Hebrews 1:1 God - Starts the letter with the agreement of the Creator of both the Jews and...

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Hebrews 1:1“God”- Starts the letter with the agreement of the Creator of both the Jews and Christians

- Genesis, “In the beginning God”

“various times”- In the past with the Jewish nation

Hebrews 1:1-2“various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets”- Spoke to Abraham and the prophets, making known to them the message of God

- God made His will known to His people through dreams, visions, symbols, audible voices, prophecy

“last days”- Last Dispensation (Christian Dispensation)

Patriarchal

The

Flood

EDENCain

&

Abel

Gen. 12:1-3-Abraham-Isaac -Jacob-Joseph

Israel

in

Egypt

Moses

C

H

R

I

S

T

B

O

R

N

40

years

PROPHETS

KINGS

Divided Kingdom

Christ's

Personal

Ministry

Saul David Solomon

Mt.

Sinai

Mosaic Dispensation

33 A.D. Till end of time

Acts - Revelation

Universal religion Follow Christ not Moses Law of Christ written in our hearts Temple gave way to the church

Hebrews 1:2“spoken to us by His Son”- God has now spoken to us through Jesus

- Christ put an end to the Law, nailing it to the cross (Col. 2:14). His death defines this boundary, fixing a definite end of the Jewish age, as well as the beginning of the Christian age

-Jesus brings a revelation far superior to that of the prophets of old.

Hebrews 1:2“spoken to us by His Son”

- The revelation from Jesus Himself was unique, because not only was it God's message, but it was also God's personality through which the message came.

Hebrews 1:2-3Notice the Superiority of Christ:1. Heir of all things v. 2

2. Through Whom He made the worlds v. 2

3. Brightness of His glory v. 3

4. Express image of His person v. 3

5. Upholding all things by the word of His power v. 3

6. He purged our sins v. 3

7. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high v. 3

Hebrews 1:4

The remainder of this chapter, beginning here, speaks of the supremacy of Christ, as compared with angels.

The force of the argument lies in the outlandish burden of importance the Jewish mind placed upon the function of angels in their history, especially in the giving of the Law of Moses.

Hebrews 1:4-14Christ More Supreme than Angels:1. Has a more excellent name than them v. 4-5

2. Angels adore Christ v. 6

3. Angels were created by Him v. 7

4. Even while being man, He was endowed with greater gifts than they v. 8-9

5. Christ is eternal, angels are not v. 10-12

6. Christ is more highly exalted v. 13

7. Angels are only servants of God; Christ is the Son of God v. 14

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 1:5-Writer appeals to the O.T. to show the supremacy of the Messiah (Christ)

- Ps. 2:7 and 2 Sam. 7:14 are the two passages cited, both of which teach the Sonship of Christ.

- That is, God never said to any of the angels what He has said to Christ; namely, what follows.

Hebrews 1:5“today I have begotten You”

- In Acts 13:33 this passage is applied to the resurrection of Christ from the dead: - “the first-begotten of the dead”

-This verse is simply showing the special relationship between God the Father, and God the Son (Christ)

-Angels do not have this relationship with the Father

Hebrews 1:6“firstborn”- Speaking of Christ. Having reference to the fact that Jesus was the first who rose from the dead to die no more.

“all the angels of God worship Him”- Notice the angels worshipped Christ, again confirming His superiority over them

Hebrews 1:7

- God gives angels an inferior name, and assigns to them a more humble office.

- They are mere ministers, and have not been given the name “Son”

- Furthermore, Jesus is Lord of the angels. They are His angels and His servants. The angels belong to Jesus.

Hebrews 1:8-9

- Quote from Ps. 45:6-7

- Here it quotes David talking about Christ

- “to the Son He says, Your throne O God”

- v. 9 cites the reason for Christ's supremeness as being founded upon His love of righteousness and hatred of evil

Godhead

Hebrews 1:10-12

- Quote from Ps. 102:25-27

-The great significance of this OT scripture used here is in the fact that words originally addressed to Jehovah are applied to Jesus Christ

The creation Divine supervision of the universe Watchful control of all its changes

Hebrews 1:10-12

- Christ, as the changeless one, is the theme of these verses

- In the light of these verse, how foolish appear such things as sun worship, or the temptation to view the universe as eternal.

Hebrews 1:10-12Jesus is described with attributes that God alone has:

1.Is the Creator (You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth).

2. Is self-existent (They will perish, but You will remain).

3. Is sovereign (Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed).

4. Is immutable, unchanging (You are the same), and eternal (Your years will not fail).

Hebrews 1:13

- Quote from Ps. 110:1

- Purpose of this verse: To show utterly beyond the glory and authority of angels is that of Christ

- Entire Psalm 110 as about the coming Messiah

- So here God, even in the past, has told the angels this about the Messiah, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, TILL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES YOUR FOOTSTOOL” (cf. Matt. 22:41-46)

Hebrews 1:13

- Complete fulfillment of this verse will happen at the Judgment (Heb. 10:12-13)

Hebrews 1:14

- “inherit salvation” – not earned

- Angels are servants of God, and therefore inferior to Christ

- They minister to those who are saved. But how?

Hebrews 1:14Function of Angels:Old Testament Ministry:

a) Appeared to warn Abraham and Lot. Gen. 18:l-2; 19:l.

b) Protected the men in the fiery furnace. Dan. 3:19-28.

c) Stopped the mouths of lions for Daniel. 6:22.

d) Helped God’s people in war. Psalm 34:7, Exodus 23 :20-21

Hebrews 1:14Function of Angels:New Testament Ministry:a) Gabriel announced the birth of both John and Jesus in Lk 1.b) Angels ministered to Jesus after His temptationc) Angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom, Luke 16 :22.d) An angel directed Philip to the Ethiopian, Acts 8:26.e) An angel appeared to Cornelius, Acts 10:7.f ) An angel comforted Paul, Acts 27:23.g) An angel released Peter and John from prison, Acts 5 :19.h) An angel saved Peter from Herod, Acts 12:7-11.i ) Churches in Revelation had angels, Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18.j ) They will be present when Christ comes. Matt. 16:27 *** How do they minister to us today?***

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 2:1

- Notice here the author changes the subject

- We must heed the things taught in the Word

- Because if we do not, we WILL drift away from God’s instruction

-The lesson is simple: Be in the Word, heed the Word, live the Word

Hebrews 2:1It is possible to drift away from the teachings of Christ because: (1) some, being in Him, are still not anchored in Him

(2) subtle and powerful tides and currents surge and tug against the soul's safety

(3) the believer fails to exercise due care and diligence in the defense and development of his faith

(4) some allow preoccupation with unimportant and secondary things to take up too much of their time and attention.

Hebrews 2:2

- Talking about the O.T.

- Angels helped to ordain God’s laws

“What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator”

Gal. 3:19

Hebrews 2:2

-The argument is that God's Word was not to be despised or disobeyed, and was sternly enforced by drastic penalties for every infraction or neglect under the Old Law.

Hebrews 2:3

-We will not escape the penalty of our sins (v. 2) if we neglect the salvation God has brought through Jesus

- Everything revealed in the Bible concerning God shows that unforgiven sin will be punished.

Hebrews 2:3“neglect”?- Not merely the active pursuit of evil, but the neglect of positive good can destroy the soul; and it is doubtless from the latter fault that the great majority of unredeemed people shall fail to win the crown.

“so great a salvation”- It is hard to completely understand the blessing God has given to us that we can be saved

Hebrews 2:3“first began to be spoken by the Lord”- The message brought by Christ

“confirmed to us by those who heard Him”- The apostles and disciples who were eye and ear witnesses of Jesus’ personal ministry

Hebrews 2:4

- The signs, wonders, and powers mentioned in this verse are a plain reference to the miracles by which God throughout history consented to authenticate His message to man.

Hebrews 2:5-7

- Now the author returns to the subject from which he had broken off since chapter 1; Christ is superior to the angels

- This verse begins the argument that Christ, not angels, has been appointed by God to restore to mankind their lost dominion over the world

Hebrews 2:5-7v. 6- Speaking of mankind rather than Christ

- Quote from Ps. 8:4

v. 7-God created man in His image- Gave man dominion over the world; animals- Set him over the works of God-Before sin entered the world, man had dominion over those things God gave him

Hebrews 2:8-This verse emphasizes the differences between man's potential and what he has actually become because of sin entering the world

- Since sin entered the world through mankind, he no longer has “complete” dominion over those things God gave.

- Next verse tells us that Jesus can reestablish this relationship man once had with God

Hebrews 2:9“made a little lower than the angels”?-“little” Greek = “for a little while”

- While Jesus was man, He experienced human things not experienced by angels: death

“might taste death for everyone” - not merely for some, but for every man

- Christ did not come into this world merely to deliver noble teaching, but to die on the cross for the sins of the whole world

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 2:10- Another reference to Christ taking part in the creation process

“captain of their salvation” - author, pathfinder, pioneer

- The Lord Jesus, is represented as the leader or commander of the army of the redeemed

Hebrews 2:10“their salvation perfect through sufferings” - “perfect” here has reference to complete

- God’s plan of salvation was complete only after the sufferings that Christ had to endure upon the cross

Hebrews 2:11- He who sanctifies (Christ) those who are being

sanctified (those in Christ) are one

“all one”- Christ is like us in that He took on our nature and

suffered

“call them brethren”- To acknowledge Himself as of the same family,

and to speak of them as His brothers

- Jesus is in the family with His people

Hebrews 2:12-13- Prophecy from Ps. 22:22. This entire Psalm is

about the coming Messiah

- Proof of Christ’s being unashamed of His brethren.

- v. 13 quote from Isa. 8:17ff. Shows the coming Messiah not being ashamed of His brethren.

- Jn. 17:9

Hebrews 2:14-15“children have partaken of flesh and blood”-We are of human form, flesh and blood, life and death

“He Himself likewise shared in the same”- Christ took on a mortal body, blood and flesh

- 1 Tim. 3:16

- 1 Jn. 4:3

Hebrews 2:14-15Why did Jesus come in the flesh?-That through His own death He may destroy (bring under subjection) Satan, who had power over death

How did Satan have power over death?- The devil was the cause of death in this world.

- “death” was a part of Satan’s dominion

- He introduced it; he seduced man from God, and led on the train of woes which result in death.

Hebrews 2:14-15How did Satan have power over death?- He also made it terrible. Instead of being regarded as falling asleep, it becomes under him the means of terror and distress.

