Foundations (Year Two)

“Encountering the New Testament”

Session #7. Encountering

HEBREWS & JAMES.

The NT Writings

Letters of Paul:Galatians (48/49 CE)1 & 2 Thessalonians (51-

52)1 & 2 Corinthians (53-57)Romans (56-57)Prison letters (61-62):

(Colossians, Ephesians, Philemon & Philippians)

Pastoral letters (64-66): (1, 2 Timothy & Titus)

Written earlier:Letter of James

(40’s/50’s)

Written later:Letters of Peter (64-66)Mark (68-70 )Matthew (70-80)Luke-Acts (70-80)Hebrews (50’s/60’s?)Letter of Jude (50’s ?)Writings of John:

Gospel, Letters & Revelation (90-96)

“To the Hebrews”

An enigma

Who wrote it?When was it written?To whom was it written?Why was it written (the circumstances)?Where was it written from…to?

Why did it take so long to be accepted?

Robert Jewett

“Although the letter to the Hebrews is ranked as the most sophisticated writing in all the NT…and despite the fact that it contains several eloquent texts for sermons, the message of Hebrews as a whole has never played a decisive role for the Christian community throughout history.”

Why?Why?

Interpretative problems

Who was the author?It requires a thorough knowledge and

familiarity with OT history, religion & cultureCryptic references (angels, heavenly

sanctuaries, cloud of witnesses, Melchizedek, Mt. Zion)

What was the danger facing the readers & were they even Christians?

Why the emphasis on the superiority (& humanity) of Jesus?

Major question: has Christianity replaced Judaism?

Authorship?

The favorites:

PaulBarnabasLukeApollosPriscillaOthers: Silas, Epaphras, Clement

“To the Hebrews”?

“Jewish Christians” (cf. James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1)In Jerusalem (Mt Zion), Alexandria, Rome, in

general?“Those from Italy greet you” (13:24)“This covenant…will soon disappear” (8:13)

Are the Temple services still going on? Pre. 70 CE?Nero’s persecution 64 CE (cf. 10:32-34; 12:4)

The danger: Falling back into Judaism, not going on to maturity.

Hebrews

A sermon…not a letter!

“my word of exhortation” (13:22 cf. Acts 13:15)

Themes: Discipleship (“go on to maturity”)Persecution (10:32; 12:4)Christianity vs JudaismWho is Jesus Christ for us today?

Hebrews – A sermon outline

THEOLOGICAL: Intro: Jesus Christ = God’s final revelation

1. Christ – superior messenger to angels 1:4-2:18 First warning (2:1-4)2. Christ – superior deliverer to Moses & Joshua 3:1-4:13 Second warning (3:7-19)3. Christ – superior priesthood to Aaron 4:14-7:28 Third warning (5:11-6:8)4. Christ – superior covenant (old vs. new) 8:1-10:39 Fourth warning (10:26-31)PRACTICAL: A faithful life 11:1-40

A disciplined life 12:1-29 Fifth warning (12:14-29)

Conc: A holy life 13:1-25

1-2 3-4:13 8-9 10

HebrewsHebrews

Than Than Moses Moses

or or JoshuaJoshua

As a As a High High PriestPriest

Offering Offering a better a better sacrificesacrifice

Jesus is always better…Jesus is always better…

4:14-7

Providing Providing a better a better

CovenantCovenant

As a As a way of way of LivingLiving

11-13

Hold to Jesus…How toHow to

live as alive as aresult ofresult ofholdingholdingto Jesusto Jesus

Warning #1. Don’t ignore him!Warning #2. Don’t harden your heart!Warning #3. Don’t turn away!Warning #4. Don’t reject him!Warning #5. Don’t refuse his offer!

Than Than the the

angelsangels

Intro. An amazing proposition

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe…

the Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word…

after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven!

(now take a breath)

What’s so special about Jesus?

