SOAP 07/15/2016; Hebrews 12:28-29

Today's reading: Isaiah 22, 23, 24; Hebrews 12

S) "²⁸ Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God and acceptable service with reverence and awe; ²⁹ For our God is a consuming fire."

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NASB)

O) This entire chapter is a pretty comprehensive look at what motivates a righteous life. It starts with a prompting to walk sinless with great encouragement. It moves through the discipline of God as our perfect Heavenly Father, then it closes with a look at His holiness. God has always required righteousness from His people, and nothing about His character has changed. As we move through the last two paragraphs of this chapter (vv.18-29), we see that God is just as concerned with our obedience as He ever has been. These last two verses are a reminder that our obedience to Him, our worship (service), our reverence and awe, they actually start from a grateful heart for what He has already done. We should be in awe of His works, understanding that He has already given us more than we could ask, in an unshakeable kingdom (and all the implications of us being part of His kingdom). Furthermore, we must be in awe of Him because He is a consuming fire. That last line almost feels tacked on, as if to remind us that God is not just giving to us, but He is also purging from us. Again, this is harkening back to terms describing God throughout the Old Testament, which affirms again that He had not changed.

A) This entire chapter is heavily convicting. I am guilty of sin, and I sometimes struggle with a feeling of shame, not just for sinning, but that a particular sin still easily entangles me (see v.1). Still, the very last verse is actually a comfort and a hope. So much do I hate the sin in my life, that I pray God would brin it from me, no matter how much that heat would sear. The problem, I suppose, is that I want the fire to consume after I have sinned, and I am less focused on this while I am tempted. I must still remember all of the context, though. My Father hates sin, and so I should expect discipline (v.9). Also, my Father loves me, so I should invite His discipline (vv.10-11). All through this messy process, though, I need to keep my heart set on reverence and awe, and a worship that serves Him. That is the whole purpose of holy living. I am not to be set apart as holy, just for the sake of being separate. I am to be holy, so that I will be His as an instrument in His hands, to do His will.

P) Father God, You are a consuming fire. You require righteousness, because You are righteous. You require holiness, just as You are holy, so that I may do Your will and honor Your name, God. In the light of day, this is my clear heart's desire. Discipline me, Lord. Give me the strength, will, and clarity of mind to walk in righteousness day and night, not only for the sake of clean hands, but that my clean hands may do Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/14/2016; Hebrews 11:32

Today's reading: Isaiah 19, 20, 21; Hebrews 11

S) "³² And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,"

Hebrews 11:32 (NASB)

O) The writer was going into detail, examining the faith of heroes from the Old Testament. Starting with Abel, he went through the faith and works of great leaders through the time of Joshua and Rahab. He is laying a foundation to say that salvation from God has always been based on faith in Him. Even before the law was given, salvation always came from relationship with the LORD, and it is the relationship that allowed these men and women to suffer the hardships they did, while still fixing their eyes on the hope of their salvation. Then, having made his point with specific names and events, he stops up and gives a general recap of the works, and sufferings, for the faith that various leaders had. He even seems to, without naming them, refer to contemporary Christian martyrs of the faith.

A) There are two main points to take away from this, and the reason I highlighted it as instruction. The first is that I like to teach. I obviously teach my own children about the Lord, but I also enjoy ministering to people of all ages. I like the practice of mutual ministry, gathering with other men and women so we can discuss Scripture, share testimonies, and talk about theology (however unsophisticated it may be). I have also had the opportunity to teach in a more formal setting, both as a youth pastor, and also in an informal school of ministry. In those moments, those teaching moments, it is very easy for me to get carried away. However, this verse reminds me to stay focused on the point (which in most cases is going to be the gospel of Jesus Christ). I don't want to get sidetracked with tangential arguments or speculations. Secondly, this verse reminds me to respect the intelligence of my audience. I don't want to assume they have learned everything already, otherwise how could I ever teach someone. Still, I never want to belittle someone, or be arrogant and therefore condescending. I can make a point without having to thoroughly discuss something else, which may very well be an elementary topic to them (as the above was for most Hebrews of the time). Of course, I don't want to miss the forest for the trees. This verse still has the original, and bigger point, that the acts of faith and suffering are too many to name. In my own life, I hope that I honor my savior Jesus Christ, with my own faith and any suffering I ever endure. I can only hope to be added to so great a list, even if I'm never named among the many who were.