- Without Christ, Satan has won, and man should fear death

Hebrews 2:14-15“release those who fear death”- Isa. 25:7-8

- Since the sting of death is sin (1 Cor. 15:55), Christ’s providing the remedy for sin, He has removed the most dreadful part of the fear of death, the fear of punishment.

- 1 Jn. 4:18

Hebrews 2:16-Jesus took on human form and died to provide redemption for humans

- No such provision is made for angels. He did not take on angel form and die for angels redemption

Hebrews 2:17“in all things He had to be made like His brethren”

- Jesus was made like us in respect to His body, soul, rank, and character. He took on our nature

- How wonderful to be called His brethren!

- Now gives another reason why Christ took on human form

Hebrews 2:17“that He be a merciful and faithful High Priest”

- 1st time “High Priest” is applied to Jesus in this epistle

- Jewish Christians understood well who was the high priest under the Old Law

- On day of atonement, high priest entered into the holiest place and offered blood for the sins of the people

high priest enters into holiest place to offer blood for the sins of

people


- Christ entered heaven and offered His own blood for the sins of all people.

- And just as the priest slew the sacrifice prior to offering its blood, Christ offered Himself upon the cross, thus being both the victim and the one offering the blood.


- “merciful” = He knows how to show us compassion in our infirmities and trials, by having a nature like our own.

- “faithful” = He can and will do what He said He would do if we are found “in Him”; He will save us.

Hebrews 2:17“to make propitiation for the sins of the people”

- “propitiation”

A. to be the sacrifice in order to satisfy the justice of God

B. sacrifice to reconcile man back to God

C. payment for sins of people before Almighty God

Hebrews 2:18-As used here, it seems to make Christ’s temptations to consist of most of His sufferings

- Jesus knows about the difficulties and sufferings that come from temptations!

- He might well have thought, “Why bother with it all? Why go through such agony as the cross to save people who constantly seem to prove themselves unworthy of it?”

Hebrews 2:18- Only His great eternal love could have strengthened and steadied Him against aborting His mission of salvation and calling it off.

- Because Christ understands temptation, He can and will aid us in our temptations. How?

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 3:1“holy brethren”

-3rd term of endearment already used in this epistle to describe God’s people (sanctified, sons)

Hebrews 3:1“consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession”

-Nowhere else in scripture is the title “Apostle” applied to Jesus, but certainly fits His office as the official messenger of heaven

-“apostle” = one sent or commissioned for important communication

-“High Priest” – first spoken in 2:17

Hebrews 3:2“who was faithful to Him (God) who appointed Him (Christ)”-Jesus performed all the functions and duties God the Father gave Him to do

-Likewise, Moses perform all his God-given duties towards the Jewish nation (his house)

-Even when they rebelled, he was firm and unwavering (Num. 12:7)

- A more detailed look at Moses (the type) and Jesus (the antitype) reveals similarities and differences

Hebrews 3:3Similarities

Moses Christ-Israelite

-Forsook high status to perform mission of rescue

-Accomplished his mission of delivering Israel from Egypt

-Wrought many signs, miracles

-Delivered God’s law to people

-Offered himself to die for Israel

-Israelite

-Forsook high status to perform mission of rescue

-Accomplished his mission of delivering Israel from Egypt

-Wrought many signs, miracles

-Delivered God’s law to people


Hebrews 3:3Differences

Moses Christ-Faithful as a servant

-Labored in a house he did not build

-Did not lead people to the promise land

-Sinful

-Brought only the patterns of things to come


-Faithful a “the Son”

-In the house He built, His own house

-Leads people into glory

-Sinless

-Christ is the reality of those patterns


Hebrews 3:3Differences

Moses Christ-Delivered from physical bondage

-Mission pertained only to Israel

-Only a man

-Body was buried and decomposed

-Not a high priest

-Delivered us from spiritual bondage of sin

-Mission to all mankind

-Both God and man

-Body was resurrected

-Is the eternal High Priest

Hebrews 3:4-5- God is the Creator of all things

- Moses faithfully served God as he led the nation of Israel (his house), and gave the Old Law

- But Moses prophesied about the coming Christ. In the small details of the tabernacle and its furnishings, the feasts, sacrifices, and ceremonies, all delivered by Moses

- All these things pointed to Jesus Christ, hence the use of “those things which would be spoken afterward”

Hebrews 3:6“whose house we are”- Christians are components of God’s house. The old Israel is no more

The House of God1.Laid foundation for it before the world was (1 Cor. 2:7)

2.Provided blueprints of it in the dispensation of Moses3.Extended it upward and outward to include all families of man in Christ’s church

4.He shall take His house (kingdom) to heaven (2 Pet. 1:11)

Hebrews 3:6“if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end”

- Notice the danger of falling away

-The author here says, that the only evidence which they could have that they belonged to the family of Christ, would be that they held fast the confidence which they had until the end of their lives.

-Same is true today.

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 3:7-11- Quotation from Ps. 95 and is designed to strengthen the faith of these Hebrew Christians and to warn them against apostasy.

- To do this, the author reminds them of the falling away that took place in that generation which entered the wilderness after being delivered from Egypt, but were cut off from the promise land

- The experience of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness was engraved on the conscience of the Jews. They knew why that generation failed to enter the promise land, “they went astray from the Lord”

Hebrews 3:7-124 Facts from Verse 12

1.It is possible for Christians to fall away from God

2.Such a disaster is due to an unbelieving heart

3.That an unbelieving heart is evil

4.God is not a mere influence, but a living Being

Hebrews 3:12“Beware brethren”

- Notice this is addressed to those who are already Christians. We can fall away!

- Author will discuss falling away again in chapter 6

“evil heart of unbelief”- Notice an “evil heart of unbelief” is connected to obedience, as referenced by the Israelites in v. 10

- So a “believing heart” is more than just what you believe, obedience is connected to it.

Hebrews 3:13“exhort one another daily”

- So that we help to keep each other faithful to the Lord

- “exhort” = encourage, build up, stir up to duty

- How often are we to practice this?

Hebrews 3:13Why Do Some Find it Difficult to Exhort Daily?

1.Natural timidness

2.Ashamed of Christ

3.Accepted the notion it is impolite to speak of Christ, faith, or religion in public

Hebrews 3:14

- Those who believe and obey Christ partake in His righteousness, have His cleansing blood, and the avenue of prayer with the Father

“ if ”- Same warning as in v. 6. We must hold to our confidence in Christ till our lives are over

Hebrews 3:15-16- Still quoting from Ps. 95

- Persevere as long as life lasts, or as long as it can be said “today” and by persevering in this manner you will have evidence that you are the friends of the Redeemer

- Stay faithful lest they should harden their hearts as had been done in the temptation in the wilderness.

Hebrews 3:15-16- v. 16 Here is a solemn warning against trusting n the majority or what is popular

- He reminds these Jewish Christians that the failure that took place in the wilderness was supported by the overwhelming majority.

- the phrase “was it not all” is an exaggeration for the sake of emphasis

- Caleb and Joshua refused to go with majority and entered Canaan. The exception was so small they all provoked God with their disobedience

Hebrews 3:17-18- Who was God angry with? Why?

- In v. 18, disobedience is made the basis of God’s denying Israel the right to enter Canaan

- Same is true today. Perfection is not required, but faithful obedience is in order to enter heaven (Matt. 7:21)

Hebrews 3:19- Their unbelief led to their outright rebellion against God

- The application is that, if God did not spare them, neither will He spare Christians guilty of the same conduct

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 4:1- Thought connected with 3:18-19

- This is written to current Jewish Christians. Notice the implication: we can “come short” or fall away to the point of losing out on heaven

Hebrews 4:1Why fear? What kind of fear is this?

- “Simply because eternal rewards are subject to forfeit as long as people are in the flesh, because a powerful and aggressive foe (Satan) and his hosts are opposed to us, and because the multitude of distractions, temptations, and necessary labors of life constantly tend to produce that one moment of life in which inattention can lead to everlasting ruin. This fear is reinforced by the thought that many others failed, even after a glorious beginning.” - Burton Coffman

Hebrews 4:2- This does not mean the Israelites had the same gospel preached unto them that Christians have received, but that JUST AS they received a good word about the promised rest, so have Christians.

“not mixed with faith”?- faith (belief) is required

-But also includes obedience (see 3:8-11)

- Bible faith ALWAYS requires obedience

Hebrews 4:3“we who have believed do enter that rest”- “we” = Christians

-Talking of the certainty of entering that rest (heaven)

-Rest of verse is a quote of Ps. 95:11

-Reference to the disobedience Israelites not able to enter the promise land

Hebrews 4:4-5-Gen. 2:2 is the text referred to here

- The argument is that God's resting on the 7th day, unaccompanied by any subsequent declaration that He has left off resting, makes the rest of God still available for them that will receive it, as it has been from the time God finished creation.

Hebrews 4:6-7v. 6

-God has purposed from all eternity that some shall enter into His rest

-Seeing that Israel did not, as proved by David's saying so in Ps. 95, the way is still open for whoever will accept the invitation.

Hebrews 4:6-7v. 7

- Quote from David in Ps. 95:7-11

- 500 years after the Israelites, here David urged people of his time “today” to hear God's voice, to refrain from hardening their hearts, and to enter the rest of God.

- He thus proved that the rest had not been entered by Israel, that it was open 500 years after Canaan was entered, and that it was still available when the author of Hebrews wrote this

Hebrews 4:8-Joshua led the next generation into the promise land

- But this is not the “true rest” that is spoken of throughout this chapter

“He would not afterward have spoken of another day”

- “He” David spoke of a true rest in Ps. 95, that eternal rest with God, not Canaan, but heaven

Hebrews 4:9-Here is the conclusion of the whole argument

- The meaning is this, that according to the Scriptures there is “now” a promise of rest made to the people of God. It did not pertain merely to those who were called to go to the promised land, nor to those who lived in the time of David, but it is “still” true that the promise of rest pertains to “all” the people of God of every generation.

Hebrews 4:10-Rest is a universal human longing

Who is this speaking of here?

1)Christ – He finished His work of His earthly mission to give the perfect sacrifice for sins and now dwells at right hand of God

2)Christians – Rest from a life of faithfulness

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 4:11“be diligent to enter that rest”- How?

How can we fall from receiving rest (heaven)?

- Disobedience, the great enemy of that final possession of the rest of God

- Matt. 7:21

Hebrews 4:12- Now the author tells us the only source to know how to remain obedient to God

“living and powerful”

-Shows that the Word does not lie dead, but at all times carries within itself the mighty power of its divine author, God

- sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)

Hebrews 4:12What does the Word of God Do?

