Hebrews 3 3/13/22

Intro

We are continuing our study of the book of Hebrews this morning with the beginning of Chapter 3. As we study these books together, it is important to remember that we will not cover every topic, every word contained within this book.. One of the many preachers that I enjoy listening to, John Piper - spent 8 years preaching through the Book of Romans - and I don’t believe that you all would give me that kind of patience. But we will spend some time here this year, so that we don’t miss many of the truly important messages of the book.

If you have your bibles with you this morning please turn with me to chapter 3 of the Book of Hebrews.

The Instruction

Hebrews 3:1 CSB

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.

Consider Jesus

The first word of the chapter indicates that we are building off of the 2nd chapter, where we were instructed to pay attention to the things that we have heard - so that we don’t drift away from Jesus - and reminded of how wonderful He is.

And then comes the message of this chapter - Consider Jesus.

It is important here tor remember that this book was not written to unbelievers.

Because that is advice I would give to an unbeliever.

You have problems in this life? You feel lost, unloved, unimportant… consider Jesus. Try Jesus.

If you unbelievers would just surrender to Jesus then your life would be better. Your eternity at least would be figured out.

I would say to an unbeliever that Jesus has promises for their lives if they would surrender to Him.

I would say to an unbeliever that Jesus loves them and wants good things for them - all they need to do is to ....

But this instruction is not written for unbelievers, it was written to you and me.

We would offer Jesus to the world to solve their problems, forgetting that He is also the answer to your problems.

He is the one who loves you, who cares for you, who has served and suffered and Died for you.

Who you are.

The author of Hebrews makes some declarations here about who a believer is.

Holy.

Leviticus 19:2 CSB

“Speak to the entire Israelite community and tell them: Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

To be holy means to be set apart for heavenly purposes.

Brothers and Sisters.

A share in the inheritance of God. The heavenly calling, the wonderful ending to our lives. Heaven that is ahead of us.

Your best life isn’t now.. Its after now.

Who Jesus Is.

Therefore - Consider Jesus.

“Consider” means to think about something by taking the time to observe it carefully. Jesus used the word when He told us to consider the ravens and the lilies (Luke 12:24, 27). We see ravens almost every day, but we don’t usually stop to consider them. Jesus pointed out that they do not sow nor reap. They have no storerooms or barns, and yet God feeds them. He concludes, “How much more valuable you are than the birds!” Why didn’t I think of that? Because I didn’t stop to consider the ravens!

To consider something requires time and effort. It doesn’t happen automatically, especially when you’re busy. But if you take the time to do it, it usually yields rich rewards.

Mike Krebill - 7th grade science…

Forced us to consider the world.

The Elaboration

Moses was one thing.

Jesus is worthy - on a totally different Level

Apostle and High Priest

Faithful

The Builder

The Warning:

The Reality

We need help

Hebrews 3:12 CSB

Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

We need to help each other

Hebrews 3:13 CSB

But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

It is possible to fall away, or to have fallen away. Who was it that rebelled? People who had seen the blessings and workings of God

We have to be involved in eachother’s lives.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 CSB

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Ephesians 4:29 CSB

No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.