There’s Nobody Like Jesus!
Living Up
Hebrews 3 New Living Translation
Objective: to understand that Jesus upgrades our existence through partnership with Him.
Introduction: There is a difference between having more and becoming more.
The author of our text introduces tension: it’s a tragedy to enjoy what God provides while at the same time resisting what God prescribes.
Lesson in a line: Beware of a heart that welcomes God’s blessings but refuses God’s instruction.
–Declaration of partnership (verses 1-6) The word “consider/think carefully” means more than casual visualization. It carries the idea of fixing one’s attention upon Jesus.
A. We have a shared calling
Reference Ephesians 2:8
Living up does not mean earning God’s acceptance. Living up means living out of the identity grace has given us.
We don’t obey so God will make us His people. We obey because, through Christ, God has made us His people.
B. Jesus is greater/better than Moses
For the original Jewish audience, Moses represented one of the greatest figures imaginable.
Moses could lead people toward the promise, but Jesus is the promise.
C. We are God’s house
This house is not the physical building where Christians assemble for worship. God’s house is God’s people. So, partnership with Jesus gives us a new understanding of our selves.
Christianity should never be reduced to asking “What can Jesus do for me?” Christian maturity asks “Since I belong to Jesus, what kind of life should I now live?”
Question to Ponder Am I following Jesus because I want His benefits, or because I have surrendered to His lordship?
–Prohibition against hardened hearts (verses 7-11) After chapter 2’s warning of “don’t drift”, we receive a second warning “don’t harden your hearts”.
Reference Psalm 95:7-11
Delayed obedience has a way of becoming permanent resistance.
A. Hardening is usually gradual
This is why we take both divine sovereignty and human responsibility seriously.
B. Israel wanted God’s provision without God’s direction
The danger we must beware, a heart that welcomes God’s blessings but refuses God’s instruction.
C. The issue is the heart
In Scripture, the heart represents more than emotion. The heart is the control center of human life. It involves desire, affection, intellect, will, intention, and loyalty.
Question to Ponder What instruction from God am I currently tempted to celebrate around rather than obey?
–Exhortation for Christian community (verses 12-19) The author shifts from personal warning to communal responsibility.
Biblical Christianity does not envision Christians attempting to survive spiritually alone.
A. Sin is deceptive
One reason community is necessary is that sin deceives us.
B. Encourage one another daily
Biblical encouragement is more than telling somebody “You’re doing great.” The biblical idea carries the sense of coming alongside someone—to strengthen, urge, comfort, and call them forward.
C. Partnership requires perseverance
Those whom God truly saves, God preserves—and those whom God preserves will persevere. We keep holding onto Christ because underneath our grip on Him is His grip on us.
Reference Luke 15:3-7
D. Unbelief eventually produces disobedience
Hebrews connects two primary concepts: unbelief and disobedience.
Reference Luke 6:46
Question to Ponder Who has God placed in your life who has permission to challenge your heart before it becomes hardened?
Conclusion
This text has revealed three realities to embrace…
-Partnership gives us a new identity
-Partnership requires a responsive heart
-Partnership gives us a new community
Antonie E. Walker Ministries 