Spiritual Warfare Part 4

 https://pathwaytopurityandpower.podbean.com/e/the-enemy-we-face-unmasking-satans-strategies/

Bible Study Hebrews 3: 1-19

 

A Commentary of the Book of Hebrews

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study Hebrews 3: 1-19

Text:

3 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, 8 harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 while it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

The author concludes his discussion on Christ's work and human nature by urging his audience—described as "partakers of the heavenly calling"—to focus their attention on Christ Jesus, identified here as the "Apostle and High Priest of our profession." The title "Apostle" denotes "one who is sent." Throughout His ministry, Jesus frequently identified Himself as being sent into this world by the Father, establishing Him as the preeminent Apostle and the ultimate source of all apostleship.

Verse 2: “ who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.”

The Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated unwavering fidelity to the One who appointed Him. His faithfulness was manifested both in His earthly mission to represent God to humanity and in His ongoing role as our representative before God.

Furthermore, Moses exhibited faithfulness within the entirety of his house. In this context, the term "house," which appears seven times in the subsequent verses, refers not to the personal domain of Moses, but to the house of God. Moses maintained his integrity within God's house, diligently fulfilling the specific calling he received.

Verse 3: “For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.”

In Hebrews 3:3-4, the terms "built" and "builded" carry an identical meaning, highlighting Jesus as the one who established the household. While Moses served as the house's designated guardian, Jesus is the one who constructed it and ensured it was fully prepared for occupancy.

Verse 4: “ For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.”

The author further asserts that "he that built all things is God." Because Jesus is identified as the one who "builded the house," He is presented as being on the same level as God. This establishes His superiority over Moses as an absolute certainty.

Verse 5: “And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;”

Jesus Christ's superiority over Moses is established through two primary distinctions. First, as the Creator, Christ stands above Moses, who is a created being. Second, while the highest praise for Moses was his role as a faithful servant of God, he was never titled a "son." In contrast, Christ is the Son of God. This distinction between a son and a servant within a household underscores Christ's preeminence as both the Creator and the Son.

Verse 6: “ but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

The phrase "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" reflects a rhetorical style often employed by the Apostle Paul, wherein the term "if" serves as a logical framework rather than a conditional requirement. This passage may be more clearly interpreted as "since we hold fast the confidence," suggesting that for those who are children of God and participants in the heavenly calling, perseverance and fidelity are natural outcomes. Consequently, the act of remaining steadfast serves as the definitive evidence of one's membership within the household of God. 

Verse 7: “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,”

Given the significance of the messages delivered by prophets, angels, and Moses, the message from Jesus carries even greater weight. This context makes it vital to avoid unbelief regarding His word.

The citation from Psalm 95:7–11 commences with the exhortation, “To-day if ye will hear his voice.”

Verse 8: “harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:”

“Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation” is a plea to consider the superiority of Christ’s headship over Moses’ stewardship. The phrase “if ye will hear his voice”, indicates that they were hearing his voice. 

Verse 9: “when your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.”

The author implies that testing God despite having witnessed His miracles for four decades was a fundamentally irrational act. This lack of sound judgment is underscored in verse 12 through the description of an “evil heart”. It is difficult to understand that “your fathers tempted me” even though they “saw my works forty years”. Given their observations, you would have thought they would have been obedient.

Verse 10: “Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.”

God expressed His profound displeasure, noting, "Wherefore I was grieved" (a sentiment perhaps more accurately described as "disgusted") "with that generation." This specific group of people perished in the wilderness due to their failings. Notably, Jesus later characterized the Pharisees and scribes of His time using similar language, calling them "an evil and adulterous generation."

The indictment that "they have not known my ways" carries significant weight. It underscores their failure to acknowledge God despite the overwhelming manifestations of His love and constant provision throughout their journey.

Verse 11: “So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)

The divine decree, "They shall not enter into my rest," represents a form of discipline reinforced by God's own sacred oath. This judgment resulted in an irreversible outcome, vividly illustrated by the remains of the Israelites who lacked faith and perished in the desert.

Verse 12: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

The term "brethren" is used here as a warning to those who might share the same flaws as the generation that died in the desert, never reaching the Promised Land. This group consisted of unbelieving Jews who remained among the "holy brethren" and were urged to embrace faith before their opportunity passed. Concerning the "evil heart," while it is a condition common to all humanity from birth, for these Hebrews, it was specifically evidenced by a rejection of the gospel that caused them to turn away from God. 

Verse 13: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

The command to "exhort one another daily, while it is called To day" underscores the vital role of mutual support and accountability within the community of believers. Unbelief, at its core, is the act of forsaking God, a path that risks leaving an individual "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin". While the current era remains a period of divine grace and an open invitation to place one's trust in God, this window of opportunity is finite. 

Verse 14: “For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;”

The author reinforces the point made in verse 6 by stating, "if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end." Our status as members of Christ's household is confirmed only "if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."

Verse 15: “while it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.”