Brings true health, fruitfulness, prosperity and success to the things we do. (Psalm 1:3)

Has healing power; it has the power to deliver us from oppression. (Psalm 107:20, Matthew 8:8, Matthew 8:16)

Is cleansing - if we take heed according to God's word, our way will be cleansed. (Psalm 119:9, John 15:3, Ephesians 5:26)

Hidden in our hearts, keeps us from sin. (Psalm 119:11)

God's word is our counselor; as we delight in God's word, it becomes a rich source of counsel and guidance for us. (Psalm 119:24)

God's word is a source of strength. (Psalm 119:28)God's word imparts life to us. It is a continual source of life for us. (Psalm 119:93, Matthew 4:4)

God's word gives peace to those who love it; they are secure, standing in a safe place. (Psalm 119:165)

When the word of God is heard and understood, it bears fruit. (Matthew 13:23)

Jesus Himself - His eternal person - is described as the Word. When we are into the Word of God, we are into Jesus. (John 1:1)

Hearing God's Word is essential to eternal life - you cannot pass from death into life unless you have heard the Word of God. (John 5:24, James 1:21, 1 Peter 1:23)

Abiding - living in - God's Word is evidence of true discipleship. (John 8:31)

God's Word is the means to sanctification. (John 17:17)

Hearing God's Word builds faith in us. (Romans 10:17)

Holding fast to the Word of God can give us present assurance of salvation. (1 Corinthians 15:2)

The Word of God is our sword of the Spirit - it is our equipment for spiritual battle, especially in the idea of an offensive weapon. (Ephesians 6:17)

The Word of God works effectively in those who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13)


Hidden in our hearts, keeps us from sin. (Psalm 119:11)

God's word is our counselor; as we delight in God's word, it becomes a rich source of counsel and guidance for us. (Psalm 119:24)

God's word is a source of strength. (Psalm 119:28)

God's word imparts life to us. It is a continual source of life for us. (Psalm 119:93, Matthew 4:4)












God's word imparts life to us. It is a continual source of life for us. (Psalm 119:93, Matthew 4:4)











Hebrews 4:13-There is no being who is not wholly known to God.

- All man’s thoughts, feelings, plans, are distinctly understood by God

- Good when we are going through difficulties

-But also understand it is He to whom we will give an account on Judgment Day

Hebrews 4:14-Jesus is our Great High Priest, He is the priest making the sacrifice for us to the Father, but also the sacrifice is His own blood

“passed through the heavens”

-The high priest had to pass through certain enclosures to get to the holiest place to make the sacrifice

-Christ is in heaven at the right hand of God (1:3)

Hebrews 4:14“our confession”

- “Jesus is the Son of God”, and by proclaiming that we must hold faithful to Him

Hebrews 4:15-Far from feeling that our great high priest, so far removed in heaven, is incapable of proper sympathy for suffering and tempted Christians

- The Christian needs to see that Jesus knows all about human problems, even temptation, and that He is qualified to provide the utmost sympathy and understanding for our weakness.

Hebrews 4:15“in all points tempted as we are”

-Wasn’t Jesus only tempted 3 times?

-He was human, so He had the potential to sin

-Yet He sinned not...

-He knows us, understands our troubles, and will provide for us

Hebrews 4:16“throne of grace”

-Throne of God

-Reference to prayer

- “Throne of grace” makes the control center appear as a source of mercy for fallen and sinful man

Hebrews 4:16“boldly”

-With confidence God will hear our prayers because of our High Priest (Jesus) v. 15

-Jesus has tasted every temptation, passed through every sorrow. He knows! Out of His loving heart there flows an eternal tide of love, sympathy, and understanding of mankind

-He eagerly anticipates the entry of his beloved children into the joy of their Lord (Matthew 25:23), demanding only that they love him (John 14:15), and able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him (Hebrews 7:25).

Hebrews 4:16“boldly”

-He eagerly anticipates the entry of his beloved children into the joy of their Lord (Matt. 25:23)

- Demanding only that they love and obey Him (Jn. 14:15), and able to save to the uttermost them that come to God by Him (Heb. 7:25).

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 5 Introduction-In the Jewish system, a tremendous weight of significance and emphasis was placed upon the office of the high priest

-For the encouragement of Christians tempted to revert to Judaism, it was necessary to show that Christ is the Great High Priest, not merely equal, but vastly superior to any of the high priests of Israel.

Hebrews 5 Introduction-The author analyzes the priesthood of Christ in such a manner as to prove that the Christians who had given up the priesthood had, in Christ, received far more than they had lost.

-In every conceivable comparison, as to rank, character, quality of sacrifice, the marvelous superiority of Christ is emphatically demonstrated.

Hebrews 5:1-He gives the qualifications of a high priest1. taken from among the people

2. appointed by God 3. possess adequate sacrifice

Hebrews 5:1

High Priest-the earthly splendor of the Jewish high priest was a factor of seductive influence on Jewish Christians

- His rich robes

- the extravagantly ornate breastplate

-the unique privilege of entering the Holy of Holies on the day of atonement

Hebrews 5:2-3-Continues to speak about high priest under Old Law

- The need of compassion on the part of a high priest is stressed in v. 2

- The high priest was required to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. This he did not only on special occasions and for special offenses (Leviticus 4:3-12), but also in all the regular daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly sacrifices that were offered for the sins of the nation; in all these there was an acknowledgment of his own guilt, as well as the guilt of the brethren

Hebrews 5:2-3

- The high priest was required to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

-This he did not only on special occasions and for special offenses (Lev. 4:3-12), but also in all the regular daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly sacrifices that were offered for the sins of the nation

-In all these there was an acknowledgment of his own guilt, as well as the guilt of the people

Hebrews 5:4- Only God had the right to appoint a high priest who would represent His people before His presence; and only God has the right to name a High Priest for all mankind (Jesus)

-This verse lays the premise for showing that Christ too was called and appointed by God to the great office which He exercises on behalf of all people.

Hebrews 5:5-6-Quotes from Ps. 2:7 and 110:4

“Today I have begotten You”- Reference to resurrection of Jesus (Acts 13:33)

-Like the high priests, God the Father appointed Christ to be both a Priest and a King

-Some wanted to question Jesus’ priesthood since He was not a descendant of Aaron

Hebrews 5:5-6-It was easy to see why the priesthood of Jesus would be difficult for early Jewish Christians to grasp.

-He was not from the lineage of Aaron. Jesus claimed nor practiced no special ministry in the temple.

-He confronted the religious structure instead of joining it. In Jesus’ day, the priesthood also became a corrupt institution.

Hebrews 5:5-6-The author uses Psalm 110 to teach the universal high priesthood of Christ, showing Him to be not of Aaron's line, but an independent high priest of universal dominion "after the order of Melchizedek.“

-More on Melchizedek in chapter 7

“forever”- means that Christ has no successor as high priest

Hebrews 5:7- Reference to Jesus’ agonizing prayer in the garden of Gethsemane (Lk. 22:42-44)

- If Jesus asked that the cup be taken away from Him, and the cup was not taken away, how can it be said that He was heard? Because His prayer was not to escape His Father’s will, but to accept it - and that prayer was definitely heard.

- The author now stresses the mercy and sympathetic understanding of Jesus, as testified in the sorrows and agonies through which our Lord passed.

Hebrews 5:8“He learned obedience”- Jesus did not pass from disobedience to obedience. He learned obedience by actually obeying. Jesus did not learn how to obey; He learned what is involved in obedience.

-Suffering was used to teach Jesus. If suffering was fit to teach the Son of God, we must never despise it as a tool of instruction in our lives.

Hebrews 5:9-Christ's being made perfect should not be understood in the sense that he was not previously perfect, but as an emphasis upon the perfection of His qualifications of sympathy, love, mercy and understanding, which were necessary in a high priest

“author of eternal salvation”- Christ is the source, fountain head, and administrator of redemption.

Hebrews 5:9“all”-Jews and Gentiles alike

“to all who obey Him”-Our salvation is contingent upon our obedience to Jesus

-If Jesus learned obedience through suffering, how much more necessary is it that all of his followers obey Him at any cost

Hebrews 5:10-11-Here the author picks up the thread of argument relative to the high priesthood of Christ v. 6

- These Christians needed to understand who Jesus was, but could not because they simply did not accept the facts (dull of hearing, a heart problem)

- Are there people today “dull of hearing” when it come to the teachings of Jesus? Why?

Hebrews 5:12-The author says, you of all people, educated in God’s Word (O.T.), ought to be men who teach about Jesus because of your knowledge, but because you are refusing these things about Jesus, you need the basics yourself

-What are the “first principles”?

- Why is it important one knows these things before they begin to teach God’s Word?

Hebrews 5:13-14-Peter referred to young Christians as "newborn babes," admonishing them to "long for the spiritual milk, that you may grow thereby unto salvation" (1 Pet 2:2).

-Learning God’s Word is a process.

-From the passage before us, it is plain that spiritual maturity is not simply a matter of time.

Hebrews 5:13-14

-Many who have been Christians many years may be in the condition of these Hebrew Christians

-True spiritual growth is the result of prayer, study, meditation, faithfulness, diligence,, and the successful struggle against temptations

-By this we can determine what is good and evil according to God’s Word

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 6:1

-Does not mean to forget the elementary principles of Christ, but to progress beyond those simple teachings to the more advanced ways of Christ

“perfection”- Refers to a more extensive and thorough knowledge of Christian principles, as contrasted with the mere knowledge of the basic fundamentals

Hebrews 6:1-2- Now the author lists some of those “elementary principles” of Christ

1. repentance from dead works2. Faith toward God3. Teaching of baptisms4. Laying on of hands5. Resurrection of the dead6. Eternal Judgment

2 Categories1. Plan of salvation (1-3) 2. Other Christian Doctrines (4-6)

Hebrews 6:1-2“repentance from dead works”

- Repentance is basic to salvation, on the part of both the lost and Christians, being a constant duty of all who would enter into heaven. It is an condition of forgiveness of any sin whatsoever (Luke 13:3).

Hebrews 6:1-2“faith toward God”

- Faith as a fundamental is affirmed not only here but in Heb. 11:6, and throughout the New Testament (Mark 16:15-16).

