The readers of Hebrews were successful in keeping their faith and commitment to Christ, despite rejection and persecution. The conflict, however, took a toll in the long run. They fought a good fight and came out victorious but also weary.

Read Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 3:12-13; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 10:25; Hebrews 12:3, Hebrews 12:12-13; and Hebrews 13:1-9, Hebrews 13:13.

What were some of the challenges the believers were facing?

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Hebrews tells us that the readers continued to experience difficulties. Verbal and probably other kinds of attacks against their honor continued (Hebrews 13:13). Some believers were still in prison (Hebrews 13:3) — something that may have drained the church financially and psychologically. They were tired (Hebrews 12:12-13) and could easily “lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV).

It is usual among persons and communities that after the thrill of victory passes, psychological and other kinds of defenses are relaxed, and they become more vulnerable to the counterattack of their enemies. The strength that a person or community mobilized to face an impending threat is more difficult to summon a second time.

Read 1 Kings 19:1-4. What happened to Elijah?

“But a reaction such as frequently follows high faith and glorious success was pressing upon Elijah. He feared that the reformation begun on Carmel might not be lasting; and depression seized him. He had been exalted to Pisgah’s top; now he was in the valley. While under the inspiration of the Almighty, he had stood the severest trial of faith; but in this time of discouragement, with Jezebel’s threat sounding in his ears, and Satan still apparently prevailing through the plotting of this wicked woman, he lost his hold on God. He had been exalted above measure, and the reaction was tremendous. Forgetting God, Elijah fled on and on, until he found himself in a dreary waste, alone.” — Ellen G. White,  Prophets and Kings, pages 161, 162.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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When believers confessed their faith in Christ and joined the church, they set a boundary marker that distinguished them from the rest of society. Unfortunately, this became a source for conflict because it implicitly passed a negative judgment on their community and its values.

Read Hebrews 10:32-34 and Hebrews 13:3. What was the experience of the audience of Hebrews after their conversion?

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It is very likely that the readers of Hebrews suffered verbally and physically at the hands of mobs stirred up by opponents (e.g., Acts 16:19-22, Acts 17:1-9). They were also imprisoned, and it is possible that they were beaten as well, because officials had the power of authorizing punishment and incarceration, often without following appropriate judicial norms, while they gathered evidence (e.g., Acts 16:22-23).

Read Hebrews 11:24-26 and 1 Peter 4:14, 1 Peter 4:16. How do the experiences of Moses and of the readers of 1 Peter help us understand why Christian believers were persecuted?

To “bear the reproach of Christ” simply meant to identify oneself with Christ and endure the shame and abuse that this association implied. Public animosity against Christians was the result of their distinctive religious commitments. People can get offended by religious practices that they don’t understand or by people whose lifestyle and morals could make others feel guilty or shamed. By the middle of the first century A.D., Tacitus considered Christians to be guilty of “hatred against mankind.” — Alfred J. Church and William J. Brodribb, trans., The Complete Works of Tacitus, (New York: The Modern Library, 1942) Annals 15.44.1. Whatever the exact reason for that charge, certainly false, many early Christians, such as the ones that Paul had written this letter to, were suffering for their faith.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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I believe the  book of Hebrews should definitely be considered with the other four gospels. It is a continuation of the Life of Jesus. It gets us up-to-date on what Jesus is currently doing. Jesus did not just ride off into the sunset after the resurrection. He is actively changing lives, healing and forgiving just like when He walked the earth. So I like to call the book of Hebrews the fifth gospel, right after Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

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Hebrews was written for two reasons.

1.To turn people’s attention to Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. This book, written just 4 or 5 years before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, was meant to turn the heads of people away from the earthly sanctuary. Even today people in Israel weep for the old sanctuary to be rebuilt. Instead they should be looking at Jesus and where He is today. They should put their hope in Jesus and not a man-made temple. Just as the book of Hebrews directed people to put their hope in contemplating Jesus instead of a temple that was soon to collapse, so today Hebrews encourages us to put our hope in Jesus instead of a social security system that is about to collapse or a stock market that may soon crumble and fall.

