Hebrews 3, Christ is Faithful

 

Hebrews 3, Christ is Faithful

Christ came to earth and became lower than the angels and when He died, He became superior to them.

Moses was very important to the Hebrew nation and counted him superior to all men of that time. Christ is superior, even to Moses. Jesus was found faithful to God who appointed Him to come to earth and die for us. Moses was found faithful in all his house. The word “house” occurs 7 times in this scripture, and it is God’s house it is referring to. Moses was faithful in God’s house. He was appointed a job by God, and he was faithful to do it. Like all mankind, Moses made mistakes. Christ did not make mistakes. It is good to know that even while Moses made mistakes, God found Moses faithful. I hope He finds us faithful also.

Every house is built by someone. God created all things. Moses cannot claim to be the Creator; therefore, Christ is superior. Moses was also a servant of God. Being a servant and a son are two different things. Moses was the servant; Christ was the Son. We are the children of God, and we can be confident in His calling. If we hold the faith it is proof that we are God’s child. We will study His word, believe His word, and love the Word because we want to know what our Father has to say to us. Since we are children of God, we can rejoice in the hope firm to the end. When you look in the mirror or around and see only people who look like they just ate a dill pickle, then you know they are not rejoicing in the hope.

We need not be doubtful of Christ’s faithfulness. The Israelites doubted God in the wilderness and had to wander 40 years until that generation died. They doubted and never entered the promised land where they were to receive rest. There is an eternal rest for us, and Jesus gives us that rest. Our rest here on earth centers on our belief that God is faithful. If we believe His words, then we will rejoice in the hope that we will receive eternal rest. It is one thing to believe that God exists but entirely different to believe that God keeps His promises and will be faithful to the end. Don’t doubt God but be faithful and firm to the end. If you doubt you will end up in the wilderness like the Israelites. There will be no rest for you until you release your doubts and believe. God is truly faithful in all things.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee

 

Hebrews 2, Hear Him, See Him, Trust Him

 

Hebrews 2 Hear Him, See Him, Trust Him

This is the first of five solemn admonitions to believers to pay attention to what God says in His Word. During Old Testament times, God dealt with those who disobeyed His Word. In these last days, we have a greater obligation to obey because we have the complete scriptures and the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ.

There's a “world to come,” and how you live today will help determine your place in the future kingdom of Christ. Today, we see man fallen in Adam; but by faith, we see Christ and His victory. Because He is glorified, we shall be glorified in Him!

Persons who trust Christ are God’s children on their way to glory. The Redeemer has defeated death and the devil, and He understands how His people feel as they face the temptations and trials of life. When you come to Him by faith, you come to a sympathetic High Priest who can meet your every need. Trust Him!

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

Hebrews 1, God is supreme

 

Hebrews 1, God is Supreme

The main truth of the Hebrews is that Jesus Christ is superior. He is superior to the Old Testament prophets, to the angels and to Moses. Christ’s priesthood is superior to Aaron’s because Christ is a perfect High Priest, the mediator of a New covenant who made the once-for-all sacrifice for human sin. Christ alone is worthy of our faith.

For the Hebrews, old habits die hard. Some habits have been a part of our lives for so long that we accept them as normal. The thought of changing our pattern threatens our very existence. Sometimes it is easier to stay in a rut than to let God change us. This is true in the spiritual realm as well as the material. Many of these Jewish Christians struggled with the temptation to return to the familiarity and comfort of Judaism, especially as they began to face persecution from their countrymen because of their newly found faith in Jesus. The unidentified author of Hebrews warned these Jewish believers not to drift away but rather to go on to perfection.

The book of Hebrews brilliantly demonstrates, Jesus is the all-sufficient Messiah, and if Christianity represents the God-ordained consummation of all the hopes and promises of Judaism, then isn’t it the height of foolishness for any believer, Jew or Gentile to revert to inferior doctrines and dead-end habits. This book calls us to accept the positive changes that come with faith in Jesus Christ.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

Philemon, Forgiveness

 

Philemon, Forgiveness

It’s awkward and painful when we have to confront a person who has wronged us. It’s one thing to talk about forgiveness, it’s another matter to actually have to forgive. That kind of situation is the true test of the power of the gospel. It’s also the story behind Paul’s letter to Philemon. Philemon was a Colossian Christian and slave owner who had been converted by Paul. One of Philemon’s slaves, Onesimus apparently stole from him and fled to Rome. In the sovereign plan of God, Onesimus encountered Paul and was also converted to Christ.

The change in Onesimus was genuine and he proved to be a big help and comfort to Paul. Paul realized that Onesimus had to be returned to his master. Paul then went on to write this letter to Philemon to plead with him to forgive Onesimus and take him back as a “beloved brother.” Paul depended on Philemon’s spiritual maturity to respond in forgiveness and acceptance. Even though Philemon had every right to have his slave beaten or killed, Paul encouraged him to forgive and accept him.