To prevent the same rebellious hardening experienced by those delivered from Egypt, the author stresses the need for constant, diligent obedience to God's voice today. Listening to the Lord's Word serves as the essential remedy for a calloused heart. Furthermore, in the Hebrew tradition, true "hearing" is only realized through the act of obedience.

Verse 16: “For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.”

The term "provoke" signifies that God was deeply offended by those who heard His word but failed to believe it. Although they possessed sufficient faith to leave Egypt, their belief did not extend beyond that initial step.

Verse 17: “But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?”

The inquiry posed in this verse—"With whom was he grieved forty years?"—identifies the target of God's displeasure as the multitude that departed from Egypt. This generation's history of sin led to their demise, with their remains scattered across the wilderness. Within that entire assembly, only Joshua and Caleb possessed the requisite faith to trust God's promises, making them the sole survivors to enter the land. Notably, even Moses was barred from the Promised Land; however, his exclusion stemmed not from a fundamental deficiency of faith, but from a specific act of rebellion when he struck the rock in a fit of rage instead of speaking to it according to God's explicit instructions.

Verse 18: “And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?”

The divine inquiry, “And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest,” refers specifically to the earthly rest of Canaan rather than the eternal realm of heaven. Due to their persistent lack of faith, this generation remained ignorant of the blessings of Canaan, failing to enjoy its abundance or experience the fulfillment that comes from absolute trust in Jehovah. God’s decree that they would be excluded from His rest was solidified by a sacred oath. While the Almighty’s word is inherently absolute, His use of an oath underscores the irrevocable nature of this judgment.

Once more, the author identifies the subjects of this divine displeasure as those who did not believe. It is critical to note that while their idolatry with the golden calf and their acts of immorality were grievous, these were not the primary barriers to God’s blessing. Rather, it was the fundamental sin of unbelief that ultimately barred them from their inheritance.

Verse 19: “So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.”

The fundamental cause of their rebellion, sin, and defiance was a deep-seated unbelief—a collective failure to remain steadfastly anchored in the promises of God.

 

Humbled by Grace, Devoted to Christ

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:7

"For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?"

Personal Reflection

The doctrine of man's depravity is never intended to leave believers discouraged. Instead, it is designed to produce profound humility and overwhelming gratitude. When we truly understand what God rescued us from, pride has no place in our hearts.

Every spiritual blessing we possess has been received, not earned. God sought us when we were not seeking Him. He opened our eyes when we were blind. He gave us life when we were dead. He granted repentance when we loved our sin and gave us faith when we were unwilling to come. From beginning to end, salvation is entirely the work of God's sovereign grace.

This realization transforms our daily walk. It makes us patient with struggling believers, compassionate toward unbelievers, and generous in extending the grace we ourselves have received. It also deepens our worship. The more clearly we understand our former condition, the more brightly the cross shines before us.

Far from promoting despair, the doctrine of depravity produces joyful confidence. Since God accomplished our salvation when we were His enemies, we can trust Him to complete the work He began. Our hope rests not in our faithfulness but in His.

The Christian who understands depravity will not boast in himself. He will boast in Christ alone. His song becomes that of the Apostle Paul: "By the grace of God I am what I am." May that confession shape our worship, our service, and our witness until the day we stand perfected in His presence.

Contemplation

Does my understanding of God's grace make me more humble, more grateful, and more devoted to Christ?

Puritan Quote

Jonathan Edwards wrote:

"You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary."

Prayer

Gracious Father, keep me humble before Your cross. Let the knowledge of my former depravity continually increase my love for Christ, my gratitude for Your grace, and my desire to glorify You in all things. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application

Spend time today thanking God for specific evidences of His grace in your life, and intentionally give Him all the glory for your salvation and growth in holiness.

 

Depending on the Holy Spirit in Evangelism

Scripture: Romans 1:16

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth..."

Personal Reflection

Our understanding of man's depravity profoundly shapes the way we share the gospel. If we believe people are merely uninformed or slightly misguided, we will be tempted to rely on persuasive techniques, emotional appeals, or clever marketing. But if Scripture is true—that sinners are spiritually dead and unable to come to Christ apart from God's grace—then our confidence must rest entirely in the power of God.

This does not make evangelism less urgent; it makes it more dependent upon prayer and the faithful proclamation of God's Word. We sow the seed, but God gives the increase. We present Christ clearly, but only the Holy Spirit can awaken a dead heart.

This truth frees us from the burden of trying to manufacture conversions. Our responsibility is faithfulness, not results. We proclaim the whole counsel of God, calling sinners to repentance and faith, while trusting the Spirit to accomplish His sovereign purpose.

Such dependence also guards us from compromising the gospel. We need not dilute the message to make it more acceptable. The gospel itself is "the power of God unto salvation." It is sufficient because God Himself works through it.

May we never lose confidence in the ordinary means God has ordained—His Word, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Contemplation

Am I trusting more in my ability to persuade people or in God's power to save them?

Puritan Quote

John Flavel wrote:

"The excellency of the gospel lies not in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God."

Prayer

Father, make me faithful in proclaiming Your truth. Keep me from trusting human methods and teach me to rely completely upon the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Application

Pray before every gospel conversation this week, asking the Holy Spirit to prepare hearts and give you boldness to speak the truth with love.