Hebrews 6:1-2“doctrine of baptisms”

-The use of the plural "baptisms" sprang from the fact that no less than 7 baptisms are mentioned in the New Testament

(1)the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11)(2) the baptism of fire (Matt. 3:11)(3) the baptism of John (Matt. 3:16)(4) the baptism unto Moses (1 Cor. 10:2)(5) the baptism of suffering (Lk. 15:30)(6) the baptism for the dead (1 Cor. 15:29)(7) the baptism of the great commission (Matt. 28:18-20)

Hebrews 6:1-2“doctrine of baptisms”

- The 7th of these is beyond question the "one" baptism of Eph. 4:5; and the knowledge of these things was most certainly part of the elementary things that one had to know in order to become a Christian

- Acts 2:38 teaches us that when a believing person repents, they are baptized “for” the remission of sins

- Has today’s Christian world forgotten this elementary priniciple?

Hebrews 6:1-2“resurrection of the dead”

“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth— those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

Jn. 5:28-29

Hebrews 6:1-2“eternal Judgment”

-Notice this is called an “elementary principle” of Christ

-How often is this taught by religious leaders today?

Hebrews 6:3

- The author know declares that he will move on from these elementary teachings of Christ, and move on to more advanced teachings

Hebrews 6:4-6

-Notice the description of this person, no doubt this is a Christian

What does this verse teach?- We can fall away

How do we crucify again the Son of God?- When our hearts are so hardened that we are no longer obedient to Jesus (Heb. 10:26-27)

Hebrews 6:4-6

-What makes it impossible for this person to be “renewed back to God to repentance” is their heart is wrong, and they will not repent.

-However, if any Christian who has fallen away chooses to repent (Acts 8:22; Rev. 2:5; 2:16) and confess their sin (1 Jn. 1:9), they will find forgiveness

Hebrews 6:7-8-This is an illustration of the serious consequences of falling away

-When the earth receives rain, and then bears useful plants, it then fulfills its purpose and justifies the blessing of rain sent upon it.

-The writer applies the point: "You've been blessed. But where's the fruit?" God is looking for what grows in us after He blesses us, especially what grows in terms of maturity

Hebrews 6:7-8-But if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected: If ground that is blessed by rain refuses to bear fruit, then who can blame the farmer for burning it?

-The picture presented reminds us that growth and bearing fruit is important to keep from falling away. When we really bear fruit, we abide in Jesus (Jn. 15:5) and lessen our danger of falling away.

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 6:9-Though he spoke so severely, the writer to the Hebrews is confident that they will continue on in Jesus, that their perseverance is one of the things that accompany salvation.

Hebrews 6:10-The Hebrew brethren had been negligent in the study of God's Word; but notwithstanding this, they had been diligent in the works of benevolence

-Wonderful as works of benevolence assuredly are, pure benevolence, however lavish, is no substitute for faithful adherence to the word and doctrine of Christ

Hebrews 6:11-12-"The same diligence" means that they were commanded to improve their knowledge of the word of God and to give it an equal priority and diligence that they had bestowed upon their works of benevolence

“do not become sluggish”- is an exhortation against laziness, a trait they had demonstrated in their neglect of studies in the Word

Hebrews 6:13-15-The reference to Abraham is for the purpose of holding him up as an example.

- Reference to Gen. 22:16 when Abraham was going to offer Isaac

-Although the author of Hebrews mentions only a portion of the promise, the entire promise, especially the blessing for all nations, was undoubtedly in mind

Hebrews 6:16-??? Difficult verse

-The object of the writer in this declaration is to show that as far as this could be done it had been by God (v. 13). He could not swear (promise) by one greater than Himself

Hebrews 6:17-18-The two immutable things are the promise of God and the oath by which it was confirmed

-The point: God, through His promise and oath has said if we flee sin and seek refuge in Christ, we have the hope set before us (heaven)

Hebrews 6:19“hope”-The Christians hope is Jesus Christ

-Christ has entered into that which is beyond the veil, that is, into heaven itself; and this corresponds to the actions of the high priest who was type of Christ in that he went into the Holy of Holies, behind the veil, in the tabernacle.

Hebrews 6:20“forerunner”-It means that where Christ has gone his disciples shall follow, that where He is there they may be; and the priority of his entrance into the better country suggests the services that Christ is there and performing for them that shall in due time arrive to be with Him

“Melchizedek”- Will be discussed in next chapter

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 7:1-10-These Jewish Christians would be very interested in Jesus as their High Priest, but would have a significant intellectual objection to the idea. This is because Jesus did not come from the priestly tribe (the tribe of Levi) or the priestly family (the family of Aaron).

- The writer wants to remove these intellectual problems the Jewish Christians had with the gospel. These intellectual hang-ups were keeping them from continuing on to maturity in Jesus.

-The only verses in the Bible about Melchizedek A. Heb. 7:1-3

B. Ps. 110:4 C. Gen. 14:18-20

Hebrews 7:1-10- The only verses in the Bible about Melchizedek A. Heb. 7:1-3

B. Ps. 110:4 C. Gen. 14:18-20

v. 1-3 what we know about Melchizedek

v. 4-10 Melchizedek is greater than Abraham because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, and because Melchizedek blessed Abraham

Hebrews 7:1-10- The readers, former Jews who were now thinking of returning to Judaism, are here confronted with their great forefather Abraham and are shown how he accepted the royal priest Melchizedek long before Levi and Aaron were born and the Aaronic priesthood came into existence. The readers want to be true sons of Abraham, yet, are thinking of returning to Judaism for that very reason.

- Well, let them look at Abraham and at the one priest to whom Abraham bowed. Let them consider what God said through David (Ps. 110) regarding the royal priest and regarding the Messiah-Christ who is typified by Melchizedek

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 7:11- The Levitical priesthood never made anything perfect

- If perfection were through the Levitical priesthood why would God even make a different order of priesthood (displayed by Melchizedek) if the Levitical priesthood were entirely sufficient?

-The simple fact that God describes a priest . . . according to the order of Melchizedek shows there is something lacking in the priesthood according to the order of Aaron

Hebrews 7:12- For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law

“of necessity”

- The priesthood of Aaron was connected to the Law of Moses. So if the priesthood is changed, we should anticipate some change of the Law's status or place.

Hebrews 7:13-14- Jesus could not be a priest according to the Mosaic Law; He is from the wrong tribe

“another tribe from which no man has officiated at the altar”

- Under the Law of Moses, God strictly commanded that only those from the family of Aaron could serve at the altar in sacrifice.

Hebrews 7:13-14“He of whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe”

-Jesus is obviously not from the family of Aaron or even the tribe of Levi. The tribe of Judah (the tribe of Jesus' lineage) had nothing to do with Aaron's priesthood, the priesthood associated with the Law of Moses.

-Therefore according to the priesthood of Aaron and the Law of Moses, Jesus could never be a priest. If He is our High Priest, it must be under another principle.

Hebrews 7:15-17- God's declaration that the Messiah belongs to another order of priesthood in Psalm 110:4

- Jesus' priesthood is not based upon law or heredity (a fleshly commandment), but upon the power of God's endless life

Hebrews 7:15-17“You are a priest forever”

-This could be said of the Messiah, who was a priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

-It could never be said of a priest according to the order of Aaron, none of whom had the power of an endless life and each of whom served a limited term as priests, limited to their own life-span.

Hebrews 7:18-19-This verse tells why the law (the former commandment) is annulled as a means of establishing our relationship and access to God.

- In its weakness and unprofitableness, the law made nothing perfect

-The law sets God's perfect standard, it gives no one the power to keep that standard.

Hebrews 7:18-19-The Law is valuable as it shows us God's perfect standard, but the law is weak and unprofitable when it comes to saving man’s soul or giving man power over sin

- The Law provides expert diagnosis of our sin problem, which is absolutely essential. But the Law does not provide the cure to our sin problem. Only Jesus can save us from our sin problem

Hebrews 7:18-19- In Jesus, we have a better hope, through which we draw near to God

- The Law is associated with a priesthood which has been made obsolete by a superior priesthood (Christ)

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 7:20-21- Jesus was made High Priest by the direct oath of God

- They have become priests without an oath: The high priest of the order of Aaron was appointed by heredity, not by personal character. Not so with Jesus and the priestly order of Melchizedek! God even sealed His choice by an oath.

Hebrews 7:22“surety”

-Describes someone who gives security. It is a person who would cosign a loan to guarantee payment, or someone who puts up bail for a prisoner. Jesus Himself is the guaranteed of a better covenant.

Hebrews 7:22

- The Old Covenant had a mediator (Moses), but no one to guarantee the people's side of the covenant; so they continually failed under it.

- The New Covenant - a better covenant - has a cosigner on our behalf! Therefore, the New Covenant depends on what Jesus has done, not on what we have done. He is the surety, we are not.

Hebrews 7:23-24

- The priesthood under the Law of Moses constantly changed, and so could be better or worse through the years.

- Jesus will never die, and has a permanent priesthood. We don't need to worry about a "bad priest" replacing Him!

Hebrews 7:25

- One of the most beautiful verses in all the Bible

- The argument is that Christ lives forever and is able without limitation to redeem and help ANYONE who comes to Him and obeys Him

Hebrews 7:25“He always lives to make intercession for them”

-How this would have encouraged these Jewish Christians who felt like giving up on the Christian life!

- So even when we sin as Christians, all is not lost

Hebrews 7:26-28- Jesus is better qualified to be a High Priest than any priest from the order of the Law of Moses

- The priests under the Law of Moses did not have the personal character of the Son of God. Jesus is holy, harmless (without guile or deception), undefiled, separate from sinners (in the sense of sharing in their sin). Jesus is far superior in His personal character than any earthly priest.

Hebrews 7:26-28“has become higher than the heavens”

-The perfect character of Jesus is proven by two facts.

1. His exaltation in heaven.

2. By the fact that He did not need to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins - which the other priests needed to do daily!

Hebrews 7:26-28“For the law appoints as high priests men who have weaknesses”

-Under the Law of Moses, the priests were always men with weaknesses.

- But Jesus a Son who has been perfected forever. Because He is a perfect High Priest, He was able to offer up Himself as a perfect sacrifice for our sin.

- Jesus is perfectly qualified to be our perfect High Priest

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 8:1-2-A summary of points previously made regarding Jesus as our High Priest

- We have a High Priest - Jesus Christ - who ministers for us from a position of all authority in heaven (seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty)

Hebrews 8:3-Jesus' priesthood had a sacrifice - and a better sacrifice

- Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices: Sacrifice for sin is essential to the concept of priesthood. Jesus, representing a superior priesthood, offered a superior sacrifice. He laid down His own life to atone for sin.

