Does God punish believers when they sin? A look at the book of Hebrews

On a recent Freedom From Addiction webinar, a question came up about Hebrews 12 basically asking if God punishes believers when they sin; the word used in the passage is the word "discipline". When you think of that word, what comes to your mind? For many, it is the idea of punishment for wrong doing, like being spanked as a child. So, is God punishing me as a believer when I screw up?

First, let's be clear. Just because something bad happens in your life that does not equate to God punishing you. Remember, the world is broken because of sin and sometimes bad things just happen to both the unbeliever and believer. Sometimes you end up suffering the consequences of a bad decision and sometimes not (there are times when God intervenes and rescues you out of natural consequences for His purpose). Don't spend a lot of time trying to figure all that out, it's not worth it. Certainly learn from it all but in the midst of the bad stuff, KNOW that God loves you and is NOT punishing you. Let me give you what I see as the "bottom line" then we'll jump in head first to the book of Hebrews.

Bottom Line: As a believer, Jesus Christ took the punishment for ALL your sin; there is not one sin you have done or have yet to do or think that was left off the cross...Jesus took care of them all. As we grow in grace, God will use whatever He deems best (what we might view as good things going our way to challenging situations, events and relationships) to lessen our dependence on our old ways of thinking and responding (e.g. flesh) so that we might experience His righteousness, holiness and love in Christ. He is growing us up to experience, in this life, our new creation in Christ.

Now, there are a number of Greek words translated "discipline" in the scripture. In Hebrews 12, you find the word "paideia" or "paideuo" (Greek Dictionary of the New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance):

3809. παιδεία paideia; from 3811; the rearing of a child, training, discipline: —discipline(5), training(1).

3811. παιδεύω paideuo; from 3816; to train children, to chasten, correct: —correcting(1), discipline(2), disciplined(2), disciplines(1), educated(2), instructing(1), punish(2), punished (1), taught(1).

The words can be used in the sense of punishment (like in the negative sense to "teach you a lesson") but more often they are used in the sense of education and training and correction like in Acts 7:22

“Moses was educated ["paideuo"] in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds.

Our focus will be the book of Hebrews, a letter written to Jewish believers and unbelievers highlighting Jesus Christ as the author of a new and better covenant. Before we dive-in to Hebrews 12, let's take a look at a few key passages along the way. I think you will find that throughout the book of Hebrews the author bridging the conversation with the common ground of Jewish tradition and law with a goal for the Hebrew readers to consider Jesus and believe, to receive His salvation and share in His holiness / sanctification. Check out a few key verses below that either urge the reader to consider Jesus or to believe. I will highlight a few passages from Chapter 1 through chapter 11 so we can understand a bit of context and then focus on chapter 12.

...

Consider Jesus

• Heb. 1:1-2 ¶ God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
• Heb. 3:1 ¶ Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;
• Heb. 7:22, 27 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. ...who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
• Heb. 8:6-7 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second.
• Heb. 10:9-10 then He said, “BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL.” He takes away the first in order to establish the second. By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
• Heb. 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
• Heb. 10:16-18 “THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD. I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.” Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Believe and receive His Salvation

• Heb. 2:2-3 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,
• Heb. 3:12 Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. [not a believer falling away from God but an unbelieving Hebrew falling away from God by not choosing Christ]
• Heb. 3:19-4:2 So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. ¶ Therefore, let us fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard.
• Heb. 10:19-22 ¶ Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
• Heb. 10:26-31 ¶ For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth [we choose not to believe], there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins [Jesus is the only acceptable sacrifice], but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES [Believers in Christ are not adversaries, those who reject Christ have set themselves against God]. Anyone who has set aside the Law of Moses dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE [Israel].” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
• Heb. 10:39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction [shrink back from choosing to believe], but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.
• Heb. 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Well, the letter to the Hebrews continues in chapter 11 describing what faith looks like with some very key Old Testament figures as will as the "others" identified in Hebrews 11:36. When we finally get to chapter 12, the author continues urging the Hebrew readers to consider Jesus and believe. Let me take you through the chapter and simply add a few comments with the text that I hope will provide some insights. I certainly do NOT claim the below as the only or even best interpretation of this passage, just how I see it. Here we go!

...

The Offer - 12:1-3

Heb. 12:1-3 ¶ Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us [unbelief or anything keeping us from believing], and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ¶ For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

[the race begins, continues and ends with faith]

As noted throughout the book of Hebrews, the author is asking the reader to consider Jesus. If you jump down to Hebrews 12:25, the author is telling the reader not to refuse Jesus. Everything in between those verses is convincing the reader to consider and accept Jesus. And who are the readers again? The Authors own countryman known as Hebrews, the children of Israel.

