Hebrews – Msg #03 “Strong Words”

Hebrews Msg 3 the strong words and the prophecied vengeance coming to Jerusalem (70ad)

I. Introduction (0:00-1:30)

• The book of Hebrews (10:26-31) contains strong language related to prophesied vengeance that came to Jerusalem in 70 AD.
• It is emphasized that understanding Daniel 9:24-27 is important to avoid prophetic heresy and attacks on one’s assurance and justification. (Daniel 9:24-27)
• Jesus had predicted the destruction of the city and sanctuary based on Daniel’s prophecy. The Jewish people who rejected Christ were warned to flee before the judgment. (Matthew 24:1-3, Luke 19:41-44, Luke 20:19-19, Luke 21:5-6, Luke 21:20-24)
• There is a warning that the Gentile branch is now in danger of being cut off, and caution against doctrines of demons and strong delusion. (Romans 11:17-24, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

II. Hebrews and Biblical Prophecy (1:31-5:10)

• Understanding Daniel 9:24-27 is important to avoid prophetic heresy and attacks on one’s assurance and justification. (Daniel 9:24-27)
• Jesus had predicted the destruction of the city and sanctuary based on Daniel’s prophecy. The Jewish people who rejected Christ were warned to flee before the judgment. (Matthew 24:1-3, 15-20)
• There is a warning that the Gentile branch is now in danger of being cut off, and caution against doctrines of demons and strong delusion. (Romans 11:17-24, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12)

III. Admonitions in Hebrews (5:11-15:50)

• Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were facing persecution and were tempted to neglect their salvation. (Hebrews 10:32-39)
• False teachers were creeping in and trying to bring them back into bondage to the law, causing confusion and doubt about their faith. (Hebrews 13:9-10)
• We should not be moved by the senses, but by the word. The sign and wonder is the word of God and the riches found in Christ, not signs and wonders.(Hebrews 2:1-4)
• Hebrews has practical warnings not to neglect “so great a salvation”, comparing and contrasting the earthly religion centered around Moses and the temple with the excellence of Christ. (Hebrews 2:1-4, 12:25-29)
• The admonitions and warnings in Hebrews are not about eternal salvation, but about entering into the present tense rest of Christ versus dead works. (Hebrews 3:7-4:11, 6:1-12)
• The book also contains warnings for unbelievers who neglect salvation and go back to the temple, as vengeance awaits the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-31)
• Hebrews is not meant to bring fear, but to strengthen the faith of believers in Christ. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

IV. The riches we have in Christ (19:16)

• Spiritual experiences are not the main focus of our faith
• Gaining a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of the truth (Ephesians 1:17)
• The Word of God opens up to reveal the mystery of Christ (Colossians 1:26-27)

V. Struggles faced by believers and the temptation to neglect salvation (19:58)

• The Hebrew believers were suffering persecution and feeling disconnected from their roots (Heb 10:34)
• Family members and society pressuring believers to adhere to traditional practices
• Confusion and controversy surrounding the law and its relevance to believers (Galatians 2:4-5)
  • Judaizers attempting to bring believers back into bondage to the law
  • Churches being overrun by false teachings and teachers (2 Peter 2:1)

VI. Believers grappling with conscience and faith amidst confusion (22:05)

• Temptation to let go of the faith and return to familiar practices
• Struggling with understanding the role of Jesus, the temple, and the law (Hebrews 10:1)
• The need for the books of Hebrews and Galatians to clarify the relationship between Jesus and the law (Galatians 3:23-25)

VII Stern warnings of vengeance and judgment in Hebrews (24:15)

• Strong language used in Hebrews to counteract false teachings (Hebrews 10:26-31)
• Ironically, Hebrews is misused by some to falsely threaten judgment on believers for not attending church (Hebrews 10:25)

VIII. Deception and spiritual manipulation in the institutional church (26:50)

• The presence of witchcraft and spiritual forces influencing believers (Ephesians 6:12)
• Believers having dulled senses, unable to discern between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14)
• False teachings attacking believers’ assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13)

IX. The need for a strong word and assurance amidst doubt and confusion (29:26)

• Importance of assurance for believers during challenging times (Hebrews 6:11)
• Warning against neglecting salvation and the consequences of doing so (Hebrews 2:3)
  • Eternal salvation remains secure for believers (John 10:28)
  • Impending judgment on Jerusalem as a result of unbelief

• Daniel 9:24-27
• The destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (Lk 21)
• The Natural (Isarel) and the Wild (Gentile) branches – Romans 9-11
• Doctrines of demons
• Judaizers
• False teachings

Test your Understanding

1. What is the importance of understanding Daniel 9:24-27 in the book of Hebrews?
2. What did Jesus predict based on Daniel’s prophecy?
3. Who was Hebrews written to and why?
4. What are the practical warnings in Hebrews?
5. What is the main focus of our faith according to section IV?
6. What are some struggles faced by believers according to section V?

Hebrews – Msg #03 “Strong Words”