He’s the final revelation of GodHe’s the creator & sustainer of the universeHe is the exact representation of GodHe has provided salvation for our sinsHe sits at the right hand of God in heaven

“There is no greater one” SUPERIOR

Sermon #1: Jesus is superior to angels

Jesus is the Son of GodJesus is worshipped & served by angelsJesus is king/ ruler in God’s kingdomJesus is the creator (& redeemer) of heaven

and earthJesus is Lord

Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve us!

What has Jesus ever done for me?

1. Was made a little lower than angels (incarnation)

2. Subjected himself willingly to God3. Became like one of us/shared in our

humanity4. Shared in our suffering5. Suffered death (“tasted it for everyone”)6. Made atonement for our sins7. Has defeated & will destroy the devil8. Sets us free from slavery, fear & death9. Helps us when we are tempted

Warning #1. NEGLECT

Therefore we must pay the most careful attention (guard/ hold on to), to what we have heard, so that we do not drift (slip) away.

How shall we escape if we ignore/ neglect so great a salvation (cf. Matt. 22:5)?

This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Sermon #2: Jesus is superior to Moses & Joshua

God’s former houseMOSESBuilderFaithful as a servant

God’s current houseJESUSBuilderFaithful as a son

Salvation (saved from…saved to…)

MOSESDelivererLed them out of EgyptExodus from slavery

JOSHUAWarriorLed them into Canaan(Sabbath) rest from war

KEYKEY: Delivered from the world…: Delivered from the world…

Entered into the kingdom!Entered into the kingdom!

Warning #2. UNBELIEF

“Today, if you hear his voice, (3:7-8) do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the

wilderness.”“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” (3:15)“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” (4:7)

cf. Numbers 13-14; Psalm 95:8-11

Antidote to unbelief

Faith in who God is, trust in what he has done and obedience to what his word says:

“For the word of God is living (filled with breath) and active (energes), sharper than any double-edged sword:...it penetrates (pierces) even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; ...it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered (naked) and laid bare (seized by the throat) before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Sermon #3. Jesus is a superior priest

Summary: Jesus our great, high priest. (4:14-16)

Has gone through the heavens (ie. the tabernacle)Was tempted in every wayWas without sinIs able to sympathize with our weaknessIs ready to dispense mercy & grace

Offered himself as the perfect sacrifice (7:27; 6:19-20)

Offers eternal salvation as the permanent priest (5:9; 7:4, 17, 21, 24-25)

“Let us approach (draw near) the throne of grace with confidence (boldness, assurance)…”

Jesus the superior priest

Better than AARON

Chosen by God (Levi)Selected from among

men (but…)Suffering servant/ son

Source of eternal salvation (7:23ff)

Offered the perfect sacrifice (7:26ff)

Compared to MELCHIZEDEK

Priest/ King (Judah)Without genealogyBlessed Abraham Abraham (& Levi) paid

him a tenthPermanent priesthoodAlways makes

intercession

“You are a priest forever…”

Melchi-zedek?

“king of righteousness”

Then Melchizedek, king of Salem (peace), brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High (el elyon), and he blessed Abram, saying:      "Blessed be Abram by God Most High,       Creator of heaven and earth.

    And praise be to God Most High,      who delivered your enemies into your hand."       

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Gen. 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4)

Warning #3. APOSTASY

Falling awayIt is impossible for those

who have (1) once been enlightened, who have (2) tasted the heavenly gift, who have (3) shared in the Holy Spirit, who have (4) tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age - and who have fallen away, to be renewed to repentance.

To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. (6:4-6)

Going on (to maturity)Therefore let us move beyond

the elementary teachings (lit. beginning/ first words) about Christ and be carried forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of: (1) repentance from acts that lead to death, and of (2) faith in God, (3) instruction about baptisms,

the (4) laying on of hands, the (5) resurrection of the deadand (6) eternal judgment.