What you haven't done, He did as your Savior - 12:4

Heb. 12:4 You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;

[The age old question, what do we do with our sin? Jesus took care of it through the cross. You're not going to find a scripture telling the believer to strive against sin]

What you have forgotten, He still does as a Father - 12:5-11

Heb. 12:5-11 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons,

[So who is this for? It is for the children of Israel "addressed to you as sons" who have forgotten; the author quotes from the book of Job and Proverbs]

“MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD, NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM; FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES."

[By the way, that is exactly what happened to Jesus, and as a believer, you were in Him when it happened (you were scourged in Christ, crucified, buried and raised a new creation when you were received by the Father). Perhaps they did not realize God was still guiding and correcting them as they pursue Him. Perhaps the Hebrews couldn't accept all that Jesus went through on their behalf taking the punishment for their sin]

It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

[Perhaps God is doing what he's always done with the children of Israel, he is disciplining or correcting them to obedience, and in this case, the obedience of faith. No matter, this is addressed to them]

The Plea to pursue - 12:12-14

Heb. 12:12-14 ¶ Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. ¶ Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

[Walk the narrow path to pursue Christ. When this was written, believers were going through a very difficult time and would soon go through an even greater amount of persecution. In light of the Hebrews current environment and misunderstanding of the Law, accepting Jesus as the one offering for sanctification and being identified as a "Christian" was a very challenging decision]

Illustration 1: Esau - 12:15-17

Heb. 12:15-17 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears.

[The birthright was essential for the blessing; no birthright, no big inheritance. The author urges them through this historical illustration not to be short sighted like Esau and come short of God's grace, but rather put their faith in Christ ("born again") and as holder of this new birth right, receive the inheritance]

Illustration 2: It's not like Mount Horeb / Sinai - 12:18-24

Heb. 12:18-24 ¶ For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. For they could not bear the command, “IF EVEN A BEAST TOUCHES THE MOUNTAIN, IT WILL BE STONED.” And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I AM FULL OF FEAR and trembling.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

[The Law is very tangible and scary at times; grace through faith, however, is not and it is so much better]

The plea not to refuse - 12:25

Heb. 12:25 ¶ See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven.

[Again, the point of this chapter is simply, do not refuse Christ]

The Promise - 12:26-29

Heb. 12:26-29 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.” This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

[God will shake up and consume all things outside of Christ, so receive Christ and His kingdom; the only way to offer acceptable service to God is in Christ]

...

What's your take away from Hebrews 12? Are believers punished when they sin? I really don't think so, it's just not consistent with the new covenant and not close to what this chapter is talking about in my opinion. Are believer's disciplined, trained, corrected and taught by their loving Heavenly Father? Yes, but again that's not even the point of Hebrews 12. If you want to talk Christian discipline, try

Titus 2:11-14 ¶ For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing ["paidueo"] us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

You are God's own possession. Trust Him in the good and the bad times; He loves you and longs for you to experience His love and His life right now. Punishment was finalized on the cross..."it is finished".

Are you getting it?

I had a conversation with an awesome gentleman on our Freedom From Addictive Behaviors Advanced Webinar this evening; he kept saying he believed God's truth but just doesn't comprehend it or really get it in his life? I wonder if that is true for you? Perhaps the issue is your underlying assumptions on the idea of "victory". If you assume that "getting it" or "comprehending it" means that you will not often fail, and thus every time you fail you obviously never "got it", you have misunderstood the concept of God's grace and freedom. If we try to measure our faith, love or even comprehension of the truth by our wins, losses or other behavioral means, we have not yet grasped the grace of God. Now, I'm all for winning and seeing results in our behavior, that's awesome, but we often find the true measure of understanding God's grace and victory in the midst of our failure.

When you fail, do you confess your sinfulness often in tears of regret? Do you tell God or yourself that you want to be victorious? I really believe those behaviors are evidence of old, legalistic, performance-minded thinking (although nothing wrong with feeling sad when you blow it). Are you victorious in the midst of your sin? The answer is yes! Are you still holy and righteous as you make wrong choices leading up to a major failure? The answer is yes! Your true identity is still in tact; Christ and His love and omnipotence are still residing in you. He loves you before, during and after your sin. How? All of that stuff was taken care of at the cross...every last bit of it past, present and future. You can't get any more forgiven than you are right now. So, how are you defining victory? Is victory a function of your behavior or a function of Christ? If a function of your behavior, you believe victory is "winning" or at worst, "not failing" and it is up to you to "get it". If victory is a function of Christ, it is already done and already yours as a gift of His grace (your behavior has nothing to do with it). You don't need to struggle and strive to get what you already have "in Christ", and His victory is already yours! Our job is to unwrap and experience His victory in our daily walk.

