A Better Way - Faithful in Christ - by Dan Owen - Lectureship 2017
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with Dan Owen introducing Hebrews as more a sermon than a typical letter, emphasizing its exhortatory nature (Hebrews 13:22). He explained the historical background of the Hebrews, noting the uncertain authorship but affirming the text’s divine inspiration. The lesson then focused on Hebrews 10, especially verses 19‑23, drawing connections to earlier passages (Hebrews 4:14‑16) that call believers to draw near to God with confidence, hold fast to their confession, and endure. Dan highlighted the distinct Hebrew and Greek words for worship, faithfulness, and endurance, showing how the original language stresses a faithful, persevering relationship with God rather than mere belief. He warned that losing confidence – as described in Hebrews 10:35‑36 – leads to spiritual decline. By illustrating the structure of the passage with its series of imperatives, he encouraged the congregation to actively practice drawing near, holding fast, and remembering the former days, securing the promise of God’s reward for a faithful life.
Key Scriptures
Now, therefore, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
But I urge you, brothers, to bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.