Hebrews 1:1-2a God Has Spoken, Not Stuttered BC 3/98

1 God, who at many times and in many ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,

2  Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son

{The author of Hebrews demonstrates the superiority of Christ over Judaism to Hebrew Christians (as well as the consequences of not pressing on to maturity), so they won’t be succumb to the temptation to go back to the way they were, but will make every effort to victoriously follow after Christ in faith, hope and love. The author begins in Chapter one by; demonstrating that Christ is superior to the OT law and angels, being the Final Revelation and Future Ruler of the world to come.}

I. God Can Walk and Talk

A. The universe is either infinitely self-existing or was caused to exist by an infinitely self-existing being.

B. The God who has the power to create, would have the power to communicate

C. He could communicate in such a way that we could understand both: that it was He communicating;  & what He wanted us to  know/do

D. He could preserve His communication so that His audience could rely on what He said

E. He would preserve His communication if He held us accountable for what He said

F. He would communicate to us if we were part of His purpose in creating the universe

G. God authenticates His spokesman  Mk 16:20; Ac 14:3;  Rom 15:18-19; Heb 2:4)

H. Satan seeks to thwart the communication process (2 Cor 11:14 don’t  marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.)

II. God Speaks for Our Benefit

Dt 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD thy God require of you, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, 13  To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command you this day for thy good?

Dt. 6: 24  And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25  And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us. (cf. John 15:7-11 abide in word...obey ...joy may be full)

A. God can communicate any way He pleases

1. General Revelation (nature) tells us of His existence and power (Romans 1:20)

2. Special Revelation tells us of law and grace and truth (John 1:17)

3. God communicates progressively according to His plan and timetable

B. God communicates information vital for our well being and happiness, which we would not know otherwise

1. Truth is that which accurately reflects reality (true) across time and culture [Truth is infinite]

2. Birth and death are universal experiences (where we came from and what happens to us after we die)

3. The only way a finite being can know infinite truth...is if an infinite Being reveals it to him

4. “Is there any evidence that an infinite Being has communicated to man?”

C. God is patiently and creatively willing to meet people at their level and need (Though miracles have their limits: Lk 16:31  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

D. NORM: God generally communicates in such a way that we receive maximum benefit (teaches the language vs translating)

III. We Must Listen and Obey to Benefit (Heb 3:8, 15; 4:7)

Ps 95:7  For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if you will hear his voice, 8  Harden not your heart...10  Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: 11  Unto whom I swore in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.

Dt 32:46 Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. 47  For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, when you go over Jordan to possess it. (Js 1:25  a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

A. Most who hear don’t obey  1Cor 10:5  But with many of them God was not well pleased...

B. Those who obey are blessed Re 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments...

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Why would someone want to believe in an impersonal God, or One whose Word was unclear, uncertain or inapplicable?

2. Why do people think God is only interested in depriving them of fun? 

3. How can one know if God is speaking? Does difficulty in the communication process lie with God or us?

4. Are you better at “listening” to God or obeying what He’s said? What would cause someone to favor one over the other?

5. Why do people ignore the engraved invitation and wait instead for a phone call from God inviting them to obey?