P) Father, thank You for my open eyes and ears. May I never stop being willing, to learn and be taught. I pray that You continue to lead me in all truth, and that You use whomever You will, to teach me what I should know. I have such a heart, that others would know You at least as well as I do. I never want people to be as unprepared as I once was, to defend the gospel. I never want people to be as ignorant to the truth as I once was. I know that spiritual things are spiritually discerned, but they are also spiritually taught. Help me honor You, as I seek to teach my brothers and sisters well. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/13/2016; Hebrews 10:23-25

Today's reading: Isaiah 15, 16, 17, 18; Hebrews 10

S) "²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ²⁴ and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near."

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NASB)

O) As we read this whole letter, and we consider the audience and the culture of their time and community, and we bear in mind context (see vv.32-34), it's easy to understand that these Jewish Christians might have had a great deal of discouragements. Given the broad and frequent reminders that the ways of Jesus (His ministry, sacrifice, and covenant) are better in every way, than the old system of temple worship (the old covenant as a whole), it's easy to understand that some Jewish believers were falling away from faith in Jesus as their Christ. But, the writer has plain instructions for maintaining faith, remaining strong. First, they must remember in whom they trust. He is faithful. Second, the gift of the gospel is not only for us. This is a gift to hold with an open hand. Our faith is a faith that loves and a faith that works, and our love and good deeds glorify Christ. They help prove the gospel, as people are able to observe the change in our lives. Lastly, to meet together regularly, because no man is an island. Christianity is a familial life. Jesus said that His disciples are His family, when they are doing His work. Isolation is a tactic of every kind of predator, and our enemy is no different. Being in strong community with brothers and sisters in Christ is the surest way to keep our eyes clear, our hearts open, and our lives devoted to our Lord.

A) The simple application is to obey these words, right? It is noteworthy, that I think the writer of Hebrews was probably talking about the end of the temple, with his closing words of this passage. However, certainly as the end of anything draws near, as time progresses on through seasons or epochs, it is certainly more and more critical that I remain strong in my faithfulness to Christ. Whether it is the end of a trial, the end of my own life, or even the end of this present world. I must keep my mind on Him, in whom and through whom and by whom all my faith, trust, and hope rests. I do not hold to random religious rites. I am not obedient to arbitrary instruction. Christ Jesus has promised that through faith in Him, I have eternal life. He promised that, because I love Him and so obey Him, that He has prepared a place for me. In verse 24, I have two responsibilities. First, I must be willing to lead by example and love and do good deeds. Then, I must have the boldness, the trust and love, to encourage others to do the same. This is all to His glory, and to further the reach and impact of the gospel. Lastly, meeting with believers, both in attending church service and corporate worship, and also in meeting throughout the week and being in community and fellowship, I need to be involved in the lives of other believers. I also need to invite them into my life. Relationships can be hard, and messy, and scary, and vulnerable. But, they are absolutely vital.

P) Father God, above all elseC I want to honor You. In every way, You are worthy of all my worship. My whole life, every part of it, is Yours. Help me to keep my mind focused on You. Stir me up, let the Holy Spirit churn within me, to love and good deeds. Then, may I be bold and caring enough, to stir up fellow believers to do the same. Lastly, help me to open up with other believers. Help me to be intentional with my relationships. Help me to be consistent and reliable, when it comes to corporate worship, and sitting under the teaching of Your word. Help me to be more inviting, and more involved, in the lives of brothers and sisters around me. Help me to set this culture in my own house, first, Help me to have an impact in the culture of my local church, to take these commands seriously. There is an end date coming, and even if that's hundreds of years away, still, I know we're still running out of time. Help me to be more and more faithful in these things, especially as I see the day drawing near. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/12/2016; Hebrews 9:27-28

Today's reading: Isaiah 11, 12, 13, 14; Hebrews 9

S) "²⁷ “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, ²⁸ so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him."

Hebrews 9:27-28 (NASB)

O) Most importantly, this passage reminds us of the purpose in the death of Christ, and that His return will first be to gather His people to Himself. There will be judgment, just as the passage says, but His second coming means salvation without reference to sin, to those who wait upon Him as Lord. That is simply glorious! Also, nestled into the beginning here, is an interesting affirmation of God's created order for things. This first verse is proof-positive that there is no biblical possibility for reincarnation. The resurrection is not that. There will only be one death. The only people who will share in the resurrection with Christ, will also share in His glory, and suffer no other death.

A) This is one of those passages that really just serves as a comfort and as an affirmation of what I believe. God's created way is according to His sovereignty. It is perfectly authored, and the more I recognize that, the more humbled I am. His plan for the way human life goes is perfectly just. His plan for the way the gospel redeems human life is perfectly glorious. In my redemption, I have no fear whatsoever, in the return of Jesus Christ. He has perfectly removed every cause for trepidation, because in the gospel, the judgment that was coming is now finished at the cross. The resurrection that is coming is assured at the empty grave. The life that I have is sealed by the Holy Spirit. This leaves me awestruck and thankful.

