Tusite Siulai 20, 2021

 ka tau tuiaki atu ki he haohaoa

Let us...go on to maturity

 Hepelu 6 (Hebrews 6)

 (v. 1) Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

 (v. 1) KO ia, tau tuku ā ‘a e fakamatala ‘o e ngaahi ‘elemēniti faka-Kalaisi, ka tau tuiaki atu ki he haohaoa; ‘o ‘oua na‘a tau tanupou ai pē he fakatomala mei he ngaahi ngāue mate mo e tui falala ki he ‘Otua.

 

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

 The Hebrews are urged to go forward in the doctrine of Christ, and the consequences of apostacy, or turning back, are described. (1-8) The apostle expresses satisfaction, as to the most of them. (9,10) And encourages them to persevere in faith and holiness. (11-20)

 Verses 1-8

 Every part of the truth and will of God should be set before all who profess the gospel, and be urged on their hearts and consciences. We should not be always speaking about outward things; these have their places and use, but often take up too much attention and time, which might be better employed. The humbled sinner who pleads guilty, and cries for mercy, can have no ground from this passage to be discouraged, whatever his conscience may accuse him of. Nor does it prove that any one who is made a new creature in Christ, ever becomes a final apostate from him. The apostle is not speaking of the falling away of mere professors, never convinced or influenced by the gospel. Such have nothing to fall away from, but an empty name, or hypocritical profession. Neither is he speaking of partial declinings or backslidings. Nor are such sins meant, as Christians fall into through the strength of temptations, or the power of some worldly or fleshly lust. But the falling away here mentioned, is an open and avowed renouncing of Christ, from enmity of heart against him, his cause, and people, by men approving in their minds the deeds of his murderers, and all this after they have received the knowledge of the truth, and tasted some of its comforts. Of these it is said, that it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance. Not because the blood of Christ is not sufficient to obtain pardon for this sin; but this sin, in its very nature, is opposite to repentance and every thing that leads to it. If those who through mistaken views of this passage, as well as of their own case, fear that there is no mercy for them, would attend to the account given of the nature of this sin, that it is a total and a willing renouncing of Christ, and his cause, and joining with his enemies, it would relieve them from wrong fears. We should ourselves beware, and caution others, of every approach near to a gulf so awful as apostacy; yet in doing this we should keep close to the word of God, and be careful not to wound and terrify the weak, or discourage the fallen and penitent. Believers not only taste of the word of God, but they drink it in. And this fruitful field or garden receives the blessing. But the merely nominal Christian, continuing unfruitful under the means of grace, or producing nothing but deceit and selfishness, was near the awful state above described; and everlasting misery was the end reserved for him. Let us watch with humble caution and prayer as to ourselves.

Monite Siulai 19, 2021

ko e tupu‘anga ‘o ha fakamo‘ui ‘oku laui ‘ītāniti

the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him  

Hepelu 5 (Hebrews 5)

 (v. 8-9) Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

 (v. 8-9) ‘Io, neongo ko e ‘Alo ia, ka na‘a ne lava ‘i ‘ene talangofua, ko e ako ‘e he‘ene ngaahi mamahi. Pea kuo fakahaohaoa leva, na‘a ne hoko ma‘anautolu fua pē ‘oku talangofua kiate ia, ko e tupu‘anga ‘o ha fakamo‘ui ‘oku laui ‘ītāniti;

 GOD IS . . . (KO E ‘OTUA´, ‘OKU . . )

 5.         GOD IS ETERNAL

              KO E ‘OTUA´ ‘OKU LAUʻITANITI

              Ko Hono Fakahoko ki he mo'ui (hoko atu)

 Tau vakai ki ha ongo me’a ‘e ua ‘oku na fekau’aki:

 ‘I hevani, ko ‘etau fiefia´, ‘oku tupu fakalakalaka pe - ‘e ‘ikai toe holo. Ko ‘etau ‘ilo ko ēe, ‘e ‘ikai toe holo ‘etau fiefia´, ‘oku ne langa’i ‘etau fiefia ‘i he taimi lolotonga. ‘I he mo'ui ko eni, ‘oku tau fa’a ongo’i mamahi (ta’eoli’ia) ‘i he’etau ‘ilo ko e fiefia (malie) ‘o e lolotonga ni, ‘e ‘osi (hangē ko ha taimi ‘eva fakalata ka ‘e ngata pe ‘apongipongi). ‘Oku ‘ikai pehee ‘a hevani. ‘I ai, ‘e ‘ikai ‘aupito ke toe ngata ‘a e fiefia, pea ‘oku ne fakaake ‘a e ongo’i fiefia ‘oku tupu ‘i he fo’i momeniti kotoa pe.