(6:1-2)

Evidences of a genuine faith

“Land that drinks in the rain...produces a crop...is blessed by God.” (ie. evidences of salvation) – 5:7-12

Your work (deeds)& Your love...unto his name Your ongoing support (for others) Your perseverance Your imitation (mimites) of the faithful

“We are confident (have been persuaded) of better things in your case, things that accompany (lit. are belonging, holding to) salvation.”

Sermon #4. Jesus has made a superior covenant

Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant (9:15, 12:24)/ guar-antee of a better covenant (7:22).

The promise:    "The days are coming,"

declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant  with the house of Israel  and with the house of Judah.

It will not be like the covenant  I made with their ancestors

when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt,because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,"        declares the LORD.

"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD.

"I will put my law in their minds        and write it on their hearts.        I will be their God,        and they will be my people."

"No longer will they teach their neighbors, or say to one another, 'Know the LORD,’… because they will all know me,  from the least of them to the greatest,"     declares the LORD.

"For I will forgive their wickedness  and will remember their sins no more."

(Jeremiah 31:31-34)

The new covenant, through Jesus

Last supper/ Lord’s supper (Matt. 27/ Mark 14/ Luke 22)

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many – Mark (...for the forgiveness of sins” – Matt.)

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” – Luke

“In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” (1 Cor. 11:25-26)

These things may be taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar (& Ishmael). Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai...and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above (Sarah & Isaac) is free, and she is our mother. (Gal. 4:24-26)

Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life...for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (2 Cor. 3:4-6, 14-16)

A better covenant (7:22)

Old covenant (Jer. 31)Broken & obsoleteA shadowEarthly sanctuaryHigh Priest onlyOnce a yearBlood of animalsCovered sinsTemporalGuilty consciences

New covenant (9:15)Established & relevantThe realityHeavenly sanctuaryChrist (Messiah &

King)Once, for all timeHis own bloodForgave/ removed sinsEternalCleansed consciences

““He has made the first one obsolete...it will soon He has made the first one obsolete...it will soon disappear.” (8:13)disappear.” (8:13)

Warning #4. REJECTION

Let us…

Draw near to GodHold on to our hopeSpur one another on

10:19-25

Remember the former days

Persevere to better days10:32-39

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God……How much more severely do you think those deserve to be punished who have trampled the Son of God underfoot, who have treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified them, and who have insulted the Spirit of grace? (10:26-31)

Practical application (of the sermon)

The Call:To a life of faith 11:1-40…in Christ

To a disciplined life 12:1-29…focused on Christ

To a holy life 13:1-25…out of love for Christ & others

The gallery of faith (Ch.11)

The definition…(v.1)

1. The universe2. Abel3. Enoch4. Noah5. Abraham (Part 1, 2 & 3)

6. Isaac7. Jacob8. Joseph

9. Moses (Part 1 & 2)

10. (Joshua)11. Rahab12. (Judges) Gideon,

Barak, Samson & Jephthah

13. David14. Samuel15. The Prophets

““The world was not worthy of them…these were all The world was not worthy of them…these were all commended for their faith.” (vv.38-39)commended for their faith.” (vv.38-39)

The disciplined life

Self-discipline:Let us throw off

everything…Let us run with

perseverance…Let us focus on Jesus

(Let us) endure suffering(12:1-5)

God disciplines us: Because we are his

true children As a loving father who

only wants our good That we may share in

his holiness (cf. v.14) So that we enjoy

righteousness & peace(12:7-12)

““The LORD disciplines those whom he The LORD disciplines those whom he loves.”loves.”

Warning #5. REFUSING

Make every effort to:Live in peaceBe holy (mandatory)Not miss the grace of

GodNot allow bitterness to

take root (& defile us)Avoid sexual immoralityBe like God (not godless)

(12:14-17)

Illus: Mt Sinai vs Mt Zion

(God thru Moses vs God thru Jesus - 12:18-24)

Do not refuse when he speaks

Do not refuse what he offers (a kingdom)

(12:25-29)

The holy (& happy) life – Ch.13

12 golden rules:1.Keep on loving one

another2.Entertain strangers3.Remember the captives4.Honour marriage5.Don’t love money6.Be content with God7.Remember, imitate &

obey your leaders

8. Hold on to sound teaching

9. Suffer disgrace for Jesus Christ

10. Don’t put your roots down too deeply

11. Life a life of worship12. Pray for others

& may God bless you!

Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written you only a short letter!

Grace be with you all.

JAMES

The Message of James

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may become mature and complete.”

(James 1:2-4)

A faith that is real(lessons from the book of James)

Who was James?

A brother (of Jesus)

A leader (in the Church)

A servant (of God)

““old old camel camel knees”knees”

“James”

The next Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Where did he get all this wisdom and the power to perform such miracles?” Then they scoffed, “He’s just a carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters live right here among us.” They were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honoured everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” (Mark 6:2-4)

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life. But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near, Jesus' brothers said to him "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." For even his own brothers did not believe in him (John 7:1-5)

Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." (Luke 8:19-21/ Matt. 12/ Mark 3)

After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles...(1 Corinthians 15:6-7)

Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. (Acts 12:16-18)

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord's brother. (Galatians 1:18-19)

When they had finished, James stood and said, “Brothers, listen to me. Peter has told you about the time God first visited the Gentiles to take from them a people for himself. And this conversion of Gentiles is exactly what the prophets predicted. (Acts 15:13-14)

When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. (Galatians 2:11-13)

The next day Paul went with us to meet with James, and all the elders of the Jerusalem church were present. (Acts 21:18)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. (James 1:1)

JAMES: An Outline

A LIVING FAITH

……revealed in the face of trials and temptations (1:1-18)

……revealed by its response to the word of God (1:19-27)

……revealed in its reaction to social distinctions (2:1-13)

……revealed by its production of good works (2:14-26)

……revealed in the control of one’s tongue (3:1-12)

……revealed in the demonstration of true wisdom (3:13-18)

……revealed by its reaction to the world (4:1-5:12)

……revealed by resorting to faithful, persistent prayer (5:13-18)

FAITH revealed…

…in the face of trials & temptations (1:1-18)

peirasmos = trial or temptation

““Consider it joy Consider it joy when you face when you face trials of many trials of many

kinds” kinds”

““When tempted, When tempted, no one should say no one should say

God is tempting God is tempting me”me”

Embracing trials/ resisting temptation

Trials:

What are they like?

How do I cope? What do I need? Is it really worth

it?

Temptations:

Step 1…Recognise the

source Step 2…Stop the process Step 3…Use the escape exit

The process of temptation(Genesis 3/ Matthew 4)

“No temptation has come to you which everyone else has not faced. But you can trust God who will not let you be tempted more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way of escape.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

…by its response to the word of God. (1: 19-27)

• Receive the word

• Obey the word

• Apply the word

FAITH revealed…FAITH revealed…

Responses to the word

1. Receive it…Open your earsShut your mouthControl your angerPrepare your heart

2. Obey it…2. Obey it… Look! Remember! Do!

3. Apply it…3. Apply it… …in speech …in compassion (for those in need) …in purity

The person of a genuine faith will…

Look intently into the word of God

Listen readily to the word of God

Live fully by the word of God

FAITH revealed…

…by its reaction to social distinctions (2:1-13)

Favouritism = contrary to faith in Christcontrary to the ways of

God contrary to the word of

God

“Rich man – poor man”

Contrary to faith in Jesus ChristThe commandThe illustrationThe application

Contrary to the ways of GodWhat God thinks vs. What we think

Chosen OppressRich CondemnHeirs Blaspheme

Contrary to the word of GodLove God with all your heart – love others made in the image of God. (Deut. 6:4-5; 10:12-13, 17-19; 15:7ff.)

FAITH revealed…

…in its production of good works (2:14-26)

Faith without works is powerless! Faith without works is empty! Faith without works is dead!

