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HEBREWS THE SUPREMACY AND SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST

Outline

Passage & Theme Discussion Date

Hebrews 1:1-4 | God’s Final Word: His Son September 11

Hebrews 1:5-14: The Son Superior to Angels September 18

Hebrews 2:1-4 | Warning #1: Pay Attention September 25

Hebrews 2:5-13 | Jesus, Crowned with Glory October 2

Heb 2:14-18 | Jesus, Made Like Us For Our Good October 9

Hebrews 3:1-6 | Jesus Greater Than Moses October 16

Hebrews 3:1-19 | Warning #2: Do Not Harden Your October 23 Hearts

Hebrews 4:1-11 | A Sabbath-Rest for the People of November 6 God

Hebrews 4:12-16 | The Word of God: No Such Thing November 13 as Secrets

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 | Jesus, the Great High Priest November 20

Hebrews 5:11-6:3 | Warning #3: Grow Up and Move December 4 On!

Hebrews 6:4-12 | Further Warning Against Apostasy December 11 Study Tips

1. Read through the passage several times throughout the week. 2. Look up the deﬁnitions of words you are unfamiliar with. 3. Read the Old Testament scriptures referenced in the passage. Consider how they relate to the assigned passage in Hebrews. 4. Are there phrases or concepts you don't understand? Write them down in the "Notes" section under the passage.

The Bible Project: Hebrews - https://thebibleproject.com Psallos (Hebrews Lyric Videos) - YouTube BlueLetterBible.com - online concordance

Partial Bibliography Logos Bible Software The New American Commentary (Hebrews) Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul R. Kent Hughes Hebrews by Charles H. Spurgeon Hebrews, Crossway Classic Commentaries, McGrath and Packer Hebrews NIV Application Commentary George H. Gutherie The Letter to the Hebrews by William Barclay

Contact Information Phillip: 618/781-9020, [email protected] Matthew: 618/520-2084, [email protected] Teri: 618/535-2056, [email protected] The Themes and Structure of Hebrews1

The book of Hebrews compares and contrasts Jesus to key historical people and events from the Old Testament. Through these comparisons, we see His superiority. He is greater than angels, the Torah, Moses, the Promised Land, priests, Melchizedek, sacriﬁces, and the covenant. He is God's Word, the hope for a new creation, our eternal priest, and the perfect sacriﬁce.

Throughout the book, we are also challenged to remain faithful to Jesus and follow great models of faith from the Old Testament despite hardships and persecution. These challenges will make us uncomfortable but instead of fearing them, remember that rejecting Jesus is foolish.

Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's love and mercy and is worthy of all our trust and devotion.

Major Comparative/Thematic Elements

1) Angels Jesus is superior to angels who delivered the Torah, God's Word, to the Israelites, and all other messengers. We should pay attention to His message.

2) Moses Jesus leads His people like Moses led the Israelites. Do not rebel and lose out on God's gracious oﬀer to enter into a new creation.

3) Melchizedek Morally ﬂawless, Jesus is the ultimate priest and mediator between humans and God. Instead of rejecting Him, accept Him and be fully reconciled with God.

4) Sacrifices Jesus' death on the cross was a permanent sacrifice and fulfilled the covenant. He died once for all, so accept His gracious offer of forgiveness.

5) Jesus The book of Hebrews ends with a challenge to faithfully trust Jesus and follow great Old Testament models of faith despite life's hardships and persecution.

1 Taken from The Bible Project - https://thebibleproject.com/explore/hebrews/

Hebrews 1:1-4 | God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Considerations

1. Consider that God has spoken to us through His Son. Are you listening? Is He getting lost in the noise of life?

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Hebrews 1:5-14: The Son Superior to Angels

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father”1?

Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?2

6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”3

7 In speaking of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”4

8 But about the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;

a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your

God, has set you above your companion by anointing you with the oil of joy.”5

10 He also says,

“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,

and the heavens are the work of your hands.

11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed.

1 Psalm 2:7 2 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13 3 Deuteronomy 32:43 (see Dead Sea Scrolls and Septuagint) 4 Psalm 104:4 5 Psalm 45:6,7

But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”6

13 To which of the angels did God ever say,

“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?7

14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Considerations

1. In this passage, the author has been encouraging his readers to choose a more excellent way, Jesus. In what ways do we pursue lesser things over the passionate pursuit of Jesus?

