HEBREWS 1:5-13 - 'THE RETURN OF THE SEVEN'

RGHP/3                Hebrews 1&2 - 'Such A Great Salvation '          PSC 19/1/14

'THE RETURN OF THE SEVEN'

Reading: Hebrews 1v5-13

All of us need exhorting at times, and at other times we are in the position to give exhortation to others. But How? The book of Hebrews is a word of exhortation and can teach us how. First lesson is do it!

From Hebrews 1v5-14 we have scriptural exposition, he quotes a chain of OT passages to prove the superiority of the Son to the angels. He then applies this with exhortation, in this case a solemn appeal in 2v1-4; after which he returns to give more exposition, this time clarifying the Son's relationship to the angels.

The Western Film, 'The Magnificent Seven' had a sequel - 'THE RETURN OF THE SEVEN'. The writer to the Hebrews wrote a sequel to follow on from v4 quoting seven OT passages showing that the Son is indeed Superior to Angels. Who doubts this? Your friendly neighbourhood JW's for one.

SEVEN QUOTES, in three pairs, and a final climatic one from the OT that reveal The Son's Superiority to the Angels.

This passage is full of Christ. If you want to exhort someone remind them of Jesus. Otherwise our exhorting will be more like that of a life coach, or an after dinner business speaker. It takes the gospel, the message of Jesus Christ that is all about what God has done through him.

1. THE SUPERIORITY OF THE SON TO THE ANGELS BECAUSE OF HIS UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP TO THE FATHER - v5

You can make the Bible to say anything you want unless you interpret scripture in the light of the whole Bible and it in the context.

[1] 1st quote: Psalm 2:7 is a Psalm about the Messiah. It speaks of a rebellion among earthly leaders against God and his anointed one. A rebellion that will be overthrown.

What does he mean by 'today' and begotten? There was a day when his Son-ship was seen in a new way. The day of his crucifixion, burial, resurrection, ascension and exaltation. That's the way Paul interprets this quote: Acts 13:33. See also Mark 1:11; and Acts 4v23-31;

[2] 2nd quote: 2 Samuel 7:14 a chapter in which the prophet Nathan brings David God's promise that he will be succeeded on the throne by his son who would build the house of God and that his royal throne would be established forever. This speaks of the Messiah. God never said anything like this to any angel!

2. THE SUPERIORITY OF THE SON TO THE ANGELS IS SHOWN BECAUSE OF THEIR INFERIORITY TO HIM - v6-7

[3] 3rd quote is form Psalm 97:7 a Psalm that proclaims the Lord reigns. v7 in the ESV reads: "worship him, all you gods!" The writer is quoting from the Greek translation of the OT.

Doesn't calling Jesus first born suggest he was made and not eternal? No, because it is not an expression of time but of priority, of rank, and of entitlement to a special inheritance. Psalm 89:27 in speaking about David says: "And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth." First born can be a title of honour, showing rank, position, not the time of birth.

He is God. Why else would the angles be called upon to worship him? God does not share his glory with another - see Rev 22:8-9.

[4] 4th quote from Psalm 104:4 does not speak directly about Christ but has something to say about angels. The point he is making is that this is true for angels but not for the Son - he is their Lord!.

3. THE SUPERIORITY OF THE SON TO THE ANGELS IS SEEN FROM THE ETERNAL, UNCHANGING NATURE OF THE SON v8-12

[5] The 5th quote is from Psalm 45:6-7: A Psalm in praise of the King and of his glorious bride, such exalted language it does not really fit any king of Israel and so these words were seen as addressed to the Messiah. The writer of Hebrews takes them literally. God speaking to God. With the coming of the Son in the person of Jesus Christ, these words now make sense: God the Father speaking to God the Son. Not two gods because with the Holy Spirit they are one God in three persons.

This king is opposed to all evil and unrighteousness. His rule is a just rule. Therefore God has anointed him, who is God.

[6] The 6th quote from Psalm 102:25-27 and emphasises the unchanging nature of the Son. He is eternal and unchanging:

4. THE SUPERIORITY OF THE SON TO THE ANGELS IS SEEN BY HIS ETERNAL REIGN - v13

[7] This 7th quote is from Psalm 110v1. A Psalm about the Messiah. It is the most widely quoted Psalm in the New Testament. One we will meet again in Hebrews on at least six occasions and alluded to in other places. The Son is enthroned eternally.