AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Person (1:1—4:13)Superior Person (1:1—4:13)

Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Moses (3:1-19) Superior to Moses (3:1-19) but…We’ll only study verses 7-19

today.Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)

Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—

7:10)7:10)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)

Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Results (10:1-18)Superior Results (10:1-18)

Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25)(10:19—13:25)

Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Relationship (12:1-29)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)

In our study of In our study of 3:1-6, we examined , we examined Christ’s Superiority to the Old Christ’s Superiority to the Old Testa-ment PriesthoodTesta-ment Priesthood beginning beginning with Moses, notingwith Moses, noting that that Jesus isJesus is greatergreater inin His officeHis office ( (vv. 1-2) and ) and greater in Hisgreater in His ministryministry ( (vv. 3-6); ); now (now (vv. 7-19) we’ll see that Paul ) we’ll see that Paul wrote concerning Jesus being wrote concerning Jesus being greater in His rewardgreater in His reward..

This passage also includes the This passage also includes the second of the seven warnings: second of the seven warnings: 2:1-4 warned against warned against neglectneglect, and now , and now 3:7-19 warn against warn against unbeliefunbelief..

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

HebrewHebrews s 3:7-9 3:7-9

ThereforeTherefore, as , as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

As mentioned in As mentioned in our our last study, last study, Paul oftenPaul often used used parenthetical parenthetical thoughts in his thoughts in his writ-ings, so we writ-ings, so we must be sure to must be sure to interpret interpret passages with passages with that that in mind;in mind; for for example,example, the word the word therefore here here actually joins actually joins directly to directly to verse 12, making it say, , making it say, Since Jesus is greater (& if you wish to remain in God’s house), beware lest you apostatize..

As mentioned in As mentioned in our our last study, last study, Paul oftenPaul often used used parenthetical parenthetical thoughts in his thoughts in his writ-ings, so we writ-ings, so we must be sure to must be sure to interpret interpret passages with passages with that that in mind;in mind; for for example,example, the word the word therefore here here actually joins actually joins directly to directly to verse 12, making it say, , making it say, Since Jesus is greater (& if you wish to remain in God’s house), beware lest you apostatize..

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spiritthe Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

Notice that Notice that although although verses 7-11 are tak-en are tak-en from a Psalm of from a Psalm of David (David (Psa. 95, , ironi-cally also ironi-cally also verses 7-11), Paul ), Paul here attributed here attributed these words to these words to the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, then later to then later to David (David (4:7).).

Notice that Notice that although although verses 7-11 are tak-en are tak-en from a Psalm of from a Psalm of David (David (Psa. 95, , ironi-cally also ironi-cally also verses 7-11), Paul ), Paul here attributed here attributed these words to these words to the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, then later to then later to David (David (4:7).).

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear you will hear HisHis voice, do not voice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

Although the pro-Although the pro-noun noun His in in Psalm 95 refers back to refers back to God, the pronoun God, the pronoun His here refers here refers back to Jesus back to Jesus who, of course, is who, of course, is also God; so we also God; so we have God, Jesus, have God, Jesus, and the Spirit all and the Spirit all found in this found in this passage.passage.

Although the pro-Although the pro-noun noun His in in Psalm 95 refers back to refers back to God, the pronoun God, the pronoun His here refers here refers back to Jesus back to Jesus who, of course, is who, of course, is also God; so we also God; so we have God, Jesus, have God, Jesus, and the Spirit all and the Spirit all found in this found in this passage.passage.

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, says, “Today, if if you will hear His you will hear His voicevoice, do not , do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

For this phrase For this phrase the Hebrew of the Hebrew of Psalm 95 has has Oh that you’d hear His voice!, em-, em-phasizing the phasizing the eter-nal eter-nal significance of significance of listening to God; listening to God; Paul put it as a Paul put it as a con-ditional con-ditional statement, statement, meaning that meaning that they wouldn’t be they wouldn’t be able to hear God able to hear God if their hearts if their hearts were hard.were hard.

For this phrase For this phrase the Hebrew of the Hebrew of Psalm 95 has has Oh that you’d hear His voice!, em-, em-phasizing the phasizing the eter-nal eter-nal significance of significance of listening to God; listening to God; Paul put it as a Paul put it as a con-ditional con-ditional statement, statement, meaning that meaning that they wouldn’t be they wouldn’t be able to hear God able to hear God if their hearts if their hearts were hard.were hard.

