Hebrews 4
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.

Hebrews 3 is a warning to hold fast to our belief in Jesus. Paul says to "fix your thoughts on Jesus" and "hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast". During times of testing, "if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts", but hold firmly to your confidence in Him, so that you may "enter His rest".

In Hebrews 2, Paul teaches that the Word of salvation deserves our careful attention. This salvation first announced by the Lord was confirmed by those who heard Him and God also testified to it by signs, miracles, and distribution of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Next, Paul reminds us again of Jesus' role in God's plan for the salvation of His chosen saints. Jesus descended to a position even below the angels in order to glorify God and "make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering". Jesus shared in humanity "so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil", "in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of His people". Paul says that Jesus is not ashamed now to call us His brethren, "I will declare Your name to My brothers", and in the congregation of brethren Jesus sang praises to the Father, "Here am I, and the children God has given me."

Hebrews 1 begins with an explanation of who Jesus is and His position over the angels. Paul teaches us that Jesus is the “exact representation” of God’s being, through whom the universe was created. God declares Jesus to be the heir of all things and is the radiance of all God’s glory, “sustaining all things by His powerful word”. Jesus is “much superior to the angels” and sits in power at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Paul concludes Hebrews 1 with a quote from Psalm 102, reminding us that Jesus is unchanging and will reign for eternity.

The book of Philemon is a letter written by Paul in thanksgiving primarily to the man Philemon, but also to those in the church that meets in Philemon's home. Philemon's name means "affectionate" and Paul describes Philemon this way throughout the letter, referring repeatedly to Phlemon's love for Christ and the saints and the great joy and encouragement he provides in refreshing the hearts of the saints. Paul encourages Philemon also in offering thanks and prayer for his effectiveness in sharing his faith. Paul also tells Philemon that he also has received great joy and comfort in his imprisonment when hearing about his love and the way the saints have been refreshed by him. Paul urges Philemon to receive his "son", Omnesimus, who is a convert under Paul's teaching, and he affectionately refers to him as sending "my very heart" to serve as a useful partner in the gospel. Finally, he encourages Philemon by expressing his confidence in his obedience, "knowing that you will do even more than I ask".

Titus 3 is a call to do whatever is good. Paul says we must "be ready to do whatever is good" (v.1), those who have trusted in God must "be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good" (v.8), and our people must "learn to devote themselves to doing what is good"(v.14). Doing good is explained as being subject and obedient to authorities, not slandering anyone, being peaceable and considerate, and showing humility toward all men. Paul says that we used to be enslaved to foolishness, disobedience, malice, envy, and hate, but when the kindness and love of God saved us in His mercy, we were justified and now have the hope of eternal life through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Titus 2 continues with various teachings to different people groups. Older men are to be taught to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love and in endurance. Older women are to be taught to be reverent in their lifestyle, so they can model and train younger women to love , respect, and be in subjection to their husbands. They are also taught to love their children, be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, and to be kind, "so that nobody will malign the word of God". Young men should be taught to be self-controlled, to do only what is good, and to have integrity , sincerity and soundness in their speech. Paul reminds us that we should also teach to all people everywhere that it is the grace of God that teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives , and in doing this God "purifies to Himself a people what are His very own, eager to do what is good". Amen