1) What is something about being a Christ-follower that you believe is true, but have a hard time living out? What needs to be combined to make this happen?
2) What do you believe about God’s word? What impact can it make in our lives?
3) What was the role of the high priest for the Jews? How does Jesus fulfill this role for us today?
Same message – different people – different response. The writer continues speaking about the faithless generation of Israelites that died in the wilderness in Chapter 4. They heard God’s plan, but didn’t have the faith to live it out (4:2). They knew it, but didn’t believe it with their lives. We must be people that have a clear understanding of the details of what we believe, but also the faith to live it out.
God promised rest to those that would follow Him and no rest to those that rebelled (4:6). To affirm the power of God’s word, the writer of Hebrews shares verse 12: “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Make no mistake – God’s word will accomplish what He desires, down to the very details of our life.
Thus far in this book, the writer has addressed people who were falling away from their new found Christian faith. The writer of Hebrews reminds them, and us, to fully live out the faith we profess because of what Jesus has done (4:14-16). He has gone to heaven on our behalf as high priest where He intercedes for us and represents us before God. Further, Jesus is a high priest Who fully understands us because He, “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” As a man, He knows us. As God, He can do something about it.
Comments