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Hebrews - You Don't What You've Got 'til It's Gone - Part 2 ::
Part 2 of Bryson Smith’s easy guide to preaching Hebrews.
Source: Perspective Vol5 No2 © Perspective 1999
The whole article in PDF format: 
Continued from Part 1...
Talk 7
Out with the old
Hebrews 8
NOT KNOWING WHAT YOU’VE GOT
The Italian embassy in New York discovered that a statue in the foyer was a Michelangelo. It used to be neglected, now it’s the focus of great attention and care. The first seven chapters of Hebrews has been drumming home the idea of not neglecting Jesus because He is so valuable. Hebrews still hasn’t finished with this lesson, however the focus now shifts slightly from who Jesus is to what he has done.
The Italian embassy in New York discovered that a statue in the foyer was a Michelangelo. It used to be neglected, now it’s the focus of great attention and care. The first seven chapters of Hebrews has been drumming home the idea of not neglecting Jesus because He is so valuable. Hebrews still hasn’t finished with this lesson, however the focus now shifts slightly from who Jesus is to what he has done.
A LOOK BACK, A LOOK FORWARD (v1-6)
v1-2 summarise the lesson so far: Jesus is the best possible high priest.
v3-6 summarise what Jesus does as a priest; He offers the best sacrifice, in the best temple and mediates the best covenant. The covenant theme is taken up for the rest of this chapter while the themes of sacrifice and temple are explained in Hebrews 9-10.
v1-2 summarise the lesson so far: Jesus is the best possible high priest.
v3-6 summarise what Jesus does as a priest; He offers the best sacrifice, in the best temple and mediates the best covenant. The covenant theme is taken up for the rest of this chapter while the themes of sacrifice and temple are explained in Hebrews 9-10.
A NEW COVENANT
a) what’s a covenant? A covenant is a formal agreement. Jesus brings in the best agreement between man and God possible. It was one promised in Jeremiah 31.
b) the ultimate covenant. This new arrangement is better than the previous ones because people will respond with a heart felt faithfulness (v9-10), there’ll be deep intimacy with God (v11) and forgiveness of sins (v12).
a) what’s a covenant? A covenant is a formal agreement. Jesus brings in the best agreement between man and God possible. It was one promised in Jeremiah 31.
b) the ultimate covenant. This new arrangement is better than the previous ones because people will respond with a heart felt faithfulness (v9-10), there’ll be deep intimacy with God (v11) and forgiveness of sins (v12).
STATE OF THE ART CHRISTIANITY
Christ isn’t like a car or a computer that will be updated and improved. The arrangement between us and God through Christ can never be improved on. It’s state of the art and will never become obsolete. When you follow Jesus you don’t just have a relationship with God. You have THE relationship with God. In Christ it doesn’t, it can’t, get any better.
Talk 8
The Real thing
Hebrews 9:1-lO:l8
CHANGING PROTOCOL
Remember the fuss when Paul Keating actually touched Queen Elizabeth! If he had tried that stunt a couple of hundred years ago, he probably would have lost his head in the Tower of London. It’s just that royal protocol has changed since then. Access to royalty is now more open. That’s what Hebrews 9-10 is all about. It’s all about a change in protocol, not towards British royalty, but a change to divine protocol. Whereas access to God used to be highly restricted, now in Christ there is great freedom and liberty to approach God. We noticed in Hebrews 8 that Christ ushers in a new covenant. Hebrews 9-10 expands on this idea by explaining that all the sacrifices, temples and priests of the OT were a shadow of the greater reality to come through Christ.
