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Hebrews 7 - Melchizedek’s Priesthood Like Christ’s

7 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.

-          Melchizedek is called

o   King of Salem which means King of Peace

o   Priest of the Most High God

o   His name describes who He is

-          Abraham apportioned a tenth part of the all the spoils

o   Tithing to God’s work is appropriate and necessary

-          By translation of his name

o   King of Righteousness

o   King of Peace

-          Without Father

-          Without Mother

-          Without genealogy

-          Having neither beginning of days nor end of life

-          But made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually

-          This sure seems to be Jesus Christ in the old testament (a Christophany) 

4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises.

-          If Melchizedek was not of the tribe of Levi than he is not a priest from the physical line Abraham. Then he must be from the spiritual line of God!

-          Notice Abraham tithed to him and received a blessing from him!

-          God blesses the one who had the promises!

 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

-          For he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him

o   This means before he was born!

11 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests..

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Hebrews 6 - The Peril of Falling Away

6 Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. 

-        Therefore (because we have a perfect High Priest Jesus Christ which was confirmed in Chapter 5 – let’s get on with living a new life by the power of God

-        Leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ

o   This does not mean forget about it

o   It means, got it, then move on now to what is next

-        Let us press on to maturity

o   To press on means keeps on learning and growing in your knowledge of God’s word, God’s plan and God’s purpose and run the race with a view toward winning

-        Not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith

o   Repentance and faith are paired together

o   You must repent from your sin(s)

o   You must put your faith in Christ unto salvation (these are elementary)

o   Even a school age child can understand (now what)

-        Of instruction about washing and laying on of hands

o   Washing may be a reference to baptism (it is symbolic)

o   And laying on of hands is how the gifts of the Holy Spirit seem to be transferred

-        Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they would receive the Holy Spirit. 16 (For He had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.

-        And the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgement

o   The resurrection of the dead is paired with eternal judgement

-        All of these things are elementary Christian teaching

o   We should all know these things very early on and then search and seek for else God wants to know and do (because of these things).

3 And this we will do, if God permits. 4 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 

-        We teach the elementary things but then we desire to learn more and develop our relationship with Christ, if God permits (by His good pleasure implied)

-        In the case of those

o   Who have once been enlightened 

o   And have tasted of the heavenly gift

o   And have been make partakers of the Holy Spirit

o   And have tasted the good word of God

o   And the powers of the age to come

o   Notice you can be enlightened, you can taste and experience the heavenly gift!

o   This is a verse in the bible that says “taste and see that the Lord is Good”

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5 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.

-          High priests are appointed (not self promoted)

-          They are appointed in things pertaining to God (to do God’s business)

-          In order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sons (this is the main job)

o   To offer gifts and blood sacrifices for sins was trying to offer payment for sins

o   They have to deal with the sins of the people (their main focus)

-          He can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, for the people and himself (because high priests who were men need to pay for their sins too!

-          And no one takes the honor to himself

o   Man cannot appoint himself high priest

-          But receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was

o   How was Aaron called by God to serve?

o   Every priest came from Jacob, Abraham’s grandson who name was changed to Israel (He who wrestles with God to In Awe of Completeness)

o   Every priest cam from Levi, one of Israel’s twelves sons

o   God set the tribe of Levi apart as a tribe to serve Him and represent Him to the whole nation of israel (Exodus 13:2) and (Numbers  3:40-41)

§  Levi had three sons

·       Gershon “to drive out”

·       Kohath “obedience”, “gathering, congregation”

·       Merari “to be bitter or strong”

§  Each of these had their own duties

·       Gershon had the care of the tabernacles screen (veil), fence & curtains (numbers 3:25-26)

·       Merari ((Numbers 3:36-37)) The family of Merari had care of the boards and pillars of the tabernacle and the fence. 

§  There are dreadful cases where men who were not priests presumed to act as priests. These include:

§  Korah, who was swallowed up in a divine earthquake (Numbers 16).

§  Saul, who was rejected from his place as king (1 Samuel 13).

