Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 4

 What is God's Rest for His Church?

Please bear in mind that the Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish converts to Christianity, many of whom were contemplating going back to Judaism (The Law) because of the persecution they were subject to by those outside The Faith, Christianity - faith in Christ Jesus! This chapter explains how better off we are if we hold to our faith in Jesus and not turn back to our old life and ways of sin!

Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

In this chapter the writer's focus is on individual Christians entering into God's rest for our own protection, on how God knows each one of us intimately and nothing can be hidden from him and finally on Jesus our compassionate High Priest and how he can sympathise with us in our daily woes, trials and tribulations as He has suffered more than all of us and yet did not sin!

The promise of entering His rest
1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

In verse 1 the writer uses the word "Therefore" which indicates that he is carrying on with the same theme that he ended with in Chapter 3, namely not entering God's rest. Today we as born again Christians are promised to be able to enter into God's rest but we need to make sure that we don't come short of this promise. Unbelief, lack of faith in Jesus and disobedience to the Word and sin that we have not repented from will prevent us from entering God's rest.

So, what is God's rest for us today as born again Christians? Well God's rest for us can only be found by and in our faith in Christ Jesus alone! But what is God's rest for us in Christ Jesus?

To start let's examine the Greek word for "rest" in this verse.

The word "rest" in this verse is a transliteration of the Greek word "katapausis" (pronounced "kah-tah'-pow-sis" and it's full meaning is: to be in a lifestyle of rest, reposing and in perfect peace in our current circumstances. It brings to mind the rest and repose that the apostles had with Jesus at the last supper, John in particular!.

John 13:25 (AMP)

Then leaning back against Jesus’ chest, he (John) asked Him [privately], “Lord, who is it?”

The peace we should have is also only found in Christ Jesus as it is so different from the peace that we have in this imperfect and sinful world.

John 14:27 (AMP)

Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]

Rest means being at peace with God by trusting fully in Jesus. Living by faith in Christ alone and not any any thing man has to offer. Without faith in Christ Jesus it is impossible to please God and live in His perfect peace!

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

This verse also encourages us to hold a reverent fear of falling short of God's rest. Do we trust Him implicitly in everything! Are we concerned for others that fall short. We should be continually encouraging and building each other up in our faith!

Hebrews 3:13 (AMP)

But continually encourage one another every day, as long as it is called “Today” [and there is an opportunity], so that none of you will be hardened [into settled rebellion] by the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication].

2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

In order for God's Word to benefit us it needs to be embraced in faith and true belief that what we do not yet see will come to be in Christ Jesus. The Israelites in the wilderness disqualified themselves from entering God's rest because of their lack of faith and unbelief!.

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said:

“So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest,’

although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place: “They shall not enter My rest.”

In verses 3-5 the writer shows us the contrast between those that believe and walk in faith as opposed to those that do not believe and walk in faith. Those that do come into His rest with all His provision, peace, love and comfort regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Those that don't are unable to enter God's rest fully and experience His peace in all circumstances - they are blown back and forth by the winds of trouble and strife!

God's rest for us is remaining in Jesus and walking in faith and belief in Him and His Word! When we remain in Christ, He remains in us and therein we find God's rest for us!

John 15:5 (NKJV)

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides (rests, remains) in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

(Brackets are mine)

Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

When we are fully immersed in God's rest we move out of Christian infancy into Christian maturity, we are no longer babes in Christ!

6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience, 7 again He designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said:

“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts.”

In verse 6 we are told that that we His Church can enter His rest when we become born again by the blood of Jesus and exercise total faith and belief in Him in our daily walk. We are warned that we mustn't be like those (the Israelites) who first heard the gospel (see verse 2 above) and did not believe and did not walk in faith!

In verse 7 the writer uses a quote from Psalm 95:7-8 written by King David a man after God's own heart, to encourage us to enter into God's rest today, we mustn't waste any time in disobedience - Jesus is coming soon! 

Disobedience to God and His Word and lack of faith in Christ Jesus leads to a hardened and sinful heart. The longer we take to live (abide) in His rest the worse sin will envelop us!

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.

In verse 8 the writer mentions Joshua who led the Israelites into the promised land which was meant to be God's place of rest for them. The names Joshua and Jesus both mean Saviour. Jesus finished what Joshua was unable to, that is to provide true and eternal salvation and rest for God's children!

Our rest as born again Christians is found only in the person of Jesus Christ our Saviour! His is the only name by which man can be saved and find the rest that God has for us as verse 9 tells us.

Acts 4:12 (NIV)

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."

10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His.