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 15:57 NAS95)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
(Philippians 4:6 NAS95)

So, when you do fail, thank God for His grace and forgiveness. Thank God the He is your victory and strength. Don't overanalyze the situation...your "failure", which God knew ahead of time by the way, is most often the result of believing a lie to meet a perceived or quite possibly real need instead of trusting Christ Who is your life. Real victory is knowing that you are already victorious no matter how you feel or even behave. As you begin to understand and accept His truth, your behavior will slowly line up consistent with the truth you are now believing. Of course, when you do screw up (and you will), you're now secure in His love, grace and forgiveness realizing that old thinking and believing doesn't really fit the new you. You can simply fail, forward faster as I call it...you move on knowing His love NEVER changes. Now, that does NOT mean you "make light" of sin, you simply make a big deal of God's grace through Christ on the cross.

Think About It - Romans 12:4-5

You are uniquely designed as a member of the body of Christ to love and serve others as only you can. No need trying to be someone else...grow in grace as the YOU God made and encourage others along the way. I hope you enjoy this 30 second insight on Romans 12:4-5.

 

Think About It - Romans 12:3

Romans 12:3 in a thirty second video...thinking about yourself in such a way that reminds me of Goldilocks and the Three Bears where the last porridge was "not too hot, not too cold, just right".

Think About It - Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 in a thirty second video...transformation!

 

 

Think About It - Romans 12:1

Going through Romans 12 thirty seconds at a time via video for my InsideOut (Browns Bridge Community Church high school student ministry) 2014 Merida Mexico mission trip team. Hopefully will make it through the whole chapter!

Think About It - Romans 12:1

 

Blameless

Do you ever feel like you are in trouble with God? You messed up yet again and feel just awful. Well, the apostle Paul gives us some good news...you are blameless!

1Cor. 1:8 who [Jesus] will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. "Confirm", from the NAS Greek Dictionary, means

950. βεβαιόω bebaioo; from 949; to confirm, secure: —confirm(2), confirmed(3), established(1), establishes(1), strengthened(1).

Can you believe it? I hope you do, it's true! You are secured and established by God "in Christ" as BLAMELESS, all the way to the end, when all is fulfilled "in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ". That means right now, tomorrow, all the way through standing in front of God after your death, He calls you "blameless". What is "blameless"?

410. ἀνέγκλητος anegkletos; from 1 (as a neg. pref.) and 1458; not to be called to account, unreprovable: —above reproach(2), beyond reproach(2), blameless(1). - NAS Greek Dictionary

I love that...you are unreprovable, above and beyond reproach; you are blameless as far as God is concerned (and His opinion matters the most). You may still make some bad choices, say the wrong thing, or any number of "mistakes" or "sin" and even experience the human consequences of those decisions...that's just life as a human being. In the midst of all that mess, where do you and God stand? I will tell you, it's one word, "blameless". Jesus took all your blame at the cross and gave you His righteousness, holiness and so much more. Every bad thought, action or desire you had, have or will ever have in the future was nailed to the cross and taken care of...you are "blameless"! Do you get it? Will you believe it? You have been radically changed from the inside out...you are a brand new creation who is blameless for now and forever more.

The next verse confirms an incredible truth we must internalize...

1Cor. 1:9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God is faithful...you are BLAMELESS and are called to enjoy an intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ right now. Enjoy it!

Some might say this is nothing more than a "license to sin". No, it's scripture and, as I've said for many years, "a license to live"! No need to feel sorry for yourself and wallow in self defeat and self condemnation...you are blameless. Don't stop or delay your journey in Christ just because you blew it..keep moving, or as I put it, "Fail, Forward, Faster". God is on your side...He is urging you forward to know Him better, He is NOT condemning or judging you (that was taken care of at the cross). When you feel condemned, that's not God...so what do you do? That's easy...by faith, simply thank God that through the cross He has made you "blameless"! Now go, be free and enjoy your day!

Sanctified - Past Tense

1Cor. 1:2 ¶ To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours (NAS95).