P) Father, thank You so much for this perfect reminder, that on Christ I have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate! Thank You for the reminder, that I do indeed have only one life to live, but in Christ it is perfectly lived. So, I have no fear in death, no fear of that final judgment, because I eagerly await the return of my King, my Savior, Jesus Christ. May this thanksgiving, this joy, rightly affect the way I live out my life. Be glorified in my words and deeds, that I may properly display the gospel to the glory of Christ. Even though I don't fear judgment, I know I still only have one life. I have one life to honor You in all that I may. So, let Your will be done with Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 07/11/2016; Hebrews 8:13

Today's reading: Isaiah 8, 9, 10; Hebrews 8

S) "¹³ When He said, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."

Hebrews 8:13 (NASB)

O) Context is very important to understanding this verse, and how it relates to the next few chapters. The writer is addressing Hebrew Christians. These are people who have put their faith in Jesus as the Messiah they've been seeking. These are people who have often been ostracized by their community, as rebelling against the contemporary rabbis, synagogues, and culture. The gospel was teaching them that the old system of temple sacrifice is obsolete, and yet many of their friends and family members were still participants in that old temple system. Because the temple had not yet been destroyed, as of the time this book was written, it was hard to comprehend. However, it was no small thing that Jesus prophesied the destruction of the temple, because that affirms the fact that His sacrifice is eternal, sufficient, and superior in every way. But, as of the time of this writing, the temple work had not yet disappeared.

A) This verse (like many that I've highlighted in this book), serves to remind me that the covenant in Jesus Christ will never be replaced. This verse reminds me of the sovereignty of God, that He is the author of the gospel from its start. This humbles me, and makes me thankful, knowing that God's love and compassion, His grace, was to give us such a permanent covenant. He so desired reconciliation with us, that He made a way for us forever to be with Him.

P) Father, thank You for such a great love as You have poured out for me. Thank You for making a permanent, perfect covenant, that I can be reconciled to You based on nothing less, than the sacrifice of Your one and only Son. Open my eyes to see these nuances in Scripture. Help me to see context and have more understanding about Your eternal ways. I long to know You more and better, Father God. Have Your way with Your servant. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 07/10/2016; Hebrews 7:22

Today's reading: Micah 5, 6, 7; Hebrews 7


S) "²² so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant."

Hebrews 7:22 (NASB)

O) This chapter really highlights the perpetuity of Christ's priesthood, by showing how Jesus and Melchizedek are the same. The writer quoted Ps.110:4, and also referred back to the definitions of this priest's name, and his appointed kingdom. He is the king of righteousness and the king of peace, both of which Jesus is. This point had been foreshadowed in chapters 5 and 6, but the purpose of this chapter, is really to show that this new covenant we have is now permanent. There is no better covenant that could exist, which is displayed through the fact that there could be no better priest. That point is culminated in vv.18-20. But, the verse above cements the whole thing. This new covenant begins with the blood of Jesus, it is proven in the body of Jesus, and it is guaranteed in the resurrection and everlasting life of Jesus.

A) There was a time when I was much less mature in my knowledge of the Scriptures, and much less sure of the reasons for my faith. I didn't struggle with doubts, but I struggled with defense (or explanation). I remember I was asked once, if the old covenant was ended, how I knew that God wouldn't replace this current covenant eventually. At the time, I was at a loss for an answer. I just trusted in the traditions of Christianity. Now I know better. It is exactly because the Messiah was going to do this all along. The old covenant, even throughout the Old Testament, had a time limit. The Messiah would come and bring with Him a new, everlasting covenant. There could be no newer covenant, unless Jesus Himself could somehow become insufficient. He is not just a guarantee, but He is the everlasting guarantee. Our covenant in Christ comes with a lifetime guarantee, not based on our own lifetime, but based on His lifetime, which is indeed eternal.

P) Father, this is such a beautiful promise. Thank You for making this so clear. Thank You for establishing a covenant based on Your own character, based on who You are, instead of on man. We are, as created beings, so insufficient. But in Your glorious, loving grace, in Your perfect timing, You established this perfect way, that my reconciliation to You would be established by none other than Your perfect Son. I am so humbled by that love, and eternally grateful. Let Your servant honor You, through obedience and praise, in thanksgiving for such a promise. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.