In this section of Hebrews we learn something of the Church’s exalted destiny under Christ. It is almost too much to take in. Learn and exult!
Teaching Notes:
Hebrews 2:5-9
Intro:
Context: Superiority of Christ. Jesus is better. Better than angels. Proved this in Ch.1. But when finishes Ch.1, heart so yearned for salv. of Jewish readers that stops and exhorts not to neglect so great salvation. Pay closer attention to gospel. Don’t drift from it! Were in danger of going back to Judaism and being lost.
Anticipates an Objection: you say Jesus is better than the angels. I understand that He is better as God, but He became a man. Now that He is a Man, isn’t he lower than the angels? Answer: No! Even redeemed men are going to rise higher than angels in world to come – how much more the Redeemer Himself!
1. Angels Will Not Rule in the World to Come: 2:5.
World to Come: opposite of this present evil age; Gal.1:4. Mk.10:30; Mt.12:32. Christ will return, destroy this present heavens and earth, and create new heavens and earth. Will begin the Eternal State. In that age, angels will not rule!
Concerning Which We Are Speaking: when did he speak of it? 1:8; 1:10-12; 1:13; 1:14; 2:3.
2. Men will Rule in the World to Come: 2:6-8
Subject: 2:5,8 – 5x. To be subject is to be placed under another in rank. If God didn’t subject to angels world to come, who did He subject it to? Quotes OT to prove what God already said. Notice vs.8 – there’s answer!
One has Testified Somewhere: author knew it was David in Psalm 8. Why didn’t he tell us who and where? Because that was not important. What was important is that God said it in Word. That’s enough!
Little While Lower Than the Angels: this is God’s testimony to man’s rank in this age. What is this “little while”? 1Pet.1:17 – “during the time of your stay upon earth”. 1Pet.1:6 – duration of trials. 1Pet.5:1 – duration of sufferings. James 4:4. How is man lower than the angels? Angels never sin; Angels can move between heaven and earth; Angels never grow tired, sick, hungry, thirsty, or die. Angels are far more powerful.
Crowned With Glory and Honor: next 3 lines speak of future in age to come. Prophetic. Put in past tense because sure to happen. Like Rom.8:30. Rom.8:18. When rules in age to come will have glory and honor from all other creatures!
All things in Subjection: all creation under his dominion! Includes angels! Though we are lower now, not then. We will rule them!
3. Men Do Not Rule Over All Now: 2:8b
Why Don’t We See All Things Subjected to Man Now? Gen.1:26-28. Adam was to be King over undefiled earth. Didn’t last long! Adam brought curse on the world through sin. Gen.2:17-19. Rom.8:18-22. Something is horribly wrong with creation. Law of entrepy: everything growing old and winding down. Disease, death. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis. One day will be a New Earth. No more curse! Can’t wait to see what that is like!
4. Our Assurance that Men Will Rule in the World to Come: 2:9.
Notice “a little while” and “crowned with glory and honor”: the very things said to be true of us were true of Him. Why was He made for a little while lower than the angels? Because we were! If He were to save us and exalt us to His throne, had to come into our world and be one of us. Why was He crowned with glory and honor? In order to cause us to share in His glory and honor!
Which Men Will Share in His Glory? 2:10 – many sons; 2:11 – those who are sanctified; 2:11 – brethren; 2:13 – the children whom God have Him; 2:16 the descendant of Abraham. Sons – Brothers – Children. Family terms. Because Elder Brother has gone before into glory, all His brothers will follow! Because Father gone to glory, all children follow. Cuz Bridegroom gone, Bride will follow. Union with Christ! 6:19-20. Forerunner. All those united to Him will follow Him and share in His glory. Heb.1:2 – Rom.8:16-17.
What Makes the Difference? His suffering and death!
Application:
1. What will the Age to Come be Like? 1Cor.6:2,4. Angels will be our servants. Rule without sin over all of God’s creation. All animals, plants, and angels under our dominion. We will rule them righteously. Rev.3:21; Dan.7:27. Eph.1:20-22.
2. If This Were More Real, the Things of the World would Fail to Attract Us! Find self pulled toward world? Faith weak in God’s promises. Present world can’t offer anything compared to this!
3. Lost Man: all has to look forward to is an eternity in Hell being punished for his sins against God. Only thing makes difference is Jesus’ Cross. Tasted death for everyone. Everyone of who? Everyone of those He is bringing to glory, every brother, every child God gave Him, everyone who is being sanctified, every child of Abraham. Those united to Him by faith. Offer on table. Jn.3:16. God can forgive every one of your sins – interested?
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