THE OLD WAY (v1-5)
a) an earthly temple. In the OT the way in which people related to God, revolved around an earthly tabernacle or temple (an overhead was put up showing the floor plan).
b) earthly sacrifices. Sacrifices were the way sinful people cleansed themselves from sin so they could enter God’s presence (9:18-22). Ail this was only ever intended to be a shadow. The reality is that Jesus comes and revolutionises the divine protocol by offering the best possible sacrifice in the best possible temple.
a) an earthly temple. In the OT the way in which people related to God, revolved around an earthly tabernacle or temple (an overhead was put up showing the floor plan).
b) earthly sacrifices. Sacrifices were the way sinful people cleansed themselves from sin so they could enter God’s presence (9:18-22). Ail this was only ever intended to be a shadow. The reality is that Jesus comes and revolutionises the divine protocol by offering the best possible sacrifice in the best possible temple.
THE NEW WAY
a) a heavenly temple – Christ was actually in heaven itself, before God Himself (v11).
b) the ultimate sacrifice – The sacrifice Christ offered was Himself. In God’s eyes you couldn’t get a more costly or important sacrifice and for that reason the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice. No other sacrifice is ever needed again (9:25-26, 10:11-14).
a) a heavenly temple – Christ was actually in heaven itself, before God Himself (v11).
b) the ultimate sacrifice – The sacrifice Christ offered was Himself. In God’s eyes you couldn’t get a more costly or important sacrifice and for that reason the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice. No other sacrifice is ever needed again (9:25-26, 10:11-14).
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW
It’s not often we get to enjoy the very best of anything. We can never afford the best holiday package, we don’t have the best job we can imagine, friendships aren’t the best they could be. Yet as Christians, in the things that matter most we have nothing but the best. Christ, the best priest, offered the best sacrifice in the best temple so that we enjoy the best possible relationship with God.
It’s not often we get to enjoy the very best of anything. We can never afford the best holiday package, we don’t have the best job we can imagine, friendships aren’t the best they could be. Yet as Christians, in the things that matter most we have nothing but the best. Christ, the best priest, offered the best sacrifice in the best temple so that we enjoy the best possible relationship with God.
Talk 9
DON’T SHRINK BACK
Hebrews 10:19-39
THE LOSS OF SOMETHING VALUABLE
Imagine buying something worth $2000 but only paying $20 for it. That’s exactly what happened to Robert Jordan. Jordan brought a small wooden writing chest at a garage sale for $20, only to discover it was actually a Victorian period antique. He was a happy man. But you couldn’t help feeling sorry for the poor people who’d sold the chest at the garage sale. Imagine how they felt! Hebrews doesn’t want us to easily give up Jesus for He is of immense value.
Imagine buying something worth $2000 but only paying $20 for it. That’s exactly what happened to Robert Jordan. Jordan brought a small wooden writing chest at a garage sale for $20, only to discover it was actually a Victorian period antique. He was a happy man. But you couldn’t help feeling sorry for the poor people who’d sold the chest at the garage sale. Imagine how they felt! Hebrews doesn’t want us to easily give up Jesus for He is of immense value.
THE SUMMARY SO FAR (v19-20)
Those verses pretty well wrap up everything we have seen in the past 10 chapters -the idea that in Jesus we have the ultimate of everything. Jesus is the ultimate priest, offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice in the most Holy Place. Hebrews now turns to give us the application of all that theory.
Those verses pretty well wrap up everything we have seen in the past 10 chapters -the idea that in Jesus we have the ultimate of everything. Jesus is the ultimate priest, offering himself as the ultimate sacrifice in the most Holy Place. Hebrews now turns to give us the application of all that theory.
“LET US…”
a) confidence in God (v22-23)
The first two “let us” phrases revolve around having confidence to approach God because of what and who we are in Christ.
b) cane for one another (v24-25)
The second cluster of “let us” phrases, shift focus to caring for one another. That’s because when something is really important, we should help each other. We urge each other on at sport and we support one another in work projects. If the blessings of following Christ last all eternity, it would be scandalous if we didn’t help one another to persevere in our faith.
a) confidence in God (v22-23)
The first two “let us” phrases revolve around having confidence to approach God because of what and who we are in Christ.
b) cane for one another (v24-25)
The second cluster of “let us” phrases, shift focus to caring for one another. That’s because when something is really important, we should help each other. We urge each other on at sport and we support one another in work projects. If the blessings of following Christ last all eternity, it would be scandalous if we didn’t help one another to persevere in our faith.
