Book of Hebrews
Hebrews One ….(verses 1-14)
1. Verses 1-7
a. Who did God speak to in the old times? How? (verse 1)
He used His prophets to speak to His people at many times and in different ways.
b. How does God speak to people today? (verse 2; John 1:1, 14)
Through His Word…..His Word the Son, and His written Word the Bible.
c. What do we notice about the word “heir” or “heirs” in these references? (verse 2: Romans 8:17; Ephesians 3:6; Titus 3:7)
That this one in Hebrews is the only one that refers to the Lord Jesus being appointed heir of all things! The rest all refer to God’s people being the heirs of God.
d. What mind-boggling statement is made in Romans 8:16-17 and Galatians 4:6-7?
Believers are not only the children of God and His heirs, but are joint-heirs with Christ….everything that is His, we will inherit!
e. What similarities do we see in John 1:1-4 to these thoughts? (verse 2)
God’s Son, the Word, is also the One who created the world and everything in it!
- f. What phrase in verse 3 goes even further in this thought?
The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, has purged (cleansed) our sins in Himself….He bore our sins in His own body on the cross.
g. What is the Son better than? Why? (verse 4; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-10)
He is better than the angels and all spiritual principalities and powers by far; He has a far greater name and position than anyone or anything….in fact He created all things!
h. Where did the Son come from? (verse 5)
The Son is part of the God-Head, one with the Father.
i. How is the Son described in verse 6 and in John 3:16?
As being the first begotten and the only begotten Son of the Father.
j. What do you think that means? (John 10:30)
That He is part of the Father, One with Him in all things.
k. What is the job of the angels? (verses 6, 14)
The angel’s job is to worship God and to minister to God’s people.
l. How do Isaiah 6:3 and Psalm 34:7 back these thoughts up?
Isaiah 6:3… the angels (seraphims) are continually saying “Holy holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts”.
Psalm 34:7…. we are told that God’s angel camps round each of His people and keeps them.
m. What do the angels look like if we could see them in their heavenly glory? (Luke 2:9; 24:4)
They are spirits, and if we could see them in their heavenly glory they would be surrounded by tremendous light as bright as fire while other times they could appear simply as another human being.
2. Verses 8-14
- a. What do we learn about the Son in verses 8-9 and in Isaiah 53:11?
He is on His throne for ever and ever and rules righteously….He hates anything wrong, He is absolutely joyful and full of satisfaction at the result of all His pain and hard work
b. We have already seen that the Lord created the earth, but what do we see here about the end of it all? What else are we told about its end? (verses 10-12; 2 Peter 3:7, 10-12)
It says that the earth will get old and wear out…..it will disappear into a fiery furnace and melt with tremendous heat.
c. What is this transience contrasted with? (verse 12b)
The fact that God remains for ever. The same.
d. What will this earth be replaced with? (Revelation 21:1, 5)
God is going to make a new heaven and a new earth, everything will be totally new with no sin or evil.
e. How will God’s people feel when they think back to their friends and relations who are not with them enjoying heaven? (Isaiah 65:17)
There will be so much that is new to see and enjoy and take in that the former things will not come to mind at all.
3. Summing Up….
This chapter is all about God the Father and God the Son, the end of the world and the angels….what challenge is there in this chapter for you?
Verse 2a God is speaking to me today by His Son, the Living word of God….how much do I listen?
Verse 3 My sins have been cleansed by Him, do I live like this?
Verse 14 God has made me His heir of salvation, how much do I remember this and rejoice in it?
Hebrews Two….(verses 1-18)
1. Verses 1-18
a. Read the chapter through , and then say in one sentence what it is all about……
Jesus Christ, who was made like man who is lower than the angels, died to destroy the power of death and is now the high priest before God making reconciliation for all who will some to Him….He knows what suffering and temptation are, having been there and done that.
b. Considering what was said in chapter one, how are we to react? (verses 1-3)
We are to be very sincere and earnest in our convictions and hold onto the things of God more firmly so we will not slip.
c. How serious are these issues? (verses 3-4)
Very serious….it cost God everything He had that mattered, to deal with man’s sinfulness by punishing His Son…..what He has said has already come to pass and we CANNOT escape further punishment if we neglect (that is, do nothing!) His great salvation which He offers every human being.
d. How do we know that God will do what He says? (verse 4; Acts 2:22)
Because He has shown people down through the ages signs and wonders (in delivering the people of Israel from Egypt), and then different miracles in the days His Son walked this earth. Now He is changing lives through the power of His Holy Spirit.
e. What has God given man dominion over? (verses 5-6; Psalm 8:4-6)
Man is caretaker over the environment, and as such is to see there is no pollution.