§  Uzziah, who was struck with leprosy in the temple itself (2 Chronicles 26:16).

5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him,

“You are My Son,
 Today I have begotten You”;

-          This was God appointing Jesus High Priest!

6 just as He says also in another passage,

“You are a priest forever
 According to the order of Melchizedek.”

-          Melchizedek means “”King of Righteousness”

-          God appointed Jesus Christ as  High Priest forever!

7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 

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4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.

-          The title of this message is a Sabbath rest for the people of God

-          if you want to enter into this Sabbath rest you might want to pay attention to this study

-          chapter 4 begins with the word therefore

o   therefore means because of what you just learned in chapter 3

o   we learned that the Jews who wandered in the desert for 40 years still did not trust God to provide for them and they remained in unbelief. As a result they were not able to enter into the promised land or enter into God's rest

o   we learned that God's best is only available to people who believe!

-          Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands

o   this means that the offer is still on the table To anyone who wishes to receive it

-          let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it

o   the way to enter into his rest is by faith in Jesus Christ alone

o   by faith you become a Saint; by unbelief you become an aint

-          Be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it

o   It is important to trust God unto salvation

o   but then it is also important to trust God day by day for your daily needs

o   do not give in to the temptation to have doubt and worry and fear

§  the devil tries to get you to think like that so that you try and take matters into your own hands or do something contrary to God's word

 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. 

-          For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us just as they did

o   notice that God is an equal opportunity savior

o   everyone gets the chance to hear and make a decision

-          but the message they heard was of no value to them because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed

o   this means they fell short of it

o   this means they did not believe

o   this means they remained in unbelief

o   this means they are not saved and they are on the wide road that leads to destruction

-          But the message they heard was of no value to them

o   there is no value in hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ unless you believe

o   the gospel message has the power to change your life for all eternity

o   but the match that lights the inherent power is led by faith in Jesus Christ alone

o   the gospel of Jesus Christ when mixed with faith has the power to change eternity for each and every soul who believes

3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
    ‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

-          Now we who have believed enter that rest just as God said

o   if you believe you enter

o   faith is the key that unlocks the pearly gates

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Hebrews 3 - Jesus Greater Than Moses

3 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

-          Therefore (because of what we learn in chapter 2)

o   a warning to pay attention

o   how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation

o   we cannot ignore the message we heard, the faith required and the true conversion that changes the way you walk and talk and think and act

o   We learned that Jesus was in his God in chapter one

o   we learned that Jesus was made fully human in chapter 2

o   he suffered so that we could be forgiven and that he could be a high priest that understands everything that we're going through

o   we learned that we have an inheritance with Jesus Christ and that God is going to put everything under our feet and his

-          these are the things that we should remember as we begin to read chapter 3

-          holy brothers and sisters who share in the heavenly calling

o   notice that you and I are being called brothers and sisters

o   notice this family relationship belongs to those who share in the heavenly calling

o   this means you heard the word of God and you put your faith in Jesus Christ unto salvation

-          fix your thoughts on Jesus. Whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest

o   this is very important instruction

o   to fix your eyes on Jesus means to focus on him like you would with a camera lens

o   whatever you focus on you're going to develop

o   if you are focused on anything other than Jesus Christ you're going to develop some other picture

o   Jesus is our teacher and our high priest which means he makes atonement for our sins (there is nobody higher or more important that we should focus on)

 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.

-          He was faithful to the one who appointed him

o   this means that Jesus was obedient to the father to do His will

o   even when it meant suffering tremendous pain

o   may we be faithful like Jesus

-          just as Moses was faithful in all God's house

o   the Jews regard Moses as the most important religious figure

o   Moses received the law and then brought it down from the mountain and gave it to mankind (This is why the Jews consider him so important)

-          Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses

o   this is a huge revelation

o   this would be especially meaningful to someone of the Jewish mindset

o   because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ all the requirements of the law were met

§  in other words grace is more important and greater then sin (the lot)

-          just as the builder of the house has greater honor than the house itself

o   the builder of the house is a creator

o   the house is the creation.

