A New World Order

Hebrews 2:1–9 NKJV

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:5–9 NKJV

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

The Teacher’s Commentary 155: Intro.—Hebrews

Overview

This letter was written to Hebrew Christians who apparently were disturbed by legalistic Jews who traveled to young churches, arguing that an Old Testament lifestyle must be maintained by believers in Jesus. The letter shows that Christ is the reality which Old Testament institutions only foreshadowed. Believers need not go back, but must go forward to experience a new life in Christ which does not depend on the old ways.

This Series from Hebrews is designed to dispel the misrepresentation that is so prevalent among certain Christian sects.

It is also designed to allow you, to enlarge your understanding of the gospel of Christ, and share that knowledge with those you witness to.

And so, we made this overview available last week and bring it to your attention once again.

The Teacher’s Commentary 155: Intro.—Hebrews

Overview

This letter was written to Hebrew Christians who apparently were disturbed by legalistic Jews who traveled to young churches, arguing that an Old Testament lifestyle must be maintained by believers in Jesus. The letter shows that Christ is the reality which Old Testament institutions only foreshadowed. Believers need not go back, but must go forward to experience a new life in Christ which does not depend on the old ways.

Hebrews 2:

In 1971 Congress authorized the last Monday of May to be celebrated as Memorial Day.

It is to be a day to remember those who gave their lives for this great country of ours!

Some Statistics

American Revolution:  4,435 deaths; 6,188 wounded

War of 1812:  2,260 deaths;

War of 1812:  2,260 deaths; 4,505 wounded

Mexican War:  13,283 Deaths;

Mexican War:  13,283 Deaths; 4,152 wounded

U.S. Civil War:  620,000 deaths; 476,000 wounded; 400,000 captured or missing

U.S. Civil War:  620,000 deaths; 476,000 wounded; 400,000 captured or missing

Spanish-American War:  2,446 deaths; 1,662 wounded

Spanish-American War:  2,446 deaths; 1,662 wounded

World War I:  116,516 deaths; 204,002 wounded

World War I:  116,516 deaths; 204,002 wounded

World War II:  405,399 deaths; 671,846 wounded

World War II:  405,399 deaths; 671,846 wounded

Korean War:  36,574 deaths;  103,284 wounded

Korean War:  36,574 deaths;  103,284 wounded

Vietnam War:  58,209 deaths; 153,303 wounded

Vietnam War:  58,209 deaths; 153,303 wounded

Persian Gulf War (1990-91):  382 deaths; 467 wounded

Persian Gulf War (1990-91):  382 deaths; 467 wounded

When we think of all of these precious lives lost, what was the overwhelming motivation for their ultimate sacrifice?

It was for the principal of freedom, and for the rights afforded this nation by a unique constitution!

And yet, using the words of the great Apostle as he transitions into the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians, “and yet I show you a more excellent way”, the ultimate sacrifice ever made for freedom and this earth’s habitat, was made by Jesus Himself!

The ultimate sacrifice ever made for freedom and this earth’s habitat, was made by Jesus Himself!

I. The First World and its Problem.

As we saw in last week’s message, Jesus is the co-Creator of everything ().

A. God created everything and it was perfect.

He created man lastly.

He gave man charge over His creation. Man even named the beasts.

Man kept God’s creation in perfect stewardship.

B. Man corrupted everything.

He lost his own way through sin.

His sin made him the worst steward of God’s creation!

He has exploited it!

Poisoned it!

Wasted it!

Mutilated it!

The human race has no chance of making it better or ultimately fixing it!

All that these Gaia worshippers are doing is putting a band aid on a severed head!

Worshiping the creation and not the Creator, will commit oneself to the fires of reformation when He burns up the first world, and ultimately condemn one to the lake of fire!

Man has done nothing but mess up God’s perfect world!

Even-

The creation itself changed because of sin.

Romans 8:20–22 NKJV

For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Romans 8:

Do we see the naturalist as a kook who we easily dismiss?

Or, do we still have a responsibility as stewards of this great planet, put into our care?

II. The World to Come and its Perfection.

God

A. God is redeeming His creation.

He sent His Son to identify with us.

He sent His Son to make restitution for the sin problem.

He puts His Son in charge of everything.

“He might taste death for everyone”

B. God puts everything in subjection to Christ.

The world to come.

The government to come.

“…and the government shall be upon His shoulders.” ()

The people of the New Covenant.

C. God will make a new heaven and a new earth.

Revelation 21:1 NKJV

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

2 Peter 3:10 NKJV

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Questions for you:

Do we continue to waste resources and exploit the planet because Jesus is going to make it right?

Do we see the naturalist as a kook who we easily dismiss?

Or, do we still have a responsibility as stewards of this great planet, put into our care; and more importantly, the people who inhabit it?

Conclusion:

We must reminder ourselves constantly that Jesus is the only way, truth, and light!

That His sacrifice alone is sufficient for our redemption!

That he will rule and reign forever, and we will rule and reign with Him in the world to come!

And, that we have a responsibility for the oversight and care of this world until the new heavens and new earth are created!