2. To encourage people’s faith that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. The new Christian believers were expecting Jesus to return right away, and many, especially in the face of persecution, were losing faith when He did not come back right away. Hebrews 1 points out that Jesus was God. Hebrews 2 points out that this God did indeed become a man just like us. In Hebrews 3 and on, it points us to what Jesus is currently doing as our High Priest before He returns.

Here is a brief summary:

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:1-2

This same Jesus who came to earth and died, is also God. He made the worlds! Many were beginning to doubt if He was the Messiah since He did not come right back. Shall we look for another? No. Jesus was God.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18

This same Jesus who is God also became a man just like us.

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Hebrews 3:1

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:16-17

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4

This same God who became a man is now our High Priest. Did you notice in Hebrews 7:25 that not only does He live as our intercessor, but it is the reason why He lives. We are the reason He came to earth. We are the reason He died and we are the reason He rose again. He is obsessed with us! He loves us! His whole universe revolves around us. Does your universe revolve around Him?

And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 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. Hebrews 3:5-6

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14

Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:23-26

Time and time again Hebrews encourages us to hold fast our profession, faith and confidence, that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. Hebrews 10:26 is not telling us there is no forgiveness if we willfully make a mistake. Hebrews is talking about the sin of unbelief. That is what the whole book is about, affirming our belief, faith and confidence that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. The point being made is that if after all the evidence we have that Jesus is the Messiah, if we choose not to believe, there will not be another Messiah come who will make a sacrifice for sin. Jesus is that Messiah. He died for us. He is interceding for us now and will return. Don’t lose hope! Don’t lose confidence! Don’t lose your faith! Encourage each other more and more that Jesus is our Savior as the day approaches when He will return!

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28

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Key Thought: Paul challenged the Hebrews and us to persevere in faith in Jesus and fix their eyes upon Him in the heavenly sanctuary.
January 1, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 10:32-34

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What was the experience of the audience of Hebrews after their conversion?
3. Personal Application: What is your story of conversion? In what ways have you been confirmed in your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How much suffering do we experience for the sake of Christ, and how much do we bring upon ourselves by our wrong choices?” How would you respond to your friend?

2. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 13:1-9.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What were some of the challenges the believers were facing?
3. Personal Application: How do you keep a positive attitude in the face of being weary and tired and oppressed? Share your thoughts
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Is it possible to be different because of our Christian commitment; and yet not be accused of separation from and disregard for others?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read H4ebrews 5:11-6:3.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What did Paul suggest believers do?
3. Personal Application: What things are we doing to encourage, lift up, and support one another in the tough times we face today? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I see a lot of people get discouraged and leave church because of suffering and maybe a perception that nobody cares. How do we keep ourselves and other from drifting away? ” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:26-28.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. Why is it important that we believe and live like we are living in the last days?
3. Personal Application: In what way can we say all people have lived in the last days? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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Welcome to the studies for 2022!

The titles of the thirteen Sabbaths of study this quarter give us two hymns to use as the themes:
Hymn 593 – In Times Like These and
Hymn 177 – Jesus, Your Blood and Righteousness.

Sunday instructs us about the Holy Spirit that was poured out on the people and the gifts that were given:
Hymn 268 – Holy Spirit, Light Divine.

It is not only the ne converts to Christianity in the times that Paul and other apostles were preaching who suffered and struggled. This is happening more and more today as we are ever closer to Jesus. Let us all be committed “Christians = Christ-like”:
Hymn 634 – Come All Christians, Be Committed.

There is encouragement on Tuesday:
Hymn 613 – Fight the Good Fight.

It is not just us today who grow weary. This happened during the writing of the book of Hebrews. We sing this story in
Hymn 441 – I Saw One Weary.

We are admonished on Thursday to not
“Yield Not to Temptation” as our old hymnal has in number 498 (if you are privileged to have this available).

We are bound for The Promised Land! Hallelujah!! Come, Lord Jesus, come – very soon.
Many blessings to all as we commence and continue forward in 2022.

To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/

Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing, but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

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