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Hebrews 2 - Warning to Pay Attention

2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 

-          The title of this message is warning to pay attention

-          A Warning means that there is consequences if we do not pay attention

-          we must pay the most careful attention

o   notice the language how this takes it up a notch

-          therefore, to what we have heard

o   we have heard the word of God

o   it's important

o   it's serious

o   it's true

o   it's life changing (it's eternal life changing)

-          so that we do not drift away

o   there are currents in the world just like the ocean

o   You're constantly pulling us in a direction that you don't want to go

o   the only way you can stay anchored is by staying in God's word

§  if you fail to stay in God's word the anchor is lifted and you will drift into sin

2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? 

-          The message that was spoken through angels was binding

o   when people didn't listen to the angels that spoke to them they were toast

o   1/3 of the angels in heaven were cast down to the earth for not listening

-          and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment

o   this means each and everyone (God is keeping track)

o   there will be punishment for every sin or evil deed

o   this includes Commission and omission (doing that which you should not; or not doing that which you should)

-          how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation

o   we heard the gospel of Jesus Christ

o   we learned that we could be forgiven for our sins if we repent

o   we learned that by faith in Jesus Christ and believing in our heart that God raised him from the dead we shall be saved

o   after hearing this great truth, we have no further excuse

o   we are now fully accountable

This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

-          This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord

o   God's word told us these great truths from the beginning

o   countless prophecies about the coming Messiah Jesus Christ

o   then the Lord Jesus Christ came and died in the cross and rose again to prove who he was (he told us and then he did it)

-          was confirmed to us by those who heard him

o   these would be people who had direct interaction with the Lord Jesus Christ

o   they would be giving testimony of what they saw and heard

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Hebrews 1 - God’s Final Word in His Son

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

-          God had spoken long ago to the fathers (thousands of years ago)

o   To the fathers 

o   In the prophets

o   In many portions and in many ways

o   It should be super evident and clear because of the messages from God!

-          In these last days as spoken to us in His Son

o   In the last days, the Word of God comes from His Son

o   We are living in these last days now

o   Jesus is the One we must listen too

-          Whom He appointed heir of all things

o   An heir is the person who gets an inheritance from His Father

o   Jesus inherited all things (that means all – not some)

-          Through whom also He made the world

o   Notice that God the Father made the world through Jesus His Son

o   God was the architect

o   Jesus was the Generator contractor

o   The Holy Spirit remains boots on the ground

 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. 

-          To be the radiance and exact representation of His nature means He is God!

-          And upholds all things by the word of His power

o   Notice is Jesus Christ’s power that is upholding all things

o   Everything will fall apart when He stops holding it up or together

o   By the word of His power (He simply speaks and its done!)

When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.

-          When He had made purification of sins

o   This happened when He died to pay for the sins of all mankind

o   Then He rose again 3 days later proving His power over death &sin

-          He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

o   The heir, the right hand, the power!

-          Having become much better than the angels

o   Jesus is not just another angel

o   He is much better!

-          As He has inherited a more excellent name than they

o   The name of Jesus Christ is the name above all names

o   There is no other name under heaven whereby a man or woman can be saved

o   Consider the power of His name

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say,

“You are My Son,
 Today I have begotten You”?

-          God never called anyone else His Son!

-          Jesus is the One and only

-          God said “This is my beloved Son in whom I well pleased, listen to Him”

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Ephesians Chapter 6

Family Relationships

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), 3 so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

-          In chapter 5 we all learned to be imitators of God as “beloved Children” copying Godly behavior.

-          We started with the Husbands (spiritual head of the family); then the wife; now the children and the families.

-          He begins by telling “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  They are to obey their parents “in the Lord” which means because God said so not because they feel like it or don’t feel like it. It’s a commandment from the Lord.  He said “for this is right”.  This is how it is supposed to be. It might not always make sense but do it!

