Hebrews 3:1 - What's Vying for Your Attention!

"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."
Hebrews 3:1

Whenever you see the word therefore, the reader is reminded that what is about to be said is connected to what has already been said. In this case, the author of Hebrews is calling the reader to fix their thoughts on Jesus because of who He is! He is the Son, who has spoken to us, who is very God (greater than angels), who was clothed with humanity for our sake, who is the author of our salvation, who has become our merciful and faithful high priest, and who has made atonement for our sin through His own suffering! This is who He is; therefore, fix your thoughts on Him.

Hebrews has a common pattern to it. Many times throughout the book you are going to notice these "therefore" statements. These are challenges by the author in light of truth about Jesus and His redemptive plan throughout history. Here are a few "previews":

Hebrews 2:1 "We must pay more careful attention therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."

Hebrews 3:1 "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."

Hebrews 4:1 "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it."

Hebrews 4:14 "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."

Hebrews 6:1-2 "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death and of faith in God, instructions about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."

Hebrews 10:19-25 "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with sincere hearts in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together , as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the day approaching."

Hebrews 12:1-3 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:12-13 "Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed."

Hebrews 13:15-16 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Do you notice a pattern? We are challenged to think about Him, draw near to Him, pursue Him, hold hold firmly to Him, and offer our praise to Him! We are also challenged to pay attention to what is being taught about Him, grow up in Him, encourage each other in Him, and serve others for this is what pleases Him! IT'S ALL ABOUT HIM... JESUS!

So today, will you fix your thoughts upon Him! We have an enemy that is attacking the very heart of our relationship with Christ... our faith! You might pray, "Lord, help my unbelief." And a great way to accomplish that is to fix your thoughts on Him! In a world that is vying for our attention and pulling our thoughts, be strong and focused... fix your thoughts on Jesus!!!

Comments

Kathy McClintock said…
I'm fixing my thoughts, taking them captive, and keeping my mind stayed on Jesus! Thanks for your good words from God's Word, Jon!
September 30, 2011 at 4:43 PM
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