When we repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we are enabled to enter God's rest for us. This does not mean that we cease to do good works, it means we cease to do works of the flesh outside of Christ Jesus to achieve righteousness. 

Jesus is our righteousness and He finished the work on the cross! The good works we should do now are those that God predestined us to do in Christ Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit and in accordance with His Word!

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

The Word Discovers Our Condition
When we read and study the Bible the Holy Spirit reveals our spiritual condition to us, even the things that we think we have hidden or those things that we have buried in our hearts!

11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

In verse 11 we are encouraged to enter God's rest for us, that is putting faith in Christ Jesus alone. We are told to be "diligent" in doing this!

Here the full meaning of the word for "diligent" is a transliteration of the Greek word "spoudazó" (pronounced "spoo-dad'-zo" Strong's 4704) and it expands to mean to quickly ensure to endeavour, to labour (work at), to make every effort and be eager to study. To be earnest to quickly receive our rest in Christ Jesus.

Our diligence to enter God's rest and our faith in Christ Jesus go hand-in-hand, they should never be uncoupled! Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

John 15:5 (AMP)

I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

By using the words "therefore be diligent" in this verse we are almost commanded to enter into God's rest (Jesus) as quickly as we can, we mustn't waste any time in accomplishing all that God has for us in Christ Jesus!

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Dear Reader, for me verses 12 and 13 are probably two of the most powerful and challenging verses in the Bible in that they clearly show that God is "all knowing" and actively participating in each of His children's lives not to mention that He knows what is happening with everybody alive in the world. Nothing and nobody is hidden from Him!

The Word of God discovers and reveals the true condition of our hearts and the depth of our faith in Him. He sees everything, even our thoughts, and we will all have to give an account of ourselves on judgement day, there is just no getting away from it, is there?

Proverbs 15:3 (NIV)

The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)

I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'

Job 34:21 (NIV)

“His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.”

Romans 4:12 (ESV)

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Matthew 12:36 (ESV)

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Our Compassionate High Priest

14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

In verse 14 the writer is telling the Jewish converts that in Christ Jesus they (and us) have a greater high priest than any high priest that has ever been. No other high priest was ever resurrected and no other high priest has ever ascended to heaven. No other high priest was the Son of God. 

Only Jesus has fulfilled these things and because of this truth we must hold on to our confession and faith in Him alone! Jesus is the Name above all names!

Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,c being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

In verse 15 the writer emphasizes the fact that because Jesus was fully God and fully man He is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses, our frail humanity. Jesus as a man was, like us, tempted in every way yet, unlike us, He did not sin!

John 10:30 (ESV)

I and the Father are one.”

Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

In verse 16 we are told that because Jesus is our High Priest who is without sin and because we receive sonship through Him, we can come boldly to God's throne of grace.

Galatians 4:6

Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

"Boldly" means that we can come before God in boldness and confidence, speaking plainly and openly and opening our hearts to Him knowing that He is our helper and always has our bests interests at heart! It is in this place that we receive the fulness of God's grace and mercy for us in Christ Jesus!

When we come before Him like this in true humility, He lifts us up! Even in His unbiased justice and judgement we will receive grace and mercy because we are in Christ Jesus!

James 4:10 (NIV)

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

God provides help in our time of need. No request is too small, because He wants us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer… let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit help me to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus and keep me from developing a sinful, rebellious heart of unbelief and help me to come before you in humility. Help, Lord, to enter your rest in all fulness! Help me in my unbelief I pray!. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Who is God?

 

Who is God!
In answering the question, "Who is God?", and indeed any other question we have on Christianity, our first and only point of reference is the Bible - The Old and the New Testaments. God’s handbook for all Christians – the owner and creator of man‘s life manual!

The question, “Who is God?” Is probably the most asked question of all time by both Christians and non-Christians alike. In fact this question was asked of God by Moses when God sent him to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt. Moses asked, "Who shall I say sent me?" God's response to Moses is recorded in Exodus 3:14a as shown above.

The phrase translated “I am who I am” in Hebrew is "ehyeh asher ehyeh." This Hebrew phrase can also be more accurately translated as "I will be who I will be."
When God told Moses to tell the Israelites in Egypt that "I am" sent him, He was letting them know that He had a personal interest in them and that He had heard their cries for help. 

Before this the Israelites knew God as "Elohim" or "YAHWEH "or "El Shaddai" which is translated in English as "God Almighty" or "The Lord God Almighty." These terms for God are titles rather than names but the term "I am" is a personal name that God called himself for the first time to man. This is, after God's relationship with Adam and Eve in the the Garden of Eden before 'the fall', God showing Israel and 'mankind' that He wants to be personal with us.