THE DANGER IF WE DON’T (v26-31)
Christianity is not a game. You can not get anything worse than ignoring and drifting from Christ.
Christianity is not a game. You can not get anything worse than ignoring and drifting from Christ.
THE JOY IF YOU DO (v32-34)
Staying with Christ brings eternal joys which outshine any of the fleeting joys of this world.
Staying with Christ brings eternal joys which outshine any of the fleeting joys of this world.
“WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” (v35-39)
Every now and then “Who” magazine, have an edition which they call, “Where are they now’?” Where will you be in 10 years time? Still playing around the fringe of a church without really getting involved? Or going on strong in your faith and helping others stay loyal to Jesus? This isn’t a game. Drift from Jesus and there is no where else to go.
Every now and then “Who” magazine, have an edition which they call, “Where are they now’?” Where will you be in 10 years time? Still playing around the fringe of a church without really getting involved? Or going on strong in your faith and helping others stay loyal to Jesus? This isn’t a game. Drift from Jesus and there is no where else to go.
Talk 10
KEEPING THE FAITH
Hebrews 11:1-12:3
THE POWER OF EXAMPLE
During the 1996 Olympic games, gymnasiums and health clubs did record business. Seeing all those fit, firm bodies running round a track and swimming up and down a pool spurred 100’s of Australians to get out and do some exercise. That’s because seeing another person succeed somehow inspires us to succeed. This is what Hebrews 11 taps into. Hebrews 10 closed with a comparison between those who stick with Jesus through thick and thin and those who give it away when the going gets tough. Hebrews 11 is purely to motivate us (v1), to lift us above our struggles and to show us how the great ones of God have lived. There are three main ways we are to imitate them.
During the 1996 Olympic games, gymnasiums and health clubs did record business. Seeing all those fit, firm bodies running round a track and swimming up and down a pool spurred 100’s of Australians to get out and do some exercise. That’s because seeing another person succeed somehow inspires us to succeed. This is what Hebrews 11 taps into. Hebrews 10 closed with a comparison between those who stick with Jesus through thick and thin and those who give it away when the going gets tough. Hebrews 11 is purely to motivate us (v1), to lift us above our struggles and to show us how the great ones of God have lived. There are three main ways we are to imitate them.
LESSONS FROM THE FAITH HALL OF FAME
a) faith is not an optional extra
Faith is THE characteristic way of life for those who follow God. The chapter is full of all sorts of different people. It stretches from creation in v3 through to Jesus in v12, it’s got old people K young people, men 8 women, rich people 8 poor people, Jews & Gentiles. But their common link is faith. The lifestyle of faith isn’t reserved for overseas missionaries and full time ministry workers. It’s what every authentic Christian does. But how does faith work?
b) faith looks beyond present circumstances
Living by faith means we look beyond present circumstances. Faith looks to the future, trusts in what God will achieve in the future and then uses that perspective to shape what we do here and now (v1).
c) faith is reflected in action.
In the wake of the bomb blast at the Centennial Olympic Park, the Major of Atlanta, Bill Campbell, held a press conference to urge people to return to the Park when it was reopened. For a few minutes it was all talk. But then Bill Campbell said, “When the Park is reopened, I will be there with my wife and children.” And he was. That was faith. He put action where his mouth was.
a) faith is not an optional extra
Faith is THE characteristic way of life for those who follow God. The chapter is full of all sorts of different people. It stretches from creation in v3 through to Jesus in v12, it’s got old people K young people, men 8 women, rich people 8 poor people, Jews & Gentiles. But their common link is faith. The lifestyle of faith isn’t reserved for overseas missionaries and full time ministry workers. It’s what every authentic Christian does. But how does faith work?
b) faith looks beyond present circumstances
Living by faith means we look beyond present circumstances. Faith looks to the future, trusts in what God will achieve in the future and then uses that perspective to shape what we do here and now (v1).
c) faith is reflected in action.
