5 For unto the angels he has not put in subjection the world to come, of which we speak.

6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that you art mindful of him? or the son of man, that you visit him?

7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of your hands:

8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

{Our Story thus far: 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 demonstrates that Christ is superior to the OT law and angels, being the Final Revelation and Future Ruler of the world to come, thus worthy of following despite the cost.}

I. We don’t (yet) see:  the World to Come which will have:

A. Jesus in charge

B. Jesus crowned with glory and honor

C. Everything in subjection to Him

Luke 4:6  the devil said  All this power will I give you: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Eph 2:2 in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: 3  Among whom also lived  in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Rom 16:20  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

2Th 2:9  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2Tim 2:26  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

1Pet 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

Acts 26:18  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Re 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years

II. We do see

A. Jesus in His Humanity/incarnation

                                relinquished glory/rights

                                changed form (God-man) and function (rule-serve)

B. Jesus in His Humility

                                humbling Himself for obedience

                                suffering to obey for the benefit of others

                                obeying to and past the point of death

                                tasting death for every man (= Essence of Justification)

C. Jesus in His Honor

Phil 2:5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6  Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with
God something to be held on to,  7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9  Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

III. What we should do based on what we see

A. Don’t live for the Present

B. Follow Christ’s Example and Commands

C. Live in light of the Future

I Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17  And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides  forever.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Is the world getting better and better or worse and worse? What are the implications of each perspective?

2. Why the “gap” between what exists and what we see? Does one have to see in order to obey? Trust?

3. What makes it difficult to move beyond the present to either the past or the future? What can help?

4. Which aspects of Christ’s example would seem to require a supernatural “power assist” to follow?

5. Will people miss out on glory because: they don’t know about it; can’t see it; don’t believe it; won’t suffer/deny themselves  for it?