Hebrews 3
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· 12 viewsThe text explores the central theme of Hebrews 3, emphasizing the supremacy of Christ over Moses and highlighting the perils of unbelief, while offering biblical illustrations and exhortations for believers to guard their hearts against doubt and sin.
Notes
Transcript
Context
By the time Hebrews was written, Jerusalem and the Temple might have already been destroyed or were on the verge of being destroyed (in A.D. 70). Jewish believers faced intense persecution, not only from the Romans but also from their fellow Jews. This epistle seems to address Jewish Christians who were contemplating returning to Judaism or were being lured back to the Old Covenant because of persecution. They were familiar with Old Testament scriptures and the Levitical system, which is why the author frequently cites the Old Testament.
Hebrews 3 specifically deals with the superiority of Christ over Moses. Just as Moses led the Israelites through the wilderness, Jesus leads believers through this world and into the promised rest in heaven. The Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land due to their unbelief serves as a cautionary tale for the readers. The chapter warns believers of the dangers of a hard heart and unbelief, using the Israelites as an example.
Theme and Outline
Hebrews 3 focuses on the supremacy of Christ over Moses and the grave consequences of unbelief. As we dive into this chapter, let's reflect on its truths and exhortations.
Christ is Greater Than Moses (vs. 1-6)
Explanation: The chapter begins by addressing believers as "holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling." It exhorts them to consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of their confession. Moses, a revered figure in Judaism, was faithful in all God's house, but Jesus is considered worthy of greater honor. Why? Because He's the builder of the house! Moses served in God's house, but Jesus is over God's house. This distinction illustrates the difference between the one who serves and the one who reigns.
The Warning Against Unbelief (vs. 7-15)
Explanation: This section delves into the heart of the message. Citing Psalm 95, the author reminds the readers of the Israelites' rebellion in the wilderness and their resultant inability to enter the Promised Land. Their hard hearts led to a tragic end. This history serves as a grave reminder for the readers. A hardened heart and unbelief can prevent believers from entering God's rest. Daily encouragement and a commitment to Christ are essential to prevent such a tragic fate.
Who Were Those Who Rebelled? (vs. 16-19)
Explanation: This section seeks to clarify the events mentioned in the previous verses. Who were the people who rebelled? They were the same ones who were led out of Egypt by Moses. Their consistent disobedience and testing of God led to their eventual downfall. Despite witnessing God's wondrous works, they chose to turn away, showing that it's not merely the seeing of miracles that leads to faith, but a humble and obedient heart.
As we walk through this chapter, we are reminded to hold fast to our faith. The dire consequences of unbelief serve as a sobering reminder. Just as Moses was faithful in his duties, let us too be steadfast in our faith in Christ, who is superior in all ways.
Proposition
You should guard against unbelief.
Explanation: The central exhortation of Hebrews 3 is the call to steadfastness in faith and the warning against the dangers of unbelief. The Israelites' failure to enter the Promised Land due to their disbelief serves as a cautionary tale for believers. Just as the Israelites missed out on God's promised rest, believers are at risk of missing out on the spiritual rest promised by Christ if they allow their hearts to harden and fall into unbelief. This proposition emphasizes the active responsibility of believers to guard their hearts and minds against doubt and disbelief.
Illustrations
King Saul: The first king of Israel, Saul, started his reign with promise and potential. He was anointed by God and chosen to lead His people. However, over time, Saul's disobedience and unbelief became evident. Despite being given clear instructions from God through the prophet Samuel, Saul took matters into his own hands. His unbelief in God's promises and timing led him to make rash decisions, leading to his downfall. The trajectory of Saul's life serves as a stark illustration of the devastating effects of unbelief.
The Ten Spies: In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve spies to scout the Promised Land. Ten of them returned with a report full of fear and unbelief, focusing on the giants and fortified cities. Only Joshua and Caleb believed that God could deliver the land into their hands. The ten spies' unbelief spread like wildfire among the Israelites, leading them to rebellion and ultimately, a 40-year wandering in the wilderness. Their inability to trust in God's promise cost them the opportunity to enter the Promised Land.
