Friday, October 23, 2015

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday October 25, 2015

A CALL FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH
(CHRIST, Melchizedek, and Abraham)
Hebrews 5:11-7


William E. Channing wrote, in his essay “Means of promoting Christianity”, that, “The first laborers do little more than teach those who come after them, what to avoid, and how to labor more effectively than themselves”. And it was A. Victor Murry who wrote, “It doesn’t matter how high a man’s profession may be, it is by his actions that people judge him, and in judging him, they also judge his mentor. These two statements speak to the very essence of teaching, and learning what is taught. They can be applied to all facets of life.
In Hebrews 5:11- 6:12, the author of GOD challenges the readers with a call for spiritual growth. The Christian faith, in all its fullness, is by no means an easy thing to grasp. There is no way for it to be learned in short order, and, it is also true that, we as preachers and teachers often avoid learning and teaching some of the more difficult elements of the Bible. In fact, one of the great tragedies of the African-American Christian church today, is that it seems to place more emphasis on race, and Sunday sermons, than it does on teaching the word of GOD in Sunday school and weekly bible studies. A sermon does little, or nothing to edify the beliefs and hopes of a person who has no real knowledge of the things of GOD in them. It only serves to draw on peoples’ emotions, or to entertain them for a very short space in time.
There is nothing more disenchanting than to walk into a well-established Christian congregation, and encounter the fact that most of the long term members are still on the milk bottle of Christian knowledge and responsibility. We church leaders, who claim to be called by GOD, must begin to step up and shoulder the responsibility of feeding JESUS’ sheep, especially those sheep who come to us voluntarily, without us ever having to take one step out of the church to round them up, and, who actually stay in our fold for years and years, and never experience Christian growth.
Do you love me? Is what JESUS asked Peter three times in John 21, and, I guess the only way to prove our love for JESUS is by loving others, and also by feeding HIS sheep with the nourishing food of the word of GOD. In Matthew 28:19-20, JESUS commands us to “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY GHOST: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (KJV).
In the Greek, the word used for “perfect” is “teleios” (tel-i-os), and it is “to be of full age or maturity”. It is “to be mature in the various applications of life, including physical, mental, moral and spiritual growth”, and it also means, in the spiritual sense, “to fully realize the purpose for which you came into the world”. For every man, woman, and child, that purpose is to come to know, accept, and serve GOD in all HIS fullness, and to love one another enough to want to teach each and every person you meet, about CHRIST and the Word of GOD. And so we see, in the biblical sense, “perfection” is a “functional achievement, not an abstract, or metaphysical pursuit, or aspiration. This is clearly what JESUS means when HE encourages us to be “perfect” (Matthew 5:48 & 19:21, Luke 7:40, John 17:23, & 2 Corinthians 12:9).
In Hebrews 5:11, as expressed in the original Greek writing, the word the author uses for “dull of hearing” is “nothros” (no-thros), and it means slow-moving in mind, sluggish in understanding, or stupidly forgetful. Here the writer clearly seeks to arouse the consciousness of his readers. He wants to stir them out of their spiritual naps, or doldrums, where they were quite literally sleeping on the ABC’s of the Holy Scriptures.
When we as Christians, who have tasted the free gift that comes from heaven, shared in the HOLY SPIRIT, tasted the fair Word of GOD, and, tasted the powers of the world to come, fall back into sin because of our laziness and refusal to grow spiritually, we, in effect, are crucifying JESUS all over again.
There can be no inertia in the Christian walk, nor can the Christian ever afford to take a balcony view to life and sit and watch the world go by. We must take advantage of every opportunity we get to learn more about the Word of GOD, so that we will be able to share that Word, more effectively with others whom we encounter from day to day, just as JESUS commands us to do. The fact that we cast everything, over to GOD, does not give us a right to sit back and do nothing.
In the New Testament Greek, the word used here in this passage for “oath” is “horkos”, and it is indicative of a solemn, legally binding pledge that guarantees that a person will keep their promise. There are many biblical passages that tell of GOD swearing an oath (Luke 1:73, Acts 2:30, Hebrews 3:11, 4:3, 7:20-22), and GOD’s reason for doing this, is to stress HIS intentions, and, to give us a strong basis to believe that all HE has promised us will come to pass in the process of time. GOD made a promise to save all of those, who believe in HIS SON, CHRIST JESUS, and, we need not fear or doubt any of HIS promises regarding this revelation, or, in fact, anything else HE has promised us, because GOD, quite simply, cannot lie.
