Morning Message: Enter Into His Rest

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Enter Into His Rest"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Most everyone that has been a Christian for a while, identifies Hebrews 11 as the chapter on Faith. But that chapter is the culmination of what these previous chapters have been alluding to. In chapter 2, it was mentioned that we should not let the Gift of Faith slip. That gift was received by us, but came from Him! Neglecting it would be a crime. Denying it would be a rejection of our Benefactor!

Our reading today, and many others remind us of the many gifts that God has for mankind, but in particular, to those willing to believe. Rejecting Jesus Christ is equal to relinquishing the right to receive God’s gifts. This includes the gift of salvation. The entire Epistle is about faith.

As a Believer, I find it hard to understand why anyone would give up such privilege from our Creator. But I know it happens, because I know of two young men who were raised in the church, in a religious setting who have turned and walked away from He in which they had once believed. It’s heart-breaking to watch, and devastating to their families, but even in such situations, we are given hope from the words of King Solomon:

“Train up a child in the way they should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6

The Word of God reminds us that He is yet in control. Though we may choose our own way; it is the Lord Who guides our steps (Proverbs 16:9). But there is a caveat to make note of; and that is that our hearing of the good news must be mixed with the faith that is given to us. We will read of this early in today’s chapter. Protecting those seeds of faith is vital. We protect them by affirming them repeatedly, multiple times and often.

If you memorized your addition and multiplication tables when you were in grade school, then the new math makes no sense to you, and you question the wisdom of a process that brings you to the same answer, but ignores the simple exercise of memorization. The repetition of memorizing supplies us with the answer without having to think about it.

“Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.” - 2 Corinthians 3:3

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 4:1-16 - "Enter Into His Rest"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 4 is a powerful chapter that delves into the concept of rest and its significance in the life of a believer. It’s a reminder that God has prepared a place of rest for His people, and it’s our responsibility to strive to enter that rest.

The chapter also highlights the importance of faith and obedience in our journey towards God’s rest. It warns against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, using the example of the Israelites who failed to enter the Promised Land due to their lack of faith.

Now remember, the Book of Hebrews is written to Christians. It is written to believers. However, scattered throughout Hebrews are warnings to unbelievers. Not just any kind of unbelievers but unbelievers who know the truth, who in fact, in this case, were Jews who had renounced Judaism, turned from Judaism, and begun to point toward Christ but had never really received Christ. They had gone away from Judaism but they hadn’t stepped into a real relationship with Christ.

As we begin chapter 4, we find ourselves right in the middle of this warning to those Jews, and to anybody for that matter, who is halting on the edge of decision and not making a commitment to Jesus Christ, And the warning comes to them beginning in chapter 3, verse 7, “Today, harden not your hearts.” It’s repeated again and again throughout this section. The same message in verse 13, “Today, lest any of you be hardened,” verse 15, “Today, if you’ll hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” And clear down in verse 7 of chapter 4, again, “Today, don’t harden your hearts.”

The continuous illustration that is used all the way through here is don’t harden your hearts like Israel did. Israel turned away from Egypt. They began to go toward the Promised Land, but on the way to the Promised Land, they stopped and did not believe God. They did not put their faith in God. Therefore, they never did enter into the full rest of Canaan. They turned away from Egypt, but that generation that died, never went into the Promised Land. They halted at the crucial place of decision. And so, the warning of the Spirit of God in this passage is “Do not do what Israel did.”

Do not be taken away from the old life but never commit yourself to that new relationship with Jesus Christ but hang on the balance. And the longer you hang and the more you hear the message and the more you hear the Gospel, the easier it is to reject. And pretty soon you find one day you’ve woken up to realize – or you’ve awakened. I’ll say it right. To realize that your heart is hardened. You have an evil heart of unbelief. You have departed from the Living God. That’s the warning of his large section.

Hebrews 4 emphasizes the power of God’s Word, describing it as living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It’s a tool that can help us discern our thoughts and intentions, guiding us towards a life that pleases God.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Promise (4:1) - There are many, many promises of God in Scripture. In each promise, God pledges that something will (or will not) be done or given or come to pass. These are not flippant, casual promises such as we often make; these promises of God are rock-solid, unequivocal commitments made by God Himself. Because God is faithful, the recipients of the divine promises can have full assurance that what God has pledged will indeed be realized (Numbers 23:19). This is the first use of this important word in Hebrews.  The content of this promise is defined as "entering His rest."

