REMAIN Tene Background Passage: Hebrews 3:1-15 Lesson Passage: Hebrews 3:1-15. BIBLICAL TRUTH Christians who consis- tently serve God are remaining true to their profession of faith in Christ. KEY BIBLE VERSES Hebrews 3:12-13 ‘CORBIS/PUNCHSTOCK/CD/CONSTHUCTION ICONSIRE (Couched in the movie Chariots of Fire is the story of Eric Liddell, a Scottish world-class runner in the 1920s..A committed Christian, he refused to run in a 1924 Olympic trial because it was held on Sunday. Although he was a favorite in the race, this Christian sacrificed his opportunity to win a medal because of his commitment to Christ. He did participate when the tri- als were not on Sunday and went on to win a different gold medal for Scotland. When he returned home he found himself a national hero— admired for winning the medal and also for maintaining his convictions. Very few of us will ever participate in an Olympic event. Nevertheless, we all will have the opportunity to stand firm on our convictions—to remain true to our faith in Christ. Conversely, we all face the possibility of refusing to remain true to our convictions. The Jewish Christians to whom the Book of Hebrews was written had made acommitment to Jesus Christ, but they were considering a return to the emp- ty rituals of Judaism. The author wrote chapter 3 to warn professing believers against this practice. His admonition was to “stand firm and stay the course.” Week of September 17 EMSTIONS 1. What two designations were given the Hebrew Christians to whom this letter was Written? (3:1) 2. What situation does Do not harden your hearts recall? (3:8-9) 3. What exhortation did the writer of Hebrews give his readers? (8:92) BACKGROUND PASSAGE OVERVIEW Hebrews 3 contains both a comparison and a contrast of Jesus and Moses. This would be of great interest to Jewish Christians who held Moses in very high esteem. In spite of his great accomplishments, Moses never achieved what Jesus ac- complished. The author firmly pointed out that rejecting Jesus was more serious than rejecting Moses. Israel’s failure to inherit the promises is obviously intended to back up the impor- tance of faithfulness to our commitment. This historical interlude is written as a reminder to refrain from doing what the Israelites had done. The discussion in verses 12-15 is clearly related to the his- torical situation of the readers. Some question exists among Bible scholars concerning the recipients of the letter. Were they Christians or non-Christians? I believe that the immedi- ate context and the entire book as a context proves this to be written to Christians (“holy brothers”), Rather than depict- ing apostasy (the renunciation of one’s previous faith rela~ tionship), the passage describes Christians who are not being faithful to God, REMEMBER (HEB. 3:1-6) 1 Therefore, holy brothers and companions in a heavenly call- ing, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confes- sion; 2 He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was in all God’s house- hold. 1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly call- ing, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. BW Remain True3 For Jesus is considered wor- thy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder has more honor than the house. 4 Now every house is built by some- one, but the One who built everything is God. 5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s household, as a testimo- ny to what would be said in the future). 6 But Christ was faithful as a Son over His household, whose household we are if we hold on to the courage and the confidence of our hope. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faith- ful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Verse 1, Therefore provides the transition between chap- ters 2 and 3. The tie-in is with the words, “merciful and faith- ful” and “able to help those who are tested.” Because we do have a faithful and merciful High Priest who comes to our aid, we are to heed the advice that follows. Two designations are given to these New Testament Chris- tians. They are called holy brothers, referring to their being set apart from sin and consecrated to God. They also share in a heavenly calling. That is, they share in the task of help- - ing God complete His spiritual purposes in this world. These designations tell us we are discussing Christian believers, not those yet to become Christians. To consider Jesus implies more than to “think about” or “ponder.” When translated correctly, the phrase literally means to “perceive down,” “think deeply about,” or “set your mind on.” Two special titles are given to Jesus in this verse: apostle and high priest of our confession. This verse is the only place in the Bible where Christ is called apostle. An apostle is an official messenger and is entrusted with presenting Jesus as God's official messenger to human beings. High priest desig- nates Him as our representative before God. Thus, Jesus is God's apostle, His official messenger of salvation. To whom could you carry God's mes- sage of salva- tion? (3:1) Week of September 17 [2M