Ko kinautolu te nau iku ki heli, ko ‘enau mamahi ‘e tupulaki mo ia, ‘e ‘ikai toe holo. ‘E ‘ikai te nau toe a’usia ‘a e fiemalie ‘oku tau ma’u ‘i mamani ‘i he taimi ‘oku tau tofanga ai ‘i ha mamahi pe faingata’a, he ‘oku tau ‘ilo kuopau pe ke ngata (hange tofu pe ko ha neesi ‘oku fakatu’otu’a ki he ‘osi ‘a e ha’aha’a ‘a ‘ene taimi ngaue ‘i ha houa 12). ‘I he mahino’i ‘e he tokotaha mo’ui mamahi ‘i heli, ‘oku tupu fakautuutu pe ‘ene mamahi, ‘oku toe ‘amo ange ‘ene ongo’i ‘a hono fakamaau tautea. Kuo mole ‘a e ‘amanaki kotoa. ‘I he’etau ngaahi mamahi ‘i mamani, ‘oku tau kei ma’u pe ‘a e ngaahi palomesi ‘a e ‘Otua ke tau fakamama’u ki ai (Loma 8:18, 28-30). Ka ko kinautolu ‘i heli, ‘oku ‘ikai ha palomesi, pea ‘ikai leva ha ‘amanaki, pea ‘asili ai pe ‘a e ongo’i kuo siva e me’a kotoa. 

             Application

 We can note two related observations:

 1. In heaven, our joy can only increase, not decrease. Knowing that our joy will grow heightens the joy experienced at that moment. In this life, we can feel sadness in knowing that a current joy will come to an end (e.g.,my vacation of a lifetime ends tomorrow). Not so in heaven. There, our joys will never end, which will therefore elicit even greater joy in each successive moment.

 2. For those consigned to hell, their despair will also increase, not decrease. They will never again experience the relief we get in this life of knowing that a difficulty will soon pass (e.g., the nurse who anticipates the end of a stressful twelve-hour shift). As the creature in hell realizes more and more that he or she will suffer forever, the despair of eternal judgment can only increase. Hope has utterly vanished. In our sufferings here on earth, we always have the promises of God to look to (Rom. 8:18, 28-30). But those in hell have no promises and thus no hope, which only increases despair.

 

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

 * The office and duty of a high priest abundantly answered in Christ. (1-10) The Christian Hebrews reproved for their little progress in the knowledge of the gospel. (11-14)

 Verses 1-10

The High Priest must be a man, a partaker of our nature. This shows that man had sinned. For God would not suffer sinful man to come to him alone. But every one is welcome to God, that comes to him by this High Priest; and as we value acceptance with God, and pardon, we must apply by faith to this our great High Priest Christ Jesus, who can intercede for those that are out of the way of truth, duty, and happiness; one who has tenderness to lead them back from the by-paths of error, sin, and misery. Those only can expect assistance from God, and acceptance with him, and his presence and blessing on them and their services, that are called of God. This is applied to Christ. In the days of his flesh, Christ made himself subject to death: he hungered: he was a tempted, suffering, dying Jesus. Christ set an example, not only to pray, but to be fervent in prayer. How many dry prayers, how few wetted with tears, do we offer up to God! He was strengthened to support the immense weight of suffering laid upon him. There is no real deliverance from death but to be carried through it. He was raised and exalted, and to him was given the power of saving all sinners to the uttermost, who come unto God through him. Christ has left us an example that we should learn humble obedience to the will of God, by all our afflictions. We need affliction, to teach us submission. His obedience in our nature encourages our attempts to obey, and for us to expect support and comfort under all the temptations and sufferings to which we are exposed. Being made perfect for this great work, he is become the Author of eternal salvation to all that obey him. But are we of that number?

Sapate Siulai 18, 2021

ki he fofonga ‘o ia ‘oku tau fakamaau ki ai.

to whom we must give account.

 Hepelu 4 (Hebrews 4)

 (v. 12-13) He ko e folofola ‘a e ‘Otua, ko e koto mo‘ui mo e koto mālohi, pea māsila ange ‘i ha heletā fakatoumata fua pē; ‘o ne ‘asi atu ‘o maioio‘i ‘a e loto mo e laumālie, ‘io, hono ngaahi hokonga mo e uho; pea ‘oku ne vavanga‘i ‘a e ngaahi holi mo e fakakaukau ‘o e loto. Pea ‘oku ‘ikai ha me‘a kuo ngaohi ‘e ta‘e‘ata pē ki he ‘Ene ‘Afio: ka ‘oku telefua mo tokaima‘ananga ‘a e me‘a kotoa pē ki he fofonga ‘o ia ‘oku tau fakamaau ki ai.

 (v. 12-13) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

 

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

 ‘Oku faka’ai’ai kitautolu ki he mo’ui fakatōkilalo mo e ‘apasia (manavahē) telia na’a tau tōmui ‘i he’ene palomesi ‘o e mālōlō (1-10). ‘Oku faka’ali mai ‘a e ‘uhinga mo e loto ke fai ‘aki ‘etau tui mo ‘etau hu ki he ‘ao ‘o e ‘Otua (11-16).

 * Humble, cautious fear is urged, lest any should come short of the promised rest, through unbelief. (1-10) Arguments and motives to faith and hope in our approaches to God. (11-16)

 Verses 1-10

 The privileges we have under the gospel, are greater than any had under the law of Moses, though the same gospel for substance was preached under both Testaments. There have been in all ages many unprofitable hearers; and unbelief is at the root of all unfruitfulness under the word. Faith in the hearer is the life of the word. But it is a painful consequence of partial neglect, and of a loose and wavering profession, that they often cause men to seem to come short. Let us then give diligence, that we may have a clear entrance into the kingdom of God. As God finished his work, and then rested from it, so he will cause those who believe, to finish their work, and then to enjoy their rest. It is evident, that there is a more spiritual and excellent sabbath remaining for the people of God, than that of the seventh day, or that into which Joshua led the Jews. This rest is, a rest of grace, and comfort, and holiness, in the gospel state. And a rest in glory, where the people of God shall enjoy the end of their faith, and the object of all their desires. The rest, or sabbatism, which is the subject of the apostle's reasoning, and as to which he concludes that it remains to be enjoyed, is undoubtedly the heavenly rest, which remains to the people of God, and is opposed to a state of labour and trouble in this world. It is the rest they shall obtain when the Lord Jesus shall appear from heaven. But those who do not believe, shall never enter into this spiritual rest, either of grace here or glory hereafter. God has always declared man's rest to be in him, and his love to be the only real happiness of the soul; and faith in his promises, through his Son, to be the only way of entering that rest.

Tokonaki Siulai 17, 2021

 Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses

‘oku ne taau mo ha fakahīkihiki lahi ‘ia Mōsese

 Hepelu 3 (Hebrews 3)

 (v. 3) He kuo lau ‘a e toko taha ko eni ‘oku ne taau mo ha fakahīkihiki lahi ‘ia Mōsese, ke hoa mo e lahi hake ‘o e mahu‘inga ‘o‘ona na‘a ne langa ‘a e ‘api, ‘i he mahu‘inga ‘o e ‘api.

 (v. 3) For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.

 

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

‘Oku fakahā heni ‘a e makehe atu ‘a e mahu’inga mo e langilangi ‘o Kalaisi ‘ia Mosese (1-6). ‘Oku fakatokanga mamafa ki he kakai ‘Isileli ‘a e fakatu’utamaki ‘o e ta’etui (7-13). Pea kuopau ke tu’u ‘enau falala ‘i a Kalaisi pea ke nau muimui mo e loto pau’ia kiate Ia (14-19).