Now, moving to the New Testament, through Jesus our Saviour, God continues this personal line of relationship with us by using the "I am" statements that Jesus makes! These statements reinforce that God "will be who He will be" - the creator and centre of all things created - He created everything! He Himself has always been in existence.

When Jesus makes the "I am" statements he is reinforcing the fact that He is God in Spirit and also fully man in the flesh as the Son of God! Through Jesus and for Jesus, God created all things.

All these things together speak of the eternal nature of God and that He has always existed.

1. “I Am the Bread of Life” - John 6:35

2. “I Am the Light of the World” - John 8:12

3. “I Am the Door” - John 10:9

4. “I Am the Good Shepherd” - John 10:11

5. “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” - John 11:25

6. “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” - John 14:6

7. “I Am the True Vine” - John 15:1

8. “I Am the Alpha and the Omega” , the beginning and the end" - Revelation 1:8

9. “I Am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star” - Revelation 22:16

10. “Before Abraham Was Born, I Am!” - John 8:58

What does scripture tell us of who God is in more depth? Let's have a closer look!
Here we will have a look at what both the Old and New Testament’s say as the second book of Timothy tells us that all scripture is relevant to us.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God the creator:
Now in the very first verse of the very first book of the Bible we see that we are told that God is the creator of the heavens and earth.

Gen 1:1

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

He created all things including man:

Gen 1:27

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

So here we have it – God is the creator of everything!

Now at this point you are probably saying to yourself that this is all very well, but who created God?

Much has been written about this and man ofttimes likes to make things intellectually and scientifically complicated. So I‘m going to keep this explanation simple!

Our Christian walk is a walk of faith (I will be dealing with “What is Faith” in a Blog to come in the near future) and our belief in God is an integral part of this faith walk. The more we walk in faith and the more we believe in the Bible, the more God will reveal himself to us.

We must believe in faith that God has always been in existence and that it is He that is able to create things where there was once nothing. This is how all things created came into existence, planets, sun, moon stars, galaxies, man and so on.

Isaiah 40:28

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.

Hebrews 11:3

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

God the sustainer:
We are told in the book of Colossians that God was here before all things came into being and that it is God that holds and maintains everything in its place.

Col 1:17 (AMP)

And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]

God sustains and maintains everything, including life. He holds everything in place – all creation!

God is Spirit:

We are told in the Book of John in the New Testament that God is a Spirit.

John 4:24

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

God is spirit and is therefore invisible to human eyes. The Hebrew word for spirit in the Old Testament is ‘Ruwach – pronounced roo-akh (ref: Strong’s Concordance H7307)’ and also has the meanings of ‘breath’ and ‘wind’ both of which we can feel and hear but cannot see.

This is the same for us as born-again believers – we have the ability to both feel and hear God in our spirit (which is the spirit of God within us) but we cannot see him.

In Genesis 2:7 we learn that it is the spirit of God within us that gives our bodies life. He enables us to breath and to live within the boundaries of the world that He has created for us.

Genesis 2:7

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

In the above verse, the Hebrew word for breath here is ‘ruwach’. Thus, as we’ve learned above from the Hebrew meanings of ‘ruwach’, that the breath of life in us is that which enables us to live, is God’s spirit!

God is love:

Whenever the New Testament writers are referring to God’s love they use the Greek word ‘agapē’ – pronounced ag-ah-pay’ which when expanded to its full meaning reads in English as a love that is unconditional, benevolent, charitable and freely given - we don’t have to do anything to earn it or give anything in return for it, we just need to receive it.

And as we receive God’s agapē so it is our duty as God’s children to shed His love to others in all we do and in our service to Him.

This will bring glory to the name of Jesus!

1 John 4:8

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

God is our Father:

Probably the most famous bible verse that shows us that God is our Father comes from Matthew 6:9, the Lord’s Prayer:

Matthew 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

This verse is the start of the Lord’s prayer where Jesus is teaching the disciples, and ultimately us as well, how to pray. It is quite clear from this verse that we can address God as our Father!

When we are born-again we become and have the right to call ourselves children of God. And if we are children of God it, makes sense that He is our Father. Just examine the two verses below to confirm this!

John 1:12, 13

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

When we receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we become born-again and therefore we become the sons and daughters of God and He becomes our Father.

God is three persons but one entity:

This characteristic of God can be difficult to grasp for many new Christians. God is three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Commonly referred to in many Christian circles as The Holy Trinity.

When we examine the scriptures in Genesis 1:1, 2 in the Old Testament and in John 1:1-5, 14 in the New Testament we see quite clearly that God is three persons in one.