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your heartshearts as in the as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

The idea of The idea of harden-ing one’s harden-ing one’s heart is very well heart is very well illustrated by the illustrated by the custom of animal custom of animal branding: things branding: things such as need-les such as need-les will pierce the will pierce the cow’s hide until cow’s hide until it’s branded; after it’s branded; after that that it’s nearly it’s nearly impossibleimpossible to do to do so. Likewise…so. Likewise…

The idea of The idea of harden-ing one’s harden-ing one’s heart is very well heart is very well illustrated by the illustrated by the custom of animal custom of animal branding: things branding: things such as need-les such as need-les will pierce the will pierce the cow’s hide until cow’s hide until it’s branded; after it’s branded; after that that it’s nearly it’s nearly impossibleimpossible to do to do so. Likewise…so. Likewise…

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your heartshearts as in the as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

Since God created Since God created man with free man with free will, he can’t will, he can’t penetrate penetrate the the heart of a personheart of a person who has chosen who has chosen to harden it to harden it against His will against His will for him. To for him. To Timothy Paul Timothy Paul wrote of people wrote of people who’d have their who’d have their consci-ences consci-ences seared with a hot seared with a hot iron (iron (1 Tim. 4:2).).

Since God created Since God created man with free man with free will, he can’t will, he can’t penetrate penetrate the the heart of a personheart of a person who has chosen who has chosen to harden it to harden it against His will against His will for him. To for him. To Timothy Paul Timothy Paul wrote of people wrote of people who’d have their who’d have their consci-ences consci-ences seared with a hot seared with a hot iron (iron (1 Tim. 4:2).).

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellionrebellion, in the , in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

This word comes This word comes from a term from a term meaningmeaning to to irritateirritate, , exasper-exasper-ateate, or , or aggravateaggravate; ; i.e., by means of i.e., by means of their hardened their hardened hearts, those hearts, those Jews stirred up Jews stirred up God’s wrath God’s wrath against them.against them.

This word comes This word comes from a term from a term meaningmeaning to to irritateirritate, , exasper-exasper-ateate, or , or aggravateaggravate; ; i.e., by means of i.e., by means of their hardened their hardened hearts, those hearts, those Jews stirred up Jews stirred up God’s wrath God’s wrath against them.against them.

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of day of trialtrial in in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

This word actually This word actually has the definite has the definite ar-ticle (ar-ticle (thethe) ) before it in the before it in the Greek (Greek (literal-ly, literal-ly, the day of the trial), ), meaning that Paul meaning that Paul had a specific ac-had a specific ac-count in mind; count in mind; that account was that account was when when the Jews the Jews complainedcomplained to to Moses concerning Moses concerning their lack of water their lack of water ((Exo. 17:1-7).).

This word actually This word actually has the definite has the definite ar-ticle (ar-ticle (thethe) ) before it in the before it in the Greek (Greek (literal-ly, literal-ly, the day of the trial), ), meaning that Paul meaning that Paul had a specific ac-had a specific ac-count in mind; count in mind; that account was that account was when when the Jews the Jews complainedcomplained to to Moses concerning Moses concerning their lack of water their lack of water ((Exo. 17:1-7).).

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers fathers test-ed test-ed Me, Me, provedproved Me, Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

The Greek terms The Greek terms for these words for these words are in-teresting: are in-teresting: when put when put together they together they mean that those mean that those Jews Jews put God to put God to the test to see the test to see what evil or good what evil or good there was in Him there was in Him when they put when they put Him to the test Him to the test for the purpose of for the purpose of ap-proving Him if ap-proving Him if He should pass He should pass their teststheir tests. Talk . Talk about insult and about insult and unbelief!unbelief!

The Greek terms The Greek terms for these words for these words are in-teresting: are in-teresting: when put when put together they together they mean that those mean that those Jews Jews put God to put God to the test to see the test to see what evil or good what evil or good there was in Him there was in Him when they put when they put Him to the test Him to the test for the purpose of for the purpose of ap-proving Him if ap-proving Him if He should pass He should pass their teststheir tests. Talk . Talk about insult and about insult and unbelief!unbelief!

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, rebellion, in the in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed MeMe, proved Me, , proved Me, and saw My and saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

They seemed like They seemed like children who test children who test their parents to their parents to see how far they see how far they can be pushed can be pushed before they before they explode. explode.

They seemed like They seemed like children who test children who test their parents to their parents to see how far they see how far they can be pushed can be pushed before they before they explode. explode.

Therefore, as Therefore, as the Holy Spirit the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if says, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do notvoice, do not harden your harden your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion, in the rebellion, in the day of trial in day of trial in the wilderness the wilderness where your where your fathers test-ed fathers test-ed Me, proved Me, Me, proved Me, andand saw My saw My works forty works forty years…”years…”

AccordingAccording to to Vincent,Vincent, this this conjunction conjunction should probably should probably be translated be translated and yet; i.e., the idea ; i.e., the idea seems to be that seems to be that even tho they even tho they continually put continually put God to the test, God to the test, He He stillstill worked worked with them for 40 with them for 40 yearsyears!!

