Hebrews Study Guide.Indd

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It’s All About

Book of Hebrews A Hope of Glory study

Table of Contents

Introduction...... 5

Lesson One...... 6

Lesson Two...... 8

Lesson Three...... 10

Lesson Four...... 12

Lesson Five...... 14

Lesson Six...... 16

Lesson Seven...... 18

Lesson Eight...... 20

Lesson Nine...... 22 4 It’s All About Faith: The Book of Hebrews I remember when my children were newborns. I would awaken every four hours to feed them milk formula. In their early days, they could drink only a few ounces. As time went by, the amount of milk increased, until finally mushy cereal was introduced and sleeping the night became a reality. Gradually, the infants became toddlers and food was introduced. Starting with soft food, then finally meat. The child was maturing.

The book of Hebrews is a call for us to mature in our faith from milk to the meat of the gospel.

There are various views as to who wrote Hebrews. Some theologians believe it was the evangelist Paul, others think possibly a man named Apollos. What we do know is that it was written to Jews (Hebrews) who had adopted the teachings of Jesus. In the early church, there was conflict as to how this newfound religion, called “The Way”, meshed with ancient Judaism. Even the original disciples were in a quandary as to whether the age old Jewish traditions were still important when compared to the new covenant established by Jesus at the Last Supper.

Many theologians believe the book of Hebrews is the best explanation of who Jesus is. It answers the questions of why Jesus had to die, why bad things happen to good people, and how we should live as followers of Christ in an evil world. The first 8 chapters reveal the majesty and power of Jesus, His incomparable person and what that means in our everyday life.

Some theologians think this book is the answer to guilt, shame, anxiety and fear. By having faith in the resurrection power that is available to us today; we are able to conquer our fears. We are also freed from the shame of our sins. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life”. Hebrews sets forth the reality of the cross and the truth of His power that is available to each of us.

However, the maturing of our faith is critical to gleaning the benefits of a Christian life. Hebrews invites each of us to go deeper into our faith. Our circumstances may not change, but we change. We find freedom to live our lives in service to a Heavenly Father who “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have life everlasting”.

Don’t we want all there is in life for us? Don’t we want to live a life in freedom? Then let’s journey together through Hebrews. Let’s leave the milk and Pablum of our faith and start to chew on the meat of the gospel. When we taste the mature faith, we’ll be enthralled with the person of Jesus, and our lives will never be the same.

—Meg Rice

5 Lesson One Hebrews 1 & 2

For a Jew living in the time of Jesus, the thought of dispensing with 2,000 years of tradition was traumatic. The prophets of the Old Testament were the life blood of Jewish knowledge. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus spawned a new religion that seemed to be threatening their age-old values.

1. Read Hebrews 1:1-4. Underline the words that describe Jesus. What phrases show the power of Jesus? (Remember the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”). How do you reconcile Jesus’ actions at creation with our Heavenly Father’s work at creation? See Colossians 1:15-17.

2. The first argument the author of Hebrews makes is that Jesus Christ is superior to the angels. The Old Testament is full of angelic visitations, so the Ancient Jews held angels in high esteem. Read Psalm 2 that is quoted in Hebrews 1:5. In this Psalm the one speaking is God the Father. Can you discern the purpose of this Psalm? Next, read 2 Samuel 7:11-16. These verses speak of God’s promise to King David, but like many Old Testament prophecies, they have double meanings. How does Jesus fit into these verses?

3. In Hebrews 1:6-13, the author is making an argument that Jesus is greater than angels. List 4 reasons why this is so according to these verses.

4. According to verse 14, what is the purpose of angels? How does this differ from the purpose of Jesus Christ?

5. Hebrews 2:1 is an important verse. What can cause us to “drift away” from a true faith?

6. In chapter 2, the author makes the argument that the angels spoke the “message” of the commandments to Moses. How is Jesus more powerful than those commandments and the angels that delivered them?

7. According to the rest of chapter 2, what did the suffering death of Jesus do for us? Why did Jesus need to take on human flesh according to these verses?