Hebrews 8:4-5-Jesus' priesthood had a temple - and a better temple

- If He were on earth, He would not be a priest: Jesus is not qualified to serve in the inferior earthly priesthood. There are priests - plenty of them - who were qualified to serve in the priesthood according to the Law of Moses.

Hebrews 8:4-5“according to the pattern”

-If God required Moses to proceed exactly according to the pattern God showed him, it is also required of worshipers today that they do all things according to the pattern God has revealed

- One of the great delusions of modern worshipers is the fallacy that there is no pattern, and that it makes no difference what people do religiously, just so they are sincere in it; but this text reveals God as a pattern-minded God

BELIEVED REPENTED CONFESSED BAPTIZED

Pentecost Acts 2:14-41

Repented vs. 37-38

Were Baptized vs. 38-41

Folks of Samaria

Acts 8:5-13

Believed v. 12 Were Baptized vs. 12-13

The Eunuch Acts 8:35-39

Believed vs. 36-37

Confessed v. 37

Was Baptized v. 38

Saul Acts 9:1-20

Was Baptized v. 18

Cornelius Acts 10:34-

48

Believed v. 43 Was Baptized v. 48

Lydia Acts 16:13

Gave Heed v. 14

Was Baptized v. 15

The Jailer Acts 16:32

Believed v. 31 Was Baptized v. 33

The Corinthians Acts 18:8

Believed v. 8 Were Baptized v. 8

Hebrews 8:6-The result: Jesus presides over a superior priesthood, with a better covenant, and better promises

“He has obtained a more excellent ministry”

- No earthly priest could take away sin the way Jesus did, so Jesus' ministry is far better than the ministry of the priesthood under the Law of Moses

Hebrews 8:6“mediator of a better covenant”

- Jesus has mediated for us a better covenant, a covenant of grace, not works, which is guaranteed for us by a cosigner (Heb. 7:22)

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 8:7-The superiority of the New Covenant

- Where was the fault in the Old Covenant, with God or man?

Hebrews 8:8-12-The New Covenant as it is presented in the Old Testament

- Quote from Jer. 31:31-34

- In the days of Jeremiah, that New Covenant was still in the future, because he says "Behold the days are coming."

Hebrews 8:8-12“a new covenant”

- This covenant is truly new, not merely "new and improved" in the way things are marketed to us today.

- Today, products are said to be "new and improved" when there is no substantial difference in the product. But when God says "new," He means new.

Hebrews 8:8-12“with the house of Israel and the house of Judah”

- The New Covenant definitely began with Israel, but did not end with Israel (Matt. 15:24; Acts 1:8)

Hebrews 8:8-12“because they did not continue in My covenant”

- The weakness of the Old Covenant was not in the Covenant itself. It was in the weakness of man.

Hebrews 8:8-12“I will be their God, and they shall be My people”

- The New Covenant also features a greater intimacy with God than what was available under the Old Covenant.

Hebrews 8:8-12“their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more”

- The New Covenant offers a true, complete cleansing from sin, different and better than the mere "covering over" of sin in the Old Covenant.

Hebrews 8:8-13-The significance of a New Covenant

- Now that the New Covenant has been inaugurated, the Old Covenant is thereby obsolete

- The message to these discouraged Jewish Christians, who thought of going back to a more Jewish faith, is clear.

- They simply can't go back to an inferior covenant, which is ready to completely vanish away

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 9Major Points in Chapter 9

1.CHRIST PROVIDES BETTER SACRIFICES

2.DESCRIPTION OF THE RITES AND SACRIFICES OF THE LAW

3.THEIR INFERIORITY TO THE DIGNITY AND THE PERFECTION OF CHRIST AND HIS BLOOD AND SACRIFICE

Hebrews 9:1-5“for a tabernacle was prepared” - The tabernacle was a tent 45 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 15 feet high, divided into two rooms. The larger room (the first part) was a 15 foot by 30 foot "holy place." Behind the second veil was the smaller room was a 15 foot by 15 foot, called the Holiest of All.

The lampstand with a middle stem and six branches stood in the first part and was of an unspecified size, made of pure gold; it provided the only light for the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40).

The table sat in the first part and was made of acacia wood covered with gold, 3 feet long, 1½ feet wide, and 2 feet 3 inches high. It held twelve loaves of showbread, each representing God's fellowship with the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 25:23-30).

The sanctuary refers to the first part, known as the "holy place." A veil (a thick curtain) separated the first part from the Holiest of All, also known as the "holy of holies" (Exodus 26:31-33).

The golden altar of incense was made of acacia wood covered with gold, 1½ feet square, and 3 feet high. It stood at the veil before the "holy of holies," and was used to burn incense (Exodus 30:1-8).

The ark of the covenant stood inside the Holiest of All, and was a chest made of acacia wood covered with gold, 3¾ feet long, 2¼ feet wide, and 2¼ feet high, with rings for polls along it's side by which it would be carried (Exodus 25:10-22).

-The mercy seat was the ornate "lid" for the ark of the covenant, made with the designs of cherubim upon it; the blood of sacrifice was sprinkled upon it for the forgiveness of Israel's sin on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 25:17-22).

As God looked down into the ark, He saw the symbols of Israel's sin, rebellion, and failure. But when the blood of sacrifice was applied to the mercy seat, His sight of the sin of Israel was covered by the blood of sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:6-7-Priestly service in the tabernacle under the Old Covenant

- The priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services: The priests, as appointed, went daily into the "holy place" to perform priestly functions such as tending the lampstand and replacing the showbread.

Hebrews 9:6-7-But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year: The "holy of holies" was entered only once a year by the high priest alone, on the Day of Atonement.

- The high priest went alone once a year, not without blood: His entrance into the second part was not for fellowship, but only for atonement, first for his own sin, then for the sins of his people.

Hebrews 9:6-7“The people's sins committed in ignorance”

- Sins of ignorance were the specific aim of the Day of Atonement. It was assumed that known sin would be taken care of through the regular sin offerings and the daily sacrifices.

- In this respect, Jesus' work is far greater than the work done on the Day of Atonement. Jesus' work on the cross is sufficient to atone for both the sins we do in ignorance and sins that we know.

Hebrews 9:8-10“The way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing”

- The old had to pass away before God's new way could be revealed.

“It was symbolic for the present time”

- The tabernacle itself and all that the Old Covenant represented were symbolic of deeper truths, the New Covenant.

Hebrews 9:8-10“cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience”

- The priestly service does not make even the priests offering those sacrifices perfect and clean in regard to the conscience.

- If the cleansing is incomplete for the priest, how much more for the person the priest worked on behalf of !

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 9:11- Features of the New Covenant described

“the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands”

- Jesus, as our High Priest, ministers in a superior sanctuary - the very throne room of God, a place greater than anything human hands could make.

Hebrews 9:12-15- The superior sacrifice of the New Covenant

-The blood of goats and calves was sufficient for a temporary covering of sin; but only a perfect sacrifice could obtain eternal redemption

- Jesus' sacrifice was superior in that it was perfect, voluntary, rational, and motivated by love

Hebrews 9:12-15“or if the blood of bulls and goats . . . sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ”

- If these imperfect sacrifices were received as sufficient by Israel, how much more should they regard the ultimate sufficiency of the perfect sacrifice?

Hebrews 9:12-15“or if the blood of bulls and goats . . . sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ”

- The ashes of a heifer refer to the remains of a burnt offering that was preserved, and sprinkled in the laver of washing to provide water suitable for ceremonial cleansing (Numbers 19:1-10).

- This was a shadow, fulfilled and done away with when Jesus offered a perfect cleansing; there is no value in "holy water" used by the Roman Catholic Church.

Hebrews 9:12-15“how much more shall the blood of Christ . . . cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

- The sacrifice of Jesus is sufficient to even restore our damaged conscience.

- Our conscience is a wonderful tool from God. But it isn't perfect. Our conscience can be seared (1 Tim. 4:2). Our conscience can be defiled (Tit. 1:15). Our conscience can be evil (Heb. 10:22).

Hebrews 9:12-15“cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God”

- Dead works probably has the thought of sin in general, in the sense of "works that bring death." But it must also speak to the vain continuation of Old Covenant sacrifice, which is certainly a dead work - and the very type of thing these discouraged Jewish Christians were tempted to go back to.

Hebrews 9:12-15“He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death”

- Jesus' work as a Mediator is fundamentally accomplished at His death. His heavenly work of mediation looks back to that perfect sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:12-15“for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant”

- Jesus' payment on the cross accomplished redemption for those under the first covenant. Every sacrifice for sin made in faith and obedience under the Mosaic command was an IOU cashed in at the cross.

Hebrews 9:16-22“For a testament is in force after men are dead”

- A testament (in the sense of a "last will and testament") only takes effect when the person making the testament dies. Therefore Jesus had to die for the testament - the covenant - to take effect.

Hebrews 9:16-22“therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood”

- Clearly, death was necessary to the Old Covenant. Virtually every part of the sacrificial system under the Law of Moses was touched by blood in some way or another.

Hebrews 9:16-22Without shedding of blood there is no remission [of sin]

- Modern people think that sin is remitted (forgiven) by time, by our good works, by our decent lives, or by simply death.

- But there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood, and there is no perfect forgiveness without a perfect sacrifice.

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 9:23-28“It was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these”

- It was acceptable for the copies of the things in the heavens in the earthly sanctuary to be "purified" with imperfect sacrifices. But the heavenly things themselves could only be purified with a perfect offering.

Hebrews 9:23-28“For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands . . . but into heaven itself”

- Jesus' sacrifice was made on earth, but it is the basis for His continuing work as our mediator and High Priest in heaven. The writer to the Hebrews proclaims it: “now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

- It's not hard to believe that Jesus does appear in the presence of God. But to believe that He appears there for us is glorious!

Hebrews 9:23-28“not that He should offer Himself often”

- Jesus' ministry for us continues in heaven. But it does not continue in the sense that He should offer Himself often. His sacrifice was once-for-all, and perfectly satisfied God's holy justice.

Hebrews 9:23-28“not that He should offer Himself often”

-This passage and principle is a direct rebuke to the Roman Catholic practice and theology of the mass.

- In the mass, the Roman Catholic Church desires to repeat - not remember, but repeat - the atoning sacrifice of Jesus innumerable times. This is absolutely indefensible Scripturally, and denies the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Scriptures make it plain: “not that He should offer Himself often”

Hebrews 9:23-28“He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world”

-If the sacrifice of Jesus were not perfect, then it would have to be continual and constant - even since the foundation of the world.