Genesis 1: 1, 2 (KJV)

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Alright then in the verses above from Genesis, we are told that God created the heavens and the earth and right there with Him at the very beginning is the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit). Now let’s jump forward a few thousand years to the New Testament and the book of John – not the Baptist, but John the beloved disciple of Jesus, the one who wrote the Book of John and Revelation.

In the below verses from the book of John we see quite clearly that the Word (The Bible) was with God in the beginning and in verse 14 it clearly states the Word was made flesh and lived among us, this is Jesus.

John 1:1-5, 14 (KJV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Now, what do these Genesis and John verses tell us? Simply this, they expose the full Godhead, Father, Son and Holy Spirit – The Holy Trinity!

Just to summarise these verses quickly we have ‘In the beginning’:

a. God (and the Word - Jesus) – Father
b. Jesus (the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us) - Son
c. And the Spirit of God – the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of God and thus the Spirit of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit is God, just as Jesus is God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity – God in three persons. Just like there are three parts to an egg – yolk, white and shell, three parts but one egg!

Other scriptures referring to who God is

There are many other scriptures throughout the Bible that refer to who God is and I am listing a few of them in the table below. I would encourage you to read and study them in your own time. The more you read God’s Word (the Bible), the more God will reveal himself to you – your mind will be renewed through the washing of the Word!

All verses are from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.

Ex 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you.

Nu 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1 Tim 1:17
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Prov 3:19
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.

Is 40:28
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Is 44:24
Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Rev 1:8
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Conclusion
To summarise God is:

• Love
• Our Father
• The creator of all things created
• The sustainer and maintainer of all things
• Spirit
• Three persons in one – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – The Holy Trinity
• Believed on by Christians in faith

Dear Father in Heaven
Thank that you are the great "I AM" and that you are the creator of all things created. Thank you that your are the one true God and that there are no other things before you. Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Amen!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

What is Prayer?

 

What is prayer?

To answer this question, it is important that we should first examine full meaning of the Greek word for ‘prayer’, as it is the main language that the New Testament was originally written in and translated into English from.

The main Greek word used for prayer in the New Testament is ‘proseuche’ (pronounced pros-yoo-kay), which is made up of two words, ‘pros’ and ‘euche’.

"Pros" is a preposition and means moving toward or being with (being with or close to) and denotes a sense of personal closeness and intimacy between two people. This indicates that our prayer lives as born again Christians should ever be aimed at drawing closer to God - going deeper with Him in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of Jesus! God desires to have a close, personal and intimate prayer relationship with Him. He loves communing with His children! Our relationship with Him has to be proactive and not one sided!

Dear Readers, let's search for God with all our hearts!

James 4:8

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 

"Euche" is a noun and means ‘a prayer of desire or passion, or a vow’ to do something. In our case to continually seek God and draw ever closer to Him!

Bearing this in mind, we now see that when the New Testament writers (under the power of the Holy Spirit) speak of prayer, it means to draw intimately near to God and verbally share with him your earnest desires and passions for whatever it is you want to talk to him about. And as his children, we should want to talk to Him about everything, both good and bad - nothing is hidden from Him anyway, but he wants us to share everything with Him by our own free will choice!

Proverbs 15:3

The eyes of the Lord are in every place,

Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Prayer is intimate conversation between believers in Jesus, and God our creator.

One on one prayer to God is designed to help a believer to build a close, intimate and personal relationship with the Father in Christ Jesus. It is talking to God and having a conversation with Him. It is the way we go deeper and deeper with God!

Why do we pray?
i. To build a close relationship with the Father in Christ Jesus

Prayer helps us to strengthen our love relationship with Jesus and thus with God the Father and helps as to daily build a closer and deeper relationship with the Father and our Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Let’s have a look at an example of this through one of the apostle Paul’s prayers for the Church in Ephesus:

Ephesians 3:14-19

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

In verse 14 above we see that the Apostle Paul is praying to the Father in the name of Jesus. 

From verse 16 his prayer, because the church is God’s family, takes on the essence of true love (God's agape love). He starts to pray that God would strengthen the Ephesian believers in their hearts (the inner man) through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today's Christians should make this kind of prayer, praying for others, a daily lifestyle!

In verses 17 through 19 Paul encourages the Church to cultivate, grounded in Jesus, a deeper and deeper love for Jesus so that we may experience the fulness of God that the world cannot understand.

This is certainly the kind of relationship that Paul had with God and we would do well to emulate him!

