Bobservations Column
Titled - "The Witness"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
The writer of Hebrews continues to upbraid the Hebrew believers. But are they not believers? In the last chapter, he scolded them for not being ready to teach others. Instead, they just sat around teachers and soaked up whatever words were spoken. It seemed to him that God’s Word (even in the Old Testament) had not taken root in their souls and hearts.
To take root, means that a planting is meant to grow. And is that not then the problem? They were not growing; they still desired the milk of the word. But even more troubling is the vulnerability they create in themselves. If the Gospel has not taken root, then we must assume that their eyes have been opened and they have an interest in learning, but they remain void of discerning whether what they hear is the truth.
Their inability to digest the meat of the word is causing problems in their growth and in their daily walk. Their unwillingness to digest the meat, leaves them weak, and vulnerable to the Judaizers who invariably follow those that preach the Gospel, and turn them aside again.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” is an odd phrase. Taken literally, it is impossible to conceptualize it, until the Holy Spirit ties it up with a bow and gifts us also with, “Is there anything too hard for God?” Gabriel spoke those words to Mary, and she believed the Angelic Messenger without a problem! And Gabriel was just quoting Jeremiah 32:27 – “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: Is there anything too hard for me?”
The history of the Hebrews was filled with miracles large and small. The Word of God had been fulfilled repeatedly throughout their history. God has been 100% faithful to them. Will He not be faithful to all who exercise their faith, and grow to full maturity of Faith? The Word of God is to be believed from the first time we hear it.
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Genesis 18:14
Titled - "The Witness"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
To take root, means that a planting is meant to grow. And is that not then the problem? They were not growing; they still desired the milk of the word. But even more troubling is the vulnerability they create in themselves. If the Gospel has not taken root, then we must assume that their eyes have been opened and they have an interest in learning, but they remain void of discerning whether what they hear is the truth.
Their inability to digest the meat of the word is causing problems in their growth and in their daily walk. Their unwillingness to digest the meat, leaves them weak, and vulnerable to the Judaizers who invariably follow those that preach the Gospel, and turn them aside again.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” is an odd phrase. Taken literally, it is impossible to conceptualize it, until the Holy Spirit ties it up with a bow and gifts us also with, “Is there anything too hard for God?” Gabriel spoke those words to Mary, and she believed the Angelic Messenger without a problem! And Gabriel was just quoting Jeremiah 32:27 – “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: Is there anything too hard for me?”
The history of the Hebrews was filled with miracles large and small. The Word of God had been fulfilled repeatedly throughout their history. God has been 100% faithful to them. Will He not be faithful to all who exercise their faith, and grow to full maturity of Faith? The Word of God is to be believed from the first time we hear it.
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Genesis 18:14
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Message:
Hebrews 6:1-20 - "The Witness"
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
As we continue on in our study of Hebrews, chapter 6 instructs believers that we are to continue to grow in faith. The true believer grows beyond foundational knowledge, they mature from needing the milk of the word (the basics), to devouring the meat of the word. Our knowledge and understanding should continue to grow. Those who stagnate turn away. We are to strive towards perfect faith. Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, always learning, applying and yielding to the will of God, and the work of His Spirit. This chapter warns about the dire consequences of turning away after coming so close to truth, yet provides encouragement, reminding believers of God's unchanging promise. The ultimate assurance of hope in God's promise acts as a steadfast anchor for our souls, enabling us to weather any storm.
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
As we continue on in our study of Hebrews, chapter 6 instructs believers that we are to continue to grow in faith. The true believer grows beyond foundational knowledge, they mature from needing the milk of the word (the basics), to devouring the meat of the word. Our knowledge and understanding should continue to grow. Those who stagnate turn away. We are to strive towards perfect faith. Grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, always learning, applying and yielding to the will of God, and the work of His Spirit. This chapter warns about the dire consequences of turning away after coming so close to truth, yet provides encouragement, reminding believers of God's unchanging promise. The ultimate assurance of hope in God's promise acts as a steadfast anchor for our souls, enabling us to weather any storm.
Sunday Morning Audio Message:
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
Leaving (6:1) - This does not mean to despise or abandon the basic doctrines, they are the place to start, not stop. They are the gate of entrance on the road to salvation in Christ.Principles of the Doctrine of Christ (6:1) - As "the oracles of God" in 5:12 refers to the Old Testament, so does this phrase. The writer is referring to basic Old Testament teaching that prepared the way for Messiah - the beginning teaching about Christ. These Old Testament principles include the six features listed in verses 1 and 2.
Repentance from Dead Works (6:1) - This Old Testament form of repentance is the turning away from evil deeds that bring death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23) and turning to God. Too often the Jew only turned to God ins a superficial fashion - fulfilling the letter of the law as evidence of his repentance. The inner man was still dead (Matthew 23:25-28; Romans 2:28, 29). Such repentance was not the kind that brought salvation. Under the new covenant, however, "repentance toward God" is coupled with "faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21). Christ's atoning sacrifice saves from "dead works."
