Lesson 1: Introduction

If Hebrews were missing from the Bible, what would you miss?

What are your impressions of the book of Hebrews?

Do you think Hebrews has a message we need today?

What do you want to remember about the book of Hebrews?

What do you hope to gain from this class?

Key Verse of Hebrews: Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus

In what sense is the fundamental role of Apostles and High Priests the same?

What is one very important difference?

HebrewsThree Major Sections

Christianity Has A Better Apostle: Jesus Christ (1:1-2:18)

Christianity Has A Better High Priest: Jesus Christ (3:1-10:18)

Christianity Has A Worthy Expectation: A Sustaining Faith (10:19-13:25)

Christianity Has a Better Apostle: Jesus Christ (1:1-2:18)

Overview (1:1-3): This spokesman isson/heir, creator, deity, savior, and ruler.

Son/heir Deity Creator Ruler

WARNING: DON’T DRIFT; HEED THE WORD FROM THE BETTER MESSENGER.

Savior

Christianity Has a Better High Priest: Jesus Christ (3:1-10:18)

Christ has a priesthood (“house”). WARNING: DISBELIEF AND DISOBEDIENCE CANCAUSE ONE TO MISS THE REST/REWARD.

Christ serves as high priest now. Christ has a legitimate/better priesthood.

WARNING: THOSE WHO ARE DULLED, ORFALL AWAY, OR ARE SLUGGISH WILL NOTINHERIT THE PROMISES.

Transition from Apostle and High Priest to the Worthy Expectation

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the

blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and

having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full

assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

Christianity Has a Worthy Expectation: a Sustaining Faith (10:19-13:25)

Admonitions and motivations (10:19-12:11) Admonition: Let us draw near to God with full assurance

of faith.Motivation: Christ has opened the way and traveled it before us.

Admonition: Hold fast the profession of faith.Motivation: The object of our faith is faithful.

Admonition: Encourage one another to be faithful.Motivation: There is no other escape of punishment.

Admonition: Sustain your original confidence and persevere.Motivation: Your endurance will bring reward.

Admonition: Endure tests and chastenings of God, which train you to be righteous.Motivation: Your Godly predecessors were faithful without receiving their promised reward in their lifetime.

Christianity Has a Worthy Expectation: a Sustaining Faith (10:19-13:25)--Cont’d

Exhortations (12:12-13:25) Pursue peace. Avoid defilement. Do not refuse the messenger. Care for brothers, strangers, and the captured. Be sexually moral. Live without covetousness. Respect rulers. Do not be deluded by false doctrine. Offer spiritual sacrifices. Heed the word of exhortation.

Closing Thought of Hebrews:Hebrews 13:22

And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation,for I have written to you in few words.

Key Subjects in Hebrews

Consider…Christ Jesus (Heb. 3:1) His roles understood in terms of previous

apostles and high priests His covenant understood in terms of the

previous covenant

Faith--a sustaining faith

A word of exhortation--do not fall and do not drift