- Imperfect sacrifices must be repeated continually but a perfect sacrifice can be made once for all time, and genuinely put away sin (not just cover sin, as with sacrifice under the Old Covenant). The message is clear: He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

Hebrews 9:23-28“He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world”

- This principle of sacrifice explains why the suffering of hell must be eternal for those who reject the atoning work of Jesus. They are in hell to pay the penalty of their sin, but as imperfect beings they are unable to make a perfect payment.

- If the payment is not perfect, then it has to be continual and constant - for all eternity. A soul could be released from hell the moment its debt of sin was completely paid - which is another way of saying never.

Hebrews 9:23-28“and as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many”

-Just as certainly as we die once and then face judgment, so Jesus only had to die once (not repeatedly, not continually) to bear our sins.

- Though it was not really the point of the writer to the Hebrews to discuss reincarnation, he certainly and completely denies it here.

Hebrews 9:23-28“He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation”

- The focus of Jesus' first coming was to deal with the sin problem through His atoning sacrifice. But now, having dealt with the sin problem perfectly, He comes again apart from sin - for the salvation (in the sense of taking home) of His people.

Hebrews 9:23-28“to those who eagerly wait for Him”

- Notice the conditioned placed on those who Jesus will come to take with Him at His 2nd coming

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 10:1-4“having a shadow of the good things to come”

- The idea that the Old Covenant (the law) is a mere shadow of the substance that is the New Covenant is also communicated in Col. 2:17 and Heb. 8:5. Shadow means that the law communicated the outline and the figure of the fulfillment in Jesus.

Hebrews 10:1-4“would they not have ceased to be offered?”

-The writer to the Hebrews repeats a familiar argument: the repetition of sacrifice shows its inherent weakness. If animal sacrifice had "fixed" the sin problem, then they could have ceased to be offered.

- For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year: Every repeated sacrifice was a reminder of sins. It brought the consciousness of sins to the people again and again. But the work of Jesus on the cross takes away sin!

Hebrews 10:1-4“for it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins”

-Animal sacrifice under the Old Covenant could cover sin. The Hebrew word for atonement is kophar, which literally means "to cover." But animal sacrifice could never take away sins.

- Only Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice of the New Covenant, takes sins away.

Hebrews 10:5-10- This quotation is taken from Ps. 40:6-8.

- It shows that prophetically Jesus declared the insufficient character of Old Covenant sacrifice and declared His willingness to offer a perfect sacrifice under the New Covenant.

Hebrews 10:5-10“sacrifice and offering You did not desire”

-More animal sacrifices, made under the law, would not please God.

“but a body You have prepared for Me”

- Instead, what pleased God could only come through Jesus, the incarnate Son of God.

Hebrews 10:5-10“Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God”

- The sacrifice of Jesus was determined before the foundation of the world (1 Pet. 1:20; Rev. 13:8)

- But it was still an act of His will to submit to the cross at the appointed time and by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:5-10“once for all” v. 10

- These are important words in this passage, and the writer to the Hebrews repeats the theme over and over again: once for all.

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 10:11-18“Every priest stands ministering daily” v. 11

-The priests had to stand continually in their work. Their work continued daily and sacrifices had to be repeatedly offered. The priests could never sit down!

- But Jesus sat down at the right hand of God, having finished His work of sacrificing for sin.

Hebrews 10:11-18“He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” v. 14

-This makes it plain that the work of Jesus is effective only for those who are being sanctified.

- The work of Jesus is capable of saving every human being, but it is only effective in saving those who are being sanctified (set apart to God).

Hebrews 10:11-18“The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us . . . says the LORD” v. 15-16

- In this passage, the writer to the Hebrews clearly identifies the Holy Spirit is equated as the LORD, Yahweh of the Old Testament. When the Holy Spirit speaks, the Lord speaks.

Hebrews 10:11-18“This is the covenant” v. 16

- In the passage quoted from Jeremiah, the writer to the Hebrews makes note of the promises of the new covenant, instituted by the Messiah.

Hebrews 10:11-18“will put My laws into their hearts” v. 16

- The new covenant has to do with an inner transformation. God, through His Word, can change the heart of man, and writes His law into their hearts.

Hebrews 10:11-18“their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” v. 17

-The new covenant offers complete forgiveness.

- The forgiveness is so complete that God can say that He doesn't even remember our sins in light of the new covenant!

Hebrews 10:11-18“their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” v. 17

- The Christian must do with their past sin exactly what God has done: forget about it.

- As for our current and future sins, the Bible teaches that we must repent and pray for forgiveness, then they become past sins remembered no more

Hebrews 10:19-22-Knowing Jesus has opened the way, let us draw near to God

“having boldness” v. 19

-Access has been given to us for a bold approach to God in prayer. The point is simple: we must take advantage of this access, and take it with boldness.

- On the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the holiest place of all with fear and trembling, but we can enter the Holiest with boldness because of Jesus.

Hebrews 10:19-22“through the veil” v. 20

-The veil separated the Holiest from the holy place. To enter into the Holiest, you had to pass through the veil.

- But this veil separating man from God's presence is forever opened wide, being torn into two from top to bottom. (Matt. 27:51)

Hebrews 10:19-22“having a High Priest over the house of God”

- We have a High Priest who presides over the heavenly courts to make certain the Christian has total access.

Hebrews 10:19-22v. 22

- Draw near with true heart

- full assurance of faith

- our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience - reference to man’s acceptance of Christ's sacrifice through knowledge and contemplation of it and also a humble willingness to accept as our own what Christ has provided through obedience

Hebrews 10:23-The "confession" mentioned here is not to be identified with the formal subscription to any creed or catechism.

- But it must be understood as a reference to the whole body of Christian faith and teaching as revealed in the sacred scriptures

Hebrews 10:24-25“the assembling of ourselves together”

-is a reference to the Lord's day worship of the church

- A command: “not forsaking”

- Although this is specific to the 1st day of the week, would this verse apply to Wednesday Bible study?

Hebrews 10:24-25“but exhorting one another”

-Clearly the Bible teaches that we gather together to worship God

- But here, there is another reason for our coming together, to exhort each other

- How do we accomplish this when we worship together?

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 10:26-31-To sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth is the same as falling away from Christ (Heb. 6:4-6)

- What is willful sin?

- What if I am a Christian, willfully sin, and then with a sincere heart repent and ask God for forgiveness?

Hebrews 10:32-34“but recall the former days” v. 32

- These Christians had suffered for Jesus, being rejected from their Jewish community, and perhaps being counted as dead. This came after they obeyed Jesus (after you were illuminated).

Hebrews 10:32-34“knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven”

- They made it through the time of persecution by keeping a heavenly perspective. The writer to the Hebrews' point is clear: you can make it through this present time of discouragement as well.

Hebrews 10:35-39“therefore do not cast away your confidence” v. 35

- These discouraged Christians were in danger of casting away their confidence in Jesus, and relapsing into an Old Covenant relationship with God.

Hebrews 10:35-39“you have need of endurance” v. 36

-They, and we, have need of endurance to receive the promise of God after we have obeyed the gospel. The toughest and most discouraging trials are when we are trying to obey God's will when the fulfillment of His promise seems so far away.

- This is why we need endurance. Faithfulness during the time when the promise seems unfulfilled is the measure of your obedience and spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 10:35-39“now the just shall live by faith” v. 38

- We need to follow in the footsteps of the just who will live by faith, and endure to see the promise fulfilled.

- Every word in Habakkuk 2:4 is important, and the Lord quotes it three times in the New Testament just to bring out the fullness of the meaning!

Hebrews 10:35-39“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul” v. 39

- This is a confident conclusion. We will be those who endure on and gain the promise of God. We will not draw back into old way of life or into an Old Covenant relationship with God - or any other replacement for Jesus!

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 11:1“faith is the substance . . . the evidence”

- Faith is not a bare belief or intellectual understanding. It is a willingness to trust in, to rely on, and to cling to. But notice God has given us evidence (proof) for the things He teaches

Hebrews 11:2“for by it the elders”

-The great examples of godliness all had different circumstances and personalities, but they all had one thing in common, faith

- Notice throughout the coming examples that faith and obedience are inherently connected. According to what this chapter teaches, you cannot separate the two

Hebrews 11:3“by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word”

- How were the worlds . . . framed by the word of God? It happened when God simply commanded Let there be light (Genesis 1:3).

- As the Psalmist explains: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth . . . For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast." (Psalm 33:6,9)

Hebrews 11:3“by faith we understand”

- We did not see this act of creation; we only know of it by faith. We also know this by reason, because we know the world was created, and created by an intelligent Designer. This is faith going beyond, but not in contradiction to reason.

Hebrews 11:4“by faith Able offered to God a more excellent sacrifice”

- The difference between the sacrifice of Cain and the sacrifice of Abel (Genesis 4:3-5) may not have been because one was animal, the other was vegetable. The difference was that Abel's sacrifice was made by faith.

Hebrews 11:4“through it he being dead still speaks”

- Right off with his example of Abel, the writer reminds us that faith is not necessarily rewarded on earth. But God Himself testifies to the righteousness of the faithful. Abel's blood still speaks to us, reminding us of the value of eternity!

Hebrews 11:5-6“by faith Enoch”

-Enoch is one of the mystery men of the Old Testament being mentioned only in Genesis 5:21-24 as the man who walked with God and he was not, for God took him

-.

Hebrews 11:5-6“by faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death”

- The writer to the Hebrews assumes that only a man of faith could enjoy close communion with God. Obviously, anyone who had this kind of fellowship with God must have pleased God, and in pleasing God, Enoch fulfilled the purpose for which man was created (Revelation 4:11).

Hebrews 11:7“Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen”

- Noah was warned of something that had never happened before. His faith was shown in not merely agreeing that the flood would come, but in doing what God told him to do regarding the flood - he was moved with godly fear

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 11:8“Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen”

- Noah was warned of something that had never happened before. His faith was shown in not merely agreeing that the flood would come, but in doing what God told him to do regarding the flood - he was moved with godly fear

Hebrews 11:9-10“By faith, Abraham obeyed”

- Abraham did step out in faith, going to a new place God had promised him; but his faith was less than perfect. This is seen by comparing Genesis 12:1-5 with Acts 7:2-4, where it is evident that Abraham first went half way to the place God called him to go, but eventually obeyed completely

Hebrews 11:9-10“By faith, he dwelt in the land of promise”

-Abraham lived as a "sojourner" in the land God had promised, never owning any of it except the plots that he and Sarah were buried on.

“dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob”

- Because they had no permanent home, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in tents instead of houses. They looked forward to a better city - the city which has foundations, who builder and maker is God

Hebrews 11:11-12“By faith Sarah”

-Sarah's faith was not perfect. She first laughed in unbelief (Genesis 18:9-15) and then she learned to laugh in faith (Genesis 21:6).

“because she judged Him faithful who had promised”- Faith boils down to judging that God is faithful to and able to keep His promises. It was this faith that enabled Sarah to receive strength to conceive seed. God gave the strength, but Sarah had to receive it by faith and obey

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 11:13-16“These all died in faith, not having received the promises”

-The promise of the Messiah was made to Abraham and Sarah, and they believed the promise. Yet they died having never received it, only seeing it in faith.

“they were assured of them”

- They carefully considered the promise, and assured themselves that the promise had to be valid because it was God making the promise.

Hebrews 11:13-16“they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims”

- Abraham and Sarah always took the promise with the understanding that this world was not their home; that God had a better and more enduring home for them in heaven.

Hebrews 11:13-16“Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God”

- But for those courageous enough to believe in and obey God, and to believe in Him as real, and heaven and eternal life as real, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

Hebrews 11:17-19- Abraham's faith was great enough to know God was able to raise the dead, and that God was able to keep His promises no matter what

“offered up his only begotten son”

- Though Abraham had another son (Ishmael, the son of his fleshly attempt to fulfill God's promise), God did not recognize the other son (Genesis 22:1-14) - so Isaac could be called his only begotten son.

Hebrews 11:17-19- When Abraham was confronted with a promise and a command from God which seemed to contradict each other, he did what we all should do: he obeyed the command and let God take care of the promise - which God was more than able to do!

Hebrews 11:20“by faith Isaac blessed Jacob”

- Isaac was really in the flesh, not in faith, when he first intended to bless Jacob and Esau. He wanted to bless Esau with the birthright for carnal reasons (he liked him as a more "manly" man, and he liked the wild game he brought home), instead of blessing Jacob, whom God had chosen.

Hebrews 11:20- So, where is the faith in Isaac's blessing?

- After Isaac's attempt to thwart the will of God had been destroyed, when he said of Jacob, and indeed he shall be blessed (Genesis 27:33). He knew that God had defeated his puny attempt to box God in, and he responded in the faith that says, "O.K. God, by faith I accept your ways. Let Isaac be blessed with the birthright, and let Esau be blessed after him in his own way."

Hebrews 11:21“By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph”

- Jacob, at times, led a carnal life. Yet, his faith could also look beyond death - and he blessed each of his sons

Hebrews 11:22“by faith Joseph”

- Joseph made mention of the departure of the children of Israel in Genesis 50:24, when he said: God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. He knew God's promise was true!

Hebrews 11:22“Gave instructions concerning his bones”

-When Joseph died, he was never buried. His coffin laid above ground for the 400 or so years until it was taken back to Canaan. It was a silent witness all those years that Israel was going back to the Promised Land, just as God had said.

- when a child of Israel saw Joseph's coffin and asked what it was there for, and why it was not buried, they could be answered, "Because the great man Joseph did not want to be buried in Egypt, but in the Promised Land God will one day lead us to."

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 11:23“By faith Moses . . . was hidden three months by his parents”

- Moses' parents showed faith when they perceived that he was specially favored by God, they took measures of faith to save his life despite danger.

Hebrews 11:24-26“refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter”

- Moses showed faith when he let God chart his destiny instead of letting Pharaoh do it.

“choosing rather to suffer affliction”

- This choice had consequences. Moses knew that to go God's way meant to suffer affliction rather than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. Sin does have its pleasures; but Moses properly saw them as passing, even if they should last our entire earthly lives!

Hebrews 11:24-26“the reproach of Christ”

- Moses probably didn't know it, at the time but the persecution he suffered for his choice of servanthood to God and His people put him in the company of Jesus - who suffered to set men free.

Hebrews 11:27“By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king”

- Moses' natural eyes could see the danger from Pharaoh, and understood the danger in remaining anywhere near Egypt. Yet his eye of faith could see Him who is invisible, and he understood that God was a greater fact in his situation than an angry Pharaoh was.

Hebrews 11:28“By faith he kept the Passover”

- It took faith to believe that the blood of a lamb on the door post would save a household from the terror of the angel of death. But Moses had that faith, and led the nation in observance of the Passover.

Hebrews 11:29“By faith they passed through the Red Sea”

- The difference between the Israelites crossing the Red Sea and the Egyptians who followed them was not courage, but faith. The Egyptians had as much (or more) courage than the Israelites, but not the same faith - and they each had different fates. The Israelites passed through, and the Egyptians were drowned.

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 11:30“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down”

-At Jericho, the people of Israel had a daring faith. There was no turning back, having already crossed the river Jordan at flood stage, which cut off any line of retreat.

- At Jericho, the people of Israel had an obedient faith. They did not really understand what God was doing, yet they obeyed none the less

Hebrews 11:30“After they were encircled for seven days”

- At Jericho, the people of Israel had a patient faith. The walls did not fall down for the first six days, yet they kept marching as God commanded.

- At Jericho, the people of Israel had an anticipating faith. They knew God would act on the seventh day when they shouted.

Hebrews 11:31“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish”

- Rahab (Joshua 2) might seem an unusual example of faith, but her trust in God and willingness to identify with His people, no matter what the cost, is worthy of honor.

Hebrews 11:31“When she had received the spies with peace”

- When the Hebrew spies came to Rahab, she declared He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath (Joshua 2:11). This was proof of her faith. It was not perfect faith, but her faith was commendable nonetheless.

Hebrews 11:32- Each one of these were men of faith, yet had notable areas of failure in their life. Still, Hebrews 11 commends their faith, and lists them in the "Hall of Faith." This shows that you don't have to be perfect to make it into God's "Hall of Faith."

Hebrews 11:33-35- Some of those who subdued kingdoms: David, Joshua, King Asa, Jehoshaphat, King Hezekiah, King Josiah.

-Some of those who worked righteousness: Elijah, Elisha, and all the prophets of God, and King Josiah

- Some of those who obtained promises: Caleb, Gideon, Barak.

Hebrews 11:33-35-Some of those who stopped the mouths of lions: Daniel, David, and Benaiah (one of David's mighty men)

-Some of those who quenched the violence of fire: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

- Some of those who escaped the edge of the sword: David escaped both the swords of Goliath and Saul, Moses escaped the sword of Pharaoh, and Elijah escaped the sword of Jezebel.

Hebrews 11:35-38“trial of mockings”

- Isaac endured the cruel mocking of Ishmael, and Samson was mocked at the feast of the Philistines.

“chains and imprisonments”

-Joseph was cast into prison for his faith, and the evil King Ahab imprisoned the prophet Micaiah.

Hebrews 11:35-38“they were stoned”

-Zechariah was stoned to death between the altar and the temple, and Naboth was stoned to death by Jezebel's henchmen

“sawn in two”

- According to reliable tradition, Isaiah was sawn in two and killed.

Hebrews 11:35-38“wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins”

-Such as Elijah, who wore this kind humble clothing and did not mind the humility or the discomfort.

“of whom the world was not worthy”

- The world is not necessarily friendly to people of faith, and the world isn't necessarily worthy of them either!

Hebrews 11:35-38“in dens and caves of the earth”

- David, Elijah, and prophets under the leadership of Obadiah were all forced to flee and hide in caves

Hebrews 11:39-40- Even though they obtained a good testimony through faith, they never saw the promise in the same way that we do on this side of the cross.

- They did not receive the promise, the testimony of the completed work of the Messiah on their behalf.

Hebrews 11:39-40“God having provided something better for us”

-We have been provided something better (seeing and enjoying the completed work of Jesus on our behalf) have much more reason to hold on to faith, and to not let discouragement and tough times defeat us.

Hebrews 11:39-40“they should not be made perfect apart from us”

- The idea of perfect is "complete." They could not be made complete until the work of Jesus; they looked forward to Jesus and His work, we look at it from behind - and enjoy the fruits of His work!

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 12:1“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”

- The author MAY be envisioning these previous champions of faith as spectators from heaven, cheering us on as we endeavor to overcome present discouragement as in an athletic competition.

Hebrews 12:1“lay aside every weight, and the sin”

- Sin can hold us back. But there are also things that may not be sin (every weight) but are hindrances that can keep us from running effectively the race God has for us.

Hebrews 12:1“let us run with endurance”

-What is needed is endurance, to finish what we have begun in Jesus Christ - a race that is set before us.

- God has set before you a race. You must run it; and it will involve effort and commitment. Just being passive never runs a race. God wants us to run the race, and finish it right!

Hebrews 12:2“looking unto Jesus”

- The NASB translates this beautifully: fixing our eyes on Jesus. We can only run the race as we look to Jesus, and have our eyes locked on to Him. He is our focus, our inspiration, and our example.

Hebrews 12:2“the author and finisher of our faith”

- Jesus is not only the author of our faith; He is the finisher of it. The idea of He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6) is comforting indeed to these discouraged Christians.

Hebrews 12:2“who for the joy that was set before Him”

- Jesus did not regard the cross itself as a joy. But He could look past the horror of the cross to enjoy the joy beyond it.

- The same mentality will enable these Jewish Christians (and we ourselves) to endure.

Hebrews 12:2“despising the shame”

- One of the most prominent elements of the torture of the cross was its extreme shame. Jesus did not welcome this shame - He despised it! - yet He endured through the shame.

Hebrews 12:3-4“you have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin”

- These Jewish Christians were so discouraged because they were starting to experience significant social and economic persecution (though not yet to the shedding of blood).

Hebrews 12:3-4“lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls”

- Knowing that Jesus doesn't ask more of us than what He has Himself experienced, and that He knows exactly what we are going through keeps us from becoming weary and discouraged in your souls.

Hebrews 12:5-6“you have forgotten”

- One great reason for the discouragement among these Jewish Christians was because they saw no reason why God would allow difficult times to arise. But they have forgotten principles regarding the chastening of the Lord.

Hebrews 12:5-6“which speaks to you as sons”

- The quotation from Prov. 3:11-12 reminds us that God's chastening should never be taken as a sign of His rejection. It is rather a sign of His treating us as His children.

