Bible Pathway - Dec. 13, 2009
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus chosen by God as our High Priest (5:1-10) and sealed by His oath (7:15-28). Jesus made full and final payment for sin (5:9; see John 3:16; Rom. 6:23). Don't stagnate; the Lord expects us to continue to grow spiritually (Heb. 5:11— 6:3). Our hope is God (6:13-20).
Since the day Adam sinned, everyone has been born with his sin nature. As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. . . . so by the obedience of One shall many be made righteous (Rom. 5:12-19). But, from His birth, Jesus, the only-begotten, virgin-born Son of God, is the only person ever born sinless. Scripture says that though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered . . . He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). He did not allow temptation, opposition, popularity, His earthly family, or suffering to deter Him from doing His Father's perfect will. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 5:21).
Our highest privilege as a servant of our Savior is to press on each day to be like Christ who is our Lord. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace (6:14). We are made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (6:22-23). The Apostle Paul stated: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect. . . . but this one thing I do . . . I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:12-14).
We're to treasure the Word of God as the most precious thing in life. There is a danger of being lulled into a state of satisfaction — knowing the Truth even when we are not experiencing its power (II Tim. 3:5). Too often our trouble is that we do not yield to His will when He makes it clear. We are admonished: Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Christ's death, resurrection, and soon return should be our strongest motivation.
Looking for that . . . glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar (special, devoted) people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).
Thought for Today:
Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (I Sam. 15:22).
Cross References:
For Heb. 5:5: See Ps. 2:7. Heb. 5:6: See Ps. 110:4. Heb. 6:14: See Gen. 22:17.
Word Studies:
6:17 immutability of His counsel =His purpose will not be altered.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lillian Conley-Ousley • Government Official: Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA) • Country: North Korea (22.2 million) in northeastern Asia • Major language: Korean • Violent oppression against all religions • 68% atheist; 15% Ch'ondogyo; 14% Other Traditional; 2% Buddhist; 1% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for national revival, for righteousness exalts a nation (Prov. 14:34).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 18:35
