Boot Camp 101 (Pack Up & Ship Out Your Civies- Put On Your Uniform!) New Year 2014

Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life “the works were finished from the foundation of the world” (4:3) – already done – not dependent on circumstances. “God rested” – nothing else to do! Characteristics of The Faith-Rest Life (4:9-16) 1) Faith (4:10) – Faith, not works (works is prop-wash!). 2) Diligence (4:11) – eagerness – intensity of purpose followed by intensity of effort toward reaching that purpose. We are not to be a lazy bum! Faith-Rest is on the inside, not the outside.

Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life 3) Knowledge (4:12) – The source of our power – The source for really living! Danger! Sword at work! Cf. Matthew 10:34 “Sword” – machaira – introduced by the Romans, it was one of the most ingenious inventions of warfare of its day. The sword was the basic weapon for close combat. As a result, the ancients were generally impressed by the size & strength of a sword – this was not always to their benefit! 5 types of swords existed in the ancient world:

Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life Romphaia – invented by the Thracians, it was a broadsword, usually 5 to 6 feet long, with a large double handle. Carried over the shoulder, or sometimes by 2 men. It had one sharp cutting edge – the soldier had to rear back, get cocked, & come through with a mighty swing which would throw them off balance temporarily, & leave the soldier vulnerable. It was the preferred weapon of the Gauls & the Barbarians, staunch enemies of Rome. This is how many Christians try to use the Word of God – like a baseball bat! They take their 50 pound Scofield Bible, haul back, & let ‘er swing!

Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life Xziphos – a rounded sword with a sharp point (which broke off easily). The edges were useless in battle – it could only be used with a forward thrust. This is like the believers who love to argue – they make a point here, & a point there, but never with any real impact. The Bible says Deut. 32:5! Oh, yeah! How about II Pet. 3:9?!

Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life Akinakes – an ornate Persian sword worn by Persian generals. It had a dull point & dull edges – usually had an ivory handle studded with gems faceted in gold. It was suitable only as a status symbol – it was totally useless in battle. How some Christians view the Bible – as a status symbol! Like Petunia, the silly goose!

Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life Dolon – a hidden sword. Hidden in some object, such as a staff or a cane. Had one sharp point. Like many Christians – they are saved, but keep it hidden! They never witness – they seldom let anyone know that they are Christians because of fear of rejection.

Not a Romphaia Sword! Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life The Word, properly used, will not throw you off balance. Not a Xziphos Sword! The Word does not consist of a point here & a point there – every bit of the Scripture is valuable. Not an Akinakes Sword! The Word is not simply beautiful literature as many would have us believe today. Not a Dolon Sword! The Word is not hidden in its meaning.

“Sword” – machaira – introduced by the Romans, it was one of the most ingenious inventions of warfare of its day. Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life The blade of the machaira was usually only 18 inches long. Anyone could handle it, for it was light & maneuverable. It was perfectly balanced – it would never leave the user off-balance or vulnerable. It not only had a very sharp point, but both edges were sharp also – every bit of it was useable. When you get ready to start using your weapon, you had better be prepared for some pretty powerful results! You’ll blast yourself out of existence if you don’t watch out!

4) Divine Inspection (4:13) – Would we mind having our thoughts projected where others could see them?!! Hebrews 3:7 – 4:16 The Faith-Rest Life 5) Witnessing (4:14) – The duty of ALL Christians. 6) Testing (4:15) 7) Prayer (4:16) – Face-to-face with God Grace is not earned. Mercy is grace in action.