Page 68 - Biblical Ethics Course

This short letter challenges us to let the gospel reshape our approach to relationships. When we witness divisive
or dehumanizing behavior, we should challenge it. If we are in a position of power, we should use that power in
the service of love, restoration, and equality. And if we are on the underside of power, we should still love
generously and embrace our status as equals before Christ. The world we live in remains broken in many ways,
with social and economic disparities driving people apart. But the love of Christ bids us to bring people together.

Philemon 16–17 (NASB95)
16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you,
17
both in the flesh and in the Lord. If then you regard me a partner, accept him as you would me.

Hebrews

The author of Hebrews is unknown. Paul, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Luke, Philip, Priscilla, Aquila, and Clement of
Rome have been suggested by different scholars, but the epistle’s vocabulary, style, and various literary
characteristics do not clearly support any particular claim. One of the key theological themes in Hebrews is that
all believers now have direct access to God under the New Covenant and, therefore, may approach the throne
of God boldly (4:16; 10:22). One’s hope is in the very presence of God, into which he follows the Savior (6:19, 20;
10:19, 20)
35

This epistle is more than a doctrinal treatise, however. It is intensely practical in its application to everyday
living. The writer himself even refers to his letter as a “word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22; Acts 13:15).
Exhortations designed to stir the readers into action are found throughout the text. Those exhortations are
given in the form of 6 warnings:

1. Warning against drifting from “the things we have heard” (Heb.2:1–4)
2. Warning against disbelieving the “voice” of God (Heb.3:7–14)
3. Warning against degenerating from “the elementary principles of Christ” (Heb.5:11–6:20)
4. Warning against despising “the knowledge of the truth” (Heb.10:26–39)
36
5. Warning against devaluing “the grace of God” (Heb.12:15–17)

Hebrews 12:1–3 (NASB95)
1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance
and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our
2
eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such
3
hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

James

The writer of the letter identifies himself simply as “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1).
From the early church period forward, the James of this letter was often associated with James the brother of
Jesus (Mark 6:3; Matt 13:55). James, is writing to rebuke and exhort former parishioners about certain specific

35 Ibid,.1895.

36 Ibid,.1895.

67