If a person needs to find a model who can personify the patience, confidence, and trust in a promise of GOD, one only needs to look at the example of Abraham. Abraham patiently awaited GOD’s promise of a great nation through his seed, and in the process of time, his patience was rewarded. And even though Abraham did not get to see the fullness and completion of the promise, he did get to see its beginnings and he trusted in his heart that GOD would complete HIS promise to him, through his son Isaac and his heirs.
GOD’s promise to Abraham was not just for the benefit of Abraham, but it was also for the benefit of all Christians in general, through CHRIST JESUS, WHO would come through his line to save us all. GOD’s Word, and GOD’s oath are the two great unchangeable things, and they are also the motivation behind the Christian Hope. In fact, they allow us to take hold of that Christian Hope and cling to it as a fortified refuse in times of trouble.
JESUS’ entry into the Heavenly sanctuary to serve as our HIGH  PRIEST, gives Christians an anchor of hope that can never be shaken loose from the Kingdom of GOD. JESUS, as our “forerunner” is the imagery of a sailor who has been designated to leave the ship, and go out in a small boat, in order to drop the ship’s anchor in a firm lodging place. That is what JESUS did for us, through HIS vicarious sacrifice at Golgotha, so that we could have firm safe refuse in Heaven at the end of our journey.
Way back in Genesis 14, after Abraham (then Abram) had defeated a band of armies led by King Kedorlaomer of Elam, and rescued his nephew Lot from certain doom, we are introduced to one of the most obscure, and yet, important figures in the annals of Old Testament history. Upon Abraham’s return from battle, he is met by a man named Melchizedek in the valley of Shaveh. Melchizedek was the King of Salem (now Jerusalem) and was also a priest of our GOD Most High. His name means “king of justice”, and the name of his kingdom, “Salem”, means “peace”. And so, by his very name and position he was both, “king of justice”, and, “king of peace”. He was high enough in stature and importance, that, he could both, bless Abraham, and, receive a tithe from Abraham.
Here in Hebrews chapter 7, the author emphasizes the fact that JESUS’ priesthood does not derive from Aaron’s Levitical line of priests, but rather, it derives from the line of Melchizedek, a superior priesthood. Here in verses 1-10, the author establishes two things: First, the greater always blesses the lesser. Here the author is showing that, by blessing Abraham, Melchizedek was greater than Abraham. And secondly, Abraham, who was the great, great-grandfather of Aaron, the first of the Levitical line of priests, paid a tithe to Melchizedek, and thus personally acknowledged the superiority of his priesthood.
As, it is written by king David in his prophetic Psalm 110:4, GOD’s ordaining someone as a “priest forever in the line of Melchizedek” is a clear indication that GOD always intended to make a change in the Aaronic priesthood. And such a change would also require a change in the whole system of the Mosiac Law, of which that priesthood was a part (Vs. 11-19).
JESUS’ priesthood is better simply because it is flawless, and it is forever, or, eternal. In the Old Testament, you’ll find that, neither Melchizedek’s birth, nor his death, are recorded. There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors, and no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever resembling the SON of GOD. His priesthood is also permanent, just as JESUS lives eternally as our Heavenly priest, and, can save us continuously and completely.
JESUS’ priesthood is able to meet our needs, by way of HIS vicarious sacrifice, which settles forever, the issue of our sins. HE is the only one WHO can speak for us, and intercede for us before GOD the FATHER. The priesthood of CHRIST differs dramatically from the Levitical priesthood, in that, it was instituted with an oath. By contrast, the descendants of Aaron assumed their jobs without any oath.
In the Greek, the word used in Hebrews 7:22 for “surety” is “engyos”. This is the only time this particular word is used in New Testament scriptures. It is a legal term which identifies a bond or collateral. It means that the signer of the guarantee pledged his resources as security for the commitment that is made. JESUS is the living guarantee that the forgiveness GOD offers us under the New Covenant will surely be ours. In fact, because of HIS oath, HE became the guarantee of a better Covenant. With HIS OWN life, JESUS assured the superiority of the new order over the old, because HIS oath also secured HIS permanent installation in the priestly office of GOD.
No Old Testament priest ever functioned in this permanent manner, simply because, all of them were subject to death and mortality. JESUS not only prays for us, HE also has empowered us to live a more righteous life here on earth, through HIS examples and gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. As an ever-living HIGH PRIEST, JESUS is always available to represent us before GOD, and thus, HE is able to save us completely.
Remember, everyone who has been saved by CHRIST, was saved when they were still sinners. When we stumble after receiving salvation, JESUS remains there with us to keep us from falling, because HE is always holding us by the hand. HE remains committed to us so that HE can save us completely. If salvation depended on us, then, we would have a right to worry. But, because salvation depends on JESUS, we can be free from fret and worry, because our futures are completely secure, through HIM.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website