Believers may have conflicts over any number of situations, but they can be handled best when believers remember what they have in common, salvation in Christ. It reminds us that the gospel is all about second chances, and we can forgive even the deepest wrongs. The gospel can transform human relationships. Onesimus left Colosse a lowly slave and returned as a precious brother. What a change Christ can make in us. He showed us mercy and grace. We also should show mercy and grace to those who have wronged us.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

Titus 2, Good Works

 

Titus 2 Good Works

In Titus the church is to be orderly and sound in doctrine. In order to be all that God wants for the church is to perform good works. The first thing Paul tells Titus is that th church is to be law abiding unless it conflicts or contradicts with our duty and relationship to God.  An example of that might be a young man who is drafted into the military but does not believe in fighting. Today it is possible for a young man to go in as a consciences objector where he can be assigned noncombat duties. He might agree to serve, wear the uniform but speak up against carrying a gun. The Second thing Paul expresses in his letter is to be ready to do every good work. The church is to instruct individuals to be eager, and to learn to perform good works. Next to “not speak evil against any man, Paul told Titus to reject divisive people and to “avoid foolish disputes with them about issues that had nothing to do with the salvation of Christ. Paul warned Titus against getting involved in quarrels over petty issues, and when such debates arose, Titus was to rebuke the false teachers for their divisiveness. Divisive people insist on their own opinions without knowing God’s word. They stir up conflict that can divide the church. Such behavior must be stopped. Differences of opinion and style are inevitable in the church and can be healthy, but severe conflict over petty issues should have no place in the fellowship.

A picture of an unsaved person before he comes to know Christ is foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving lusts and pleasures, living in malice, envy, hateful, and hating one another. Unfortunately, some of these things are still present in the church. There can be a pretense of love, but under it there is envying, hating, and gossiping. You might find little cliques among the members, yet they claim they are sound in the faith. This ought never be a picture of you or me as believers. Paul tells us we are not saved on the basis of righteousness, good deeds. But according to God’s mercy He has saved us. He is not asking us to do something. After we become Children of God, then He wants to talk to us about doing the good work of getting out the Word of God to others. Be compassionate, encourage one another, and speak the gospel to others when the opportunity arises.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

Titus 1 Choosing Godly Men

 

Titus 1 Choosing Godly Men

This letter from Paul to Titus is somewhat of a repeat of his letter to Timothy. Titus was a minister on the Island of Crete, a place that was notorious for moral corruption. The point of Paul’s letter to Titus was to know the truth and live it. Today Christians who claim to know the truth but doesn’t live it are called hypocrites. We can resist the hypocritical Christian experience that has become so commonplace in the church ans is so repulsive to the onlooker.

The Book of Titus shows us how to make the gospel attractive in our own lives. It starts out with the power of a promise. The power of a promise depends on the character of the person who is making the promise. God promised eternal life before time began. Those who accept Jesus Christ as Savior will obtain the fulfillment of that promise. We can be certain that the promise will be fulfilled. Because it is not in God’s character to lie. Such a promise should motivate us to live for Him each day. Paul left Titus in Crete to strengthen the church. Paul knew the success of Titus’ efforts would depend on his ability to identify a few good and godly men. He had to equip and encourage men to serve others as leaders of the church. Paul gave Titus a list of traits to look for in a man who would make a good elder among believers. They had to be blameless which meant they had no unsettled problems in their lives. They were to be faithful to one woman, raise healthy children, be humble in the sight of God. They were not self-willed, quick tempered, violent or greedy. They had to practice hospitality and love good things. They had to think clearly and be just, holy and self-controlled. They had to effectively model and teach the Christian faith. These qualities should be in all the men who claim to be Christians. It would be great if the men who run our Country were required to have all these qualities too. As it is the church is still looking for people who will live out their faith with such character. If we are to have a strong character in Christ, men and women both should strive to have these qualities.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. Through the Bible by J. Vernon McGee.

 

II Timothy 4, Paul's Testimony

 

II Timothy 4, Paul’s Testimony

 

This is Paul’s final letter to Timothy while he is waiting his execution in the Roman prison. He is cold and asks Timothy to bring his cloak. He is lonely and the hours probably seem long, so he asks Timothy to bring his books, especially his parchments.

He tells Timothy to be diligent in preaching the Word, not just in the temple but in all his waking hours. We are to preach the word, not just talk about the Word of God or from the Word of God but to preach the Word itself. We are to practice what we preach. Paul talks about sound doctrine. There are many preachers today who only preach what they think the people want to hear and not what they should hear. There are also people who will only go to the church of choice if the preacher preaches what they want to hear. They want the fables, myths, and fairy tales, they want the entertainment. It was once stated that people are more intrigued about learning of the anti-Christ than the Christ.

Paul knew that he would soon die, yet he was not fearful or worried for his ministry or for himself. He knew that others would faithfully carry on the task of spreading the gospel message. He knew that he was on his way to glory in heaven and a crown of righteousness. He knew that his job was done, and it was time to go. Believers can face death with confidence, knowing that God is waiting for them. May we all be able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” For the child of God, death is a release. We will be leaving here to be with Christ. We can look forward to a crown of righteousness. The crown is given for having a part in leading others to the Lord. For living a righteous life. There is a crown for those who Love His appearing. If you have a relationship with Jesus, then you Love Him and you will Love His appearing. Fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish the race with all godliness.

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, J. Vernon McGee

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