Prayer Almighty Father, Creator God, it was your good pleasure to create the world through the work of your Son. We praise you that from the beginning of time, you ordained the world and knew it would need a Savior without blemish. Thank you, Jesus, for your mercy and faith as our perfect High Priest. May we live a life worthy of your sacrifice. Give us hearts to understand the sacrifice Jesus made when he took off the robes of glory and became man for each of us. Amen

6 Notes & Thoughts

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7 Lesson Two Hebrews 3 & 4

The next hurdle for the author of Hebrews is to convince the Jews who profess Jesus as their Christ that he is better than Moses. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day continually confronted Jesus with the teachings of Moses to show Jesus was not who he said he was. In chapter 3, the author compares Moses and Jesus to show Jesus is far superior. This is revolutionary thought for a Jew of Jesus’ day. This takes us back to our study of Exodus and the consequences of the ancient Hebrews when they did not believe the promises of the Living God.

1. Read Hebrews 3:1-6. Compare Moses and Jesus. Why is Jesus superior?

2. Read Hebrews 3:7-19. Verses 7-11 quote Psalm 95. Read Numbers 13:26-14:4. What did the people do to not enter the Promised Land? Read Numbers 14:20-24. What was the consequence of the people’s disobedience and disbelief?

3. If unbelief keeps us from entering God’s rest, how do we “cure” unbelief? See Hebrews 4:11-16. In what areas are you needing a booster shot of “cure”?

4. What did Jesus promise in Matthew 11:28-30?

5. God rested on the seventh day of creation, and He desires to give that same “rest” to His people. What does the term “rest” mean to you in your life? How do the circumstances of our lives keep us from the perfect rest promised to those who believe? If possible, share a story of how, during trials, you found perfect rest.

6. Read 2 Timothy 1:7 and Hebrews 4:16. How are we to approach the majestic throne room of God? What does that look like in your prayer life?

Prayer Heavenly Father, we come to you in need of rest and peace. Give us the tools to believe in the power of your sovereignty over the troubled circumstances of our lives. Help us to see past the here and now and into eternity. Because all things are possible for those who believe, help our unbelief. Lord Jesus, give us the faith to boldly come before your throne. Beckon us to come not in fear but in confidence and love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

8 Notes & Thoughts

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9 Lesson Three Hebrews 5, 6 & 7

The author of Hebrews is slowly but surely arguing to the Hebrews that Jesus Christ is superior to those things that an ancient Hebrew held dear. The first focus was the superiority of Jesus to angels, then to Moses and Joshua. The Jewish priesthood with its sacrificial system is the next institution that the was foundational to the Jewish way of life. The author will be proving that Jesus is superior to the high priest and turns his focus to a mysterious ancient biblical character named Melchizedek.

1. Read Exodus 28:1, Exodus 29:44-45 and Numbers 14:7-20 along with Hebrews 5:1-6. How do you see Jesus taking the role of High Priest while on earth? Read Hebrews 5:7-10 with John 12:27 and Matthew 16:37-42. How do you relate these to Jesus’ role as High Priest? Can you think of other times in the ministry of Jesus that He took on the High Priest mantle?

2. Read Hebrews 7:1-22 with Genesis 14:17-20 and Psalm 110 which is a messianic prophecy. What do you notice about this mysterious Melchizedek? Compare Jesus and Melchizedek.

Hint v.1-2 Similar names; king and priest.

v.3 No genealogy, Jesus at creation. Resurrected eternal life.

v.4-10 Abraham tithe given to Melchizedek, lesser gives to greater. Priesthood of Levi, ancestor of Abraham, lesser by his being a descendent of Abraham.

v. 11-22 The Law and Levitical priesthood not perfect. Needed new and better priest not by lineage but by an oath made by God.

3. Read Hebrews 7:23-28. How is Jesus better than the High Priests ordained through Moses?

4. Read Hebrews 5:11-6:3 with Ephesians 4:1-3,11-15. (See also 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). How important is it to make a conscious effort to move into a maturity of faith? How do we accomplish this?

5. Read Hebrews 6:4-8. This is a much-debated passage that I will cover in lecture. We know that once we come into a relationship of faith with Jesus Christ, we cannot lose our salvation. This statement comes on the heels of the need to strive for a maturity of faith. What do you think these verses mean? See also Matthew 7:21-23.

Prayer Gracious Father, you have each of us in the palm of your hand. From the beginning, you designed a plan to redeem us by the amazing sacrifice of your Son. May we grasp the reality of that sacrifice and move towards an ever-deepening faith so that we may reach the “measure of all the fullness of God”. That fullness involves knowing the love of Christ. Open our hearts to go deeper in your love and deeper in our faith so that we may serve the King of Kings, Jesus. Amen.