Friday, October 2, 2015

BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY
Larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

BIBLE STUDY LESSON
For the week beginning Sunday October 4, 2015

JESUS IS GREATER THAN MOSES
(CHRIST is our HIGH PRIEST)
Hebrews 3-5:10

The builder of the house is always greater than the house itself. In Hebrews chapter three, the author of GOD turns his focus to proving that JESUS is greater than GOD’s great servant Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, during the great exodus. It is a call for faithfulness among the chosen people of GOD, as the writer now addresses his readers as “holy brothers” who share in the Heavenly calling. Here, the author is obviously thinking of the privilege of their own high calling of being able to participate in the future dominion of CHRIST JESUS in HIS coming earthly “Millennial Kingdom”.
In this passage, Moses is praised for his faithfulness as an honored servant, who was himself, high above the status of a slave. But he points out that JESUS too, was a faithful servant of HIS FATHER GOD, and was far superior to Moses in every respect. In relationship to GOD’s household, Moses was never more than a member of the family. However, JESUS is the architect, or builder of the family of GOD. HE deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself.
As far as roles in the house of GOD are concerned Moses was an important servant, however, JESUS is the SON and HEIR of the OWNER of the house, GOD. And even in relationship to ministry, Moses himself spoke of what would happen in the future, when he prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:15, to his fellow Israelites, that, “The LORD will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites, and you must listen to that PROPHET”. In every way imaginable, JESUS was superior to Moses, who was a towering figure in Jewish history, and in fact, is greater than any other human being who has ever lived.
GOD’s voice is represented by any of the directives that are given to us through the Holy Scriptures, and, through the HOLY SPIRIT WHO is at work in all believers. True believers will always hear, recognize, and seek to obey that voice. The word “today” in verse 7, reminds us that GOD’s voice has a current expression, and we can know HIS will, and hear HIM speak to us, right now, in this current day and time, through HIS Holy Word, and SPIRIT.
The key to our personal relationship with GOD is to remain steadfast and sensitive to HIS HOLY SPIRIT, and always be ready to respond in the right way when HE does speak to us. We must take care that we do not find ourselves in the position of the Israelites, who were made, by GOD, to wander in the desert for forty years, and never was able to experience GOD’s “rest” in the new “promised land” of milk and honey, because they disobeyed HIM. In the same way, if we disobey and move against GOD’s will today, we ourselves will never experience GOD’s rest, which HE has had specially prepared for us in Heaven, from the foundation of this world.
For whosoever the book of Hebrews was originally intended, it is truly a treasure for modern-day Christians as well. It helps us to somehow sense the intimate bond between Old Testament faith, and our own faith in CHRIST JESUS. It also helps us to appreciate just “how great of a salvation” we have in GOD, through HIS greater SON. GOD’s promise of salvation, or, entering into “HIS place of rest”, is still valid, and should make us tremble with fear for those who might fail to reach it at the end of this earthly struggle.
In chapter 4, the writer of Hebrews continues his discussion of “rest” that he began in chapter 3. He reminds us that GOD’s word has already come. It has, in fact, been with us since the beginning. It came to us just as it did to those in Moses’ time with a similar promise of rest to those who choose to hear and respond by faith. The very concept of “GOD’s rest” is rooted in creation itself, and, even today, still has vital meaning for believers.
We, as Christians, know of GOD’s place of rest, because scripture tells us that on the seventh day, GOD rested from all of HIS labor. And so we see GOD’s place of rest, is just like HIS word, and it has always been there for us to enjoy following our earthly experience. And even though many have failed to make it to that place of rest over the generations, it still remains to be enjoyed by those who listen to, and obey CHRIST JESUS.
This place of rest is not like the land of Canaan, where Joshua led the people, following their struggles on the desert all those years ago. God has spoken since that time about another place of rest that is still waiting for those who believe, in this day and time. We will find rest from all of our labors, just as GOD rested after creating the world. But anyone who disobeys GOD in this day, as the Israelite people did, who died in the desert long ago, will also experience a death that will eternally separate them from GOD.
The word of GOD is full of living power. It cuts deep into our innermost thoughts and desires like the sharpest of two-edged swords. All things lay naked before GOD. HE sees all, hears all, and knows all that we do. And every one of us will have to make an account for the deeds done in our lifetimes. And weather, or not, we believe that HE exists, therefore, becomes totally irrelevant.
In Hebrews chapters 4:14-5:10, the author seeks to show us how JESUS easily qualifies to fulfill the essentials of the priesthood, as they are defined by GOD. He thinks of the compassion of CHRIST as being far richer than the gentleness he ascribes to other high priests. GOD declared and called CHRIST to be a Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Earthly Priests were from the Levite line of Aaron, the line that was appointed by GOD to serve in the priesthood here on earth. Melchizedek, an obscure figure in Scriptures, was both a king and a Priest (Genesis 14:18-20), who ruled in Salem (now Jerusalem), during the time of Abraham.
Old Testament accounts make no mention of Melchizedek’s father or mother. He seems to be without genealogy and, where his life begins, or ends, is unknown. However, there is one thing that is certain, and that is that, GOD knew him, and he knew GOD, and Abraham, knew them both. He was qualified to bless Abraham as a Priest, and to receive a tithe from Abraham as a king, who also, evidently, ranked higher spiritually, than did Abraham, and, Melchizedek remains a priest forever also (Hebrews 7:1-3).
In Psalms 110, a messianic psalm by David, Melchizedek is seen as a type of Christ. This theme is repeated here in this book of Hebrews, where both CHRIST and Melchizedek are considered as kings of righteousness and peace. In citing Melchizedek’s unique priesthood as a prototype for CHRIST HIMSELF, the author is showing that CHRIST’s priesthood is superior to the old Levitical order of Aaron also. And so, we see that a different kind of Priest has come, who became a Priest, not by meeting the old requirements of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot, and will not be destroyed, “a Priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek”.
In Hebrews chapter 5, verse 2, as it is expressed in the original Greek, the word that the author of GOD uses for “compassion” is “metriopatheo” (met-ree-op-ath-eh-o), and it means “to be moderate in passion”. It is the only time in scripture that this particular word is used for “compassion”. We most often translate this word to mean, “to feel gently for”. It is said that, somewhere in the midst of any two extremes, there can be found, “the right way”. According to the Greeks, this is also where “virtue” can be discovered. They saw “virtue” as being the “midpoint” between two extremes.

