Running the Race - Part 12

The lesson on July 3, 2022 was part 12 of “Running the Race” study. Wayne made a few comments on Independence Day this year because it will be the first one celebrated as the all of the Stewarts are now American citizens. He talked about exercising and the blessing of feeling fit. Hebrews is one of the books Israel should use to learn how to run their race to perfection to establish works based on faith that will provide them the reward of receiving their rest. In parallel, we as Gentiles don’t receive our instructions to race to receive our reward in a book written to the Hebrews but rather PAul wrote us Philippians to explain how we as members of the body whose head is Christ should perfect our faith with approved works that we should walk in them. We both have a rest that is in Christ since we receive salvation by grace from our primitive faith. The growth of the believer is now to pursue perfection according to the works, so we must use the proper instructions to perfect our faith. We learned how the translators used the name Jesus instead of Joshua because the wanted you to see the type. The focus on today’s lesson was how Jesus was given as a great example as the perfecter of their faith. In Hebrews 5:1-14 KJV, we learn how teachers are to first be students so that they may take those that are ignorant to receive knowledge. Jesus is a great example of a teacher. Good teachers and students are not lazy (Heb. 6:12 KJV). We took time to look at how Abram had primitive faith in Gen. 15 but showed his works based on faith in Gen. 22). Abraham received life in Gen. 15 because his faith was counted for righteousness. In Gen. 22, Abraham received his reward based his works based on faith.

The scripture reading was from Hebrews 7:11-19 KJV “11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. 15 And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, 16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. 17 For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.”