-          Then He says “Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise). To honor someone, you obey them; you do what they say; you value their opinion; you speak highly of them; you don’t speak poorly of them. Children are instructed to honor the father and mother (both parents) not just one. Show great love and respect and honor your parents.

-          Why, because obedience always has a reward attached to it.  In this case several:

o   So that it may be well with you

o   And that you may live long on the earth

-          The word “well” means to be well off, fare well, prosper.

-          You will do well financially, and your efforts will prosper (and not fail).

-          And you may live long on the earth (your life will be extended, and you will live a long full life because you will avoid many hurtful situations that most children will experience when do they don’t obey their parents or God or the Word).

-          If you only knew the blessings that would come to you by obeying your parents and listening to their advice. It would help save you from much heartache and long-term effects.

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

-          Now we switch to Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but (instead) bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. This tells us that fathers should not get frustrated and argumentative and provoke our children. But (instead) bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.  The Lord does discipline His children.  So too, fathers are to discipline their children but, in the discipline, and instruction of the Lord (according the Word).  This means that fathers should read the word to their children even when having to discipline them.

-          Never discipline while angry or upset. Never yelling.   But calmly, prayerfully, thoughtfully and in a Godly way…

5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. 7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

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Ephesians Chapter 5

Be Imitators of God

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

-          Therefore (because of what we learned in Chapter 4 – “just as God in Christ has forgiven you”.

-          Be imitators of God, as beloved children (little children often imitate their parents; this is a beautiful illustration about young children imitating their parents.  This is what we should do “be imitators of God, as beloved children.

-          And “walk in love” just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering, and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

-          When we walk in love and give ourselves up – it’s an offering – it’s a sacrifice to God (not to Man) and its as a sweet aroma to God!  God loves it…

3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

-          But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you as is proper among saints (don’t engage in ungodly activities or impurity or greed) – it must not even be named among you (not said)…

-          … and there must be no filthiness in silly talk or coarse jesting which are not fitting (no swearing or dirty jokes or jesting which is kidding around about sexuality). Which are not fitting (it does not fit, you can’t put in on, its not your size, this means it’s not for you at all ! )

-          But rather (this means instead) giving of thanks (instead of filthy language, silly talk or coarse jesting; this is what we should do “give thanks” for what God has done.

-          For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  You can know this with certainty (it’s a fact, it’s certain, it’s true, it’s serious).  People who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  Some people think its ok to kid around like this but God’s Word says is not!

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 14 For this reason it says,

“Awake, sleeper,
 And arise from the dead,
 And Christ will shine on you.”

-          Let no one deceive you with empty words (no one, no man, no woman, no false teacher) empty words are all words not contained in scripture. Words contrary to The Word.

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Ephesians  4 - Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

-          As a prisoner for the Lord then (because we choose to be a steward of grace)

o   A steward is trusted to increase that which he is given in trust

-          I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (I urge you (it’s urgent); 

o   Worthy of the calling (well-worth the cost; the rewards are eternal!)

-          live a worthy life

o   a worthy life is one distributing the grace as a good steward

-          of the calling you have received

o   you were called by God Himself to do this work

-          that you received

o   you received this as a great gift and an honor from God

o   you freely received it – freely give it out (multiply it as a good steward)

-          Be completely humble

o   (completely, completely, completely humble) for grace you have been saved.

o   And gentle (handling with care the hearts and eternal lives of others)

-          Be patient, bearing with one another in love

o   it’s a command from God that we be patient and bear with one another in love

o   It’s not easy but God told us to do it.  You and I have just been reminded.

-          Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace

o   unity of the Spirit means together

o   through the bond of peace

§  peace is the glue that will keep us together

-          There is one body and one Spirit, just you were called to one hope when you were called

o   if there is only one body

o   and one Spirit

o   and one hope

o   how then should we walk and talk and act?

-          One Lord

o   One faith

o   One baptism

o   One God and Father of all

o   Who is over all and through all and in all (WOW)

-          This is 100% complete saturation.  It’s all about God and what He is doing!

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.”

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,

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