10 Notes & Thoughts

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11 Lesson Four Hebrews 8

There is a break in the book of Hebrews in chapter 7, between verses 26 and 27. The author turns from his discussion of the person of Jesus, to the work and sacrifice of Jesus. Chapters 8, 9 and 10 focus on the cross and the blood sacrifice of Jesus. The crucifixion of Jesus was not just an event in time. It changed forever how mankind could approach the Living God. It changed forever man’s ability to touch the Spirit of God and have it indwelled within him. Man no longer had to fear the world, through the sacrifice of Jesus, man could conquer the woes that the world produced.

1. Read Hebrews 7:27,28. What do you think are the key phrases of these two verses?

2. Read Hebrews 8:1-2. What do these verses mean to you and your life?

3. Read Hebrews 8:3-7. The author is connecting the earthly sanctuary (tabernacle) to the heavenly sanctuary (heavenly realms). He is connecting the old covenant of Moses with its Law and sacrificial system to a new covenant with better promises. See Matthew 26:27, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, and also John 13:34 and John 3:16. What do you see as the better promises? What was the expectation of those adhering to the Law of Moses? See Luke 18:18-27.

4. The Law of Moses was good but insufficient. Why was it insufficient? See Exodus 19:5,6. In 627- 585 BC, the Jewish nation of Judah was guilty of idolatry. They ignored the teachings of Moses to the point that God sent the prophet Jeremiah to convict the people with the hope of turning their hearts back to God. Hebrews 8:8-12 is quoted from Jeremiah 31:31-34. This new covenant is the one in which Jesus is the Mediator. What do you see as the difference between the old covenant of Moses and the new covenant of Jesus Christ?

5. The old covenant was one of constant striving to be “good enough”. The new covenant is one of freedom. How have you found freedom in Jesus Christ?

Prayer Glorious and majestic Father, Jesus is the “radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being”. The sacrifice and obedience of Jesus to the cross opened the way for our freedom. Father, show us in what areas of our lives where we need to claim that freedom. Thank you that you provided an eternal High Priest that intercedes continually before Your mighty throne. Jesus’ power and strength for outweighs anything we can imagine. You and your Son want the best for each of your children. Your desire is that none should perish, but that we will all come to the fullness of faith in Jesus. Give us courage to release those things that bind us, so we may be all you have called us to be. Let us love one another unconditionally so that the world will know we are your disciples. In Jesus holy name, we pray. Amen.

12 Notes & Thoughts

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13 Lesson Five Hebrews 9

The word “covenant” is from the Latin word “con venier” which means to come together. The Old Testament word for covenant meant a binding between two parties. This “coming together” involved agreeing to a promise with stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities. Two important ones in Genesis and Exodus are the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic covenant.

In Hebrews 8, the author makes it clear that a new covenant is at hand. The Mosaic covenant God made in the wilderness with the ancient Hebrews was now being replaced with a new covenant where Jesus Christ was the mediator. This was monumental to the ears of a Christian Jew at the time of Jesus. Their entire society functioned under the Law of Moses and the sacrificial system set up in the old covenant.

In chapter 9, there is a look back to the Tabernacle and specifically the Holy of Holies and comparing it to the throne room of God.

1. The key verse in Hebrews 9 is verse 22. What does it say and how does it answer the age-old question of why Jesus had to die?

2. Compare the Day of Atonement discussed in Hebrews 9:6-10 (also see Leviticus 16:6-9, 11,15-16) to Hebrews 9:11-14. What does the blood of Jesus offer that the blood of goats and calves did not?

3. Read Hebrews 9:15. What does this say about the work of the cross? On the cross, not long before His death, Jesus cried out, “It is finished”. What do you think He meant?

4. Read Hebrews 9:16-22. These verses argue the need for a person to die before his last will and testament is put into effect. Why do you think blood is so important to God? See Exodus 12:23. Leviticus 17:11.

5. Read Hebrews 9:23-28. What do these verses tell you about the value of the blood of Jesus Christ? Verse 26 says “But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.” What type of sin is being done away with?

6. The clear conscience that is promised through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus that was not available under the old covenant. Pray in your small group about any sin that your conscience continues to condemn you. Read Isaiah 44:22. What makes offenses and sin linger after we come to faith in Jesus Christ? How can that keep us from “serving the living God” (Hebrews 9:14b)? How does John 8:1-11 and John 8:32 apply here?