AccordingAccording to to Vincent,Vincent, this this conjunction conjunction should probably should probably be translated be translated and yet; i.e., the idea ; i.e., the idea seems to be that seems to be that even tho they even tho they continually put continually put God to the test, God to the test, He He stillstill worked worked with them for 40 with them for 40 yearsyears!!

Therefore I was Therefore I was angry with that angry with that generation and generation and said, “They said, “They always go always go astray in their astray in their heart, and they heart, and they have not known have not known My ways.” So I My ways.” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My rest.”My rest.”

HebrewHebrews s 3:10-11 3:10-11

Therefore I was Therefore I was angryangry with that with that generation and generation and said, “They said, “They always go always go astray in their astray in their heart, and they heart, and they have not known have not known My ways.” So I My ways.” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My rest.”My rest.”

This word means This word means to reject due to to reject due to being disgusted being disgusted withwith..

This word means This word means to reject due to to reject due to being disgusted being disgusted withwith..

Therefore I was Therefore I was angry with that angry with that generationgeneration and and said, “They said, “They always go always go astray in their astray in their heart, and they heart, and they have not known have not known My ways.” So I My ways.” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My rest.”My rest.”

Notice that the Notice that the Bible here (Bible here (vv. 9-10) de-fines a ) de-fines a generation as generation as forty years.forty years.

Notice that the Notice that the Bible here (Bible here (vv. 9-10) de-fines a ) de-fines a generation as generation as forty years.forty years.

Therefore I was Therefore I was angry with that angry with that generation and generation and said, “They said, “They always always go go astrayastray in their in their heart, and they heart, and they have not known have not known My ways.” So I My ways.” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My rest.”My rest.”

This phrase This phrase means to wander; means to wander; so just as they so just as they wandered in the wandered in the wilderness, their wilderness, their hearts wandered hearts wandered away from God. away from God. You think maybe You think maybe that’s one reason that’s one reason God had them God had them experience it?experience it?

This phrase This phrase means to wander; means to wander; so just as they so just as they wandered in the wandered in the wilderness, their wilderness, their hearts wandered hearts wandered away from God. away from God. You think maybe You think maybe that’s one reason that’s one reason God had them God had them experience it?experience it?

Therefore I was Therefore I was angry with that angry with that generation and generation and said, “They said, “They always go always go astray in their astray in their heartheart, and they , and they have not known have not known My ways.” So I My ways.” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My rest.”My rest.”

The original term The original term for for heart here is here is where we get our where we get our word “cardiac”; word “cardiac”; this word, this word, however, is obvi-however, is obvi-ously not ously not speaking of the speaking of the literal blood literal blood pump, but of pump, but of what it what it represented to represented to the Jews—the Jews—the the mindmind, , the seat of the seat of the affec-tionsthe affec-tions, , the willthe will, & , & the the understandingunderstanding, , such as when we such as when we speak of speak of someone’s under-someone’s under-standing heart.standing heart.

The original term The original term for for heart here is here is where we get our where we get our word “cardiac”; word “cardiac”; this word, this word, however, is obvi-however, is obvi-ously not ously not speaking of the speaking of the literal blood literal blood pump, but of pump, but of what it what it represented to represented to the Jews—the Jews—the the mindmind, , the seat of the seat of the affec-tionsthe affec-tions, , the willthe will, & , & the the understandingunderstanding, , such as when we such as when we speak of speak of someone’s under-someone’s under-standing heart.standing heart.

Therefore I was Therefore I was angry with that angry with that generation and generation and said, “They said, “They always go always go astray in their astray in their heart, and heart, and they they have not known have not known My waysMy ways.” So I .” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My rest.”My rest.”

They had not They had not known God’s known God’s ways because ways because they had they had practically practically forsaken Him forsaken Him while in captivity; while in captivity; then, to top it off, then, to top it off, they turn-ed back to Egypt in their hearts, Steph-en , Steph-en said to their de-said to their de-scendants in scendants in Acts 7:39 before they before they stoned him to stoned him to death.death.

They had not They had not known God’s known God’s ways because ways because they had they had practically practically forsaken Him forsaken Him while in captivity; while in captivity; then, to top it off, then, to top it off, they turn-ed back to Egypt in their hearts, Steph-en , Steph-en said to their de-said to their de-scendants in scendants in Acts 7:39 before they before they stoned him to stoned him to death.death.

Therefore I was Therefore I was angry with that angry with that generation and generation and said, “They said, “They always go always go astray in their astray in their heart, and they heart, and they have not known have not known My ways.” So I My ways.” So I swore in My swore in My wrath,wrath, “They “They shall not enter shall not enter My My restrest.”.”

This word refers This word refers to to a termination a termination of nervous of nervous activity and activity and strugglestruggle; for them ; for them it was the end of it was the end of their physical their physical struggle from struggle from oppression and oppression and wanderings in the wanderings in the wilderness, while wilderness, while for us it’s the end for us it’s the end of of the spiritual the spiritual strugglestruggle from from attempts to be attempts to be free from sin.free from sin.

