Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 5)

1) Every high priest was a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presented their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins.

2) The high priest was able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself was subjected to the same weaknesses.

3) The high priest had to offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people he represented.

4) No one could become a high priest simply because he wanted to. He had to be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was, in the Old Testament.

5) Jesus Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become a High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”

6) Jesus Christ was made a priest forever in the “order of Melchizedek.” No other priest had this distinction.

7) While Jesus was here on earth, he prayed and pleaded, with a loud cry and tears, to God asking to be rescued from death. When Jesus prayed, God heard his prayers because of his obedience and deep reverence for God.

8) Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.

9) Because of his suffering and obedience, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest. Jesus is the source of eternal salvation for all those who believe and obey him.

10) God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. There is much more that could be said about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since most of us are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.

11) We have been believers so long now that we ought to be teaching others. Instead, we need someone to teach us again the basic things about God’s word. We are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.

12) For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between good and evil.

Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 4)

1) Now, since God has left us the promise that we may enter His rest, let us be very careful so that none of us will fail to enter.

2) The children of Israel heard the message of God’s promise; however, they failed to believe what they heard, and the promise of God did them no good.

3) Only people who have faith will enter into the place of rest (promise). Because of our disobedience and unbelief God becomes angry; because we rebel against His will.

4) God finished His work, and rested on the seventh day.

5) The promise of God remains good; however, we can only see the fulfillment of God’s promise through obedience.

6) When God speaks to us by His Word or an inward witness, we must obey, and believe what God has said.

7) No one but God can give us rest. God fulfills all of His promises.

8) Joshua tried to encourage God’s people regarding the promised rest; however, the people refused to believe.

9) The Sabbath is for rest.

10) The day will come when we will all rest from our labor.

11) We must do our best to enter into the rest (promise) of God. We enter in through obedience.

12) The Word of God is active-working and alive; cutting through our spirits and souls; the place where the joints and marrow meet. God’s Word judges a person’s thoughts and intentions.

13) No one can hide from God. Everything is uncovered and exposed for Him to see. We must answer to Him.

14) Jesus Christ the Son of God is our high priest; He is now in heaven, making intercession for us.

15) We have a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way that we are, however, he didn't sin.

16) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious and merciful God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Keys of Truth: Hebrews (Chapter 3)

1) We are consecrated and set apart; being called by God. Let’s thoughtfully and attentively consider Jesus, who is our Apostle and High Priest. We confess Jesus to be our own as Christians.

2) Jesus was faithful to the call of God, being appointed by God.

3) Jesus has been counted worthy of glory and honor. No man is more worthy than Jesus.

4) God is the builder and creator of the universe.

5) Jesus as the Son of God has authority over the household of God. We as believers are residents of the Father’s house.

6) As believers we must remember that we are now residents of God’s house; having confidence and joy in this truth; holding firmly to this truth with expectation until the end.

7) We are admonished; hear the voice of God through His Word today (now).

8) If we refuse to hear God’s Word, we rebel against God. If we rebel against God we will find ourselves lost and wandering.

9) The Word of God teaches that people who continually try the patience of God will be destroyed.

10) It is through the Word of God that we learn the heart and mind of God.

11) God does get angry, and those of us that anger God will experience God’s wrath.

12) There is a place of rest found in the Word of God, and it’s in this place of rest that we find the fulfillment of God’s promises.

13) We must resist anything that causes our hearts (and minds) to be evil and unbelieving; this causes us to turn away from God.

14) We must encourage one another daily, to avoid rebellion, and, the deceitfulness of sin.

15) We are all one with Jesus Christ and share in all that He has for us. We must hold on to this truth with confidence and assured expectation; being strong, firm, and unshakable.

16) Whenever we hear God’s voice (via His Word or His voice speaking to our hearts), do not rebellion against God.

17) Those of us that refuse to believe will not enter into the rest (promise) of God.

18) Our unbelief irritates, grieves, and provokes God.

19) We cannot be persuaded if we have not heard.

20) We must be willing to adhere to, and trust in, and rely on God, if we expect to see His promise.