f. When did Jesus, the Creator of all, become lower than the angels? (verses 9-10; Philippians 2:7-8)
When He came to earth in human form, He came as the humblest of men, an itinerant preacher with no place to call His own, and one who suffered much.
g. What was the purpose for which He came to earth? (verse 9b)
That He might suffer for man’s sin by being crucified and tasting death for every human being.
h. What is the end result of all His suffering? How did God view it all? (verse 10; Philippians 2:9-11 )
The end result is that He is able to bring many “sons to glory”….God has given Him a name above all names and crowned Him with the ultimate glory.
i. What has Christ done for those who have turned to Him? (verses 11-12)
He has sanctified them (or made them holy) like Himself and brought them into God’s family as His brothers.
j. What does the writer do to make his point? (verses 12-13; Psalm 22:22)
He quotes Scripture from the Old Testament that brings these thoughts out.
k. What was the reason that Jesus Christ went through death? (verse 14)
So that He could destroy death and the fear of it, and in doing this destroy Satan who had the power of death….. “death” as in separation from God (eternal death)
l. What is natural man in bondage to? (verse 15)
The fear of death.
m. What position and title has the Lord Jesus taken in reference to His people? Why is He able to do this? (verses 16-18)
He is became one of Abraham’s descendants (an Israelite) , and our high Priest before God who has made reconciliation for His people’s sins…..He is able to comfort those who are tested because He was tested Himself.
2. What are the challenges in this chapter?
Verse 1… I am to hang in there! To hold fast to the truths of God’s Word and not let them slip.
Verse 3… To not neglect what God has given me.
Verse 9… Jesus Christ has tasted death for me…..what is my response to this?
Verses 12-13..How much do I remember that I am a child of His and sing praises, trusting in Him?
Hebrews Three….(verses 1-19)
1. Verses 1-12
a. What are believers called in verse 1?
Holy brothers, (set apart for God) and those who are chosen for heaven
b. How does Ephesians 1:4 amplify this thought?
We have been chosen before the world began to live a holy and blameless life.
c. How is the Lord Jesus described in verse 1b? (1 John 2:1-2)
As the Apostle (God’s Messenger) and our High Priest (our Advocate before a holy God).
d. Who is He contrasted and compared with in verses 2-3? How?
He is compared with Moses who was a faithful man, but Christ was more so. Moses was merely a man, but Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
e. What were the things that Moses did, used as? (verse 5; chapter 8:5)
Everything that God told Moses to do or make was for examples and illustrations of heavenly truths that have been fulfilled in the gospel, and that are written in the New Testament.
f. What is the condition for being part of Christ’s family? (verse 6)
IF we hold fast to our belief in Him and keep confidence in God, rejoicing in Him.
g. What are verses 7-11? What are they saying? (Psalm 95:7b-11)
They are a quotation from the psalms….using the people of Israel in the wilderness as an example, who saw God’s mighty hand working for them, and yet they still complained and disbelieved Him and doubted.
h. What is the warning in this for us today? (verse 12)
To be careful we don’t stop believing God, and start doubting His Word and wander away from His way.
i How can we keep from drifting off? (verses 13-15; chapter 2:1)
We are to hang onto God’s Word and not let doubts come in, and to encourage each other before this happens, and right through our daily lives.
j. What must we do to remain sharing in Christ Jesus? (verse 14)
We must hang onto what we believed at first, right to the end.
k. What happens then, if we backslide? Can we come back? (verse 15; 1 John 1:9)
Yes! If we confess our sin, God will forgive us and restore us.
l. What are we not to be like? Or do? (verse 17 )
We are not to be like Israel was, always complaining and doubting God as they went through the wilderness….they didn’t get to the promised land in the end because of their unbelief! Their children went in, instead.
m. Apply this to people today….. (verse 11; Genesis 6:3a)
Those who don’t believe at all, or who sit on the fence, will never get to God’s promised land of heaven. God only stands so much of people’s putting things off….if you do it too often, He will take you at your word and it will then be too late.
Hebrews Four….(verses 1-16)
1. Verses 1-11
a. Read this chapter right through in a modern version. This chapter follows the thoughts straight on from the last half of chapter three….what was dealt with there?
It was all about Israel missing out on getting into the land because of their unbelief.
b. What is this chapter primarily about? (verses 2-3, 11)
How there was a rest for God’s people Israel in the promised land, but they missed out on getting there because of their unbelief……in the same way people are missing out today on God’s promised rest because they won’t believe His Word.
c. Read Numbers 14:22-24, 31-35…..what do we see in these verses?
That God is not to be messed around with….He says what He means and means what He says!
d. What two words do we see in verse 1 of each of the chapters 2, 3, and 4? What are they saying to us?