I love this verse...if you have accepted Christ you are "in Christ" and in Him you have been sanctified, past tense! Sanctified, in the NAS Greek dictionary, means:

37. ἁγιάζω hagiazo; from 40; to make holy, consecrate, sanctify: —hallowed(2), keep holy(1), sanctified(16), sanctifies(2), sanctify(7).

God made YOU holy "in Christ"; in fact, you are identified as a "saint" in this and other scriptures. In fact, all those who call on the name of the Lord are made holy and identified as saints...pretty cool.

Are you trying to work on your sanctification? Well, don't...your sanctification is a done deal! If you want something to work on, work on accepting what God has already done inside you as a believer. I know, I know...you don't always "look" and "feel" sanctified. I totally understand. The fact is you are sanctified...as you start believing that truth you may actually begin to look and feel the part.

Abide in Christ

Check out the embedded video on abiding in Christ.

TruthNHim Video Series

Just launched a new video teaching series called "TruthNHim"; you can find it on YouTube under the "LiveNHim" channel. TruthNHim videos are short teaching videos on specific verses or topics in Scripture centered around God's grace and our new life in Christ. Our first one focuses on Abiding in Christ (an often misunderstood concept and overcomplicated by many). I hope you enjoy the series. Come check us out on http://www.youtube.com/user/LiveNHim.

My faith or God's gift?

Just added this to the FAQ page...it seems to be coming up a bit more. I haven't added much to the FAQs in a long time so thought this would be fitting. It is a simple and short response to a question I hear often...undoubtably an insufficient answer to such a big theological question but none the less, here it is.

--------------------------------------
My faith or God's gift?
OK, this is a loaded question. The answer is, in my opinion, both. I won't get into the many, many years of theological debate re: predestination vs. free will (I've provided a few thoughts on the subject elsewhere). In general, we all have the God given ability to believe or have faith as a function of our will. Some would say our mind and will are tainted by sin and bend away from faith in Christ, thus God gives us His faith to believe (or chooses to make us righteous so we can believe thus the predestination angle). I take a slightly different approach…"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32 NAS95S). I believe that God is drawing ALL men to Himself as a result of Christ's work on the cross. ALL men, however, must then choose to believe (and many will not). Some might argue that type of faith, as I have defined it, is a work of man and we all know "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9 NAS95S). The sticking point here is that the word “gift” is not referencing "faith" but rather His grace and salvation. Salvation is not a work we do it is a gift of God that we receive by faith.

“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ. Jesus” (Rom 3:24 NAS95S)...note that the "justification" is the gift here as a result of the cross.

“For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:17 NAS95S)...note that "righteousness" is the gift that we "receive".

One other thought…God has also defined faith in the scriptures as choosing to believe. “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom 4:5 NAS95S). "Believes in Him" is defined as "his faith" and further defined as "the one who does not work". Believing is not a work, it is called faith.

So, my faith or God's gift?…how 'bout BOTH.

Approval

What a great message this morning at Browns Bridge Community Church by Ben Crawshaw (alias Mr. Takeout as many of us with kids may know him). If you're in the area, check out the "Solomon Says" series July 12, 19, 26 at Browns Bridge, Northpoint or Buckhead church. So many folks struggle with "Approval" and have struggled for years. Ben pointed out a great verse in Proverbs 29:25 that explains "To fear anyone will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe [TNIV]". Don't you just love Proverbs...short, sweet and right to the point. The "need for approval" is often fueled by a fear of rejection and as the verse says, is simply a trap. We end up doing things we might not do because we crave that approval so much and in the end, it was never worth the sacrifice of our conscience. I've fallen in the approval trap more times than I care to admit and I'm sure you have as well. Feeling and experiencing the approval of others in not wrong in and of itself, in fact, it feels great but you'll never fill that "need" of acceptance and approval on your own. Jesus Christ, through His death, burial and resurrection, has already accepted you "in Christ". As a believer, you have God's approval and acceptance right now apart from anything you can or ever will do. As Proverbs 29:25 continues, "whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe". Are you trusting Him for your approval and acceptance? Will you choose the truth that you have nothing more to prove to God since Jesus did it all on your behalf (unless you think you can add something Jesus forgot or failed to accomplish)? As you start to wrap your brain around this truth your "need" to chase approval from others will start to diminish. Right now allow Christ to transform you from chasing approval to receiving His love.