His Rest (4:1) - This is the rest which God gives; therefore, it is called "My rest" (Psalm 95:11) and "His rest."  For believers, God's rest includes His peace, confidence of salvation, reliance on His strength, and assurance of a future heavenly home (cf. Matthew 11:29).

Come Short (4:1) - The entire phrase could be translated "lest you think you have come too late to enter into the rest of God."  Wit reverential fear, all are to examine their own spiritual condition (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 13:5) and to actively press for commitment on the part of others (cf. Jude 23).

The Gospel (4:2) - The "gospel" is not just a New Testament revelation, for it was preached to the children of Israel in the wilderness, in types and prophecies at least.  In fact, it is "the "everlasting gospel" (Revelation 14:6-7), and the first promise of redemption (Genesis 3:15) is commonly known as the "protevangel" (first gospel).  In its essence, the gospel (good news) is the message that the Creator is also our Redeemer and coming King and that true faith in Him - faith which produces salvation - will also produce loving obedience to His Word.

Mixed With Faith (4:2) - Mere knowledge of God's message is not sufficient.  It must be appropriated by saving faith.  Later in the epistle, a much longer exposition will take up this topic of faith (10:19 - 12:29).  The writer's point of comparison is that, like the Jews who left Egypt (3:16-19, his generation had also received God's message through the preaching of the gospel; they had been evangelized. It is vital to "hear" the Word, but then it is necessary to "believe" it as well. Note John 5:24; James 1:22.

We . . . Do Enter (4:3) - Those who exercise faith in the message of God will enter into their spiritual rest.  This fact that results directly from Psalm 95:11 which states the opposite side:  that the unbeliever will not enter into the rest which God provides

Finished From the Foundation of the World (4:3) - The spiritual rest which God gives s not something incomplete or unfinished.  It is a rest which is based on a finished work which God purposed in eternity past, just like the rest which God took after He finished creation (vs. 4).

A Rest (4:9) -A different Greek word for rest meaning "Sabbath rest" is introduced here, and this is its only appearance in the New Testament.  The writer chose the word to draw the readers' attention back to the "seventh day" mentioned in verse 4 and to set up the explanation in verse 10. 

Two-Edged Sword (4:12) - The "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17) is in reference to each individual "saying" of God, used as appropriate.  While the Word of God is comforting and nourishing to those who believe, it is a tool of judgment and execution for those who have not committed themselves to Jesus Christ.  Some of the Hebrews were merely going through the motions of belonging to christ.  Intellectually, they were at least partly persuaded, but inside they were not committed to Him.  God's Word would expose their shallow beliefs and even their false intentions (cf. 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Peter 4:5).

Dividing of Soul and Spirit (4:12) - There is a difference between a person's "soul and spirit" but they operate so much in concert that only the Scriptures can discern between them.  What God has revealed is so precise and so accurate as to make the minutest of judgments and to be able to discern where the soul and spirit begin and end. It can even expose “our innermost thoughts and desires.”

Opened unto the Eyes of Him (4:13) - Open is a specialized term used just this one time in the New Testament.  It originally meant to expose the neck either in preparation for sacrifice or for beheading.  Perhaps the use of sword in the previous verse triggered the term.  Each person is judged not only by the Word of God (cf. John 12:48), but by God Himself.  We are accountable to the living, written Word (cf. John 6:63, 68; Acts 7:38) and to the living God who is its author. 

Passed Through the Heavens (4:14) - Just as the high priest under the Old Covenant passed through three areas (the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies) to make the atoning sacrifice, Jesus passed through three heavens (the atmospheric heaven, the stellar heaven, and God's abode; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:2-4) after making the perfect, final sacrifice.  One a year on the Day of Atonement the high priest of Israel would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the People (Leviticus 16).  That tabernacle was only a limited copy of the heavenly reality (cf. 8:1-5).  When Jesus entered into the heavenly Holy of Holies, having accomplished redemption, the earthly facsimile was replaced by the reality of heaven itself.  Freed from that which is earthly, the Christian faith is characterized by the heavenly (3:1; Ephesians 1:3, 2:6; Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Peter 1:4).

Jesus the Son of God (4:14) - The use of both the title of humanity (Jesus) and of deity (Son of God is significant.  One of the few cases of such a juxtaposition is in 1 John 1:7, where Jesus' sacrifice for sins is emphasized (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 John 4:15; 5:5).

All Points Tempted (4:15) - The writer here adds to his statements in 2:18 that Jesus was sinless.  He was able to be tempted (Matthew 4:1-11), but not able to sin.

Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace (4:16) - Most ancient rulers were unapproachable by anyone but their highest advisers.  In contrast, the Holy Spirit calls for all to come confidently before God's throne to receive mercy and grace through Jesus Christ.

Morning Message: The True Builder

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "The True Builder"
Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The scribe to the Hebrews addresses his fellow Jews as he opens this third chapter, and to us who have been adopted into their inheritance: “…Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle, and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” These words reinforce the idea that in heaven there is neither Jew, nor Gentile, bond nor free in His Kingdom, for we are all one in Christ.

God doesn’t play favorites, but He does reward obedience. And in that, we all have the same chance to exercise it. In a military unit, there are ranks to attain, and rewards with which to be honored. Within a family, there is a pecking order of authority, with The Father over the father, mother, and children.

But the Holy Spirit goes deeper today. Our families each have Marthas, and Marys, Martins and Marions (you might recall that John Wayne’s birth name was Marion. And even in my teens, Pastor worked with a man named Marion. There are natural strengths, and spiritual callings too. That is what the writer wants us to know. There is a heaven-made order in all things. He is not the author of confusion. Neither the Father is, nor the Son, nor the Holy Spirit.

We may not be aware of why He orders things one way, or another, but in hindsight, we will see His wisdom. The honor placed upon Moses among the Jews, is replaced by the honor given to Jesus in the New Testament. Servanthood is replaced with kinship; the created with the Creator. All are His.

“For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know even as also I am known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12

Bobservations Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message

Hebrews 3:1-19 - "The True Builder"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

As we continue in our study of the book of Hebrews, today we are in chapter 3.  This chapter is a theologically rich passage that addresses several key themes essential for understanding the message of the Epistle to the Hebrews. The superiority of Christ over Moses, the importance of faithfulness, the peril of unbelief, the promise of God's rest, and the role of Christ as the faithful high priest are all intricately woven together to encourage and exhort believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

By drawing on the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, the author provides a solemn warning against the dangers of hardening one's heart and turning away from God. At the same time, the chapter offers a message of hope and assurance, reminding believers of their identity as part of God's house and the faithfulness of Christ as the Son over the house.

In essence, Hebrews chapter 3 calls believers to a deeper commitment to faithfulness, urging them to hold firmly to their confidence and hope, to encourage one another daily, and to avoid the deceitfulness of sin. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and the perils of unbelief, all while pointing to the superior and faithful ministry of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Holy Brethren (3:1) - The phrase occurs only here and in 1 Thessalonians 5:27.  The writer addresses believers who have a "heavenly calling" (cf. Philippians 3:14).  They are elsewhere described as desiring a "Heavenly country" (11:16) and as coming to "the heavenly Jerusalem" (12:22).  They are "holy" in the sense that they are set apart unto God and identified with the heavenly realm - citizens of heaven more than citizens of earth. 

Consider (3:1) - complete attention to and diligent observation of the superiority of Jesus Christ.

Apostle (3:1) - This is the only time that Christ is called an apostle (meaning literally "one who is sent").  He was sent by the Father as the Apostle of our profession (John 17:18; 20:21). This sent one has the rights, power and authority of the one who sends him.  

Calling (3:1) - The reference, as always in the New Testament epistles, is to the effective summons to salvation in Christ (cf. Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 7:21).

Of Our Profession (3:1) - Refers to the Christian faith, confession, and acknowledged beliefs held by believers in Jesus Christ. It signifies the public acknowledgment and commitment to Christ as God's messenger and High Priest, a weighty promise that is not superficial but backed by a covenant affirmation and a comprehensive understanding of the Gospel. The context of the verse encourages believers to consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of this faith, highlighting his dignity and importance as the mediator of the new covenant.

House (3:2) - Refers to a family of people rather than a building or dwelling (cf. v. 6; 1 Tmothy 3:15).  Those who were stewards of a household must above all be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).  Both Moses (Numbers 12:7) and Christ (S:17) faithfully fulfilled their individual, divine appointments to care for the people of God.

He Who Built (3:3-4) - Moses was only part of God's household of faith, whereas Jesus was the Creator of that household (cf. 2 Samuel 7:13; Zechariah 6:12, 13; Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4, 5) and, therefore, is greater than Moses and equal to God.

Servant . . . Son (3:5-6) - The term for servant implies a position of dignity and freedom, not slavery (cf. Exodus 14:31; Joshua 1:2).  However, even as the highest-ranking servant, Moses would never hold the position of Son, which is Christ's alone (cf. John 8:35).

Spoken Afterward (3:5) -  Moses was faithful primarily as a testimony to that which was to come in Christ.

If We Hold Fast (3:6)) - The Word of God provides adequate assurance of eternal salvation for every genuine believer, but no warrant for arrogant presumption. 

Hope (3:6) - Hope rests in Christ Himself, whose redemptive work has accomplished our salvation.

Today (3:7) - The reference is to the present moment while the words of God are fresh in the mind.  There is a sense of urgency to immediately give heed to the voice of God.  This urgency is emphasized by repeating the reference to "today" from Psalm 95:7 three more times, and is the theme of the writer's exposition.

My Rest (3:11) - The earthly rest which God promised to give was life in the land of Canaan which Israel would receive as their inheritance (Deuteronomy 12:9, 10; Joshua 21:44; 1 Kings 8:56).  Because of rebellion against God, an entire generation of the children of Israel was prohibited from entering into that rest in the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 28:65; Lamentations 1:3).  The application of this picture is to an individual's spiritual rest in the Lord, which has precedent in the OT (cf. Psalm 116:7; Isaiah 28:12).  At salvation, every believer enters the true rest, the realm of spiritual promise, never again laboring to achieve through personal effort a righteousness that pleases God.  God wanted both kinds of rest for that generation which was delivered from Egypt.

Brethren (3:12) - addressed to those having the same potential characteristics as the generation which perished in the wilderness without ever seeing the land of promise.  They were unbelieving Jewish brethren who were in the company of the "holy brethren".  They were admonished to believe and be saved before it was too late.

An Evil Heart (3:12) - All people are born with such a heart (Jeremiah 17:9).  In the case of these Hebrews, that evil manifest itself in disbelief of the gospel which moved them in the opposite way from God.

Exhort One Another Daily (3:13) - Both individual accountability and corporate responsibility are intended in this admonition.  As long as the distressing days were upon them and they were tempted to return to the ineffective Levitical system, they were to encourage one another to identify completely with Jesus Christ.

Hardened (3:13) - Repeated rejection of the gospel concerning Jesus results in a progressive hardening of the heart and will ultimately result in outright antagonism to the gospel (6:4-6; 10:26-29; Acts 19:9).

Deceitfulness (3:13) - Sin lies and deceives, using every trickery possible (cf. Romans 7:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; James 1:14-16).  The Hebrews deceived themselves with the reasoning that their rejection of Jesus Christ was being faithful to the older system.  Their willingness to hang on to the Levitical system was really a rejection of the living Word (4:12) of the living God (v12), who through Christ had opened up a "new and living way" (10:20).  Choosing the path of unbelief always leads to death (v.17; 10:26-29; Jude 5).

Today (3:15) - Applicable to any time, not just to David's time (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Provocation (3:15) - Refers to the rebellion of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah (Exodus 17:5-7; Numbers 20:7-13), when the Lord provided water out of the rock for them.  The word for "provocation" in Psalm 95:8, from which this is quoted, is the Hebrew Meribah.

Carcasses (3:16) - One of the difficulties posed by skeptics is that, if a million or more Israelites perished in the wilderness during their 40 years in the desert, why have none of their graves been found by archaeologists?  This verse suggest that the bodies may not have been buried at all but simply left to decay and return to dust under the desert sun.  These all died "because of unbelief" (3:19), without seeing the promised land.

Morning Message: How Shall We Escape?

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "How Shall We Escape?"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Today's title, "How Shall We Escape?" is an odd question, until we read the rest of what is being asked. The entire question is this: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great (a) salvation?" It's rhetorical, because the answer is obvious.

The angels were aware of it, though it did not apply to them. The Prophets spoke of it. Jesus taught about it, and it was affirmed by those that heard His teachings, as they shared it with others. The writer is saying, we cannot escape eternal condemnation, unless of course we ignore the witnesses of God: the Prophets, Jesus and the Angelic Heavenly Host. Now, THAT'S a cloud of witnesses!