 * The superior worth and dignity of Christ above Moses is shown. (1-6) The Hebrews are warned of the sin and danger of unbelief. (7-13) And of necessity of faith in Christ, and of steadfastly following him. (14-19)

 Verses 1-6

Christ is to be considered as the Apostle of our profession, the Messenger sent by God to men, the great Revealer of that faith which we profess to hold, and of that hope which we profess to have. As Christ, the Messiah, anointed for the office both of Apostle and High Priest. As Jesus, our Saviour, our Healer, the great Physician of souls. Consider him thus. Consider what he is in himself, what he is to us, and what he will be to us hereafter and forever. Close and serious thoughts of Christ bring us to know more of him. The Jews had a high opinion of the faithfulness of Moses, yet his faithfulness was but a type of Christ's. Christ was the Master of this house, of his church, his people, as well as their Maker. Moses was a faithful servant; Christ, as the eternal Son of God, is rightful Owner and Sovereign Ruler of the Church. There must not only be setting out well in the ways of Christ, but steadfastness and perseverance therein to the end. Every meditation on his person and his salvation, will suggest more wisdom, new motives to love, confidence, and obedience.

Falaite Siulai 16, 2021

Na‘e ‘ahi‘ahi’i mo Sisu ‘o hange ko au

Jesus was tempted as I am

 Hepelu 2 (Hebrews 2)

 

Charles Haddon Spurgeon :: Morning and Evening

 (v. 18) He ko e me‘a kuo ne mamahi ai ‘e ia ‘i hono ‘ahi‘ahi‘i, ‘oku ne lava ke tokoni ai kiate kinautolu ‘oku ‘ahi‘ahi‘i.

 (v. 18) For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

 It is a common-place thought, and yet it tastes like nectar to the weary heart-Jesus was tempted as I am. You have heard that truth many times: have you grasped it? He was tempted to the very same sins into which we fall. Do not dissociate Jesus from our common manhood. It is a dark room which you are going through, but Jesus went through it before. It is a sharp fight which you are waging, but Jesus has stood foot to foot with the same enemy. Let us be of good cheer, Christ has borne the load before us, and the blood-stained footsteps of the King of glory may be seen along the road which we traverse at this hour. There is something sweeter yet-Jesus was tempted, but Jesus never sinned. Then, my soul, it is not needful for thee to sin, for Jesus was a man, and if one man endured these temptations and sinned not, then in His power His members may also cease from sin. Some beginners in the divine life think that they cannot be tempted without sinning, but they mistake; there is no sin in being tempted, but there is sin in yielding to temptation. Herein is comfort for the sorely tempted ones. There is still more to encourage them if they reflect that the Lord Jesus, though tempted, gloriously triumphed, and as He overcame, so surely shall His followers also, for Jesus is the representative man for His people; the Head has triumphed, and the members share in the victory. Fears are needless, for Christ is with us, armed for our defence. Our place of safety is the bosom of the Saviour. Perhaps we are tempted just now, in order to drive us nearer to Him. Blessed be any wind that blows us into the port of our Saviour's love! Happy wounds, which make us seek the beloved Physician. Ye tempted ones, come to your tempted Saviour, for He can be touched with a feeling of your infirmities, and will succour every tried and tempted one. 

 Tu‘apulelulu Siulai 15, 2021

‘Oku Ma’olunga Taha pe ‘a Kalaisi

The Supremacy of Christ

Hepelu 1 (Hebrews 1)

Themes from Hebrews - A Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul

(summarized from audio by LSTulua)

According to Dr Sproul, if he were put in prison and was given a choice of one book to have with him, he would obviously pick the Bible. And if just one book from the Bible, he would pick the Book of Hebrews. It is a rich book and spans the whole scope of the Old Testament and draws everything back to Christ. 

Authorship: Unknown. Of all the hotly debated books in the New Testament, Hebrews was among the most. It was not its “canonicity” (whether it belonged in Scripture) but because of  its authorship. In the 3rd century, Clement of Alexandria proposed Paul as the author and it drew great support. Because of its rich Hebrew nature, he believed that Paul wrote it in Hebrew and someone close to him (Luke) translated it into Greek. Because of the dominant Jewish “aora” of Hebrews, some suggested Luke. The gospel of Luke is the most eloquent of the gospels and the fact that Luke was educated and polished makes him a popular candidate. 

The literary style of Hebrews is indicative of an “extended sermon”. One scholar suggested that it is a long sermon based of Psalm 110. In this regard, Barnabas is a likely writer, being that he is known as the “encourager”. Hebrews has strong exhortations and brings a call to repentance which fits Barnabas.  Another possibility is Apollos, who was a prominent leader (Acts 18). He was eloquent, a Jewish, powerful in Scripture, for he taught Scriptures accurately and a master of the Old Testament. The reformer, Martin Luther supported the authorship of someone who was educated in Alexandria (Alexandrian Judaism) and Apollos fit this. Others also have suggested Clement of Rome and even a team, like Priscilla and Aquila, with the emphasis on Priscilla. 