This word refers This word refers to to a termination a termination of nervous of nervous activity and activity and strugglestruggle; for them ; for them it was the end of it was the end of their physical their physical struggle from struggle from oppression and oppression and wanderings in the wanderings in the wilderness, while wilderness, while for us it’s the end for us it’s the end of of the spiritual the spiritual strugglestruggle from from attempts to be attempts to be free from sin.free from sin.

The The rest of physical Canaan was of physical Canaan was their inheritance (their inheritance (Deu. 12:9), while ), while the the rest of spiritual Canaan is our of spiritual Canaan is our inheritance, fitting corresponding inheritance, fitting corresponding with the subject of Hebrews (with the subject of Hebrews (e.g.e.g. 1:14, 6:12, 9:15, 11:8, & 12:17). See, ). See, during that time…during that time…

Christ, as a second Moses, was Christ, as a second Moses, was leading His people on a forty-year leading His people on a forty-year exodus out from under the law of exodus out from under the law of sin and death into the promised sin and death into the promised rest from sin and death; Abraham rest from sin and death; Abraham even looked beyond the physical even looked beyond the physical land to a better, heavenly one land to a better, heavenly one ((11:8-16).).

The church was on an exodus to The church was on an exodus to the promised land: Christ was the promised land: Christ was liberating & redeeming God’s new liberating & redeeming God’s new covenant people, transferring covenant people, transferring them into a new city—the new them into a new city—the new spiritual, heavenly Jerusalem—spiritual, heavenly Jerusalem—which would soon come (which would soon come (13:14) and ) and be the permanent home of the be the permanent home of the redeemed.redeemed.

Before moving on toBefore moving on to verse 12,, I I want to point out that Paul gave want to point out that Paul gave three ex-hortations based onthree ex-hortations based on 3:7-11:: take heedtake heed ((3:12-19),), fearfear ((4:1-10),), && laborlabor ((4:11-13).).

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heart of heart of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

HebrewHebrews s 3:12 3:12

BewareBeware, , brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heart of heart of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

This word, of This word, of course,course, implies implies dangerdanger, and the , and the idea behind its idea behind its present tense is present tense is to be constant in to be constant in keep-ing a keep-ing a watchful eye watchful eye openopen..

This word, of This word, of course,course, implies implies dangerdanger, and the , and the idea behind its idea behind its present tense is present tense is to be constant in to be constant in keep-ing a keep-ing a watchful eye watchful eye openopen..

Beware, Beware, brethren, brethren, lestlest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heart of heart of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

This word refers This word refers to to a fear that an a fear that an event may occurevent may occur, , but it also carries but it also carries with it with it the the suspicion that it suspicion that it will occurwill occur, , especially especially sincesince theythey werewere turn-turn- ing back one by ing back one by one.one.

This word refers This word refers to to a fear that an a fear that an event may occurevent may occur, , but it also carries but it also carries with it with it the the suspicion that it suspicion that it will occurwill occur, , especially especially sincesince theythey werewere turn-turn- ing back one by ing back one by one.one.

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in there be in any any of youof you an evil an evil heart of heart of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

This phrase This phrase appealedappealed to them to them as individu-als; as individu-als; i.e., i.e., out of those out of those of you who are of you who are left, take heed, left, take heed, bewarebeware!!

This phrase This phrase appealedappealed to them to them as individu-als; as individu-als; i.e., i.e., out of those out of those of you who are of you who are left, take heed, left, take heed, bewarebeware!!

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you of you an evil an evil heart heart of of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

By connecting By connecting an evil heart with de- with de-parting from God, parting from God, Paul accused Paul accused those who had those who had already left as already left as being evil to the being evil to the core—the heart.core—the heart.

By connecting By connecting an evil heart with de- with de-parting from God, parting from God, Paul accused Paul accused those who had those who had already left as already left as being evil to the being evil to the core—the heart.core—the heart.

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heart of heart of unbeliefunbelief in in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

This phrase This phrase means means that that disbelief is whatdisbelief is what causescauses anan evilevil heartheart, a heart , a heart that has left God that has left God takes the body takes the body with it. I with it. I employed theemployed the wordword disdisbeliefbelief here because the here because the original term original term actual-ly carries actual-ly carries with it the idea of with it the idea of a refusal to a refusal to continue to continue to believe or trustbelieve or trust..

This phrase This phrase means means that that disbelief is whatdisbelief is what causescauses anan evilevil heartheart, a heart , a heart that has left God that has left God takes the body takes the body with it. I with it. I employed theemployed the wordword disdisbeliefbelief here because the here because the original term original term actual-ly carries actual-ly carries with it the idea of with it the idea of a refusal to a refusal to continue to continue to believe or trustbelieve or trust..

By the way…By the way…

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an of you an evilevil heartheart of of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from the living God.the living God.

There are two There are two Greek terms for Greek terms for evil: one (: one (kakoskakos) ) which is which is evil in evil in the abstractthe abstract, and , and another stronger another stronger one (one (ponerosponeros) ) which is which is evil in evil in active op-position active op-position to goodto good; the one ; the one Paul used here is Paul used here is the stronger onethe stronger one meaningmeaning hehe sus-sus-pected that…pected that…

There are two There are two Greek terms for Greek terms for evil: one (: one (kakoskakos) ) which is which is evil in evil in the abstractthe abstract, and , and another stronger another stronger one (one (ponerosponeros) ) which is which is evil in evil in active op-position active op-position to goodto good; the one ; the one Paul used here is Paul used here is the stronger onethe stronger one meaningmeaning hehe sus-sus-pected that…pected that…

……there were some there were some among them who among them who were about to act were about to act on their evil on their evil hearts and follow hearts and follow previous ones whoprevious ones who hadhad alreadyalready left.left.

……there were some there were some among them who among them who were about to act were about to act on their evil on their evil hearts and follow hearts and follow previous ones whoprevious ones who hadhad alreadyalready left.left.

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heartheart of of unbelief in unbelief in departingdeparting from from the living God.the living God.

This word is the This word is the Greek term from Greek term from which we get our which we get our word word apostasyapostasy, a , a word which word which means means to step to step away and stand away and stand aloof fromaloof from. .

This word is the This word is the Greek term from Greek term from which we get our which we get our word word apostasyapostasy, a , a word which word which means means to step to step away and stand away and stand aloof fromaloof from. .

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heartheart of of unbelief unbelief in in departing from departing from the living Godthe living God..

This is the result This is the result of a of a heart of unbelief, and it’s , and it’s reminiscent of the reminiscent of the Jews who said, Jews who said, Let us select a leader and return to Egypt ( (Num. 14:4).).

This is the result This is the result of a of a heart of unbelief, and it’s , and it’s reminiscent of the reminiscent of the Jews who said, Jews who said, Let us select a leader and return to Egypt ( (Num. 14:4).).

Beware, Beware, brethren, lest brethren, lest there be in any there be in any of you an evil of you an evil heartheart of of unbelief in unbelief in departing from departing from thethe living living God.God.

Paul likely used Paul likely used this adjective forthis adjective for God in order to in order to indicate that indicate that life life is only in Godis only in God , so , so if they leave His if they leave His household (household (v. 6), ), they’d be they’d be rejecting the rejecting the promised life— promised life— the inheritance of the inheritance of that householdthat household..

Paul likely used Paul likely used this adjective forthis adjective for God in order to in order to indicate that indicate that life life is only in Godis only in God , so , so if they leave His if they leave His household (household (v. 6), ), they’d be they’d be rejecting the rejecting the promised life— promised life— the inheritance of the inheritance of that householdthat household..

But exhort one But exhort one anotheranother dailydaily whilewhile it is called it is called “today,”“today,” lest lest any of you be any of you be hardened hardened through the through the deceitfulness of deceitfulness of sin.sin.

HebrewHebrews s 3:13 3:13

But But exhortexhort one one anotheranother dailydaily whilewhile it is called it is called “today,”“today,” lest lest any of you be any of you be hardened hardened through the through the deceitfulness of deceitfulness of sin.sin.

This word means This word means to entreatto entreat, , beseechbeseech, or , or begbeg; ; i.e., they were to i.e., they were to beg one another beg one another daily to not go daily to not go back-ward but back-ward but forward.forward.

Notice how Notice how ChristianChristian fellowship is fellowship is associ-ated with associ-ated with keeping people keeping people from aposta-from aposta-tizing.tizing.

This word means This word means to entreatto entreat, , beseechbeseech, or , or begbeg; ; i.e., they were to i.e., they were to beg one another beg one another daily to not go daily to not go back-ward but back-ward but forward.forward.

Notice how Notice how ChristianChristian fellowship is fellowship is associ-ated with associ-ated with keeping people keeping people from aposta-from aposta-tizing.tizing.

Since they would very likely be Since they would very likely be killed by the Romans or at the very killed by the Romans or at the very least be taken captive into foreign least be taken captive into foreign lands if they went back to Judaism, lands if they went back to Judaism, they had the choice of being saved they had the choice of being saved

from all that along with all from all that along with all Christians then and only then; Christians then and only then;

that’s the primary application of that’s the primary application of the word the word today here, but there’s here, but there’s

the obvious principle that God has the obvious principle that God has always expected people to obey always expected people to obey Him immedi-ately, not when they Him immedi-ately, not when they

feel like getting around to it, feel like getting around to it, especially since no one knows especially since no one knows

when his time is up.when his time is up.

I like what Milligan wrote about this:I like what Milligan wrote about this:

God never says to anyone, Hearken to God never says to anyone, Hearken to my voice and obey my precepts my voice and obey my precepts

tomorrow. His com-mand is, Do it now; tomorrow. His com-mand is, Do it now; at the very moment that you hear his at the very moment that you hear his voice and know his will. Andvoice and know his will. And hencehence thethe orderorder of theof the primitiveprimitive church waschurch was (1)(1)

to preach the Gospel to sinners;to preach the Gospel to sinners; (2)(2) to to receive thereceive the confessionconfession of such asof such as became penitent believers;became penitent believers; (3)(3) to to baptize them on the same day, or baptize them on the same day, or

even at the same hour of the night…. even at the same hour of the night…. But nowBut now [100+ years ago when Milligan [100+ years ago when Milligan

wrote]wrote],, how very different is the how very different is the practice of the church. It is amazing practice of the church. It is amazing

how both saints and sinners now how both saints and sinners now procrastinate & trifle with the word procrastinate & trifle with the word

and the ordinances of Godand the ordinances of God. . (A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, Robert Milligan, 3:7.)

But exhort one But exhort one anotheranother dailydaily whilewhile it is called it is called “today,”“today,” lest lest any of you be any of you be hardened hardened through through the the deceitfulness of deceitfulness of [the] sin[the] sin..

Because the Because the definite article definite article ((thethe) is be-fore ) is be-fore the word the word sin in in the original, this the original, this phrase refers to phrase refers to the deceit found the deceit found in the thinking in the thinking that the right that the right thing would be to thing would be to apostatize from apostatize from Christ and return Christ and return to Moses, the sort to Moses, the sort of thinking that of thinking that de-ceived some de-ceived some Gala-tians as well as well ((1:6ff). ).

Because the Because the definite article definite article ((thethe) is be-fore ) is be-fore the word the word sin in in the original, this the original, this phrase refers to phrase refers to the deceit found the deceit found in the thinking in the thinking that the right that the right thing would be to thing would be to apostatize from apostatize from Christ and return Christ and return to Moses, the sort to Moses, the sort of thinking that of thinking that de-ceived some de-ceived some Gala-tians as well as well ((1:6ff). ).

But exhort one But exhort one anotheranother dailydaily whilewhile it is called it is called “today,”“today,” lest lest any of you be any of you be hardened hardened through the through the deceitfulness of deceitfulness of sin.sin.

Isn’t it interesting Isn’t it interesting how unbelief and how unbelief and hardness of heart hardness of heart seem to go hand-seem to go hand-in-hand in the in-hand in the BibleBible((cf. cf. Mark 16:14, , Acts 19:9, et. al., et. al.)?)?

Isn’t it interesting Isn’t it interesting how unbelief and how unbelief and hardness of heart hardness of heart seem to go hand-seem to go hand-in-hand in the in-hand in the BibleBible((cf. cf. Mark 16:14, , Acts 19:9, et. al., et. al.)?)?

For we have be-For we have be-come partakers come partakers of Christ if we of Christ if we hold the hold the beginning of our beginning of our confidence confidence steadfast to the steadfast to the end, while it is end, while it is said, “Today, if said, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not hard-hard- en your en your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”

HebrewHebrews s 3:14-15 3:14-15

For we have be-For we have be-come partakers come partakers of Christ if we of Christ if we hold the hold the beginning of our beginning of our confidence confidence steadfast to the steadfast to the end, while it is end, while it is said, “Today, if said, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not hard-hard- en your en your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”

Notice how Notice how verse 14 parallels parallels verse 6: the: the primary primary difference is that difference is that in in verse 6 they they were said to be-were said to be- long to Christ, long to Christ, while here Christ while here Christ is said to belong is said to belong to them, which to them, which leads to our next leads to our next thought: thought:

Notice how Notice how verse 14 parallels parallels verse 6: the: the primary primary difference is that difference is that in in verse 6 they they were said to be-were said to be- long to Christ, long to Christ, while here Christ while here Christ is said to belong is said to belong to them, which to them, which leads to our next leads to our next thought: thought:

For we have be-For we have be-come come partakerspartakers of Christ if we of Christ if we hold the hold the beginning of our beginning of our confidence confidence steadfast to the steadfast to the end, while it is end, while it is said, “Today, if said, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not hard-hard- en your en your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”

This word here is This word here is thethe same same asas inin 1:9,, 2:14, and , and 3:1 where we noted where we noted that it refers to that it refers to a a voluntary shar-ing voluntary shar-ing in something with in something with someonesomeone; the ; the idea here is that idea here is that they chose, of they chose, of their own free their own free will, to be fellow-will, to be fellow-ownersowners ofof the the Christ (Christ (cf. cf. Col. 1:12).).

