Sunday, May 28, 2017

Paul's Epistles – Hebrews Part 1: Introduction

Paul's Epistles – Hebrews - Part 1: 
Introduction
Pastor Bruce A. Shields


SERMON INTRODUCTION
The “official” writer of this epistle is unknown. However, I obviously believe it is Paul since I have included it in the “Paul’s Epistles” Sermon Series.

Eusebius of Caesarea, who is known as the “Father of Church History”, tells us that Pantænus of Alexandria in the Second Century assigned the authorship of Hebrews to Paul.

Tertullian of Carthage in North Africa in the Third Century declared Barnabas as the writer.

Martin Luther thought that Apollus had written it.

Dr. Campbell Morgan, a British evangelist and leading Bible Scholar in the 40’s, thinks it bears traces of Paul’s thinking and Luke’s writing.

Dr. Schofield believes that we have a preserved epistle of some of Paul’s synagogue addresses.

Hebrews must have been written about 64 A.D. because the Temple is referred to as still standing.

In 64 A.D. the Jews in Judea began a rebellion against Rome which in turn the Romans destroyed the Temple in 70 A.D.

I believe there is enough evidence from early scholars to agree this was more than likely Paul’s work.


TODAY’S SERMON
“Introduction to Hebrews”


SCRIPTURE REFERENCE
Hebrews 1:1-4
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The overall message of this epistle to the church is;
The Cure for Lacking Boldness or Courage in your Christian Faith and Backsliding is a Right beginning for the Glory and Work of Christ”

I. THE PURPOSE OF HEBREWS
a. The Object of the Epistle
                                                                 i. Under bitter persecution the Jewish Christians were beginning to think they had lost everything
1. (Alters, priests, etc.)

                                                              ii. They begun to undervalue Christian Privileges

                                                           iii. They were getting self-absorbed with their sufferings

                                                            iv. They were generally in a backsliding condition

                                                               v. Paul sent this letter to correct these errors


b. The Author of the Epistle
                                                                 i. One of the reasons I believe Paul to be the author of this epistle is because of the writer’s skill in dealing with these pessimistic and depressed Christians.

1. First Paul fills their minds with the glory of the Person and grandeur of the works of the Lord Jesus.

a. He shows that instead of losing all, they had gained all
b. And Christianity was superior to Judaism

2. He then shows them that they had not suffered as much as others.

                                                              ii. The Roman Epistle proves the necessity of the Christian Faith, the object of Hebrews was to prove the superiority of the Christian Faith.

                                                           iii. Paul does this, NOT by slighting the old, but by showing the new as the fulfillment of the old.

                                                            iv. They had “good things” in the old system, but they now have everything “better”.
1. Hebrews has been called the fifth gospel, the other four speak of Jesus’ work on earth, and Hebrews speaks of that and also His work in Heaven.


c. The Study of the Epistle
                                                                 i. The Book of Hebrews really is a topical study

                                                              ii. Topics of Christ such as “Perfection”, “Heavenly”, “Eternal”, “Better”, etc.



II.      THE ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK
a. The Epistle in Two Major Divisions
                                                                 i. The Argument – The glory of the Person and work of Christ

                                                              ii. The Application – The life we should live because of His life and work


b. The Argument
                                                                 i. The Lord Jesus is Greater than the Prophets
1. The prophets were great, but the Son is greater

2. While God spoke “by” the Prophets, He speaks “in” His Son.

3. Jesus is God’s last word

                                                              ii. The Lord Jesus is Greater than Angels
1. Angels were great beings, but the Lord Jesus is greater

2. He is Son of God

3. Begotten of God

4. God never said to them what He says to the Lord Jesus

                                                           iii. The Lord Jesus is Greater than Moses
1. Moses was a faithful servant, but Jesus is a loyal Son over His own house

                                                            iv. The Lord Jesus is Greater than Joshua
1. Joshua was a great leader, yet he failed

2. Jesus is greater because He alone can give and lead to real rest

3. Jesus, the Word of God, who is alive, and powerful, and all-wise, and all-knowing One

                                                               v. The Lord Jesus is Greater than Aaron
1. Aaron and his successors were great, however Jesus is greater
2. He is sinless, while they were sinful
3. He was Priest after a higher order than Aaron
4. He is our Forerunner
5. Abraham acknowledged Melchisidec greater
a. The order of Melchisidec is an everlasting one
6. Aaron served the shadows, Jesus the realities (Hebrews 8:1-5)
7. He is the medium of a better covenant
8. He ministers in a better sanctuary
9. And ministers as offering a better sacrifice


c. The Application
                                                                 i. The life we should be living because of His life and work

                                                              ii. Like a wise writer, Paul did not leave the application until the very end.
1. Seminary students, remember I told you the application was to be the third proof of every point.

                                                           iii. Paul repeatedly drove home the lesson.
                                                            iv. However, he gives the proper full application beginning in the second part of Hebrews, Chapter 10:19, until the end of the Epistle.

                                                               v. Paul, using the phrase “let us” repeatedly for the following applications;
1. Draw near
2. Hold fast
3. Consider one another
4. Persevere
5. Lay aside every weight and sin
6. Run with patience
7. Endure
8. Allow brotherly love to continue
9. Let your conversation be without yearning for others possessions
10. Go forth
11. Offer the sacrifice of praise



III.   TODAY’S INTRODUCTION VERSES
a. In the Days Past
                                                                 i. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

b. In These Present Days
                                                                 i. but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

c. In the Days Future
                                                                 i. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 

CONCLUSION – So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.


The epistle of Hebrews will guide and lead us to an understanding that the Lord, His life and His Work has opened the door to the New Covenant, which is the completion of the Old, and better than any other.

For those who struggle with boldness or courage with your Christian faith as the Hebrews, or for those who have backslidden, this epistle is the CURE!




Want to learn more about Salvation and Getting Saved?    CLICK HERE!

Want to hear the audio to this sermon?    CLICK HERE!





No comments: