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Sunday School Lesson
At the time of the establishment of the New Testament church, the only scripture that was available for the believers was the Old Testament. Thus, the lessons taught to the new believers were based on these inspired writings. The Apostle Paul told the young church, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4. Our lord Jesus Christ used the Old Testament writings as the texts for his messages. Luke 4:17-19; Isaiah 61:1, 2a. He often made reference to that which was written. This was the pattern of the ministry of those who proclaimed the gospel. Acts 2:16-21; 8:30- 37; Romans 14:11; 1 Peter 1:16. The letter to the Hebrew believers used the Old Testament teachings as the basis for assurance of the lordship of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Since the earliest of the gospels, Mark, was not written until about 55 A.D. or 60 A.D., this information was not available for the general population to share. The words of our Lord had come by word-ofmouth to some of the believers, but were not generally known. As the writer to the Hebrews began to give words of encouragement to the persecuted believers, he wanted them to remember that Jesus Christ is the son of God. Hebrews 1:2. Faith in the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus had brought personal salvation from sin. The only begotten son of God was the fulfillment of the Old Testament pictures of the ultimate sacrifice for the lost human race. As each individual accepts this personal salvation that has been bought by the shedding of the blood of this perfect sacrifice, the eternal nature of the son of God is given to us. John 17:20-23. However, we continue to live in a human body. The "old nature" (Romans 7:19, 20) must become submissive to the things of the spirit (Romans 8:1-4). The writer to the Hebrews closed this letter with dayto day instructions for all believers. "Let brotherly love continue." Hebrews 13:1. These believers were suffering great persecution. The human tendency dictates less-than-lovely thoughts toward those who are responsible for these difficult circumstances. These people had not heard the words of Jesus "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…" Matthew 5:44. These believers might have heard the words of Paul on some other occasion. 1 Corinthians 13:13. If they had heard these words, each one needed to be reminded of the fact. When one is going through difficult situations, it is easy to become selfcentered. The writer of old instructed, "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2. What is our personal attitude? At the time of the writing of this letter, some of the believers were in prison for their testimony. When personal circumstances are less-than-pleasant, it is easy to focus on the immediate, and allow the circumstances of others to slip our mind. The writer of old said, "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." Hebrews 13:3; 1 Corinthians 12:26. These readers lived in a society with very low moral standards similar to the world we live in, today. "Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge." Hebrews 13:4. When difficulties flood our lives, it is easy to "throw up our hands and quit." The pleasure for the moment syndrome can overpower us, if we are not "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…" Hebrews 12:2a. All believers can echo the declaration made by the Apostle Paul, "for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12b. Thus, dayto day living is focused on Jesus Christ. The writer to the Hebrews instructed, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5. In the most difficult of circumstances, all believers can rest assured that the word of God is unchanging. The writer of old declared, "So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 27:1. There are God-given leaders in the church. These individuals were divinelyordained for the purpose of being overseers and to "feed the church of God." Acts 20:28. Some individuals do not appreciate the divinely ordained system within the church. This fact had begun to color the way that some individuals view those in authority. There were civil leaders and spiritual leaders. Each group has its responsibilities toward those over which they were placed. "Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end their conversation." Hebrews 13:7. The Apostle Paul wrote of our responsibilities toward the civil authorities. Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-4. The writer of old turned the attention to the lord Jesus Christ. He declared "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and for ever." Hebrews 13:8. This fact is expressed in the Old Testament. Malachi 3:6. Jesus, himself, gave assurance. Matthew 28:20. There had been many new doctrines that had begun to filter into the thinking of some of the believers. These teachings had turned the thoughts away from the purity of the gospel that was preached by the apostles, and all of the true believers. The writer of old warned, "Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein." Hebrews 13:9. These believers are taught to keep Jesus Christ as the focal point of life. Anything that would distract us from this goal must be abandoned. We must identify with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:10-14. We seek our eternal home. Hebrews 13:14.
All believers are instructed to "offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15. Yes, thanks can flow from a heart that is burdened, since this fact does not rest upon circumstances. We can know peace, even in a troubled world. John 14:27.
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