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6 Psalm 102:25-27 7 Psalm 110:1

Hebrews 2:1-4 | Warning #1: Pay Attention

1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,8

3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him.9

4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

8 Hebrews 2:2 – “message spoken through angels was binding” The message “spoken through angels” is the old covenant. It was binding up until the new covenant was enacted. 9 Hebrews 2:3 – “so great a salvation” This salvation is the new covenant, announced by Jesus and confirmed by His miracles, primarily His resurrection.

Considerations

1. Consider the warning against “drifting away.” Why is this warning so important for God’s church in America? How can “drifting away” lead to ignoring salvation mentioned in verse 3?

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Hebrews 2:5-13 | Jesus, Crowned with Glory

5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified:

“What is mankind that you are mindful of them,

a son of man that you care for him?

7 You made them a little10 lower than the angels;

you crowned them with glory and honor

8 and put everything under their feet.”11

In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them.

Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them.12 9 But we do see

Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.13 11 Both the one who makes

10 Alternately “You made them for a little while lower than the angels” 11 Alternately 7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor 8 and put everything under his feet.” / Psalm 8:4-6 12 Depending upon the translation, you could read “them” as “him” in the second half of this verse. 13 Hebrews 2:10 – “the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered” The “pioneer” of our salvation is Jesus. He lived the life that we were meant to live, the life of perfect harmony with God that we will only be able to live through the power given us by the Resurrected Jesus. When it says that Jesus was made “perfect” it is not implying that Jesus had imperfections, like we do, that needed to be removed. The best way to understand the full meaning of “perfect” in v10 and elsewhere in the book is to read it as “complete.”

people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.14 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;

in the assembly I will sing your praises.”15

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”16

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”17

Considerations

1.Reread 2:11 and consider the depth of the truth expressed here: Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters. How does this truth affect how you see yourself and how you see others? ______

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14 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 12; and in 3:1, 12; 10:19; 13:22. 15 Psalm 22:22 16 Isaiah 8:17 17 Isaiah 8:18

Hebrews 2:14-18 | Jesus, Made Like Us for Our Good

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but

Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,18 fully human in every way, 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 the people.19 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

18 Alternately “like his brothers” 19 Hebrews 2:17 – “high priest” The high priest was the head of the temple worship in Judaism. They had several priestly functions but most importantly they served as a mediator between God and the people in key ceremonial rites. Traditionally, all priests were members of the tribe of Levi, direct descendants of Aaron, Moses’ brother and the first high priest of Israel.

Considerations

1. In this passage, the author reminds us that Jesus, the source of our salvation, calls us brothers, and to His brothers (and sisters) He reveals the Father. He leads us in our trust of God. He offers us the intimacy and benefits of that brotherhood. That relationship is a great comfort in life. How can it comfort us in death?

2. Please read 1 Corinthians 15:56. How does death possess a sting? What is the "victory" of death that we escape through Christ?

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Hebrews 3:1-6 | Jesus Greater Than Moses

1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.20 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.21 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,”22 bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

20 Hebrews 3:1 – “our apostle and high priest” The word "apostle" is a Greek word meaning "messenger" or "sent one." It's essentially the same as "missionary," which carries a similar meaning in Latin. By calling Jesus the high priest, the author is previewing part of his argument about how Jesus fulfills the sacrificial system of the old covenant. In combing the two, the author emphasizes that Jesus, as apostle, was "sent by the Father, pleading the cause of God with us; [and as] High Priest, [He pleads] our cause with God." - Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 446. 21 Hebrews 3:2 – “Moses” Moses was the leader of the Israelites, their deliverer out of slavery in Egypt and the bringing of the law of God down from Mount Sinai. Moses has the distinction in the Old Testament having one of the most intimate relationships with God, and he served as an example of the Messiah to come. See Exodus 2:1-4:17 for Moses' early life and call from God to deliver the Israelites. See Exodus 33:9-23 for a description of Moses' relationship with God. 22 Numbers 12:7

Considerations

1. Please read John 6:52-68. Hebrews 3:1-6 encourages us to "Fix our thoughts on Jesus," teaching us that He alone is our anchor. How does Peter also convey that hope in John 6:68?