“Therefore” and “wherefore”….because of what has just been said, take note of this next point!
e. Does God’s promise fail because of man’s unbelief? (verse 2; 2 Timothy 2:13)
No! It still stands for those who believe and trust in Him.
f. This “rest” that is being spoken of, when was it made? (verse 3; Ephesians 1:4)
It was made and finished before God created the world.
- g. What does this show us about God?
That He works to a plan…..nothing just happens by chance, and nothing takes Him by surprise!
h. The Israelites who were called out of Egypt, never got to the land of rest because of their unbelief ….. what is meant by this other “rest” for God’s people? (verses 9-11; Psalm 95:7-8)
Because David, many years after Joshua, was telling the people that even then they were to follow God’s ways like sheep follow their shepherd.
i. How does the writer here show us that this rest is still available today? (verses 9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9)
This place of rest is a picture of what God has given us when we come to know Him and confess our sin….He has given us the rest of having peace with Him, and this peace will continue for ever into heaven. We do not have to WORK to gain favour with God.
j. What keeps people today from having this rest of God? (verse 11)
Unbelief….they refuse to believe and become “religious”!
k. What are people urged to do in verse 11?
Find out how they can know this place of rest.
l. Where can people find out about it and how to get there?
The handbook that God has provided…..His Word, the Bible.
2. Verses 12-16
a. What is God’s Word like and what pictures are we given of it? What does it do for us? (Verse 12)
verse 12 It is sharper than any double edged sword, and cuts us to the heart
when we hear it.
James 1:23-24 It is like a mirror that shows us what we are inside.
Ephesians 5:26 It is like water that makes us clean.
Jeremiah 23:29 It is like a fire that refines and burns away the rubbish
Jeremiah 23:29 It is like a hammer that breaks off what is worthless, and brings us to
God
John 12:48 It will judge us in a time to come; let it judge us now so we can get
right.
b. What can we hide from God? (verse 13; Psalm 139:1-5)
Nothing, absolutely NOTHING! Our minds, thoughts and motives are all open to His piercing eye.
c. In the light of this fact, what is all we can pray? ( Psalm 139:1-5)
Search me O God and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
d. Is it any use then, to try to hide things from God or not face up to them ourselves? (verse 13; Psalm 14:1-3)
No, we might as well tell the Lord when we feel angry and put out, because He knows anyway. We only fool ourselves when we don’t!
e. What is our only resort in this case? (verse 14)
To turn to our High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ who died for us.
f. Why can He help us in these things? (verse 15)
Because as a man, He was subject to human frailties just as we are.
g. What was the difference between Him and us?
He wasn’t tainted with sin…..He was free from its bondage.
h. What are some of the human frailties that He suffered?
John 4:6 He got tired and weary Mark 3:5 He felt anger and sorrow
Matthew 4:2 He was hungry Matthew 4: 3 He was tempted by Satan
Matthew 26:38 He felt great sorrow Matthew 26: 67 He felt shame
Psalm 129:3 He felt extreme pain Mark 14:57 He was wrongfully accused
Matthew 26: 21-23 He knew what it was to be betrayed and let down by a friend.
i. Because He knows all these things first hand, what can we do? (verse 16)
We can come to him with all confidence that He knows what we are going through and will enable us to cope with our current situation.
j. What do we receive from Him when we do this? (verse 16; 2 Corinthians 12:9)
We receive His mercy and grace to help and strengthen us
2. What is your challenge in this chapter?
To confess my shortcomings to Him….He knows them anyway, and ask for strength to overcome them
Hebrews Five….(verses 1-14)
1. Verses 1-9
a. What is the job of the High Priest? (verse 1)
To act as a mediator between God and man….he would pass on God’s message to men and would offer man’s sacrifices to God.
b. What was his attitude to people to be? (verse 2)
Kind and patient, knowing that he had the same weaknesses.
c. What did he have to do for his own sins? ( verse 3)
He had to offer sacrifices for himself first before offering them for anyone else.
d. What was the criteria for becoming a high priest? (verse 4)
He had to be called by God for the job.
e. Who appointed Christ to be the Eternal High Priest? (verses 5-6; 1 Peter 1:19-20)
It was all part of God’s plan which He formulated BEFORE the world was even created, to send His Son to die for the sins of the world so He could become the Great High Priest for eternity.
f. Who was Melchizedec? What was he? (Genesis 14:18-20)
He met Abraham when he returned from battle in rescuing his belongings and Abraham gave him a tenth of the spoils. He was both a king (of Salem) and a priest of God, and Abraham knew and acknowledged this.