In the wake of the bomb blast at the Centennial Olympic Park, the Major of Atlanta, Bill Campbell, held a press conference to urge people to return to the Park when it was reopened. For a few minutes it was all talk. But then Bill Campbell said, “When the Park is reopened, I will be there with my wife and children.” And he was. That was faith. He put action where his mouth was.
JESUS: THE PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH
In all this list of the great ones, there is actually one who is the greatest. One whose faith is so inspirational and so crucial for our salvation, that Hebrews talks in terms of him being the author and perfecter of faith. Jesus Christ.
In all this list of the great ones, there is actually one who is the greatest. One whose faith is so inspirational and so crucial for our salvation, that Hebrews talks in terms of him being the author and perfecter of faith. Jesus Christ.
ARE YOU KEEPING THE FAITH?
Are you looking beyond the here and now to the new heaven and new earth that God says is coming? Are your actions, decisions, conversations, spending patterns, pastimes and priorities reflecting a genuine life of faith? Or are there sins that are tripping you up and entangling you?
Are you looking beyond the here and now to the new heaven and new earth that God says is coming? Are your actions, decisions, conversations, spending patterns, pastimes and priorities reflecting a genuine life of faith? Or are there sins that are tripping you up and entangling you?
Talk 11
GROWING BETTER NOT BITTER
Hebrews 12:4-13
BOB & JO-ANNE
Bob and Jo-Anne were Christians who both went through difficult times but who came out the end of them in completely different ways. Jo-Anne grew in faith and was a better Christian because of it. Bob gave up his faith and became bitter because of it. Why is that? What makes that difference? Hebrews 12 is a passage which helps us to view the problems of this life in such a way that they will cause us to grow better rather than bitter.
Bob and Jo-Anne were Christians who both went through difficult times but who came out the end of them in completely different ways. Jo-Anne grew in faith and was a better Christian because of it. Bob gave up his faith and became bitter because of it. Why is that? What makes that difference? Hebrews 12 is a passage which helps us to view the problems of this life in such a way that they will cause us to grow better rather than bitter.
ENDURE MARDSHIP AS DISCIPLINE (v7)
“Discipline” here is meant to be taken in the sense of training, rather than punishment. Therefore v7 means to enter into the hard times of life by thinking of them as a training experience. We are to view our difficulties as God given opportunities to grow in maturity of faith. This is a very radical way to look at life because it assumes that the most important thing in this life is not to be happy or comfortable or fulfilled. The most important thing in this life is to know God. Future hope is more important than present happiness. When problems are seen in that context, two very positive lessons emerge.
“Discipline” here is meant to be taken in the sense of training, rather than punishment. Therefore v7 means to enter into the hard times of life by thinking of them as a training experience. We are to view our difficulties as God given opportunities to grow in maturity of faith. This is a very radical way to look at life because it assumes that the most important thing in this life is not to be happy or comfortable or fulfilled. The most important thing in this life is to know God. Future hope is more important than present happiness. When problems are seen in that context, two very positive lessons emerge.
POSITIVE LESSONS FROM PAIN
a) evidence of sonship (5-9)
A loving parent disciplines so that the child will grow up to be the best person they can be. Even though a child may think that it’s alright to have junk food all the time because it tastes good, the parent’s greater wisdom, disciplines the child to have a balanced diet. It’s in this way that God gives us difficulties in our life, out of love.
b) a constructive experience (viO-11)
Not only does enduring hardship as discipline enable us to see problems as a sign of God’s love. It also allows us to see problems as the opportunity for a constructive experience rather than a destructive experience.