 

No Soundness in Us

Scripture: Isaiah 1:5–6

"From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it..."

Personal Reflection

Isaiah portrays fallen humanity as a body covered with untreated wounds, bruises, and sores. It is a vivid picture of sin's comprehensive effect. Every faculty of our being—mind, emotions, will, conscience, and body—has been touched by the fall. Sin is not merely an occasional sickness; it is a pervasive corruption affecting every part of our lives.

Modern culture often speaks of humanity as fundamentally healthy with only a few flaws that need correcting. God's Word says otherwise. The disease is universal, and the cure must therefore be supernatural. Human philosophy, education, psychology, and moral improvement may address certain outward behaviors, but they cannot heal the soul.

The good news is that Christ came as the Great Physician. He does not merely bandage our wounds; He gives us new life. Through His atoning death and victorious resurrection, He provides forgiveness, reconciliation, and the ongoing work of sanctification.

As believers, we should never minimize the seriousness of sin, but neither should we despair because of it. The grace of Christ is greater than the corruption of our hearts. Every day He continues His healing work, conforming us to His image until the day we stand before Him completely free from sin.

That future hope encourages us to pursue holiness today, trusting that the One who began a good work in us will faithfully complete it.

Contemplation

Do I underestimate the seriousness of sin or the sufficiency of Christ's grace?

Puritan Quote

Richard Sibbes wrote:

"There is more mercy in Christ than misery in us."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Great Physician of my soul. Continue healing every area of my life through Your sanctifying grace until I reflect Your likeness more fully. Amen.

Application

Thank God today for one area where you have seen His sanctifying work in your life, and ask Him to continue that work.

 

From Children of Wrath to Children of God

Scripture: John 8:44

"Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do."

Personal Reflection

Few statements of Jesus are more startling than His declaration that those apart from Him belong to their spiritual father, the devil. These words remind us that every person is born into spiritual bondage. We are not born as children of God by nature but become His children only through the saving work of Jesus Christ.

This truth stands in sharp contrast to the popular belief that everyone is automatically part of God's family. Scripture teaches otherwise. God is indeed the Creator of all mankind, but only those who are united to Christ by faith are adopted into His family and receive the privilege of calling Him "Father."

This reality should deepen both our gratitude and our compassion. Gratitude, because God rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Compassion, because those who reject Christ remain enslaved to sin and deceived by the evil one.

Our warfare is therefore spiritual. While we oppose false teaching and resist evil, we remember that unbelievers are captives in need of deliverance, not merely opponents to be defeated. The gospel is God's appointed means of setting prisoners free.

Every time we pray for the lost or share the gospel, we participate in God's gracious work of calling sinners out of darkness into His marvelous light. What greater privilege could there be than pointing someone to the Savior who transforms enemies into beloved sons and daughters?

Contemplation

Does remembering what God rescued me from increase my love for Christ and my compassion for those who are still lost?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Till God changes the heart, the sinner loves his chains."

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family through Christ. Give me a heart that longs to see others delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Your dear Son. Amen.

Application

Pray for someone who is far from Christ and ask God to give you an opportunity to lovingly share the gospel with them.

Conceived in Sin

 

Conceived in Sin

Scripture: Psalm 51:5 (KJV)

"Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."

Personal Reflection

David's confession reaches far deeper than the sinful acts he committed with Bathsheba. He traces the source of his sin to his very nature. He does not blame his circumstances, his upbringing, or the pressures of being king. Instead, he acknowledges that he was a sinner from the moment of conception. This is one of the clearest biblical affirmations of original sin.

This truth humbles every one of us. We are not sinners merely because we sin; we sin because we are sinners by nature. Just as a corrupt tree naturally bears corrupt fruit, a fallen nature naturally produces sinful thoughts, words, and actions. Every outward act of rebellion springs from an inward corruption inherited from Adam.

Yet this doctrine also magnifies the grace of God. If our problem began at conception, then our solution cannot come from self-improvement or moral reform. We need nothing less than a new birth. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Ye must be born again." Only the Holy Spirit can give new life to those who are spiritually dead.

Understanding our sinful nature also teaches us to be vigilant. Though believers have been given new hearts, we still contend with remaining sin. Daily repentance, prayer, and submission to God's Word are essential as the Spirit continues His work of sanctification.

The more clearly we see the depth of our corruption, the more fervently we praise God for His sovereign mercy. Our salvation is not the result of human goodness but of divine grace alone. We were born in sin, but through Christ we are born again into a living hope.

Contemplation

Do I recognize that my greatest problem was not merely what I did, but what I was apart from Christ?

Puritan Quote

John Owen wrote:

"Original sin is not only the guilt of Adam's first transgression but the constant fountain of all actual sins."

Prayer

Merciful Father, thank You for rescuing me from the bondage of my sinful nature. Continue Your sanctifying work within me, making me more like Christ each day. Amen.

Application

Read John 3:1–8 and thank God that salvation requires—and provides—a new birth through the Holy Spirit.