Hebrews 3
BSB1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, set your focus on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. 2 He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast. 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear His voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. 10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore on oath in My anger, ‘They shall never enter My rest.’" 12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first. 15 As it has been said: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts, as you did in the rebellion." 16 For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter.
Study Notes — Hebrews 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Hebrews 3
- Themes from Hebrews 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Hebrews 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Hebrews chapter 3 begins by introducing Jesus as the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses. The chapter then warns believers against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. The author encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus, who is the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and by warning against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11 and Hebrews 3:12-14.
Context for the Chapter
Hebrews chapter 3 is part of a larger argument in the book of Hebrews, which emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ over the old covenant and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith. The chapter is situated between Hebrews 2, which discusses the importance of faith and the danger of neglecting salvation, and Hebrews 4, which discusses the importance of entering God's rest. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as seen in the Old Testament and the life of Jesus Christ.
Heart Application
This chapter encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, to hold fast to their faith, and to consider Jesus, who is the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God. Believers should be mindful of the dangers of unbelief and disobedience and should strive to be faithful to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-3.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Hebrews chapter 3 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. Believers should fix their eyes on Jesus, hold fast to their faith, and consider Jesus, who is the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-3. This chapter encourages believers to be mindful of the dangers of unbelief and disobedience and to strive to be faithful to God.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord Jesus Christ is the great builder of the house of God, and we are his fellow workers, building upon the foundation which he has laid.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We must fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, and who has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Apostleship of Jesus (Hebrews 3:1-2) — The chapter introduces Jesus as the apostle and high priest of our confession, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.
- The Comparison between Jesus and Moses (Hebrews 3:3-6) — The chapter compares Jesus to Moses, highlighting Jesus' superiority and faithfulness to God.
- The Warning against Unbelief and Disobedience (Hebrews 3:7-11) — The chapter warns believers against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience (Hebrews 3:12-14) — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus.
- The Conclusion (Hebrews 3:15-19) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and by warning against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience.
Core Doctrines
- The Deity of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus Christ is the apostle and high priest of our confession, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-2.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-3.
- The Dangers of Unbelief and Disobedience
- The chapter warns believers against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11 and Hebrews 3:12-14.
- The Role of Jesus as the Builder of God's House
- The chapter presents Jesus as the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, as seen in Hebrews 3:3-6.
Lessons from Hebrews 3
- The Importance of Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus — Believers should fix their eyes on Jesus, who is the apostle and high priest of our confession, and hold fast to their faith.
- The Dangers of Unbelief and Disobedience — Believers should be mindful of the dangers of unbelief and disobedience and strive to be faithful to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus.
- The Role of Jesus as the Builder of God's House — The chapter presents Jesus as the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.
- The Importance of Considering Jesus — Believers should consider Jesus, who is the apostle and high priest of our confession, and hold fast to their faith.
Themes from Hebrews 3
- The Supremacy of Christ — The chapter emphasizes the supremacy of Christ over Moses and the old covenant, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-6.
- The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus.
- The Dangers of Unbelief and Disobedience — The chapter warns believers against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness.
- The Role of Jesus as the Builder of God's House — The chapter presents Jesus as the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.
- The Importance of Considering Jesus — Believers should consider Jesus, who is the apostle and high priest of our confession, and hold fast to their faith.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the main theme of Hebrews chapter 3?
- How does the chapter compare Jesus to Moses?
- What warning does the chapter give to believers?
- What is the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ?
- How can believers apply the teachings of this chapter to their lives?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Apostleship of Jesus (Hebrews 3:1-2)
| Hebrews 3:1 | The chapter introduces Jesus as the apostle and high priest of our confession, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses. |
| Hebrews 3:2 | Jesus is faithful to God, who appointed him to be the apostle and high priest of our confession. |
2. The Comparison between Jesus and Moses (Hebrews 3:3-6)
| Hebrews 3:3 | Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, who was faithful in all God's house as a servant. |
| Hebrews 3:4 | Every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. |
| Hebrews 3:5 | Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken later. |
| Hebrews 3:6 | But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house, and we are his house if we hold fast to our confidence and the hope in which we boast. |
3. The Warning against Unbelief and Disobedience (Hebrews 3:7-11)
| Hebrews 3:7 | Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.' |
| Hebrews 3:8 | Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, when your fathers tested and tried me, though they had seen my works for forty years. |
| Hebrews 3:9 | Therefore I was provoked with that generation and said, 'They always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known my ways.' |
| Hebrews 3:10 | As I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter my rest.' |
| Hebrews 3:11 | So I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter my rest,' because of their unbelief. |
4. The Importance of Faithfulness and Obedience (Hebrews 3:12-14)
| Hebrews 3:12 | See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. |
| Hebrews 3:13 | But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. |
| Hebrews 3:14 | For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold fast to the beginning of our confidence firm until the end. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Hebrews chapter 3?