Audience: to the Hebrews - but which one? Jews in Jerusalem? Those who were scattered? Or Jewish community in Rome? Most likely, Jews in Jerusalem.

Why was the Book written? There was a crisis! Something so serious, it has to be addressed. So severe, chapter 6 was written; a very difficult passage dealing with the possible lost of salvation for those in the church. So what was the crisis? Some say, Roman persecutions that caused some to deny Christ then came back. Others say, Judiasers who promoted holding onto Old Testament rites, which was dealt with by the book of Galations. A more likely view, is that there was a 3rd party, besides the Pharisees and Saduccess. They were the Asceans. They believed that God sent two Messiahs, one Priestly and one Kingly. They will, in the end, submit to Michael the Archangel. This teaching subverted the supremacy of Christ, who is both Priest and King. In order to properly understand the Book of Hebrews, we must read it and understand it through its central theme: the Supremacy of Christ! 

 Pulelulu Siulai 14, 2021

Mei he tui ki he tui

From faith to faith

Nomipa 36 (Numbers 36)

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

The question of the inheritance of women, which had already occurred through the application of the daughters of Zelophehad, came up once more, raised by the heads of the tribes. It was possible that these women might marry men who were members of other tribes. In such case their inheritance would pass over. It was therefore provided that they must marry only within the border of their own tribe.

Thus closes the Book of Numbers. It is essentially a book of the wilderness. The nation was on the eve of entering the land. The actual history is again taken up in the last chapter of Deuteronomy with the account of the death of Moses.

It is impossible to read this book without being impressed first with the failure of the people. It is a record of long-continued stubbornness and foolishness.

Yet what right have we to think or speak harshly of the people, for the book is also the story of the unwearying patience and perpetual faithfulness of God.

Throughout there is manifest the forward movement of God along the highway of His own purpose. This forward movement is not of man but of Jehovah. The book is a revelation of the sure procedure of God toward the final working out into human history of the regeneration of humanity, the first movements of which were recorded in the close of the Book of Genesis, the central forces of which came in the Incarnation of the Son of God, and the final victories of which are not yet.

David Guzik :: Study Guide for Numbers 36

(v. 13) Ko e ngaahi fekau ia mo e ngaahi kupu‘i konisitūtone ‘a ia na‘e tu‘utu‘uni ‘e Sihova ki ha‘a ‘Isileli, ‘o fakafai ‘ia Mōsese ‘i ‘Alapā-Moape ‘i he ve‘e Soatani-Sielikō.

(v. 13) These are the commandments and the rules that the Lord commanded through Moses to the people of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

The Book of Numbers began in the wilderness (Numbers 1:1). It now finished as close to the Promised Land as you can get without actually being there.

As the Children of Israel stood across from the city of Jericho, we should consider what it took to take them from Egypt to this place across the Jericho.

From their encampment at Mount Sinai, God gave Israel the opportunity to grow from being a slave people to being a Promised Land people. He taught them how to be ordered, organized, cleansed, separated, blessed, how to give, to be reminded of God's deliverance, given God's presence, and received the tools to advance to the Promised Land.

Then, as the nation actually set out from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land, they found themselves struggling with the flesh - they murmured, complained, and rebelled; most of all, they failed to enter into what God had set before them by faith - and a generation of unbelief was condemned to perish in the wilderness.

God led the nation for some 38 years in the wilderness, with much motion but no progress - enduring more rebellion and murmuring, but essentially waiting until the generation of unbelief had died and a generation willing to trust God for big things had come to maturity.

So they set out towards the Promised Land again, and faced the same challenges of the flesh - but dealt with them better this time, until they made their way to the threshold of the Promised Land.

By spiritual analogy, many Christians die in the wilderness because they will not trust God, and will not enter into what He has set before them. Many Christians also see the evidence of that lack of faith display itself in a weakness towards the things of the flesh. Sadly, many Christian live more in the wilderness than on the threshold of the Promised Land.

Finally, consider what it would take to move the Children of Israel from across from Jericho to the Promised Land. Staying on the shores of the Jordan River is better than being in the middle of the wilderness; but it isn't the Promised Land yet. They came this far by faith, and will need faith to take them the rest of the way.