Sun, 1 February 2009
Text: Hebrews 6:4-8 1. What We Know * Setting - The author was familiar with the history of these people. 2. Context* “But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings...”(Heb. 10:32-34) * Internal evidence indicates that the date of writing would have been prior to the destruction of the temple in 70; which is significant because of the lengthy discussion of the Jesus as our Great High Priest. * Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer gifts according to the law;...” (Heb. 8:4; 9:6-9) * Jesus is a qualified, victorious, and perfect high priest that desires us to approach Him. (vs. 14-16) 3. They are Saved, but Immature?* The author’s desire is to teach his readers concerning Melchizedek. (Heb. 5:11) * The author is concerned about the lack of progress in their lives. (Heb. 5:12-6:3) * Language- the language of verses 4-5 seem to indicate that these are believers. * Every one of these statements is in a tense indicating these things are never repeated acts of God’s working. * Verse 6 does indicate that something is impossible. What is it? |