*“THERE IS NO FUTURE IN FRUSTRATION”*
When problems come, there’s no point in growing bitter and cynical. There is no value in simply complaining and blaming everyone else. When problems come endure them as discipline. We need to see them as being given to us by a loving Father so that we might be the best people we can be, so that we might be strengthened in the things that matter most – our trust in Christ.
When problems come, there’s no point in growing bitter and cynical. There is no value in simply complaining and blaming everyone else. When problems come endure them as discipline. We need to see them as being given to us by a loving Father so that we might be the best people we can be, so that we might be strengthened in the things that matter most – our trust in Christ.
Talk 12
DIGGING OUT BITTER ROOTS
Hebrews 12:14-13:25
THE UNSEEN ENEMY
I have a friend who went through the horror of serving in the Vietnam war. When he does talk about the war he always says the same thing – that the worst thing was the enemy was always unseen. Even the innocent looking situations had to be treated with caution. Living as a Christian in this world is exactly like that. Life is full of ambushes and unseen booby traps which can go off at any time, and which can start the rot which may eventually cause us to turn our backs on Jesus Christ. And so Hebrews now closes with a host of specific sins which we are urged to stay away from so as to safeguard our alliance to Jesus. The controlling thought in all this section comes right at the beginning of it (12:14-15).
I have a friend who went through the horror of serving in the Vietnam war. When he does talk about the war he always says the same thing – that the worst thing was the enemy was always unseen. Even the innocent looking situations had to be treated with caution. Living as a Christian in this world is exactly like that. Life is full of ambushes and unseen booby traps which can go off at any time, and which can start the rot which may eventually cause us to turn our backs on Jesus Christ. And so Hebrews now closes with a host of specific sins which we are urged to stay away from so as to safeguard our alliance to Jesus. The controlling thought in all this section comes right at the beginning of it (12:14-15).
SOME BITTER ROOTS TO AVOID
a) neglect (13:1-3,16)
Neglect can be a bitter root, which grows up to cause trouble. When someone feels overlooked, they can become cynical and overly critical. They start to only see the negatives in church and eventually they can drop, not just out of the church but far more seriously out of Christianity.
b) sexual immorality (12:15-16,13:4)
Our sexuality is a powerful force. In the right context it can bring so much pleasure and enjoyment but in the wrong context it can absolutely demolish your Christian life. It happens time and time again and none of us are immune.
c) love of money (13:5-6)
If sexual immorality is a powerful temptation, this one is the most subtle and probably claims the most victims. The sure way to cure a love of money is to start giving it away.
d) attitude to leaders (13:7,17)
We don’t like submitting to anyone, and so the temptation is to whinge and complain about our church leaders. If you can’t graciously obey, it’s far better for you to find another church family where you can.
a) neglect (13:1-3,16)
Neglect can be a bitter root, which grows up to cause trouble. When someone feels overlooked, they can become cynical and overly critical. They start to only see the negatives in church and eventually they can drop, not just out of the church but far more seriously out of Christianity.
b) sexual immorality (12:15-16,13:4)
Our sexuality is a powerful force. In the right context it can bring so much pleasure and enjoyment but in the wrong context it can absolutely demolish your Christian life. It happens time and time again and none of us are immune.
c) love of money (13:5-6)
If sexual immorality is a powerful temptation, this one is the most subtle and probably claims the most victims. The sure way to cure a love of money is to start giving it away.
d) attitude to leaders (13:7,17)
We don’t like submitting to anyone, and so the temptation is to whinge and complain about our church leaders. If you can’t graciously obey, it’s far better for you to find another church family where you can.
A TALE OF TWO MOUNTAINS (12:18-29)
If it was bad to miss out on the old covenant how much worse is it to miss out on this new covenant. And so at the end of this wonderful letter Hebrews calls us to action – to wake up to ourselves and to realise the importance of Jesus and to do whatever it takes to stick with him. Take drastic steps to ensure your faith is never undermined by sin.
Bryson Smith is the senior pastor of Dubbo Presbyterian Church
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