E-pistle for August 8, 2008
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E-pistle
Dr. Dan Hite, President FreeWay Foundation August 8, 2008
Jesus Is Far Above The Angels
(Hebrews 1:1-4)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Observations: on the author and background of this book
1. The author of Hebrews is not named; some Bible scholars think it was written by
Paul, while others suggest Barnabus or Apollos or some other person may have
written it.
2. Hebrews was written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the
Romans in 70 A.D., Hebrews 19:11; 13:11.
3. The epistle was written to Jewish believers from "those from Italy," 13:24; its purpose
was to encourage them to stand fast in their faith.
4. The key word in Hebrews is "better" . . . Christ and the gospel is "better" than all
Old Testament ritual and tradition.
II. Concentration: on the works of Jesus
1. He spoke to man, revealing the true nature (character) of God, and revealing the will
of the Father, vv. 1, 3.
2. He created the universe, vv. 2, 10-12, and He sustains it, v. 3.
3. He is the Savior, purging (forgiving and taking away) our sins, v. 3.
4. He ascended into glory and now sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, v. 3.
III. Meditation: on how Jesus is better than the angels
1. Jesus had obtained a more excellent name by divine inheritance, vv. 2, 4.
Angels are beings created by the Lord.
2. Jesus is the unique, only begotten Son of God, v. 5.
There are hosts of angels; only one Son of God.
3. Jesus is to be obeyed by and worshipped by the angels, vv. 6-7, 14.
Angels are merely servants (messengers), doing God's will.
4. Jesus is the prophesied Anointed One (Messiah; Christ) v. 9.
Angels proclaimed the birth of the Savior of the world . . . an office
which only God, Himself, could occupy.
IV. Revelation: since Jesus has . . .
1. Spoken, believers need to listen to learn of God's nature and will.
2. Created, believers need to worship His majesty.
3. Saved, believers need to thank Him for His "amazing grace."
4. Ascended, believers need to obey His royal commands.
V. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Praise His excellent, holy name!
2. Acknowledge His divinity; He is the Son of God!
3. Join the angels in never-ending worship of Him!
4. Proclaim the fulfilled prophesy that the Messiah has come!
Nehemiah: "Jehovah Comforts"
(Nehemiah 1:1-11)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the historical setting of this book
1. Nehemiah ("Jehovah Comforts") was a cupbearer at the court of the
Persian king Artaxerxes, who reigned from 465 until 424 B.C.
2. Nehemiah twice served as governor of Judah: his first term began in
the 20th year of Artaxerxes' reign (445 B.C.) and lasted twelve years;
his second term (of unknown length) began after a brief period of time
spent back in Persia, 2:1; 13:6.
3. The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther cover a period of about 110
years (538-425 B.C.).
4. During this same time of Jewish history, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi
served as the prophets in Judah.
II. Meditation: on Nehemiah's prayer for the Jews in Jerusalem
1. In Shushan, the winter capital city of the kings of Persia, Nehemiah received
a report from Hanani concerning the condition of the Jews who had returned
from captivity, but who now lived in distress and reproach in Jerusalem, where
the walls had been broken down and the gates burned, vv. 1-3.
2. Nehemiah wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed for many days, v 4.
3. He confessed the sins of the nation of Judah, and asked God to forgive and
to bless them, vv. 5-10.
4. He asked the Lord to grant him mercy in the sight of the Persian king, Artaxerxes,
who has the authority to appoint Nehemiah as the governor of Judah, v. 11.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual insights present in this chapter
1. The Lord God of Israel is great and awesome, v. 5.
2. The Lord is faithful to keep His covenant and to deal in mercy with the people who
love and obey Him, v. 5.
3. The Lord sees their situation and hears their cries, v. 6.
4. The Lord has promised to punish their sins (fulfilled through the Babylonian captivity),
but He also had promised to bring them back to their homeland . . . those "whom
You have redeemed by Your great power, and by Your strong hand," v. 7-10.
IV. Applications: as a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Praise and worship the Lord God, who is great and awesome.
2. Know that the Lord sees all my problems and hears all my prayers; depend upon His
faithfulness and mercy, as I serve Him obediently, motivated by love.
3. Thank the Lord for His redeeming power.
4. Volunteer; make myself available to be used by the Lord to accomplish His divine
purpose of helping hurting people.
"Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves." - Abraham Lincoln
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