Prayer Merciful Father, you want nothing more than for your people to turn to you and know they are forgiven and redeemed. The Enemy, the devil, strives to keep God’s people in bondage to guilt and shame. The morning mist and the clouds are easily blown away by a mild wind. Bring the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit to blow and clear our consciences of the sin that can entangle us. We desire to serve the living God. Help us to grasp and embrace the freedom offered to each of us through the blood of Jesus. In His matchless name we pray. Amen.

14 Notes & Thoughts

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15 Lesson Six Hebrews 10

We are approaching the culmination of arguments as to why Jesus Christ is superior to the “old way” of Judaism. The first part of chapter 10 argues the finality of the sacrifice of Jesus. Blood has been required as atonement for sin since the time of The Fall in Genesis 3 (See Genesis 3:21), but God also desires hearts that are in accord with his will.

1. Read Hebrews 10:1-4. Outline the difference between the Law of Moses with its sacrifices and the blood of Jesus.

2. Verses 5-7 quote Psalm 40:6-8 with the addition “your law is within my heart”. According to Hebrews 10:8-10, who is this Psalm referring to? Since this Psalm was written at the time of King David which was 900 years before the birth of Jesus, what does this tell you about God? What does it tell you about Jesus (see John 6:38-40)?

3. Read Hebrews 10:11-18. In the tabernacle, there was no place for sitting, yet these verses speak about Jesus “sitting at the right hand of God”. What other scriptures refer to Jesus sitting at the right hand of God? What do you think is the significance of that statement?

4. At verse 19 there is a pivot. No longer is the argument about the superiority of Jesus. The focus shifts to the advantages of a life under the blood of Jesus. Reading Hebrews 10:19-25, what are the advantages? What do we need to do as faithful followers?

5. Read Hebrews 10:26-31. What is the warning here?

6. Read Hebrews 10:32-39. The author is spurring on the believers to maturity in their faith. What do these verses say that maturity involves?

Prayer Almighty Father, you have devised a plan for redemption since the time of Adam. That redemption involved the blood of animals until such a time that the perfect blood offering appeared. Thank you for your Son, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for your heart of obedience to the Father. Show us how to walk hand in hand with the Holy Trinity, with hearts that long to do the Father’s will. Our consciences are set free by the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s guidance to live our lives for the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ matchless name we pray. Amen.

16 Notes & Thoughts

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17 Lesson Seven Hebrews 11

Do you hear the roll of the drums? Hebrews 11 is called the “Roll Call of the Faithful” or the “Hall of Faith”. It starts with the most perfect description of what “faith” means. What follows are the shining stars of that faith throughout the ages. Notice, none of these men were perfect, but they strived towards a faith of maturity.

1. Read Hebrews 11:1. What in your life do you “hope for” or “do not see” at this juncture of your journey? As those who believe in the power of Jesus and his character, how are we to respond?

2. In verse 3, the author begins with creation being made from nothing by the command or word of God. Do some reviewing of these stories of the giants of faith.

Abel, see Genesis 4:1-9; Enoch, see Genesis 5:21-24; Noah, see Genesis 6:8-14,22; Abraham, see Genesis 12:1-4, Genesis 21:1-5, Genesis 22:1; Isaac, see Genesis 27:26-40; Jacob, see Genesis 48:1-22; Joseph, see Genesis 50:24-25; Moses, see Exodus 2:1-15. Ancient Hebrews, see Exodus 12:1-28, 14:13-31 and Joshua 6; Rahab, see Joshua 2:1-21, 6:22-25.

Gideon, see Judges 6:11-8:32; Barak, see Judges 4:6-5:31; Samson, see Judges 13:24-16:31; Jephthah, see Judges 11:1-12:7; David, see 1Samuel 16-17; Samuel, see 1 Samuel 7-10.

I know this is a lot of reading, but when the Holy Spirit prompted the author of Hebrews to write these names, it is a prompting for all of us to learn something from them so our Christian walk will be blessed by their story.