Here in this passage the writer of Hebrews lists three important qualifications that any priest must satisfy;

·         Compassion is one of those three essential qualifications. A Priest must be in full sympathy with others at all times, and ideally, should have gone through some of the same experiences as the people he seeks to council. If a person is not bound together with others in the trials that life brings, he will not be able to correctly sympathize with their plight, and therefore will not be able to grant sound advice.

·         Secondly, Priests are appointed on behalf of others in order to deal with things concerning GOD. For instance, the earthly Priest was originally intended to be the link between the world and GOD. In the beginning, their primary function was to offer sacrifices to GOD for the sins of, first, himself, and then other people. The sacrifice was meant to restore a relationship with GOD that had been interrupted by sin.

·         The third and most important qualification is that the Priest must be, “called by GOD”, and not just show up, and appoint himself. The priesthood is a call to glory by GOD HIMSELF, and is not an office that is appointed by men.

GOD speaks to us, through our many experiences in life. These experiences always, in some way, try our hearts and souls. We can only hear HIS voice when we tune our minds to HIM, with complete “reverence”. If we rebel against GOD, through our resentments, or “continuous sins”, our hearts will build up a resistance that will make us deaf, or, unable to hear HIS voice.
JESUS, among HIS many roles, also serves as our “Eternal High Priest”. HE has been exalted above the Heavens, and has no need to make sacrifices for us from day to day, like the old line of Levitical Priests had to do. Because of HIS vicarious sacrifice on the cross, HE, through GOD’s grace, was able to cover the sins of every human being, past, present, and future, with HIS “Eternal Life-giving Blood”.

A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander





                                 
LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website