The Epistles to the Hebrews

46  The Ep i s t l e to the Hebrews : Par t I

II. Christ’s Call to Faithfulness: Enter into the Promised Land by Faith, Heb. 3.7-19.

The problem of a living faith, of faith without doubt, is a very real one. Many who have deep devotional habits and who live disciplined lives of prayer and intercession are never quite sure that they have prevailed because their faith seems tentative, dim, uncertain, and often mixed with doubt. Large segments of the Body of Christ are baffled by this plague. Much of the effectiveness of many well-organized prayer programs is crippled by failure to reach a triumphant faith. Since few know how to obtain and exercise this achieving faith, many prayer efforts bog down in frustration and defeat.

~ Paul Billheimer. Destined for the Throne . Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1996. p. 115.

A. Recitation of Psalms 95.7-11; Hebrews 3.7-11.

1. This passage as the “ official midrash ” (commentary) on Psalm 95.7-11.

a. Regularly used in the synagogue liturgy

b. Already known to most first-century Jews who recited the Psalms

2. Insight into the role of Scripture in the discipling process

B. Midrash upon midrash : Psalm 95 as midrash on the account of Israel at Kadesh-Barnea, Num. 13-14

1. The prospect of entering and possessing the land , Num. 13.1-2