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Hebrews 3:7-19 | Warning #2: Do Not Harden Your Hearts

7 So, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you hear his voice,

8 do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion,23 during the time of testing in the wilderness,

9 where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did.

10 That is why I was angry with that generation;

I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray,

and they have not known my ways.’

11 So I declared on oath in my anger,

‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”24

12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 15 As has just been said:

“Today, if you hear his voice,

23 Hebrews 3:8 – “during the time of testing in the wilderness” Following their departure from Egypt, the Israelites sinned against God and so were forced to wander the wilderness for forty years before they could enter the Promised Land. See Numbers 13-14 for the retelling of why God punished the Israelites. 24 Psalm 95:7-11

do not harden your hearts

as you did in the rebellion.”25

16 Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? 17 And with whom was he angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? 19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

Considerations

1. Consider the author’s continued use of the word “today.” When was the last time you felt spiritual urgency?

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25 Psalm 95:7,8

Hebrews 4:1-11 | A Sabbath-Rest for the People of God

4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.26 3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,

‘They shall never enter my rest.’”27

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world. 4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.”28 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”29

26 Some manuscripts read “because those who heard did not combine it with faith” 27 Psalm 95:11; also in verse 5 28 Genesis 2:2 29 Psalm 95:7,8

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.30 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God;31

10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works,32 just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Considerations

1. Please read Philippians 3:12 and 1 Timothy 6:12. How do these verses relate to our passage in Hebrews 4:1-11? Is it possible to know the Savior, and yet not "take hold" of salvation? How can we have heard the promise, but yet find that we have "fallen short" of receiving it?

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30 Hebrews 4:8 – “Joshua” Joshua was Moses' replacement who led the Israelites into battle, helping them to conquer the Promised Land. See Exodus 24:12-13, 33:9-12; Numbers 27:18-21; and Joshua 1. 31 Hebrews 4:9 – “Sabbath-rest” The Israelites were commanded by God to take the seventh day as a day of rest for their bodies, according to His example in resting on the seventh day of creation. See Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 20:8-11. 32 Alternately “labor”

Hebrews 4:12-16 | The Word of God: No Such Thing as Secrets

12 For the word of God is alive 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. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from

God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Considerations

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Hebrews 4:14-5:10 | Jesus, the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,33 Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Heb. 5 1 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as

Aaron was.34

5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”35

6 And he says in another place,

33 Greek, literally, “has gone through the heavens” 34 Hebrews 5:4 – “Aaron” Aaron was the brother of Moses and was chosen by God to be the first high priest of Israel. See Exodus 4:14, 27-30; 7:1-13; 28:1-5; 40:12-15 and Leviticus 8. 35 Psalm 2:7

“You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”36

7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Considerations

1.Reread 4:15. How important is it to know that Jesus can empathize with us in our every weakness?

2. Jesus was supposed to have learned/been made perfect through suffering. What does it say about us that we try so hard to avoid suffering?

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36 Psalm 110:4 / Hebrews 5:6 – “Melchizedek” Melchizedek’s actual historical appearance in the Bible is contained to two verses in Genesis in which he blessed Abram/Abraham who had just won a great battle and then received from him a tenth of the riches the had been claimed after the battle. Here, the writer is using Melchizedek as symbolic of Christ. See Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:4.

Hebrews 5:11-6:3 | Warning #3: Grow Up and Move On!

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of

God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Heb. 6 1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death37a, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,27b the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

37 aAlternately “from useless rituals” bAlternately “about baptisms”

Considerations

1. A biology lesson here: Any living thing that doesn't grow dies. The author is warning us that life without growth brings death. In considering our personal spiritual growth, does it indicate a life of passion and spiritual progress, or does it reveal a life of satisfaction and stagnation? Are we like the congregation here, who "lives on milk," and "no longer tries to understand?"

2. Please see Romans 9:30, 1 Cor. 9:24 and 2 Timothy 2:22, and Hebrews 12:1. What do the words "pursue," "flee," and "run" indicate regarding growth in our spiritual life? ______

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Hebrews 6:4-12 | Further Warning Against Apostasy

4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen38 away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.

7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

9 Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. 10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

38 Alternately “age, 6 if they fall”

Considerations

1. Consider the author’s metaphor of land that only produces thorns though it has been thoroughly watered by the rain. How does this picture relate to the people who have fallen away in verse 6?

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