Term 3 '09 - The Letter to The Hebrews
Entering God's Rest!!
Hebrews 1:1-2:4
1. Superiority of Jesus
The writer of Hebrews begins the letter by declaring the superiority of Jesus to heavenly beings (angels).
This is the first stage of the argument that the writer puts forward for the ultimate Lordship of Jesus. This section ends with a stern warning therefore to head the message of Jesus and sets the stage for why the son of God for a short time had to become lower than these heavenly beings.
Hebrews 2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
BIBLE STUDY
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Hebrews 2:5-18
2. Flesh and Blood
In God's mercy Jesus came to us in human flesh, that through his human suffering and temptations He was able to sympathise with God's people as their brother.
Hebrews 2:14-15 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil-- 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
BIBLE STUDY
------------------------------------------------ Hebrews 3:1- 4:13
3. Entering the Rest
This section Deals with the Biblical notion of rest for God's people. The writer encourages his readers not to jeopardise the great hope promised to His people from creation.
Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it.
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Hebrews 4:14 - 5:10
4. Jesus the
High Priest
Jesus comes as a representative for His people. He takes on the intercessory role as our merciful high priest. This truth encourages believers therefore, to hold firmly to the faith we claim.
Hebrews 4:14 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
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Hebrews 5:11- 6:20
5. Go on to Maturity
Leaving the elementary teachings behind, we now push forward onto maturity which brings perseverance and endurance as we await that final rest.
Hebrews 6:12 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
6. SPARK UP!
Jesus is now the eternal High Priest of a lasting kingdom who will remain our mediator forever.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
-------------------------------------------- Hebrews 9 - 10:39
7.
The Real Thing
Hebrews 9:15 15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance-- now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.
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Hebrews 11
8. Run the race
A long list of faithful believers is given in this section to remind the readers of Hebrews the many that trusted in God's promises although they had not witnessed yet the fulfilment of these promises.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
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Hebrews 12
9. Why does God
discipline us
Looking at the notion of discipline and the reason why God disciplines his people.
Hebrews 12:28-29 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our "God is a consuming fire."
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Hebrews 13
10. Live a life worthy of your calling
The last chapter of this letter is a charge to the readers to uphold their faith in the way they live their lives while waiting for the return of Christ.
Hebrews 13:20-21 20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.