If we ignore their witness, disregard their testimonies and neglect the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and continue to live only responding to the flesh, then we will receive that condemnation. If that's what we want, we can do just nothing, and it will be ours.

But if we want to escape eternal damnation, the Lord God Jesus has provided a way to escape from it! That's the Good News! That's also an encouraging verse from Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians. Chapter 10, Verse 13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer ye to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

A temptation is not our only choice; we should look for the escape from it that God had has provided and make a decision that will last for eternity. In the first Chapter of the Book of Job (1:6-8), Satan is looking for a victim, and God said, "Hast thou considered my servant Job ...?" God suggests Job, because He knew his faith; and God then also limited the scope of what Satan could do to Job, and just like Job, God already knows our strengths and weaknesses. He will limit Satan's temptations, and provide a way for us to escape too, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

"And when the Gentile heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed." - Acts 13:48

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 2:1-18 - "How Shall We Escape?"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The first chapter of Hebrews has established the vast superiority of Jesus, the Son. He is the final message of God to the world. The Son was appointed heir of all things and through him the world was created. The Son is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his very being. He upholds the universe by his powerful word. He made purification for sins and sat down at God’s right hand becoming more superior than angels because of the name he has inherited. The writer of Hebrews declares that this book is a “word of exhortation” (13:22). This book is written to encourage the people to not give up. After declaring the greatness and superiority of Jesus in these ways, the author interrupts his comparison of Christ with angels with his first of six warnings in this epistle: a warning against drifting by neglecting our great salvation (1-4). He then illustrates Jesus' superiority to angels by being made lower than the angels, whereby He became the perfect captain of our salvation and a merciful and faithful High Priest (5-18).

Because of the superiority of Jesus to deliver a superior message, we need to pay much closer attention to what we have heard. In the past God spoke by the prophets at many times and in many ways (1:1). But now God has spoken to us by his Son. Therefore, we must pay closer attention to the message that we have heard from the Son. It is always the obligation of God’s people to hear. We will see that point made repeatedly when we study through the book of Deuteronomy. Listen to the Lord. Give attention to his word.

The writer explains that the world to come will not be subject to angels but to mankind. Jesus, made a little lower than angels, took on human form to taste death for everyone. Crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering, Jesus surpasses the angels in importance and status.

Jesus, the author of salvation, became perfect through sufferings, presenting all believers as His brethren. Jesus is shown to have shared in humanity and death to destroy the power of the devil. As the merciful and faithful High Priest, Jesus makes atonement for the people's sins, empathizing with their weaknesses because of His own experience of temptation.

Hebrews 2 presents the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, drawing a contrast between His divinity and His humanity. It expands on the theme of His shared humanity and the purpose behind His suffering and death, illustrating how Jesus offers salvation and perfect mediation between God and humanity. It also emphasizes the danger of neglecting God’s message, and the grace offered through Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Earnest Heed . . . Slip (2:1) - Pay close attention to the teachings of Jesus. They are not to be forgotten or disregarded.  The writer is warning to give serious, careful, and diligent attention to something, especially to the words of God, with the understanding that neglecting them can have serious consequences. The warning is to secure oneself to the truth of the gospel being careful not to pass by the only harbor of salvation.  The closest attention must be paid to these very serious matters of the Christian faith.  The readers in their tendency to apathy are in danger of making shipwreck of their lives.  

For if (2:2) - Carries the idea: "In full view of the fact that. . ."

Angels (2:2) - Literally, God's Messengers. The angels were instrumental in bringing God's Law to His people at Mount Sinai.

Transgression and Disobedience (2:2) - Transgression is the stepping over the line, in an overt sin of commission.  Disobedience carries the idea of shutting one's ears to God's commands, thereby committing a sin of omission.  Both are willful, serious, and require just judgment. 

How Shall We Escape? - (2:3) - If disobedience to the older covenant of law brough swift judgment, how much more severe will be the judgment of disobedience to the New Covenant gospel of salvation, which was mediated by the Son who is superior to the angels?  See Matthew 10:14, 15; 11:20-24.  The message and messenger of the New Covenant are great than the messengers and message of the older covenant.  The greater the privilege, the greater the punishment for disobedience or neglect.