Thomas: Often referred to as "Doubting Thomas," he was one of Jesus' twelve disciples. After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas found it hard to believe the accounts of the other disciples, stating he needed to see and touch Jesus' wounds to believe. When Jesus appeared to him and showed him His hands and side, Thomas immediately believed. Jesus then said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Thomas' initial skepticism serves as a reminder that seeing isn't always believing, and faith often requires us to believe even when we can't see.
Reasons You should guard against unbelief
Because sin deceives you (vs. 13).
Word Study: "Deceives" ("apate"). The term "apate" is used in the Greek to describe something that gives a false impression, whether by appearance, statement, or influence. In Ephesians 4:22, this word is employed to describe "deceitful lusts," showing the insidious nature of sin. The life of Samson serves as a warning here. Though incredibly strong and set apart for God's work, he was deceived by his lusts, leading to his eventual downfall. Samson's life illustrates the dangers of letting sin, no matter how small it seems, take root in our hearts.
Because disbelief angers God (vs. 10-11).
Word Study: The phrase "They always go astray in their heart" (vs. 10) contains the word "astray" ("planao"), which means to wander, to be led astray, or to mislead by leading to error. The same term is used in Matthew 18:12-13 in the parable of the lost sheep. Just as a sheep goes astray from its shepherd, so can believers wander from the truth. King Solomon serves as an example. Known for his unmatched wisdom, Solomon was led astray by his foreign wives into idolatry, incurring God's anger.
Because sin hardens your heart (vs. 12-13).
Word Study: "Harden" (English transliteration: "skleruno"). This term denotes making something hard or stiff, often in a metaphorical sense like a heart becoming insensitive. In Mark 6:52, after Jesus fed the 5,000, it says the disciples' hearts were hardened because they had not understood the miracle of the loaves. Pharaoh is the quintessential example of a hardened heart. Despite witnessing the power of God through multiple plagues, he repeatedly hardened his heart, refusing to let the Israelites go, leading to catastrophic consequences for Egypt.
Because confidence makes you partakers (vs. 14).
"Share" ("metochos"), refers to being a participant or partner in something. Another instance is in Luke 5:7, where Simon beckons to his partners (metochos) to help with the large catch of fish. The disciples, like Peter, James, and John, serve as examples. They remained faithful to Christ, even amidst persecution, and as a result, they shared in His sufferings but also in His glory.As we delve deeper into the reasons stated in Hebrews 3, it becomes clear that guarding against unbelief isn't merely about avoiding negative consequences. It's about walking in close fellowship with Christ, experiencing His promises, and being a genuine participant in His Kingdom. Let us be vigilant, for the stakes are high, and the call to faithfulness is paramount.
Ways You should guard against unbelief
By considering Jesus (vs. 1).
Word Study: "Consider" (English transliteration: "katanoeo"). This term means to observe fully, perceive, or take heed. It is used in Luke 12:24, where Jesus says, "Consider the ravens." By observing the ravens and their dependency on God, we are reminded of God's care for us. Similarly, by fully observing and contemplating Jesus, we can guard against unbelief. The life of Mary, the sister of Martha, exemplifies this. When she sat at Jesus' feet, listening to His words, she chose the better part, focusing her attention on Christ.
By encouraging one another daily (vs. 13).
Word Study: "Encourage" (English transliteration: "parakaleo"). This word can mean to call to one's side, to exhort, or to console. It's used in Acts 9:31, where the Holy Spirit "comforted" the churches. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," embodies this principle. He went out of his way to encourage and support Paul in his early ministry days, illustrating the profound impact of godly encouragement.
By holding our confidence firm (vs. 6, 14).
Word Study: "Confidence" (English transliteration: "parresia"). This term often translates to boldness, assurance, or outspokenness. It's found in Acts 4:13, describing Peter and John's boldness before the Sanhedrin. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, exemplifies this way. Faced with hostility, Stephen boldly proclaimed the gospel, holding firm to his confidence in Christ.
By hearing His voice (vs. 7, 15).