A few thoughts on Hebrews 10

I've been reading through the book of Hebrews and again find myself at Hebrews 10:26. For many, this is a very tough passage to dissect. Although there are many smart commentators out there, if you're looking for a simple approach to understanding these verses, you've come to the right place (simple is about as much as my brain can muster). The author of Hebrews, speaking to an apparent Jewish audience mixed with believers and unbelievers alike, articulates some awesome insight around the new covenant vs. the old and specifically in this chapter, one sacrifice (of Christ) vs. many sacrifices (as performed by the Levitical priests). I love the following verses:

“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, waiting from that time onward UNTIL HIS ENEMIES BE MADE A FOOTSTOOL FOR HIS FEET. For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” (Heb 10:10-14 NAS95S)

I believe the author is leveraging the "old system (Heb 10:1)" of Jewish laws and sacrifices to explain the reality of Christ and His grace. For some believers in the crowd, the author is replacing some of the old thinking with new truth. For the unbelievers in the crowd, the author is providing the big picture and persuading them to come to faith in Christ. The author sums up to this point that “where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.” (Heb 10:18 NAS95S). Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross is a once and done deal...there are no more offerings necessary to deal with the sin issue (Jesus is the reality and fulfillment of the old system of sacrifices and law). Next, the author appeals to the non-believers in the audience with some additional application of course for those who know Christ. I believe Hebrews 10:19-25 is part invitation to accept Christ and part exhortation to keep the faith. He encourages the non-believers to come in "through the veil" with "full assurance of faith" for the cleansing of their soul (pointing to the ceremonial washings and sprinkling of blood). I read this as "come on in to forgiveness and new life by grace through faith in Christ"...a Jew would never think to go behind the curtain to the holy of holies but now that veil has been torn through the death of Christ with an invitation for all to enter in. The author further exhorts all to hold fast their faith without wavering during the difficult times ahead because God is faithful no matter what happens; he also reminds them to encourage one another and not forsake meeting together. What a great invitation and encouraging message, but the reality is there are many who will not believe.

For those who choose not to believe ("sinning willfully" as described in Heb 10:26) and come "through the veil" (i.e., via the sacrifice of Christ) after hearing and receiving the truth in various forms (written and oral), "there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES (Hebrews 10:26-27 NAS95S)." If you are "in Christ" you are NOT God's adversary...on the contrary, you are sanctified and forgiven (I do not see this at all as a believer who went AWOL back to their former life...we're talking someone who, after hearing the truth, simply rejects Christ's offer of forgiveness and life)! If you reject the truth and sacrifice of Jesus at the cross, there's no other way to deal with your sin. The author further clarifies in Hebrews 10:28-31with a comparison of the severity of breaking the law of Moses as determined by two or three witnesses verses one "who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace." The person in question here has "regarded as unclean [or common, ineffective] the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified" and in rejecting Christ, "insulted the Spirit of grace" (Hebrews 10:29 NASB95S)". Breaking the Law of Moses was bad, but rejecting the offer of grace and forgiveness in Christ has eternal consequences.

Well, I'll stop at this point...I'm sure many of you have some great additional insights other than what I've shared above. I hope you found it helpful as you study this important chapter of the Bible. Talk with you soon.

A way of escape

I just heard a message the other day on 1 Corinthians 10:13...good message and very targeted illustrations. I thought I'd give a few thoughts as well.

When you look at 1 Corinthians 10 you'll notice Paul making reference to Israel coming out of captivity and into the wilderness (with the ultimate goal of the Promised Land). While in the wilderness, Paul draws our attention to some pretty rough times for Israel. In fact, 10:6 says "now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved." Paul is about to give us some highlight (or low lights) in hopes we will not repeat history! Remember, they were in the wilderness and even after seeing incredible miracles were confused, stressed out, unsure of their future and more. Israel turned away from dependence on God and turned to idols (something they could see and touch which actually gave them a false sense of control). Bad decision that led to all sorts of issues and temptations including immorality, complaining and even putting God to the test! Verse 12 warns us to be careful and alert lest we fall (sometimes when we think everything is going our way the bottom can drop out along with our faith). Fall into what you might ask? Well, perhaps fall into the same lack of dependence on Christ when circumstances begin spinning out of our control! After that warning from Paul we come to 1 Corinthians 10:13.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 NAS95S)

First, the word temptation..."peirasmo".

3986. peirasmo/ß peirasmos, pi-ras-mos´; from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity: — temptation, x try. [Strong's Exhaustive Concordance]

Trials and temptation go hand in hand (Temptation may not always involve a specific trial or adversity but trials and adversity always bring with them some type of temptation). Temptation is the internal struggle to trust God and His way or me and my way...the "trial" is the external circumstances influencing that internal struggle. "Peirasmo" is translated both "temptation" and "trial" or "test" so the context drives our understanding of the word. In 1 Corinthians 10 the context involves trials and the corresponding temptations.

Adversity in our life offers unique opportunities for temptation. Israel was going though some tough times and yielded to temptation in turning away from their complete dependence on God. In verse 13 I believe the Lord is telling us that similar trials and the corresponding temptations we experience have been faced by others ("common to man"), just like in Israel (wandering in the wilderness, uncertainty, lack of control, where will I get my next meal, et. al.). The driving point of 10:13 is the fact that through it all,

GOD IS FAITHFUL

Israel was blinded to the fact of God's faithfulness (we get that way too, especially when we focus on everything that's going wrong). We can be comforted, however, that God is sovereign over the trials of life and does provide a "way of escape" so we can endure them. Now, does God allow things in our life we believe are unbearable that eventually break us?...absolutely! Brokenness in depending on ourself will drive us to trust HIm as our very Life...that is the plan! The Israelites felt trapped with no where to turn...perhaps you feel that way as well (don't worry, remember, it's common to all of us). What do we learn from Israel? Don't fall into the same temptation; remember that God is faithful. The over arching temptation here is trusting yourself or others vs. God; the "way of escape" is not just the end of the trial but also the solution "so that you will be able to endure it". What is the solution or "way of escape" for me to endure the trials in my life? Well, the strategy in every temptation and the solution to endure any trial IS our faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Himself! When we turn our attention, trust, faith to Christ we are entering into His victory through the cross and He will endure the trials and adversity through us. It is a faith transaction with our faithful God; He promises to provide "a way of escape" no matter how unbearable it feels...our job is to trust His faithfulness and grace through the trial.

Remember, Paul understands this from personal experience. Paul had a major illness he described as a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7-10)...many believe he had severe problems with his eyes. Paul asked God to heal him as we all would in that situation. God instead gave him another way of escape...His grace. Paul could endure because God's grace is sufficient. Christ has already overcome trials and temptation in this life, we simply need to rest in His grace as Paul did and enter into Christ's victory by faith. When we scheme and try and devise our own escape routes from various trials, we often wind up in a worse or more complicated predicament.

You endure the trial and/or adversity and experience victory over the unique temptations that come with it through dependence on our victorious Christ.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3 NAS95S).

Now, in terms of some practical examples, remember that you're not the odd man out in terms of problems:

If your marriage is in trouble, God is still faithful; don't think you're the only one going through this type of trial.
If you're out of work or your career is going nowhere, God is still faithful and many are in the same boat as you are.
If your finances are going south and you just don't know what to do, God is still faithful.

Each one of the above circumstances or trials will have unique temptations that come with the territory and are all "common to man". It's possible that any of the above or many others I could mention will seemingly bring you to the end of your rope and feel like they are more than you can bear...that's OK, the faster the better. Once you let go of your rope and trust your loving Savior Who is always faithful, you have found the "way of escape" to endure it "in Christ"...His Life working in and through you in the midst of the trial. Since HE is "[providing] the way of escape", why not trust the Provider vs. going your own way; His grace is ALWAYS sufficient no matter what happens.

Trials and adversity hurt, there's no question about that. Trusting Christ in the midst of difficulty and hardship is not easy (just look around in your average church if you don't believe me). As 1 Corinthians 10:14 reminds us, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” Depending on anything or anyone else is what got Israel in trouble...let's learn from their mistake and trust Christ no matter what the circumstance. Always remember...He is faithful.

-------------------------------------------
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28 NAS95S)

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1Pet 5:6-7 NAS95S)

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1Cor 15:57 NAS95S)

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." (1John 5:4 NAS95S)
--------------------------------------------

Salvation Police

I just saw an internet video talking about "unsaved believers" (people who trusted Christ but are not actually saved)...don't believe it! Granted, there are those who claim to be Christians who have never trusted Christ's death, burial and resurrection as payment for their sin but this video attempts to minimize faith in Christ and scare folks into righteous behavior by telling them they are not really "saved" unless they are living right. Remember, man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart (1 Sam 16:7)...works are important but they are not the defining issue around a person's salvation. Over the last 30 years I've seen all kinds of "salvation police" telling folks they are not really saved 'cause they haven't met some standard of consistent behavior...don't get fooled by these folks. God's grace is so amazing and so free to all who will receive it that some well meaning people get scared and try to help out God (they don't want to espouse "cheap grace" as they put it). God's grace is most certainly free but in no way cheap (it cost Christ everything). Grace and freedom in Christ can be scary; let God take responsibility for each His beloved children and don't fall into the "salvation police" trap. Love, encourage and build up each other in the faith.