Putting faith into action

Faith without works is powerless(illus.The poor & the demonic)

Faith without works is empty (lit. barren)(illus. Abraham)

Faith without works is dead(illus. Rahab)

Faith revealed…

…in the control of one’s tongue(James 3: 1-12)

Importance of the tonguePower of the tongueInconsistency of the tongue

Proverbs about the tongue

“The tongue has the power of life & death” (18:21)

“He who guards his lips guards his life” (13:3)“The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver” (10:20)

“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (12:18)

“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit” (15:4)

“Whoever would love life and see (many) good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” (Ps. 34:12-13/ 1 Peter 3:10-11)

Importance of the tongue (vv.1-2)

For “the teacher”…not many should be teachers

For us all…no one is perfect

“If anyone considers themselves religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on their tongue, they deceive themselves and their religion is worthless.”

(James 1:26)

Power of the tongue (vv. 3-7)

Power to direct…like a bit & a rudder

Power to destroy…like a spark of fire

Untamable power…like a wild animal, full of poison

Inconsistency of the tongue (vv. 9-12)

“Blessing God (our father)”

“Cursing others (made in God’s image)”

Illus #1…salt water vs fresh waterIllus #2…a fig tree vs vine

Faith revealed…

...in the demonstration of true wisdom (James 3:13 – 4:12)

Wisdom of God vs. Wisdom of man

James = the NT Proverbs!

WISDOM (3:13-18)

False wisdom1.Bitter envy2.Selfish ambition3.Boastful (v. humility)4.Earthly (v. heavenly)5.Unspiritual (v. spiritual)6.Of the devil (v. God)7.Disorder (v. peace)8.Evil (v. good) practices

True wisdom1.From heaven2.Pure 3.Peace-loving4.Considerate5.Submissive6.Full (of mercy & fruit)7.Empty (of partiality &

hypocrisy)8.Righteous

WAR (4:1-12)

Why we fight?

You covetYou commit adultery

(by being unfaithful to God)

You fightYou kill

you do not ask God

you ignore Godyou oppose God

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Expressions of humility:Submit (to him)Resist (the devil)Draw near (to God)Wash your handsPurify your heartsGrieve, mourn & wailHumble yourselvesDo not judge others

True wisdom False wisdom

Peace

Peace with others

God

War

War with others

God

Faith revealed…

…by it’s reaction to the world(James 4:13 – 5:6)

A wrong attitude to timeA wrong attitude to money

The antidote to discontentment

Having a right attitude to time (4:13-17)

Problem: self-confidence in our own plans

Solution: recognize the will of God

Problem: boasting of what we possessSolution: recognize the nature of sin

The antidote to discontentment

Having a right attitude to money 5:1-6

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1 Tim. 6:10)

The way we acquire wealthThe way we use wealthThe effect wealth can have on us

FAITH revealed…

…by resorting to patience & prayer (5:7-20)

Learning to be patient (vv.7-12) Learning how to pray (vv.13-20)

Learning to be patient

“Be patient brothers & sisters…Until the Lord’s coming”

The example of the farmer

Warning: “Don’t grumble”

Learning to be patient

“Be patient then and stand firm…Because the Lord’s coming is near”

The example of the prophetsThe example of Job

Warning: Don’t swear

Learning to pray

4 Questions:

“Is anyone in trouble?”“Is anyone happy?”“Is anyone sick?”“Is anyone wandering (from the truth)?”

Learning to pray

“Is anyone in trouble?”

They should pray

“Is anyone happy?”

They should sing songs of praise

Learning to pray

“Is anyone sick?”

The directions (Call the elders, pray, anoint)The promise (sick…made well, sinned…forgivenThe challenge (confess sins to one another &

pray)The example (Elijah)

“the petition of a righteous person has great power, being effective.”

Learning to pray

“Is anyone wandering?”

(You) pray for them - implied(You) restore them - encouraged

“(you) will save (the wanderer) from death, and cover over a multitude of sins”