This word here is This word here is thethe same same asas inin 1:9,, 2:14, and , and 3:1 where we noted where we noted that it refers to that it refers to a a voluntary shar-ing voluntary shar-ing in something with in something with someonesomeone; the ; the idea here is that idea here is that they chose, of they chose, of their own free their own free will, to be fellow-will, to be fellow-ownersowners ofof the the Christ (Christ (cf. cf. Col. 1:12).).

For we have be-For we have be-come partakers come partakers of Christ if we of Christ if we hold the hold the beginning of our beginning of our confidence confidence steadfast to the steadfast to the endend, while it is , while it is said, “Today, if said, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not hard-hard- en your en your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”

As in As in verse 6, this , this word is translated word is translated from a term which from a term which means more than means more than just a termination just a termination of something—it of something—it refers to refers to a a consummationconsummation, , ultimate goalultimate goal, or , or ful-fillment ful-fillment of of some-thing that some-thing that has been in the has been in the works. I.e….works. I.e….

As in As in verse 6, this , this word is translated word is translated from a term which from a term which means more than means more than just a termination just a termination of something—it of something—it refers to refers to a a consummationconsummation, , ultimate goalultimate goal, or , or ful-fillment ful-fillment of of some-thing that some-thing that has been in the has been in the works. I.e….works. I.e….

ItIt isn’t merelyisn’t merely aa referencereference toto one’sone’s

death,death, but but howhow thatthat everythingeverything inin

hishis history, including what he was history, including what he was experiencing at this time, had a experiencing at this time, had a

purpose, a purpose which found its purpose, a purpose which found its fulfillment in AD 70; this is what fulfillment in AD 70; this is what

Paul alluded to inPaul alluded to in 6:11-12: : Show … diligence to the full assurance of

hope until the end …; imitate those who, through faith and patience,

inherit the promises, the promises , the promises made to Abrahammade to Abraham ((6:13-20, cf., cf. 10:35-

38).).

Peter, also writing to suffering Peter, also writing to suffering Jewish Christians, encouraged Jewish Christians, encouraged them in much the same way, them in much the same way,

telling them to hold fast because telling them to hold fast because soon they would receive soon they would receive the end of of their faith—their faith—the salvation of their

souls ((1 Pet. 1:9)—the fulfillment of )—the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham through the promise to Abraham through the New Covenant (the New Covenant (Gal. 3:15-29 && 4:21-31). So, again, what was). So, again, what was the

end in mind here?in mind here?

It was the sameIt was the same end as spoken of as spoken of by Jesus inby Jesus in Matthew 24:3,, 13, &, & 34 when Hewhen He toldtold HisHis disciples that thedisciples that the

oldold heaven and earth, the Old , the Old Covenant, would be destroyed. Covenant, would be destroyed.

Why? Because that would bring an Why? Because that would bring an endend to that which could not fulfill to that which could not fulfill the promise to Abraham of a sal-the promise to Abraham of a sal-vation/rest, that which Paul went vation/rest, that which Paul went on to discuss in on to discuss in Hebrews chapter

4. So… . So…

For we have be-For we have be-come partakers come partakers of Christ if we of Christ if we hold hold the the beginning of our beginning of our confidenceconfidence steadfast to the steadfast to the end, while it is end, while it is said, “Today, if said, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not hard-hard- en your en your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”

They needed to They needed to hold on to hold on to the beginning of their confidence— — that that faith with whichfaith with which they started their they started their Christian lives; Christian lives; since the term for since the term for confi- dence isis foundfound inin 11: 1, , and since the idea and since the idea there fits here, there fits here, let’s read it: let’s read it: Faith is the substance

of things hoped for, the evi-dence of things not seen. So… . So…

They needed to They needed to hold on to hold on to the beginning of their confidence— — that that faith with whichfaith with which they started their they started their Christian lives; Christian lives; since the term for since the term for confi- dence isis foundfound inin 11: 1, , and since the idea and since the idea there fits here, there fits here, let’s read it: let’s read it: Faith is the substance

of things hoped for, the evi-dence of things not seen. So… . So…

For we have be-For we have be-come partakers come partakers of Christ if we of Christ if we hold the hold the beginning of our beginning of our confidence confidence steadfast to the steadfast to the end, while it is end, while it is said, “Today, if said, “Today, if you will hear His you will hear His voice, do not voice, do not hard-hard- en your en your hearts as in the hearts as in the rebellion.”rebellion.”

They were urged They were urged by Paul to make by Paul to make the determination the determination to hold fast while to hold fast while they had the they had the opportunity.opportunity.

They were urged They were urged by Paul to make by Paul to make the determination the determination to hold fast while to hold fast while they had the they had the opportunity.opportunity.