Grace is not "in your face"

I was reading over Romans 14 and was reminded about the "bottom line" of our Christian walk. It's found in verse 17.

“For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
(Rom 14:17 NLT)

For some the message you need to hear around this verse is, don't major on the minor issues of what you or others eat or drink (or any other religious law) but rather, focus on living out of the very life of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of God is expressing the life of Christ in everything we do and everywhere we go. If you're saying, I already understand that and I'm free and don't abide by all those rules and regulations on what I eat, drink, etc. Well, there is another message here perhaps for you. Are you the one who is repeatedly "breaking the religious rules" to make a point about God's grace? Take a look at verses 15 & 20 (I just picked out a few verses here but read the whole passage, it's a great message).

“And if another Christian is distressed by what you eat, you are not acting in love if you eat it. Don’t let your eating ruin someone for whom Christ died.”
(Rom 14:15 NLT)

“Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, there is nothing wrong with these things in themselves. But it is wrong to eat anything if it makes another person stumble.”
(Rom 14:20 NLT)

You don't need to have a kind of "in your face" grace approach exclaiming your freedom to those who "just don't quite get it". Now, there may be a time where you do need to take a stand on God's grace and freedom in the church, but I'm talking everyday life here. The general rule of thumb when it comes to personal relationships with those who do not understand God's incredible gift of grace for living is simply more "grace". What does that look like? We're to act "in love", even to the point of refraining from a freedom we think is perfectly fine to protect our relationship with other believers. It's a humble, accepting and encouraging approach to those who might differ with us. Limiting your freedom on behalf of another is not a compromise of grace but more a sacrifice of love. Allow Christ to love through you...at times, it will be a sacrifice.

Let's all sink in

I was reading through Romans from the NLT and came across Romans 13:14. Now, in the NAS translation it reads, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" (that's basically the way I've always read that passage). After reading the NLT translation, I wanted to dive in again to this verse. The NLT2004 reads, "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires". When I put these translations together, the Vernon version reads to "put on and clothe yourself with the life and presence of Lord Jesus, allowing Him to control and live through you; stop thinking on ways to indulge your fleshly desires". I think it gets better when you look at some of the words with just your basic Strong's concordance or greek dictionary. The idea of "putting on" is the idea "to clothe...(in the sense of sinking into a garment)".

1746. enduo, en-doo´-o; from 1722 and 1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively): — array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.

Have you ever had a garment that you just sink into? It's almost a part of you; comfortable, warm, familiar...it''s just you. The illustration here is more than simply putting on a lifeless set of clothes, but rather entering or "sinking in" to the very life of Christ (clothes are static; the Life of Christ is dynamic!); the idea of resting in His love, forgiveness, omnipotence, provision, mercy, grace and again, His very Life. The decision is clear, we can either "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and allow Him to "take control" OR we can think on ways to meet our needs and satisfy our flesh (whether that flesh looks good or bad). The phrase "make no provision" is the idea of "forethought" and is in the present tense reminding us not to continually think and plan ways to satisfy our flesh.

4307. pronoia, pron´-oy-ah; from 4306; forethought, i.e. provident care or supply: — providence, provision.

If you try and not think about something by definition you're already thinking about it! So, the lesson here is to put on, sink in, enter in and simply rest in the life of Jesus Christ vs. a life of trying to avoid thinking about all that other stuff. Allow Him to express His very Life through you. If you find yourself thinking, scheming, or planning about ways to get your needs met, perhaps that's a clue your not resting in the very Life of Christ provided for you at the cross. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against planning or goals, but are you setting goals and planning out of the fullness of who you are in Christ or out of perceived need to become something or gain something that you already have in Him? Don't get too caught up in the self analysis trap, meditate on Romans 13:14 and just sink back into the life of Christ and enjoy the rest He has provided.

The Lord hears the needy

Consider Psalms 69:33 “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners.” I love this verse, in fact, I choose it as a memory verse for a study in our small group. Often we wonder if it’s ok to be “needy” or express our needs. We sometimes think or believe that we must act “perfectly” or “never let them see you sweat” but I’m hear to tell you, God hears the needy. In fact, the verse goes on to tell us that God does not despise us when we are prisoners!