- Only the most proud Christian would claim they are never in need of correction from God. No one is above this kind of training.

Hebrews 12:7-8“God deals with you as sons”

-Many people claim an inability to relate to God as a loving Father, because they have never known a loving human father in their own experience. Yet, even these can still receive the love of God the Father.

- We have not all known by experience what a model father is, but we do all know by intuition what a good father is. God is that perfect Father, and He has given us that intuition.

Hebrews 12:7-8“God deals with you as sons”

- God's correction is never to punish us, never to make us pay for our sins. That was done once and for all at the cross. His correction is motivated by His love, not by His justice.

Hebrews 12:9-10“We paid them respect”

-We should be even more submissive and respectful to our Heavenly Father's correction than to an earthly Father's correction

- Therefore, we must never despise God for His chastening, though it is unpleasant. When we resent it, we consider ourselves virtual equals with God, instead of His children.

Hebrews 12:9-10“but He for our profit”

- Human fathers, even with the best of intention, can only chasten imperfectly, because they lack perfect knowledge. The all-knowing God can chasten us perfectly, with better and more lasting results than even the best earthly father

Hebrews 12:11“afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness”

- The author isn't trying to deny the unpleasant nature of a heavenly chastening (no chastening seems to be joyful for the present). But he does want us to look beyond the process to the result

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 12:12-13“therefore strengthen the hands which hang down”

- Almost like a coach or a military officer, the author tells the "troops" to get with it.

- He has given exhaustive reasons to be strong in the Lord and put off discouragement, so now is the time to do it.

- The pictures here (strengthened hands and knees, "straight-ahead" feet) speak of readiness to work and move for the Lord. This readiness is first to go when one surrenders to discouragement.

Hebrews 12:14- Get right with both men (pursue peace with all men) and with God (and holiness). Discouragement makes us sloppy and unconcerned with our personal relationships.

Hebrews 12:15-This verse emphasizes that God's grace which has appeared to all people (Titus 2:12) and brought salvation to the world, may yet be ineffective in some because of their failure to abide by the conditions upon which salvation is offered.

- It should be noted that it was not merely the faith of those which the author questioned, but their conduct.

Hebrews 12:16-17“Like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright”

- Many Christians today sell a birthright of a relationship with God as cheaply as Esau sold his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34 and 27:30-40).

“though he sought it diligently with tears”

- Esau's birthright wasn't restored simply because he wished it back. It could never be regained because he despised it.

Hebrews 12:18-24“for you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire”

- Exodus 19:10-25 explains what it was like when Israel came to Mount Sinai. The mountain was fenced off; there was no trespassing, on pain of death. They were commanded to wash their clothes and abstain from sexual relations. There was thunder, lightning and a thick cloud. There was the sound of a trumpet, calling forth the nation to meet with God. There was more smoke, like a furnace, and earthquakes; then the trumpet sounded long - until Moses spoke, and God Himself answered.

Hebrews 12:18-24“so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore”

- The reaction of Israel was understandable: they were terrified (Exodus 20:18-21). They wanted the experience to stop, not to continue.

Hebrews 12:18-24“for you have not come to the mountain”

- Our relationship with God is not modeled after Israel's experience on Mount Sinai. We come to God's other mountain: His heavenly throne

- Of course, the idea of the superiority of the New Covenant is also repeated. How could these Jewish Christians even consider going back and preferring the religion of Mount Sinai over the relationship of the heavenly throne?

Hebrews 12:18-24“the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel”

- The blood of Abel does not mean the blood he shed in his martyrdom. Rather, it was the blood of the sacrifice he made - the first recorded sacrifice from man to God in the Bible. The blood of Jesus speaks better things than the blood of animal sacrifice, the blood of Abel.

Hebrews

Workbook Questions

Hebrews 12:25-29“they did not escape”

- There were consequences for rebelling at Mount Sinai. How much more should there be consequences for resisting God's greater work through Jesus?

Hebrews 12:25-29“receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken”

- Of the utmost importance is the proper identification of the "kingdom that cannot be shaken," as mentioned here. It is the same as that church, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail (Matthew 16:18).

Hebrews 12:25-29“receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken”

- The church of the New Testament and the kingdom of Christ are one institution, not two.

- Jesus himself used the terms "church" and "kingdom" interchangeably in his announcement at Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:18); and it is mandatory to view the Lord's words there as a reference not to two institutions but to one

Hebrews 12:25-29“our God is a consuming fire”

- Since God is in fact a consuming fire, we must come to Him on His terms. He will consume all that is outside of that sphere.

Hebrews

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Hebrews 13:1-3“Let brotherly love continue”

- He assumes that there is brotherly love among Christians. He simply asks that it would continue among them.

- They needed each other in order to help each other

Hebrews 13:1-3“entertain strangers”

- The church will grow when strangers, visitors, now Christians, are warmed with the friendly helpfulness of Christians.

- The world needs love, for there is so much of bitterness and strife in the world.

Hebrews 13:1-3“entertained angels”

-The reference her is no doubt to Abraham and Lot (Gen. 18:2-10; 19:1-3)

- The idea: the free and liberal exercise of this social virtue may be of very great service to ourselves as well as others

- Does this mean we could entertain angels today?

Hebrews 13:1-3“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them”

- Prisoners here probably has first reference to those imprisoned for the sake of the Gospel.

Hebrews 13:4“The bed undefiled”

-The Bible strictly condemns sex outside of the marriage commitment (fornicators and adulterers God will judge). But the Bible celebrates sexual love within the commitment of marriage, as in The Song of Solomon.

- "Fornication and adultery are not synonymous in the New Testament: adultery implies unfaithfulness by either party to the marriage vow, while the word translated "fornication" covers a wide range of sexual irregularities." (Bruce)

Hebrews 13:4“The bed undefiled”

-Though God allows freedom in the variety of sexual expression in marriage, all must be done with a concern for the other's needs and in love (1 Corinthians 7:2-5 and Ephesians 5:21-33)

Hebrews 13:5-6“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content”

- Covetousness is the opposite of contentment. Often covetousness and greed are excused or even admired in today's culture, and are simply called "ambition."

Hebrews 13:5-6“so we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper."

- Real contentment comes only when we trust in God to meet our needs and to be our security. It is amazing that we are often more likely to put security and find contentment in things far less reliable and secure than God Himself!

Hebrews 13:7“Remember those who rule over you”

-We are told to recognize and follow our elders in the body of Christ, leadership that is shown to be legitimate by faithfulness to the word of God and by godly conduct.

- Paul advised Timothy along the same lines: Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:16)

Hebrews 13:7“Remember those who rule over you”

- Such leaders should be recognized and followed. Just as much as a church needs godly leaders, it also needs godly followers

Hebrews 13:8-Why is Christ changeless?

- Because he is God (see Heb. 1:8), and changelessness is an attribute of deity.

- God said, "For I, Jehovah, change not" (Mal. 3:5). Also, because Christ is perfect, there can be no change; for to change perfection is to mar it.

Hebrews 13:8-The changelessness of Christ means that the system He delivered is also changeless.

- The gospel is the same; the plan of redemption is changeless; Christ's rules for the church, its government, doctrine, purpose, and hope - all, like Christ who gave them, are changeless. Why? He is the same yesterday and today, and forever!

Hebrews

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Hebrews 13:10-14“we have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat”

-These Jewish Christians had probably been branded as illegitimate by other Jews because they did not continue the Levitical system.

- The writer insists that we have an altar, and it is an altar that those who insist on clinging to the Levitical system have no right to.

Hebrews 13:10-14“Jesus . . . suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach”

- If our Savior was rejected and His sacrifice (performed at the cross, our altar) was branded illegitimate, what better do we expect? Identifying with Jesus often means bearing His reproach, the very thing many are quite unwilling to do.

Hebrews 13:10-14“outside the camp”

- The camp referred to is the Jews, which had rejected Jesus and Christianity. Though these Christians from Jewish backgrounds had been raised to consider everything outside the camp as unclean and evil, they must follow Jesus there.

Hebrews 13:10-14“for here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come”

- The difficult job of bearing His reproach is easier when we remember that the city or society we are cast out of is only temporary.

- We seek, and belong to, the permanent city yet to come.

Hebrews 13:15-16“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God”

- Because we do have an altar (the cross) and we do have a High Priest (Jesus), we should always offer sacrifices.

- But they are not the bloody sacrifices of the old covenant, but the sacrifice of praise, the fruit of our lips.

Hebrews 13:15-16v. 16

- The other type of offerings that distinguish the Christian service was described above as "oral"; but here is revealed the necessity of going beyond merely oral service. It is not enough merely to talk a good Christian life! One must also live it

Hebrews 13:17-The obedience required in this verse is submission to the elders of the church

- Every society must have some kind of government; and the Lord has chosen to elevate to that responsibility in the local church to men of faith, ability, and reputation to bear the burden of government of the church.

Hebrews 13:17-Every Christian should be loyal, faithful, and obedient to such men, who themselves must give an account to God, and who do not lord it over God's people

- But in patience, love and forebearance, seek only that which contributes to the happiness and spiritual prosperity of the church.

- What an important role each member plays in keeping harmony and truth in the church!

Hebrews

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Hebrews 13:18-19“that I may be restored to you the sooner”

- There were obstacles preventing the writer from being reunited with his readers. He knew that prayer could remove those obstacles.

Hebrews 13:20-21-This is a blessing in the style of the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:22-27: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.

- In this blessing, God is first recognized in His attributes: peace, power (brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead), loving care (that great Shepherd), and ever giving love (the blood of the everlasting covenant).

Hebrews 13:22-25“Bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words”

- The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of his purpose. His desire was to write a word of exhortation, that would encourage discouraged Christians, both then and now.

Hebrews 13:22-25“know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly”

-These final words give us a few tantalizing hints of the writer's identity. But these words only tells us that the writer knew Timothy, and that he planned to visit his readers soon.

- It also tells us that his readers were based in Italy (Those from Italy greet you), probably in the city of Rome.

c. Grace be with you all: This is a fitting end for a book that documents the passing of the Old Covenant and the institution of the New Covenant. Grace be with you all indeed, under what God has given through the superior Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen!

Hebrews 13:22-25“grace be with you all”

- This is a fitting end for a book that documents the passing of the Old Covenant and the institution of the New Covenant. Grace be with you all indeed, under what God has given through the superior Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen!

Hebrews

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Hebrews 1:1 God - Starts the letter with the agreement of the Creator of both the Jews and...

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