1 Corinthians 11:1

 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

ii. It helps us to overcome sin and temptation

When we face the trials and temptations of life we need to press in to God more earnestly and he will strengthen us to overcome all things in Christ Jesus. We need to go deeper with God in all aspects of our prayer life!

Jesus himself is our prime example of this just before he was arrested and crucified:

Luke 22:39-43

39 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

And the Apostle John says this:

1 John 5:4-5

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

iii. It helps us to find out God’s will for our lives

It is impossible for any believer to know God’s will for their life unless they are talking to Him in prayer. That’s just plain common sense!

But let’s strengthen our common sense with scripture, and no better scripture than this one with Jesus once again as our prime example:

Luke 6:12-13

12 And it came to pass in those days, that he (Jesus) went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13 And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

In these verses we see that Jesus has a big decision to make. From the many followers he had at the time, he needed to decide which of them would be the chosen twelve apostles. To be able to make the right decision Jesus knew he needed to seek the will of God the Father so he took himself aside and prayed all night.

Only then, once he knew the will of the Father was he able to make the decision of which of his disciples would he choose as the twelve apostles. A decision that would rock the world of the time!

We, as disciples of Jesus, always need to pray about all things!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

iv. Prayer helps us to achieve the work God wants us to do

Once we know (through prayer) the works that God wants us to do, we will also need to ask Him in prayer how we can achieve them. God has predestined us for good works for us to do once we are born again.

John 14:12-14

12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

v. An active prayer life is one of the keys to our spiritual awakening

When we lead an active prayer life our spirits are lifted up to be with Jesus in the throne room of God.

When this happens changes not only happen within us but in those around us as well. Prayer brings revival - miracles, signs and wonders occur!

Revelation 8:3-4

3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.

The prayers of God’s children in Christ Jesus reach His throne room. They then have a profound effect on what happens on earth under God’s hand. This is  so needed especially now in these end times!

Revelation 8:5

5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

An important part of our spiritual awakening comes to the fore when we start praying for others (called intercessory prayer) as Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede on our behalf in prayer, we need to always follow the example Jesus sets for us.

Hebrews 7:25

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Romans 8:26-27 

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

When we intercede for others as Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, we help them (our brothers and sisters in Christ) to live their lives in accordance with the will of the Father and to receive all His promises and benefits. 

This is how the family of God ought always to be towards each other in their prayer lives, daily! Encouraging one another and building each other up in the Faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

vi. Prayer is our key weapon in Spiritual Warfare

It is important for every new believer and indeed, every believer to know that because we are God’s children we automatically become the target for God’s enemy, who is Satan or the devil as he is quite commonly known as.

Satan’s mission on earth is to kill and destroy anything that belongs to God and anything that He created. This is primarily us, His Church and mankind in general.

John 10:10

The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

There is much to be said about Spiritual Warfare that warrants it receiving more attention. This I have done in a separate articles in four parts. Follow the below links:

Part 1: https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2023/02/spiritual-warfare-part-1-of-4-are.html

Part 2: https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2023/02/spiritual-warfare-part-2-know-your.html

Part 3: https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2023/03/spiritual-warfare-part-3-what-are.html

Part 4: https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2023/03/spiritual-warfare-part-4-what-are.html

2. Did Jesus pray?
In a nutshell – most definitely, yes and in accordance with the will of the Father!
Jesus was constantly in prayer to the Father. We should follow his example always and pray in accordance with the Father's will.

Luke 5:16

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

Hebrews 5:7

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Matthew 26:39

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

There are at least twenty-five other scriptures in the New testament that tell of Jesus praying. See if you can find others as you read the Bible.

2. How do you pray?

Jesus gives us the model prayer in Matthew:

Matthew 6:9-13

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Jesus says in verse 9 that when we pray, we should pray in this order:

Verse 9: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Acknowledge that you are praying to the Father in heaven as a child would address its earthy father and recognize that His name is holy and to be revered. The ‘Our’ here indicates that we need to recognize that we are part of a family of God’s children and that as a good Father we should recognize that He loves us all.

Verse 10: Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Make sure that what you are praying for is in accordance with His will and not your will, and ask with the right motive, one that is selfless, so that His kingdom will come on earth.

James 4:2-3

2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

1 John 5:14

This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

Verse 11: Give us this day our daily bread.

God is our sole provider. Let your requests for provision be made known to him. You won’t always get what you want, but He will always give you what you need, even the things you didn’t know you needed!

Verse 12: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

When we come before God we need to have a repentant heart. Examine your heart and repent of any unconfessed sin and even more importantly, forgive those that have sinned against you, cleanse yourself of any ill feeling, anger, jealousy and grudges that you may be holding against others.

