A Study in Hebrews - Series: Part 4

Good day and God’s safety and covering to all of TiMP nation and everyone around the world on this first Sunday in March. We would be hard pressed today not to mention the present situation of war in the Ukraine. This is a sad state of affairs anytime people in power and authority deem conflict and lose of life as a means to an end. Most of us can’t wrap our minds around this type of scenario occurring in this day and time. Although history and biblical history records these types of events have been occurring throughout the existence of the world and will continue. However, we must understand that what you see with your eyes as man being in control or out of control, is just a small portion of the process. We must come to realize that God is, and always will be in control. The things we cannot gasp or fathom are all a part of preparation for the return of His son, Christ Jesus! When we look to Matthew chapter 24, we see where the disciples are questioning Jesus on His return (this is known as the tribulation/rapture). I encourage you to read the entire chapter, but I want to bring to your attention in particular verses 6-8. It is a clear reminder that today’s events around the world are maintaining God’s truth. Simply put things are going to get worse and Jesus will return to judge this sinful fallen world. Oh, but Jesus says to the believer “don’t be troubled”. Interesting we will come back to this in just a bit.

I know our study is in Hebrews, however the afore mentioned ties directly into “the warning” we discussed two Sundays ago. That warning along with current events and future events to come should have you contemplating one distinct question, “Are you ready for the return of Christ Jesus”?

Granted no one knows the day and time when Jesus shall return, not even the angels, nor Christ himself, only God the Father knows, Matthew 24:36. However, our preparation through Faith should be the goal. If you are saved then you should fully understand the meaning of that statement. You should also understand it as a call to action in order to reach those who do not. Now for those of you who are not saved, think of it this way, when you are planning to travel you make preparations. Those preparations include all things you find necessary or essential for your well being and safe journey. Well, I’m here to tell you that the preparation I’m speaking of is for eternal life! The good news is, there is only one essential you need in order for your destination to be successful and that my friends is the one and only Christ Jesus!

Now, I want you to recognize how the warning actually transitions to faith when studying Hebrews. Starting in Hebrews chapter 3 which notes the faithfulness of Christ Jesus. In the latter verse 9 we see how Christ through His faithful obedience and suffering was perfected, and He is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. This takes us back to our “don’t be troubled” statement from Christ Jesus. This is important, because when Christ is speaking this to the disciples it also applies to us believers today, as it speaks to relationship. You read me noting this often, about having a relationship with Christ. Well, that relationship begins in believing, but it’s rooted in faith. Hebrews 11:1 teaches us exactly that, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. If you notice it’s a parallel statement (similarity) and when studying you will find it has a hint of poetry as some scholars note relative to the Psalms of David.

However, this should be your confidence in not being troubled. When breaking down this scripture we see 4 significant words, Faith, Substance, Hope, Evidence all occurring without our physical vision. For the purpose of this study, we will save Faith for last. The first word we will look at is Substance. More importantly what is the substance here in this verse, well that is Christ. When looking up the word you find these two applicable characteristics defined,

1. the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence. The was our Savior as he became a tangible solid presence for man to physically see and touch.
2. the quality of being important, valid, or significant. This is our returning Messiah and the importance of establishing a valid relationship with Him as it is significant to one’s eternal life.

The second is Hope, when looking up the word you find these two applicable characteristics defined,

1. a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. For those of us in relationship with Christ, we should be longing for His return.
2. a feeling of trust. This is the essence of what Faith is all about. It is an unwavering, stand firm position that God is our Father and Christ Jesus alone is our Savior and their will and purpose is what is best.

The third is Evidence, when looking up the word you find one applicable characteristic defined,

1. the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. This evidence one needs a bit of context as the scripture notes “evidence not seen”. This is a two-fold reality as some of the prophets, disciples and others did see Christ. However, if you recall the author here did not and his belief is based indirect application; the same as we are today. The evidence of God and Christ existence is evident all around us, from the air we breathe to the changing of seasons. It exists in all the evidence of documents even outside the Holy Scriptures, that Jesus was physically on Earth, that he was crucified and resurrected. All these events were witnessed, just not by our generation. Therefore, we must live by just as the Hebrew author did, and here comes that word Faith.

Our time is up for this week but we will pick up again in two Sunday’s right where we left off as my lovely wife and I will be on vacation March 13th – March 20th. So, in the interim take time to study to show thyself approved unto God…….2 Timothy 2:15. Please keep us in your prayers, keep the faith and I will see you all back here soon. Love you all and God’s covering.