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?

Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com

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–>

Amen!(0)

The post Thursday: These Last Days appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/thursday-these-last-days/

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?

Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com

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–>

Amen!(0)

The post Wednesday: Press Together appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/wednesday-press-together/

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.

Amen!(0)

The post 1: The Letter to the Hebrews and to Us – HopeSS Video Discussion appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/1-the-letter-to-the-hebrews-and-to-us-hopess-video-discussion/

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

Amen!(0)

The post 1: The Letter to the Hebrews and to Us – SPD Discipleship Video appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/1-the-letter-to-the-hebrews-and-to-us-spd-discipleship-video/

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?

Image © Howard Roberts at Goodsalt.com

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–>

Amen!(0)

The post Tuesday: Malaise appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/tuesday-malaise/