Verse 13: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Temptation in this verse can also be translated from the original Greek as trials. We will all face trials and temptations in life, Jesus himself tells us so, and we need to ask God daily to give us the strength to overcome them in Christ Jesus and to lead us away from them. In Jesus we are overcomers and will be protected from evil.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Just quoting the Lord’s prayer verbatim every day is not really prayer, it will just become a mantra. The Lord’s prayer serves as an example of how we should pray and shows us a way to prepare ourselves for prayer, to come in to God’s presence through Christ Jesus.

If we live our lives according to the Lord’s prayer we will find ourselves walking closely with him in the Spirit. Prayer is one of the keys to living the life through the Spirit that the Apostle Paul refers to in Romans 8:1-17. Please read this for yourself, it will change your life dramatically for the better!

Our prayers and petitions we pray in the name of Jesus.

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

3. How do we end a prayer time?

Journalise:
Keep a journal in which you can make a note of your prayers and include in your notes a date the prayer was made, what God said to you if anything and any relevant scriptures you received and just as importantly, record when the prayer was answered.

The answering part might be immediate, or it may take a while to be fulfilled. Be patient and don’t give up. My wife and I prayed that our youngest son would come back to the Lord for twenty years, he is now back and serving the Lord and his whole family are now save!

When you pray, believe and have faith that it will come to be:

The Bible tells us clearly that when we pray we must believe that we have received whatever it is we are praying for, and we will receive.

It also warns us not to hold any unforgiveness in our hearts against anybody. The inference here is that if we do, our prayers could be hindered!

Mark 11:24-25

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 9:27-30

27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou son of David, have mercy on us.

28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.

29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.

30 And their eyes were opened;

Give praise and thanks to God with a grateful heart:

This is probably the most important part of a Christian’s prayer life – giving thanks to the Lord for everything! Especially that he answers our prayers.

Philippians 4:6-7

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 Chronicles 5:13

It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord;

4. List of bible verses related to prayer to read and study

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. 1 John 5:14

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11:24

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. Jeremiah 29:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer. Romans 12:12

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Matthew 6:7

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. Jeremiah 33:3

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Psalm 18:6

And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:15

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:6

And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. John 15:16

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts 1:14

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer. 1 Peter 4:7

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. John 14:13

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. James 4:2

Remember always that if we do not have love (the agape, unconditional love of God) – then we have nothing and are nothing but empty vessels!

1 Corinthians 13:1

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, just pray from your heart a simple prayer like the example below.

Dear Lord Jesus, I confess before you that I am a sinner. I repent of my sins before you. I ask that you forgive me my sins and to come into my heart to be my Lord and Saviour and to fill me with your Holy Spirit and to help me to walk a Christian life according to your teachings in the Bible. Amen.

Congratulations, you are now born-again. You now need to be water baptised and start studying the Bible for yourself and join a local fellowship in order to grow in your faith!

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise for He alone is worthy.

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven

Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus and keep me from developing a sinful, rebellious heart of unbelief. Help me in my unbelief I pray!. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking the Book of Hebrews: Chapter 3

In this chapter the writer, because of what he wrote in Chapter 2 (he starts the Chapter off with the word "therefore"), focuses on the Church being faithful because Jesus, the Son, is faithful. 

Because the Jews of the time believed that Moses was the greatest and most Godly man ever, the writer explains to them how Jesus, the Son of God is far greater than Moses! And in verses 16-19 he warns us not to rebel against God and wanted to turn back to Egypt (the place of sin) as Israel did when they refused to enter the promised land. Israel’s rebellion was caused by unbelief and lack of faith!

Please bear in mind that the Book of Hebrews is written to Jewish converts to Christianity - they were born again believers, many of whom were contemplating going back to Judaism (The Law) because of the persecution they were subject to by those outside The Faith, Christianity - faith in Christ Jesus! This chapter explains how better off we are if we hold to our faith in Jesus and not turn back to our old life and ways of sin!

Note: In the body on this article the verses from Hebrews are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

The Son Was Faithful
1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

The writer starts this chapter with the word “therefore” which means because of what we have been told in the previous chapter, we need to consider our “Apostle and High Priest, Jesus Christ!”

Now, what is meant by the word "consider" in verse 1?

"Consider" in the original Greek text is a transliteration of the Greek word "katanoeó (Strong's 2657)" pronounced "kat-an-o-eh'-o." 

Its expanded meaning is: behold, consider, discover, perceive, notice, contemplated, detected, look more closely at.

