Hebrews 1:4-14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.… Such an inheritance as salvation made sure to us, affords sundry instructions and directions. Instructions are such as these: 1. It commends God's philanthropy, His peculiar love to men, who by nature are children of wrath and heirs of hell; yet made to be partakers of the inheritance of salvation (Ephesians 2:2, 3; Colossians 1:12; Titus 3:3-5). 2. It takes away all conceit of merit by man's works. For an inheritance is the free gift of a Father. 3. It is enough to uphold our spirits against penury, ignominy, and all manner of misery in this world. An heir, that as long as he is a child, differeth nothing a servant, but is under tutors and governors; yet, because he is lord of all, will not be dejected; but will support himself with this, that he hath a fair inheritance belonging to him. 4. It is a great encouragement against all things that may threaten death; yea, and against death itself; in that death brings us to the possession of this excellent inheritance. Directions are such as these: — (1) Subject thyself to thy Father's will, and to that government under which He sets thee, because thou art His heir (Galatians 4:2). (2) Raise up thy affections to the place of thine inheritance, and set thy heart thereon (Colossians 3:1; Matthew 6:21). (3) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world (1 John 2:15). Salvation is not there to be had. (4) Moderate thy care about earthly things; thou hast a heavenly inheritance to care for. (5) Suffer with joy all things for thy profession sake,' knowing that thou hast an heavenly inheritance (Hebrews 10:54). (6) Search thine evidences about this inheritance. There is great reason that in a matter of so great consequence thou shouldst i e sure of thy evidence for thy right hereto (2 Peter 1:10). (7) Expect with patience the time appointed for the enjoying this inheritance. Through faith and patience the promises are inherited (Hebrews 6:12). (8) Walk worthy of this high calling (Ephesians 4:1), and of God who hath called thee to His kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12). (9) Be ever thankful for this privilege especially (Colossians 1:12; 1 Peter 1:3.4). (10) Despise not any of these heirs because they are here poor and mean (James 2:5). Ishmael was cast out because he mocked the heir (Genesis 21:9, 10). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. |
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