Have you been held captive by the enemy in a certain besetting sin? Perhaps you feel trapped in a job or relationship or even ministry! God does not despise, look down or condemn you...you are His child and He knows exactly where you are. Share you need, surrender your situation and allow Christ to work through you right where you are.

Crucify the Flesh

Read Galatians 5:16-25; it is a familiar passage that can be summarized with “walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” [5:16]. It can be confusing when 5:17 says “the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit” yet in 5:24 “those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”. What’s the deal? I accepted Christ as my Savior, I “belong to Jesus” so have I actually “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”? I don’t act that way sometimes. And what about 5:21 where Paul is referring to the deeds of the flesh and says “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”? I know some Christians who practice “outbursts of anger”...will they “not inherit the kingdom of God”? Let’s take a quick look here.

The word “flesh” is a broad term and is typically translated from the greek word sarx (G4561] where Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines:
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e. (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or (by implication) human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), or (specially), a human being (as such): — carnal(-ly, + -ly minded), flesh(-ly).

So “flesh” can mean or refer to:
1. Our physical bodies - Luke 24:39, 1 Cor, 15:39 & 50
2. Our human heritage - Rom. 1:3, 4:1
3. Our old self/old nature/old way - Rom. 7:5, 8:4-9

Again, “flesh” is a broad term that can refer to the “old self”, “old nature” or “old man” depending on your translation as well as the “WAY” of the “old self” in our thinking and behaving. As always, the context of scripture will help you derive the correct meaning.

What was crucified with Christ? Rom. 6: 6 provides the answer. Our “old self” which was the embodiment of sin...our sin nature...the very essence of who we were before Christ. It was the engine or generator of your old way. As a believer, your old self is literally dead and gone; that’s what Gal. 5:24 is referring to (”crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” referencing the “old self” or nature). How did you crucify the flesh? By believing in Christ, accepting His forgiveness and receiving His new life. Ok, you might say, I get it! But what about Gal. 5:17? It sounds like the “flesh” is very much alive. Remember, “flesh” is a broad term as I mentioned above. How does the “flesh [set] its desire against the Spirit” in the context of a believer?

Well, God gave us an incredible gift in the human body and brain. Every action, thought, desire is recorded on the human hard drive of the brain. The “old self” or nature is dead (that’s what happens when you get crucified...you don’t typically recover) and you have been raised up a brand new self or nature. Those old desires, habits and behaviors have been recorded and can and will resurface...that broad term “flesh” or old ways of thinking and behaving will set its desire against the Spirit but the truth is, you are “dead” to that stuff! There is no real power to make you act or think in the “old way”, in fact, quite the opposite. You have the omnipotent power and Life of Christ in you to think and live a brand new life. When you choose to “walk according to the spirit” you are operationalizing the truth of your co-crucifixion, will bear the “fruit of the Spirit” and experience His victory!

Paul encourages the Galatians in 5:25, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit”; as believers, we are “led by the spirit” [5:18] and “live by the Spirit” [5:25] so our choice in day to day life is to “walk by the Spirit”. Don’t choose to walk in your old way of thinking and behaving...that old self was crucified...you’re dead to sin and alive to Christ!

So the big picture...Paul shows us two groups identified by “the deeds of the flesh” and “the fruit of the Spirit”. The deeds of the flesh group characterizes someone who does not know Christ. The problem here is that Christians can sometimes “look” like that group when they are not walking after the Spirit allowing Christ to manifest His Life through them. Paul reminds the Galatians in 5:21 “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God”. If you accepted Christ as your Savior, you’re not in this group (although at times you may certainly look like it!). This is the same language he used in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. The “unrighteous” (read unbeliever) will not inherit the Kingdom of God and the deeds of the flesh mentioned here describe the life of one who is not “in Christ”. Our goal is to walk in truth as the new creation we truly are not in the old way of the flesh. Paul tells them, don’t walk like these guys, it’s not who you are! Realize the truth of your new identity “in Christ” and allow the fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22-23] to permeate through all that you think and do. Don’t try and produce the fruit, surrender to Him and you will simply bear it in and through your life.

You “crucified the flesh” or old nature when you accepted Christ or “believed”; you “crucify” the flesh or old way of thinking and behaving in the same way...believe. Believe the truth of your co-crucifixion and new identity in Christ. Believe the truth that God has forgiven you, accepted you and loves you apart from your performance. Believe and choose to allow Christ to live His life through you...that’s “walking in the Spirit”!!