Signs...Wonders...Miracles...Gifts (2:4) - The supernatural powers demonstrated by Jesus and His apostles were the Father's divine confirmation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God!  

The Holy Spirit (2:4) - Third Person of or Triune God.  This reference refers to His ministry of confirming the message of salvation by means of miraculous gifts. 

World (2:5) - The inhabited earth.  While angels have considerable authority in this present world, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself will personally reign over the millennial world (Revelation 20:4) and the eternal world to come (Revelation 11:15).

In A Certain Place (2:6) - Quoted from Psalm 8:4-5. The confirmation of the prophetic word of God and its divine authorship.  

Man...Son of Man (2:6) - Both refer to mankind, not to Christ.  The passage asks why God would ever bother with man.  As the following verses demonstrate (9, 10), the Incarnation of Christ is the greatest proof of God's love and regard for mankind.  Christ was not sent in the form of an angel, but the form of a man. 

Angels (2:7) - Here we learn that angels were given supernatural power by the Creator.  They have continual access to the throne of God (cf. Job 1:6; 2:1; Revelation 5:11) and are not subject to death.

Subjection (2:8) - In spite of the superiority of angels to mankind, God had originally placed the administration of the earth into the hands of mankind (Genesis 1:26-28).  Due to the Fall (Genesis 3), mankind has been incapable of fulfilling that divinely or ordained position. 

Glory and Honor (2:9) - Because Jesus became obedient unto death, God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:8, 9). By His redemptive work, Christ has fulfilled all that is required as the supreme representation of mankind.  By His Incarnation, substitutionary sacrifice, and victory over sin and death (Romans 6:23; 1 John 4:10, He has fulfilled man's original purpose. As the Second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:47), He was for a short time lower than the angels, Now, He has glory and honor, and all things are subject to Him.

For Every Man (2:9) - Jesus did not die merely for "the sin of the world" (John 1:29). but for every man individually.  Because He did this, those who come to Him in faith and repentance, asking for saving grace and forgiveness of sins, will be saved.  Those who do not will receive just judgment. 

Captain (2:10) - Meaning - Leader, Author, Prince.  Jesus is the Prince of Life, the Captain of our Salvation, and the Author of our Faith. 

Perfect (2:10) - How could the holy God be "Made perfect?"  Jesus was already perfect in His divine nature. The answer is that, if He would also be perfect man, He must learn obedience to the will of the Father and true obedience can only be tested if it involves suffering.  See Hebrews 5:8, 9

Sanctifies (2:11) - Sanctification sets a person apart for service through purification from sin and conformity to the holiness of God (cf.10:10).

My Brethren (2:12) - The use of the term demonstrates His full identification with mankind in order to provide complete redemption (Philippians 2:7-9).

Partakers . . . Took Part of the Same (2:14) - The word "partakers" means fellowship, communion, or partnership.  The Son of God was not by nature "flesh and blood," but took upon Himself that nature for the sake of providing redemption for mankind. 

Death...Power of Death (2:14) - The ultimate purpose of the Incarnation:  Jesus came to earth to die.  By dying, He was able to conquer death in His Resurrection (John 14:19).  By conquering death, He rendered Satan powerless against all who are saved.  Satan's using the power of death is subject to God's will (cf. Job 2:6).

Fear of Death (15) - 1 Corinthians 15:54 tells us that for the believer, "death is swallowed up in victory."  The believer no longer needs to fear death, for to him "to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, 23; 1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Seed of Abraham (2:16) - Christ is that promised seed.  Since the readers are Hebrews, they would certainly identify themselves with this description.  The Messiah had been born in the line of Abraham in fulfillment of the OT prophecies (Matthew 1:21).  Yet another purpose was the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant in regard to the promised seed.  Of all peoples, the Hebrews should be the first to recognize the significance and importance of the Incarnation. 

Reconciliation (2:17) - Christ's work of reconciliation is related to His high priestly ministry.  By partaking of a human nature, Christ demonstrated His mercy to mankind and His faithfulness to God by satisfying God's requirement for sin and thus obtaining for His people full forgiveness. 

Tempted (2:18) - The genuineness of Christ's humanity is demonstrated by the fact that He was subject to temptation.  By experiencing temptation, Jesus became fully capable of understanding and sympathizing with mankind.  Though we often yield to temptation before we feel its full force, Jesus resisted it all!