3. As you read through chapter 11, what do you learn about the faithful who followed God?

4. Read Hebrews 11:39-40. What do you think these verses are referring to?

Prayer Eternal Father, thank you for the reminder that from the beginning, there were those individuals whose hearts belonged to you. They were not perfect just as we are not perfect, but they were made perfect by the advent of Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross. Thank you that the blood of Jesus reached back in time to perfect those committed to you from the beginning. We praise you that the same blood reaches forward in time to perfect those in the future who will come to a faith in your Son. And most importantly, that same blood is poured out for each of us today as we are being transformed into the likeness of your Son, Jesus. In His name we pray. Amen.

18 Notes & Thoughts

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19 Lesson Eight Hebrews 12

Hebrews 12 begins with the word “Therefore”. We have seen the advantages of a deepening faith in Jesus; we have heard the arguments as to why following Jesus is a new way and introduces a new covenant with the Living God. Chapter 11 pointed back to the giants of faith that were revered by the Hebrew people and their uncompromising faith. However, the author knows it is not easy to follow Jesus and deepen our faith. It takes courage and perseverance. Chapter 12 speaks of how we accomplish a faith that is deepening daily.

1. According to the end of Hebrews 11:39-40, those giants of faith failed to receive what they were promised. That promise was the fullness of transformation or being made perfect for God. This takes faith in the blood sacrifice and promises that Jesus offered. What does 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 say about this?

2. Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What are we to do so that we do not grow weary or lose heart?

3. Jesus, being the author and perfector of our faith, means there will be times of teaching and discipline so that our faith will be complete. What does Hebrews 12:4-11 say about discipline? How has The Lord disciplined you in your walk of faith? Have you thanked Him?

4. Compare Hebrews12:12-17 to Isaiah 35:3-10. These verses are referring to the unity of the believers in Jesus Christ and our need to help one another. What can keep us from doing that according to the Hebrews verses?

5. Read Hebrews 12:18-24. These verses are referring to Exodus 19:16-22 and Exodus 20:18-19. What are the differences in how we are able to approach God according to these verses?

6. Read Hebrews 12:25-28. What is the warning for us? These verses also speak of the power of God. Knowing this power and strength is fundamental to our trusting in Gods sovereignty over our lives and the lives of our loved ones, what should our attitude be?

Prayer All powerful Father, you are a consuming fire, burning up those things that are not eternal and protecting those things that are eternal. We rejoice in your goodness and strength. We come to you with open hearts ready to be transformed day by day. May we leave the past behind and move toward a future of peace and love. Fill us with the knowledge of your unsurpassing love. We ask this in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

20 Notes & Thoughts

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21 Lesson Nine Hebrews 13

Chapter 13 of Hebrews reminds me of my final instructions to my children as they left for college. I wanted to remind them of all the important things they had been taught and needed to remember. In this chapter, the Holy Spirit is discussing what a life lived in the body of Christ looks like and how that same life should behave in the world. It even talks about how as Christians we are to be in this world but not of it.

1. Read Hebrews 13:1-3 with Romans 12:9-13. If the “strangers” mentioned in verse 2 are those outside the body of Christ, what does that tell you? The angels may be referring to the angelic visitation to Abraham recorded in Genesis 18 which preceded amazing revelation. Share if there was a time when you entertained those who didn’t know Jesus and were blessed.

2. Read Hebrews 13:4-6 with Romans 12:1-2. These verses show how we as Christians are to live in this world but not be of it. They deal with sex and the love of money. What does the world say about these two things and what does scripture say?

3. Read Hebrews 13:7-8,17 which refers to Christian leaders. What Christian leader in your life do you desire to imitate?

4. Read Hebrews 13:9-14 which addresses grace versus religious trappings. These verses look at the cross and how Jesus left the “camp” to die on the cross for our sakes. What does it mean to you that we are to “go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore”? See Luke 9:23- 24. Apply Psalm 51:15-17 to verses 9-10.

5. Hebrews closes with a doxology in verses 20-21. From what you know about sheep, why do you think the author called Jesus the Great Shepherd of the sheep? How in your life has Jesus been a shepherd to you?

6. What have you learned through the study of Hebrews this fall?

Prayer Eternal Father, you and your Son have not changed since the foundation of the world. You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. As you guided the ancient Israelites, you guide us. As you provided the blood sacrifices for their sins, you provided the ultimate sacrifice of your Son for our sins. Keep us ever watchful in a world whose values do not align with our values. Quicken us by the power of your Holy Spirit to do your will and to serve you in our lives. Make us into living sacrifices so that your glory may reign throughout the world. It’s in Jesus’ name we lift up these mighty prayers to you. Amen.

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