Further Thought:

David A. deSilva explains clearly why the early Christians suffered persecution: “Christians adopted a lifestyle that … would have been considered antisocial and even subversive. Loyalty to the gods, expressed in pious attendance at sacrifices and the like, was viewed as a symbol for loyalty to the state, authorities, friends, and family. Worship of the deities was something of a symbol for one’s dedication to the relationships that kept society stable and prosperous.

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By abstaining from the former, Christians (like the Jews) were regarded with suspicion as potential violators of the laws and [as] subversive elements within the empire.” — Perseverance in Gratitude (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000), p. 12.)

“For the disheartened there is a sure remedy — faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands. The apostle Paul has testified: ‘He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. … Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.’ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.” — Ellen G. White,  Prophets and Kings, pages 164, 165.

Discussion Questions:

<–Thursday

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Read Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:26-28; Hebrews 10:25, Hebrews 10:36-38; and Hebrews 12:25-28. What point is Paul stressing here, particularly regarding time?

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There is a very important element that the apostle emphasizes that adds urgency to his exhortation: the readers are living in the very “last days” (Hebrews 1:2) and the promises are about to be fulfilled (Hebrews 10:36-38). It is interesting, as we will see, that throughout the document Paul compares his audience with the desert generation that stood right before the border of Canaan, ready to enter into the Promised Land. He reminds them, “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Hebrews 10:37, NKJV). And then he encourages them: “we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39, NKJV). This last exhortation reminded the readers, and us, about the dangers that the people of God have historically experienced right before the fulfillment of the promises of God.

The book of Numbers talks about this very thing. The biblical record says that two times, right before entering the Promised Land, Israel suffered important defeats. The first time, recorded in Numbers 13 and 14, tells us about the doubts that several leaders spread through the congregation and caused the faith of Israel to fail. As a result, the congregation decided to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt, just at the moment when they were about to enter Canaan.

The second time, the Israelites got entangled with sensuality and false worship in Baal Peor (Numbers 24, 25). While Balaam was not able to bring a curse upon the Israelites, Satan used sexual temptations to lead Israel in false worship and sin, and to bring God’s displeasure upon them.

Paul warns the readers of Hebrews against both dangers. First, he exhorts them to hold fast to the confession of their faith and to fix their eyes upon Jesus (Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 12:1-4). Second, he exhorts them against immorality and covetousness (Hebrews 13:4-6). Finally, he exhorts them to observe and obey their leaders (Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:17).

<–Wednesday Friday–>

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What did the apostle advise the readers to do in view of their situation? What can we learn from Hebrews for our own benefit? Let us analyze how God helped Elijah recover from his discouragement.

Read 1 Kings 19:5-18. What did God do to restore the faith of Elijah, His servant?

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The story of God’s dealings with Elijah after Carmel is fascinating because it shows the tender care and wisdom with which God ministers to those who are under distress and who struggle to regain faith. God did several things for Elijah. First, He cared for his physical needs. He provided food and let him rest. Then, in the cave, He kindly reproved him — “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (NKJV) — and helped him gain a deeper understanding of how He works and fulfills His purposes. God was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a still small voice. Then, God gave Elijah a work to do and reassured him.

Read Hebrews 2:1, Hebrews 3:12-14, Hebrews 5:11-6:3, and Hebrews 10:19-25. What did Paul suggest that believers should do?

Throughout Hebrews we can find several instructions that the apostle gave the readers to help them recover their original strength and faith. One aspect that Paul emphasizes is to take care of the physical needs of their fellow believers. He suggests that they should practice hospitality and visit those in prison, which implied providing for their needs. The apostle exhorts the readers to be generous, remembering that God will not abandon them (Hebrews 13:1-6). Paul also reproved them and encouraged them. He warned them not to gradually “drift away” (Hebrews 2:1, ESV) and not to have “an evil heart of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:12), and he encouraged them to grow in their understanding of the faith (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). He also remarked about the importance of consistent attendance at church meetings (Hebrews 10:25). In summary, he suggested that they press together, encourage one another, and stir up love and good works, but he also lifted up Jesus and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary in their behalf (Hebrews 8:1-2; Hebrews 12:1-4).

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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You can view an in-depth discussion of The Letter to the Hebrews and to US in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

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This video is produced by the South Pacific Division Discipleship team.

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