The main theme of Hebrews chapter 3 is the superiority of Jesus Christ over Moses and the old covenant, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-6. The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus.
How does the chapter compare Jesus to Moses?
The chapter compares Jesus to Moses, highlighting Jesus' superiority and faithfulness to God, as seen in Hebrews 3:3-6. Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, who was faithful in all God's house as a servant.
What warning does the chapter give to believers?
The chapter warns believers against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11 and Hebrews 3:12-14. Believers should be mindful of the dangers of unbelief and disobedience and strive to be faithful to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 3:1 → John 1:1 | Both passages introduce Jesus as the apostle and high priest of our confession, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses. |
| 2 | Hebrews 3:2 → Numbers 12:7 | Both passages describe Moses as faithful in all God's house as a servant, but Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses. |
| 3 | Hebrews 3:3 → Psalm 95:7-11 | Both passages warn against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. |
| 4 | Hebrews 3:7 → Psalm 95:7-8 | Both passages quote the same passage from the Psalms, warning against hardness of heart and disobedience. |
| 5 | Hebrews 3:10 → Psalm 95:10 | Both passages quote the same passage from the Psalms, describing God's wrath against the unbelieving Israelites. |
| 6 | Hebrews 3:12 → Matthew 24:10 | Both passages warn against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, encouraging believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus. |
| 7 | Hebrews 3:13 → Galatians 6:1 | Both passages encourage believers to exhort one another every day, that none of them may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. |
| 8 | Hebrews 3:14 → Colossians 1:23 | This verse encourages believers to hold fast to the beginning of their confidence firm until the end, as seen in Hebrews 3:14. |
Sermons on Hebrews 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp |
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A Final Shaking by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of a boat mooring to illustrate the importance of not drifting away from the truth of Christ. He emphasizes the need to hold on tightly |
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"Consider How to Stir Up One Another to Love" by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of mutual care within the church community. The sermon is based on Dimension 4 of the treasuring Christ together vision, which |
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(Hebrews) 6-Noah by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of faith in pleasing God. He emphasizes that without faith, it is impossible to please God. The speaker also highlights the co |
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"Hebrews" Monday - Part 1 (Keswick Convention 2003) by Charles Price | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the use of drama and personal experiences in conveying God's message. He then introduces the letter to the Hebrews and emphasizes t |
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Believe in the Light Lest Darkness Come Upon You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the supernatural power of God. He highlights the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the 4, |
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(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Letting the Holy Spirit Fill You by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking action in one's faith rather than being solely moved by emotions. He warns against being deceived by the devil thro |
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Jesus Today by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the sacrifice of Jesus. He highlights the role of Jesus as our High Priest who sympathizes with our weakn |
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Revival Series 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the Word of God. He shares his personal experience of realizing that he needed to be obedient to God a |
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Finishing the Race by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of people who appear to be serving God but ultimately fall away. He references examples from the Bible, such as Demas who abandone |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Hebrews 3
Matthew Henry's commentary on Hebrews 3 emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ. The commentary highlights the comparison between Jesus and Moses, noting that Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses. The commentary also warns against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. The commentary encourages believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, to hold fast to their faith, and to consider Jesus, who is the builder of God's house and the faithful servant of God. The commentary concludes by emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and by warning against the dangers of unbelief and disobedience, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11 and Hebrews 3:12-14. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Comparison between Jesus and Moses
The chapter compares Jesus to Moses, highlighting Jesus' superiority and faithfulness to God. This comparison is seen in Hebrews 3:1-6, where Jesus is presented as the apostle and high priest of our confession, who is faithful to God and has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses.
The Warning against Unbelief and Disobedience
The chapter warns believers against hardness of heart and disobedience, citing the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-11 and Hebrews 3:12-14. This warning emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.
The Emphasis on Faithfulness and Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, and encourages believers to hold fast to their faith and to consider Jesus, as seen in Hebrews 3:1-3.