The Seed of Abraham |
Written by Dr. Harold R. Carpenter |
Dr. Harold & Myrna Carpenter TEXT:Hebrews 2:14-17
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:14-17, KJV).KEY VERSE: Hebrews 2:16 ou gar dhpou aggelwn epilambanetai alla spermatoV abraam epilambanetai. (Hebrews 2:16, Greek Text).INTRODUCTION: The angels play a significant role in the beautiful presentation of the Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke:
The word selected by the Hebrew writer adds an additional sense of irony to our subject. The word used throughout the Gospels for verily is amen (amhn). The word "amen" is a most remarkable word. It was transliterated directly from the Hebrew into the Greek of the New Testament, then into Latin and into English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. It has been called the best known word in human speech. The word is directly related–in fact, almost identical–to the Hebrew word for "believe" (amam), or faithful. Thus, it came to mean "sure" or "truly", an expression of absolute trust and confidence.In our text, however, the author does not choose this universal affirmation of truth. Instead he choose the Greek word depou (dhpou) which is more a statement of amazement and irony which could well be translated, “Can you believe that?” or “Would you believe. . .?” I. COMPARING MEN AND ANGELS A. Positive statements are strong, e.g., “I will never forget you.” Comparative statements are stronger, e.g., “15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee” (Isaiah 49:15, KJV).B. Comparisons with ordinary things are strong. Consider Elihu´s comparison of men and animals in Job:C. What are angels? By nature they are spirits–Hebrews 1:14D. What is “the seed of Abraham?” Let Abraham answer for himself; “…I…but am dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27, KJV).E. When the comparison is made between man and the angels, they are far better than the best of us. Our measure is described by the Psalmist,II. CHOOSING BETWEEN MEN AND ANGELS A. The rule of reason should guide all choices; that means to take the better and leave the worse. “Yet he in no wise took them, but he did take the seed of Abraham!”B. The angels in so many ways are ahead of us but in this matter they are left behind. We–unworthy wretched men that we are–stand above and before the angels, the Cherubim, the Seraphim, and the principalities and powers! It makes me want to sing Handel´s Halleluia Chorus!C. An intentional choice of words: Many words would have seemed more likely here such as “assumed” or “chose” or “adopted.” The word here was carefully chosen. Epilambanetai(epilambanetai)in the Greek and apprehenditin the Latin. This word literally means to catch or apprehend. It implies a flight on the one part and a pursuit on the other part.III. MADE LIKE MEN BUT NOT LIKE ANGELS Why should He be made like men, but not like angels? A. Man was more to be pitied than the angels, because he was tempted by another and they were not. B. Man was less than the angels and had fewer resources upon which to base their actions and decisions. C. In the case of angels some fell (1/3 of the angels) and others did not. In the case of man the entire race fell. (Men reproduce and angels do not!)D. Zachariah´s prophecy lets us know it is because of the tender mercies of God; 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and [in] the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:76-79, KJV).CONCLUSION: The psalmist pondered in amazement the choice made by God and the action taken by God to redeem lost mankind: 1 To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1-9, KJV).Join with me in lifting your voices in praise to God for his tender mercies and for the gift of His Son who has redeemed us from our sins, while we were yet unworthy! <><This is the outline of the Christmas sermon Dr. Harold Carpenter preached 08 December 2002. Dr. Carpenter and his wife served as missionaries for twenty years. Dr. Carpenter also taught missions for twenty years at Central Bible College. He now serves as Pastor of Fair Grove Assembly of God, Fair Grove MO. © Harold Carpenter 2002. Published by permission. In Essentials: Unity; In non-essentials: Liberty; In all things: Charity—Peter Meiderlin 1626.
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Last Updated on Sunday, 07 August 2011 17:53 |