Here the writer is encouraging us to carefully examine the faithfulness of Christ to the Father and absorb this very same faithfulness into our lives as born again believers, children of God in Christ Jesus! Our faithfulness should fully reflect that of our Saviour's!

2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.

Jesus never changes, He is the same yesterday, today and always. Just as He is faithful to the Father so He will always be faithful to us. We must always endeavour to be the same to Him and to our brothers and sisters in Christ! Live life in the Spirit as He did!

Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)

Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.

3 For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house.

In verse 3 we learn that even though Moses was touched (by the glory of God which was physically seen by the Israelites on his face. This was only a reflection of God's glory whereas Jesus is God's glory! Everything was created in Him (Jesus), through Him and for Him!

Exodus 34:29-30 (AMP)

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hand, he did not know that the skin of his face was shining [with a unique radiance] because he had been speaking with God. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to approach him.

Hebrews 1:3 (AMP)

The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority],

Colossians 1:15-18 (NKJV)

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or [e]principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.

Verse 4 is a reminder of the sovereignty of God over all things. He is the master builder who builds all things and provides all things!

5 And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward,

Verse 5: According to Jewish teaching and tradition of the times, before the arrival of Jesus Christ the Messiah, the old Rabbis considered Moses to be the greatest and most faithful man ever, even greater than the angels. 

The writer of Hebrews teaches the Jews that Moses, even though he was a great and faithful servant of God, was nothing compared to Jesus, the Son of God, that is God in the flesh! The life of Moses served as a testimony of the greatness of the one who was to come - Jesus!

6 but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

In verse 6 we are told that Jesus is the head of the Church (Son over His own house) and that we, as born again Christians, and here is the rub, a subtle proviso and warning, if we remain in Christ Jesus and hold firm in our faith until the end! We cannot abandon our faith in Christ Jesus and return to sin and and once again take on an unrepentant heart. If we do this we remove ourselves from God's household, His Church.

For the Jews of the time this meant turning back to the Law, the law of sin and death, being apart from Christ Jesus!

We have to remain in Christ Jesus and not abandon our faith in Him alone and return to our unsaved state of unrepentant sin! If we remain in Him, He will remain in us! Apart from Him we are nothing!

John 15:5-6 (AMP)

5 I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies; and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

In verse 5 above Jesus is addressing His Church as individuals, He says we are the branches. He is not addressing the Church as a whole or we would have said "you are the branch"! As individual members of His Church we carry the responsibility of remaining in the Vine (Jesus) for ourselves or we run the risk of being thrown into the fire and burned! Be reminded of the great falling away - apostasy! Willfully turning our backs on our faith in Christ Jesus and returning to a life of sin.

True commitment to Jesus is demonstrated by living our entire lives in Christ Jesus, not just in an initial burst. We trust that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ, his second coming, if you remain in the Vine!

Philippians 1:6 (AMP)

I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].

(But we have to remain in Him to the end we cannot wilfully abandon our faith on Him and live a life of unrepentant sin again. If we do we wilfully remove ourselves from His House, the Church!)

Be Faithful
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion,
In the day of trial in the wilderness,
9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,
And saw My works forty years.
10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,
And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,
And they have not known My ways.’
11 So I swore in My wrath,
‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

Verses 7-11 are, apart from the first line, a quote from Psalm 95:7-11.

In the first line the writer makes it clear that the rest of the verses from 7-11 are, as indeed is all scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 1:23 (NKJV)

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

The writer of Hebrews, because he is addressing Jewish converts to Christianity, uses these five verses as a warning for them not to harden their hearts to the voice and the leading of the Holy Spirit who has drawn them to salvation.

John 3:5 (NKJV)

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

We are warned not to be like the Jews who rebelled against God because of their unbelief and refused to enter the promised land and as a result suffered the consequences of God's anger and none of them were allowed to enter the promised land - His place of rest, and abundant provision!

The actions of the Jews in their refusal to believe in God's promise was considered to be evil and rebellious in His eyes. Rebellion against God in unbelief and rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and it is the same for us today if we entertain unbelief in our hearts.

1 Samuel 15:23 (NKJV)

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,

And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,

He also has rejected you from being king.”

Today, as born again, water baptised and Holy Spirit filled Christians we must listen to and be obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit because He will guide us in all truth.

Romans 8:12-14 (NKJV)

12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

John 16:13-15 (NKJV)

13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

In verse 12 we are told not to entertain any unbelief in our hearts, we have to fully trust in Jesus for all things. When we entertain unbelief in our hearts, God considers it to be an evil heart! When we have unbelief in our hearts we move away from God!