For who, having For who, having heard, rebelled? heard, rebelled? Indeed was it Indeed was it not all who not all who came out of came out of Egypt, led by Egypt, led by Moses?Moses?

HebrewHebrews s 3:16 3:16

For who, having For who, having heard, rebelled? heard, rebelled? Indeed was it Indeed was it not all who not all who came out of came out of Egypt, led by Egypt, led by Moses?Moses?

In this verse Paul In this verse Paul was pointing out was pointing out that those who that those who re-belled way re-belled way back then were, back then were, like the Hebrews, like the Hebrews, just be-ginning just be-ginning their jour-ney; so their jour-ney; so if their fore-if their fore-fathers could do fathers could do it, so could they. it, so could they. Fur-thermore… Fur-thermore…

In this verse Paul In this verse Paul was pointing out was pointing out that those who that those who re-belled way re-belled way back then were, back then were, like the Hebrews, like the Hebrews, just be-ginning just be-ginning their jour-ney; so their jour-ney; so if their fore-if their fore-fathers could do fathers could do it, so could they. it, so could they. Fur-thermore… Fur-thermore…

For who, having For who, having heard, rebelled? heard, rebelled? Indeed was it Indeed was it not not all who all who came out of came out of EgyptEgypt, led by , led by Moses?Moses?

There were so There were so many of them many of them who pro-voked who pro-voked God that it God that it constituted nearly constituted nearly an entire an entire generation of generation of people; so if an people; so if an entire generation entire generation could apostatize, could apostatize, so could the few so could the few of them.of them.

There were so There were so many of them many of them who pro-voked who pro-voked God that it God that it constituted nearly constituted nearly an entire an entire generation of generation of people; so if an people; so if an entire generation entire generation could apostatize, could apostatize, so could the few so could the few of them.of them.

Now with whom Now with whom was He angry was He angry forty years? forty years? Was it not with Was it not with those those who who sinned, whosesinned, whose corpses fell in corpses fell in the wilderness?the wilderness?

HebrewHebrews s 3:17 3:17

Now with whom Now with whom was He angry was He angry forty years? forty years? Was it not with Was it not with those those who who sinned, whosesinned, whose corpses fell in corpses fell in the wilderness?the wilderness?

This verse This verse explains that the explains that the fate spoken of fate spoken of pertained only to pertained only to those who sinned. those who sinned. How did they sin? How did they sin? TheyThey rebelledrebelled

againstagainst what what Yahweh said. Yahweh said. Jude 5 says that says that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe..

This verse This verse explains that the explains that the fate spoken of fate spoken of pertained only to pertained only to those who sinned. those who sinned. How did they sin? How did they sin? TheyThey rebelledrebelled

againstagainst what what Yahweh said. Yahweh said. Jude 5 says that says that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe..

And to whom And to whom did did He swear He swear that theythat they would would not enter His not enter His rest, but to rest, but to those who did those who did not obey? So we not obey? So we see that they see that they could not enter could not enter in be-cause of in be-cause of unbelief.unbelief.

HebrewHebrews s 3:18-19 3:18-19

And to whom And to whom did did He swear He swear that theythat they would would not enter His not enter His rest, but to rest, but to those who did those who did not obey? So we not obey? So we see that they see that they could not enter could not enter in be-cause of in be-cause of unbelief.unbelief.

Disobedience Disobedience leads to unbelief leads to unbelief and vice versa; and vice versa; it’s a vicious cycle it’s a vicious cycle that they were that they were not to allow them-not to allow them-selves to get selves to get caught up in. Also caught up in. Also (with the once (with the once saved, always saved, always saved folks in saved folks in mind) notice that mind) notice that believers believers cancan

become become ununbe-be-lievers!lievers!

Let’s conclude by Let’s conclude by reading reading 1st Cor. 10: 1-12: :

Disobedience Disobedience leads to unbelief leads to unbelief and vice versa; and vice versa; it’s a vicious cycle it’s a vicious cycle that they were that they were not to allow them-not to allow them-selves to get selves to get caught up in. Also caught up in. Also (with the once (with the once saved, always saved, always saved folks in saved folks in mind) notice that mind) notice that believers believers cancan

become become ununbe-be-lievers!lievers!

Let’s conclude by Let’s conclude by reading reading 1st Cor. 10: 1-12: :

Brethren, I do not want you to be una-ware that all our fathers were

under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the

sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual

drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with

most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were all scattered in the wilderness. Now

these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also

lusted….

And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The peo-ple sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual im- morality, as some of them did, and in one day

23,000 fell; nor let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted & were destroyed by serpents; nor

murmur as some of them also murmured and were destroyed by

the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as ex-amples,

and they were written for our admonition on whom the ends of the ends of

the agesthe ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take

heed lest he fall.