Not Ashamed to Call Us Brethren

NOT ASHAMED TO CALL US BRETHREN

Heb. 2:11-18

Introduction:  Brief tie-In with last lesson (esp. v.10).

As a result of Christ’s becoming flesh, we find that three great blessings are ours:

I.        We Are His Brethren (vv. 11-13).

A.    We are sanctified by his blood.

1.     “To make clean, to purify, to make holy.”

2.     “To consecrate; to set apart from a common to a sacred use.”

3.     See 1 Cor. 1:30

B.    Quotation from 0.T.

1.     Ps. 22:22 (v.12).

2.     2 Sam. 22:3 (v. 13a).

3.     Isa. 8:18 (v.13b).

4.     Note the principle that Christ is represented by these men (David & Isaiah), in these particular sayings.

II.      He Destroyed Satan’s Stronghold (14,15).

A.    See Mt. 12:29

1.     When Christ came, judgment upon Satan was imminent.

2.     Luke 10:1-17, notice v.18: “I beheld Satan fall as lightning from heaven.”

3.     Rev. 1:18,19

B.    By overcoming death, Christ broke Satan’s power!

1.     He is the “firstfruits” from the grave. (1 Cor. 15:23)

2.     He is the “firstborn from the dead.” (Col. 1:18)

3.     The use of the word “first” implies that others are to follow!

C.    Fear of death is a bondage from which we are released by Christ’s resurrection! 1 Cor. 15:55-57

III.     By Becoming a Man (Abraham’s Seed), He is Qualified to Be a Faithful and Merciful High Priest.

A.    A resurrection of the argument begun in v. 9, concerning the seeming contradiction between Christ’s being superior to angels, but being made “a little lower” than the angels.

1.     Necessary, that a proper sacrifice could be offered (Heb 9:22).

2.     Necessary, that he be “perfected through sufferings” (v.9).

3.     Necessary, that he is able to be a faithful and merciful high priest.

Conclusion:       What a friend we have in Jesus! With Paul, we exclaim: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33).