High PriestCh8. Mediator- High Priest• Moses was mediator not High priestMoses was mediator not High priest• Aaron was high priest not mediatorAaron was high priest not mediator• Melchizedek was high priest not mediatorMelchizedek was high priest not mediator• Abraham was mediator not high priestAbraham was mediator not high priest• Jesus was only mediator High priest!Jesus was only mediator High priest!
• Why the Jews failed because they did not see the law Why the Jews failed because they did not see the law inside the covenant box.inside the covenant box.
• But if the law is written in mind we cannot fail. Jesus But if the law is written in mind we cannot fail. Jesus had it so he could defeat the enemy at temptation.had it so he could defeat the enemy at temptation.
• A mediator must know the law and promises very A mediator must know the law and promises very thoroughlythoroughly
• What is the meaning of Royal priesthoodWhat is the meaning of Royal priesthood• Vs 5 and 10 are importantVs 5 and 10 are important [email protected]
Ch 9. Where is the Eternal sacrificeCh 9. Where is the Eternal sacrifice• Even the high priest must offer sacrifices for Even the high priest must offer sacrifices for
himself oncehimself once• Abraham Melchizedek offered many timesAbraham Melchizedek offered many times• What is the eternal sacrifice when temple would What is the eternal sacrifice when temple would
be gone soon?be gone soon?• If Jesus is high priest where is the sacrificeIf Jesus is high priest where is the sacrifice• Without blood shed the sins cannot be atoned?Without blood shed the sins cannot be atoned?• Jesus made himself the eternal sacrifice!Jesus made himself the eternal sacrifice!
• Vs 14 and 26 importantVs 14 and 26 important
Ch. 10. Eternal JudgeCh. 10. Eternal Judge• The function of High priest temple altar sacrifice etc The function of High priest temple altar sacrifice etc
are to make an escape for sinner from judgment to are to make an escape for sinner from judgment to come.come.
• The high priest, the sacrifice, the mediator are all set.The high priest, the sacrifice, the mediator are all set.• What would be the judgment?What would be the judgment?• Jesus would be the judge also to pronounce freedom Jesus would be the judge also to pronounce freedom
and forgiveness to sinner.and forgiveness to sinner.• The High priest could not do it himself after the The High priest could not do it himself after the
offering is over. He could only present the matter to offering is over. He could only present the matter to God.God.
• But Jesus forgave many sinners even while he was But Jesus forgave many sinners even while he was alivealive
• That made the Pharisees angryThat made the Pharisees angry• Vs 7 and 16 importantVs 7 and 16 important [email protected]
Summary of chapters 4-10Summary of chapters 4-10
• In all these discussions one underlying truth is that In all these discussions one underlying truth is that Jesus came to give restJesus came to give rest
• The nation was passing through restless moments in The nation was passing through restless moments in historyhistory
• people were worried about their future and destinypeople were worried about their future and destiny• The leaders could not stop nor support the The leaders could not stop nor support the
insurgenceinsurgence• Where was the promise given to Abraham for ever Where was the promise given to Abraham for ever
and everand ever• Where is the land flowing with milk and honeyWhere is the land flowing with milk and honey• What was rest in the wilderness?What was rest in the wilderness?• Where is another prophet like Moses?Where is another prophet like Moses?
Condition for restCondition for rest
• From Egypt there was a great deliverance from From Egypt there was a great deliverance from hardship to no workhardship to no work
• No worry about food and they just went and No worry about food and they just went and collectedcollected
• Whenever there was a problem Moses got it solved Whenever there was a problem Moses got it solved with Godwith God
• Too much of freedom made them wander in Too much of freedom made them wander in worship?worship?
• When worship lasted they had every thingWhen worship lasted they had every thing• What should be restored if they need rest?What should be restored if they need rest?• Faith that God will handle all things needed for life.Faith that God will handle all things needed for life.
Ch 11.The hall of fameCh 11.The hall of fameWhy it starts with Abel and not Adam?Why it starts with Abel and not Adam?
More than ten verses are devoted o Abraham- Did he More than ten verses are devoted o Abraham- Did he receive what was promised?receive what was promised?
Ten verses are devoted to people who followed in history Ten verses are devoted to people who followed in history for 1000 years.for 1000 years.
Did they all succeed or failed and died?Did they all succeed or failed and died?
Does faith necessarily end in success ?Does faith necessarily end in success ?
Why was this chapter written?Why was this chapter written?
What was the people’s hope when they left Jerusalem?What was the people’s hope when they left Jerusalem?
What did they see in Rome happening to the Christians?What did they see in Rome happening to the Christians?
What would be our faith if such things happen in our What would be our faith if such things happen in our lives?lives?
Ch 12.Author and finisherCh 12.Author and finisher1.1. Besetting thingsBesetting things
2.2. The marathon race- Atlanta- the rewardThe marathon race- Atlanta- the reward
3.3. Looking forwardLooking forward
4.4. Battle front- some will die- Versailles-the hall of warBattle front- some will die- Versailles-the hall of war
5.5. Jesus also suffered before gloryJesus also suffered before glory
6.6. Endure chastening Vs7Endure chastening Vs7
7.7. Be encouraged vs12Be encouraged vs12
8.8. Pursue peace with all people vs14Pursue peace with all people vs14
9.9. Don’t have bitterness vsvs15Don’t have bitterness vsvs15
10.10. Flee fornication vs 17Flee fornication vs 17
11.11. Have grace to serve God with reverence &fearHave grace to serve God with reverence &[email protected]
Ch 13. Things to doCh 13. Things to do
Entertain strangers vs1Entertain strangers vs1
Honour marriage vs 4Honour marriage vs 4
Be concerned about prisoners vs 3Be concerned about prisoners vs 3
Be not covetous vs 4Be not covetous vs 4
Obey your teachers vs 7, 17Obey your teachers vs 7, 17
Do not be confused with many doctrines vs 9Do not be confused with many doctrines vs 9
Endure shame and persecution vs 13Endure shame and persecution vs 13
Be prepared to go outside the cityBe prepared to go outside the city
Offer sacrifices of praise vs 15Offer sacrifices of praise vs 15
Share with others and Keep fellowship vs 16Share with others and Keep fellowship vs 16
Pray for leaders and Be part of the church vs 18Pray for leaders and Be part of the church vs [email protected]