Word Study: "Hear" (English transliteration: "akouo"). To comprehend by hearing, to give audience to. In Matthew 13:16, Jesus praises the disciples' blessed ears because they "hear." Samuel, the prophet, offers a poignant example. As a young boy in the temple, when the Lord called out to him, Samuel responded, "Speak, for your servant is listening." He grew into a prophet who was attuned to God's voice.
Guarding against unbelief isn't a passive task; it requires active, daily commitment. Just as a soldier guards a fortress, so must we guard our hearts and minds. Through considering Jesus, encouraging fellow believers, holding fast to our confidence in Christ, and attuning our ears to His voice, we fortify our defenses against the creeping onslaught of unbelief. Let's press on, fortified in faith, anchored in hope, and fueled by the love of Christ.
Pointing to Christ
The themes and teachings in Hebrews 3 are deeply anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As we explore this chapter, we recognize that Jesus is not just a character in the backdrop but the central figure, the crux upon which all of its teachings hinge.
Superiority Over Moses: Hebrews 3:1-6 places Jesus in direct comparison with Moses, one of the most revered figures in Judaism. While Moses was faithful within God's house, Christ is presented as the Son over the house. The very essence of this comparison shows that Jesus isn't just another prophet or leader but holds a unique and supreme position. This theme is consistent with other New Testament teachings that emphasize Christ's superiority and unique role as the mediator of a new covenant (1 Timothy 2:5).
The Restorer of the Promised Rest: The Israelites' failure to enter the rest due to unbelief (Hebrews 3:11, 3:18-19) serves as a backdrop to introduce Jesus as the provider of a better rest. This promise is elaborated further in Hebrews 4, where Jesus is presented as our High Priest, offering a Sabbath rest for the people of God. Jesus himself invites all who are weary to come to Him to find rest (Matthew 11:28-29).
The Source of Perseverance: In Hebrews 3:14, we are told, "For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our assurance firm to the end." Christ is not just the initiator of our faith but also the one who sustains and completes it. This echoes Jesus' words in John 15 about abiding in Him as the vine to bear much fruit and Paul's affirmation that He who began a good work in believers would bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
The entirety of Hebrews 3 beckons believers to fix their eyes on Jesus. He's not only greater than the prophets and leaders of old, but He's also the anchor of our faith, the restorer of God's promised rest, and the source of our perseverance. Through Him, believers have access to the very presence of God, a privilege that surpasses all Old Testament shadows and types. Through faith in Him, we're called to steadfast commitment, ever reminded of His supremacy and sufficiency.
Gospel Invitation
As we reflect on Hebrews 3, our hearts are drawn to the magnificence of Jesus Christ. The chapter paints a vivid picture of the dangers of unbelief and the glorious rest available through faith in Christ. With this understanding, consider the following:
We live in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and challenges. Every day, countless voices vie for our attention, leading us away from the truth. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we too face the danger of hardening our hearts, of letting unbelief seep in, and missing out on God's promises.
But there's hope. Just as the Israelites were offered rest in the Promised Land, we too have been given a promise—a promise of eternal rest in the presence of our Savior. This rest isn't just a future hope but a present reality. Through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, we are delivered from the penalty of sin, which is eternal separation from God.
But that's not all. Through this same faith, we're also delivered from the power of sin in our daily lives. Like the Israelites who struggled with unbelief, we too can find ourselves ensnared by doubt, fear, and disobedience. Yet, in Christ, we have the victory. By abiding in Him, reading His Word, and walking in the Spirit, we can experience the joy of a life free from the grip of sin.
And one day, when our journey on this earth is done, we will be delivered from the very presence of sin. We'll enter into God's eternal rest, where sorrow, pain, and death are no more.
Dear friend, if you find yourself weary, burdened, or trapped in the cycle of sin, hear the invitation of Christ today. He says, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). This rest, this peace, this joy is available to you right now. By acknowledging your sin, believing in the death and resurrection of Christ for your atonement, and surrendering your life to Him, you can experience the transforming power of the gospel.
Will you accept this invitation? Will you step into the rest that only Christ can provide? The door is open, and the Savior beckons. Come, and find rest for your soul.
Bibliography
"Explorations of the Epistle to the Hebrews." ChatGPT, OpenAI. 2023.