Faith Toward God (6:1) - Faith directed only toward the Father is unacceptable with faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; cf. James 2:14-20).
Baptisms (6:2) - A better translation would be "washings" as in 9:10. The Greek term is never used of Christian baptism. The plural also is inconsistent with the singular concept of Christian baptism. In the Old Testament Levitical system, there were many ceremonial cleansings, which were outward signs of hear cleansing (cf. Exodus 30:18-21; Leviticus 16:4, 2, 26, 28; Mark 7:4, 8). The new covenant called for an inner washing (Titus 3:5) that regenerated the soul.
Laying on of Hands (6:2) - Under the Old Covenant, the person who brought a sacrifice placed his hands on it to symbolize his identification with it as a substitute sacrifice for sin (Leviticus 1:4; 3:8, 13; 16:21). There could also be a reference here to solemn priestly blessings (cf. Matthew 19:13).
Resurrection ... and of Eternal Judgment (6:2) - The Pharisees believed in the resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:8), but were still spiritually dead (Matthew 23:27). they also believed in the judgment of God and were headed for it. Significantly, all the doctrines listed in verses 1 and 2 can be associated with the Pharisees, who were attracted to and sometimes associated with Jesus (Luke 7:36-50; 13:31; 14:1; John 3:10.) Paul was a Pharisee before his conversion (Phillipians 3:5). The Pharisees were products of the pursuit of righteousness by works of the law rather than by faith (Romans 9:30-32; 10:1-3).
We Will Do (6:3) - The writer is likely both giving his own testimony about going on from Old Testament teaching to embrace the New Covenant in Jesus Christ and also identifying himself with the readers. Salvation always requires God's enablement (cf. John 6:44).
Enlightened (6:4) - They had received instruction in biblical truth which was accompanied by intellectual perception. Understanding the gospel is not the equivalent of regeneration (cf. 10:26, 32). In John 1:9 itis clear that enlightenment is not the equivalent of salvation.
Tasted the Heavenly Gift (6:4) - Tasting in the figurative sense in the NT refers to consciously experiencing something (cf. 2:9).
Partakers of the Holy Spirit (6:4) - Even though the concept of partaking is used in 3:1; 3:14 and 12:8 of a relationship which believers have, the context must be the final determining factor. This context in verses 4-6 seems to preclude a reference to true believers. It could be a reference to their participation, as noted above, in the miraculous ministry of Jesus who was empowered by the Spirit, or in the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) which obviously can be resisted without experiencing salvation (cf. Acts 7:51).
Tasted (6:5) - This has amazing correspondence to what was described in 2:1-4. Like Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-24, these Hebrews had not yet been regenerated in spite of all they had heard and seen. They were repeating the sins of those who died in the wilderness after seeing the miracles performed through Moses and Aaron and hearing the voice of God at Sinai.
Fall Away (6:6) - This Greek term occurs only here in the New Testament. It was used to translate terms for severe unfaithfulness and apostasy. It is equivalent to apostasy in 3:12. The seriousness of this unfaithfulness is seen in the severe description of rejection within this verse: they re-crucify Christ and treat Him contemptuously. The "impossible" of verse 4 goes with "to renew them again to repentance." Those who sinned against Christ in such a way had no hope of restoration or forgiveness. The reason is that they had rejected Him with full knowledge and conscious experience. With full revelation, they rejected the truth, concluding the opposite of the truth about Christ and thus had no hope of being saved.
Beloved (6:9) - This term shows a change of audience and a change from a message of warning to a message of encouragement. That the address is to believers is further confirmed by the expression of confidence that "better things" could be said of them. The "things that accompany salvation" are their works which verify their salvation.
Though We Thus Speak (6:9) - The writer assures the "beloved," those who are believers, that he is confident of their salvation.
Saints (6:10) - All true Christians are saints, or "holy ones." (cf. 13:24; Acts 9;13; Romans 1:7).
You (6:11) - The author is speaking again to unbelievers, but appears to intentionally distance this particular group from the would-be apostates of verses 4-6, who are in danger of being impossible to restore.
Diligence (6:11) - This term can carry the idea of eagerness or haste. It is a plea for unbelieving Jews to come to Christ immediately. If these uncommitted Jews followed the example of the active faith of the saints (vv. 9, 10, 12), they would obtain the salvation which gives "full assurance of hope until the end". Salvation should not be postponed.
Inherit the Promises (6:12) - The inheritance and the promises of salvation are a theme of this epistle.
Two Immutable Things (6:18) - These are God's promise and His oath. The Greek term behind immutable was used of a legal will, which was unchangeable by anyone but the maker of the will.
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