13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Verse 13 tells us as born again Christians how we should behave towards each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are told to encourage one another every day and if we don't we run the risk od developing hardened hearts through the deceitfulness of sin. Entertaining unbelief in our hearts is sin! Encouraging each other daily in our faith should be a lifelong practice in a born again Christian not just a now and again or when I feel like it thing!

No sin is hidden from God so don't think that you can hide the sinful things you do, but openly confess them and repent of them!

Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV)

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,

In verse 14 lets examine the phrase "partakers of Christ" in order to gain a fuller understanding of its meaning.

The word "partaker" here is a transliteration of the Greek word "metochos" (pronounced MEH-toh-khos). Strong's 3353.

Its expanded meaning is: fellow partaker or partner, a companion of, a sharer with or an associate of.

So, when we are born again we become partakers of all the Christ has from the Father. Paul says that we become "co-heirs" with Christ in all that God has for Jesus!

Romans 8:16-17 (NKJV)

16 The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God. 17 And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.

We gain all these things in Christ Jesus if we hold on to Jesus (the beginning of our confidence) until the end. We mustn't fall away from or abandon our faith in Christ Jesus! We must remain in the vine!

15 while it is said:
“Today, if you will hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Verse 15 warns us again not to harden our hearts and abandon the faith! Live life in the Spirit!

Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV)

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Failure of the Wilderness Wanderers
16 For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?

In verse 16 the writer uses the analogy of the "Wilderness Wanderers" to encourage us not to give up on our belief and faith in Christ Jesus. The Israelites after hearing from God through Moses left the slavery of Egypt and headed for God's promised land.

They started of well by believing the Word of God through Moses but then, when the struggles of life caught up with them, they lapsed into unbelief which led to the sin of rebellion and they refused to enter the promised land through fear of those "giants" who were already living there. They refused to believe that God would give them victory over the enemy and as a result they wandered in the desert for 40 years and none of that generation entered the promised land!

Dear brothers and sisters let's not do the same as the "Wilderness Wanderers", after starting of well then allowing unbelief to enter our hearts through the trials of life and the lies of the Devil and then turning our backs on Jesus and willfully denying Him.

We must remain in the "vine - Jesus" and work out our salvation with fear and trembling! We must be obedient to the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit - we must be doers of the Word and not just readers!

Philippians 2:12-13 (AMP)

12 So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.

To find out more about "working out your salvation with fear and trembling", please read my article on the below link:
https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2022/11/work-out-your-salvation-with-fear-and.html

17 Now with whom was He angry forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

In verses 17-19 the writer exposes us to a characteristic of God that we tend to ignore, His anger. God's anger, unlike frail humanity, is always righteous and just - never unfair. We can always safely say that His anger is brought about by man's willful disobedience to His Word!

Because of their unbelief, the Israelites were not allowed to enter His rest! Their great failure was to not persevere in faith and thus be able to enter the promised land, God's place of rest for them.

The writer was reminding the Jews at the time, and us today, to keep our faith in Christ Jesus who is the assurance of our salvation. This is a warning for us not to turn our backs on Jesus in unbelief or we run the risk of not entering into His rest just as the Israelites did and perished in the wilderness!

Jesus reminded us in the parable of the sower that some of us will depart from the faith for various reasons.

It is wonderful to make a good start by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour (repentance from our sins), but making a good start is only the beginning of our Christian walk, we must persevere in our faith and not walk away from it, we must remain in the vine and work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Matthew 13:3-9 (NKJV)

3 Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Life application for today’s believers
1.We must not neglect our salvation but work it out in fear and trembling until our day of redemption is here.

Luke 21:28 (NKJV)

Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

The above verse encourages us not to be overwhelmed with the challenges of life that we all face. Life and the Devil will often throw curved balls at us in many forms of uncertainty and fear. These at times can become very oppressive and depressing but Jesus reminds us that when we stand firm in our faith and keep our eyes on Him, our redemption is secure! Our faith in Christ Jesus alone is our hope and salvation.

2.Remember that Jesus is supreme over all things.
3.We must live in accordance with God’s will and not our own.
4.Jesus alone is worthy of glory, honour and praise.
5.We must abide in Jesus and not drift away from our faith and return to our old ways!

Prayer
Dear Father in Heaven
Thank you for Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Thank you that it is by His name alone that I am saved, and it is only through Him that I receive your sonship and can share in your spiritual blessings that are for Your children only. Help me, Father by the power of your Holy Spirit to walk in a manner that is worthy of my salvation in Christ Jesus and keep me from developing a sinful, rebellious heart of unbelief. Help me in my unbelief I pray!. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory, honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!