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Day 336 – Thru the Bible
Today we continue Hebrews.
Hebrews 3 – Those who are truly the Lord’s do not fall away (apostatize) forever, but there is no assurance that we are truly the Lord’s if we live contrary to Him (Romans ; Ephesians ; Colossians ). So, these strong words call all professing Believers to a self-examination that would keep us from living in fear or rebellion (see also Corinthians ). One evidence of truly knowing Jesus is perseverance in faith. We must be on guard, therefore, that we do not develop “an evil, unbelieving heart.” What is the antidote to the poison of unbelief? It is mutual accountability and daily encouragement of one another. Sin is deceitful and can harden our hearts.
Let us be watchful, then, and “hold our original confidence firm to the end.” We thank God for faithful spouses and other friends who help us walk with Jesus. And we should be on the lookout for those who name Jesus’ name yet do not continue with Him. They need our prayers and maybe our help.
Knowing that those who truly believe will persevere, how does this encourage you?
Hebrews 4 – This is one of many exhortations in to continue in faith and obedience until the culmination of our salvation (“to enter that rest”). Next the writer speaks of the Word of God. He describes it as dynamic, powerful, “sharp,” cutting, and able to read our hearts.
These descriptions point to the fact that God uses his Word to reveal unbelief and disobedience lurking in our hearts. All things are transparent to God; no one can hide from Him. He uses His living and piercing Word to search us deep within and to show us “thoughts and intentions” that do not bring glory to Him. Let us avail ourselves of this vital ministry of Scripture (Psalm 19:11–14) through Bible reading and study that deepens our understanding of God’s Word.
Verses 14–16 summarize much that has gone before and anticipates much that will follow. Our Great High Priest is a human being who identifies with us. This is communicated through the human name, “Jesus,” given him at birth (Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:21) and through the noteworthy statement of Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
Our Great High Priest is also divine—God Himself. This is communicated through the author’s saying that Jesus “has passed through the heavens”; no earthly high priest ever ascended to God’s heavenly throne! Jesus’ deity is also communicated through the divine title “the Son of God.”
Consequently, our priest is both God and man. As a genuine human being He is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses, since He shared them, including knowing temptation. But as the second Adam He never sinned. Therefore, as God Himself who became the perfect man, He is able to give us mercy and grace when we come to God through Him. We are to come boldly before God’s awesome heavenly throne—which through Jesus has become for us “the throne of grace”! And we do so assured that Jesus as a man understands our struggles and as God is able and willing to help us in our distress.
How does this chapter encourage you to trust in the God-man Jesus?
What other thoughts or questions does today’s reading bring up?
Some of these notes are from the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible study notes. We highly recommend this study Bible.
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