g. What do verses 7-8 tell us? (Luke 22:41-44)
That even though Jesus Christ was God’s Son, He felt tremendous agony such as no other man has ever felt at the prospect of what lay ahead of Him, and through this, He experienced for Himself the pain of obedience
h. How did God answer His agonising prayer? ( verse 8)
He did not deliver Him, but He did give Him the strength to go through with it.
i. What can we learn from this? (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
God does not necessarily grant our requests, but He will give the grace and strength to obey Him…..He heard the prayer of Christ and He hears our prayers too.
j. As a result of the obedience of Christ to His Father’s will , what was accomplished? (verse 9)
He became the Author and Giver of eternal life to all who will come to Him; He proved this by going through these sufferings willingly.
k. How does this tie in with Him being the Great High Priest? (Hebrews 7:24-27)
He didn’t have to offer a sacrifice for Himself….He WAS the sacrifice because He was sinless and holy. Now He can show God that He was the supreme sacrifice for sins…as High Priest, He offered the ultimate sacrifice of Himself once for all.
2. Verses 11-14
a. There was much more along these lines that the writer would have liked to have written….why didn’t he? (verses 11-12)
Because he felt that these Hebrew readers wouldn’t have been able to understand what he was writing.
b. Why couldn’t they grasp these truths? (verse 12)
Because they weren’t really listening or taking notice…..they didn’t know the main principles of the Word or put them into practice.
c. What stage should they have been at in their Christian life? ( verse 12)
They should have been able to teach others; instead they weren’t past the first stage of learning.
d. What did he liken them to? (verse 13)
They were like babies needing milk and unable to take strong meat.
e. How does one become a mature Christian ? ( chapter 11:6; James 2:17-18)
By learning God’s Word (faith) and putting it into practice. (works)
f. What are some of the signs of immature Christians? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
People who are squabbling and bickering among themselves, inconsideration for others; selfishness and self centredness.
g. What is the “strong meat” that is mentioned here? What was Christ’s meat ? (John 4: 34)
A knowledge of and obedience to, God’s will…what He wants us to do….Christ’s meat was obedience to the will of His Father in heaven.
h. How should we feel towards God’s Word ? How did David describe this? (Psalm 119:197, 103, 131, 174)
We should be hungry for it and it should be sweeter than honey to us! David loved it above anything else and panted for it. It was his delight and he longed for it and this is what it should be to us.
3. What is the challenge in all this for you?
a. How much notice of and putting into practice, do I do of what the Bible says?
Do I just pass off the passages I don’t particularly like as being just someone else’s interpretation? Or as just being a cultural thing for people back then? This is a popular way of getting out of doing something that the Lord has spoken to us about! Times are NOT different in the spiritual realm! God does not change! Nor does His order for people change.
Hebrews Six….(verses 1-20)
1. Verses 1-12
a. What is the Christian’s aim to be? (verse 1)
We are to get past the doubting stage, and the beginning stages of the Christian life, learn God’s Word and go on to becoming a mature Christian.
b. What are other things that Christians are not to worry about? (verse 2)
The teachings of baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection and the judgement day to come…. these things have been dealt with at the beginning and then moved on from.
c. What about those who seem to have been Christians, but who drift away and go back to worldly things? ( verses 4-6)
As long as they stay like that, it is impossible to bring them back to the point of repentance while they continue to flout God’s ways.
d. Does this mean then, that a person can be saved and lost again? (chapter 10:26; John 3:16b; 2 Peter 2:20-21)
No! Definitely not! But there are people who go along to church and learn about God’s ways and even read the Bible but they have never given themselves to the Lord…. It is only a head knowledge, not a heart knowledge. Such people never last a life time, their lives don’t bear out their talk. They talk the talk, but they don’t walk the walk. Those who truly and sincerely come to the Lord, will NEVER perish!
e. In what way are these people worse off than those who have never gone to church or given Christianity a thought? (verses 4-6 )
They both go to a lost eternity, but their condemnation will be greater because they have deliberately chosen to do nothing about God’s ways when they have learned about them.
f. What illustration is given in verses 7-8 to show this truth?
That of farmed ground which yields crops compared to that which doesn’t….the unprofitable ground is burned and useless….those who truly belong to the Lord will show it by their life style and will last the distance. If they should fall away, the Lord will bring them back to Himself before they die…they only have to confess their sin and can make a full new start again.
g. How do we know that God takes notice of what we do day by day? (verse 10; Matthew 10:42; Revelation 2:9, 13, 19)
The Lord Jesus said that even a cup of water given in his name will receive a reward. When John was receiving the messages to the seven churches, each time the message started with “I know your works and how you have done this or that”.
h. What was the writer’s greatest hope for his readers to do? (verses 11-12)
To be diligent and not slothful, to the end of their lives and followers of those who do the same.
i. What words might we use to excuse ourselves rather than “slothful” ?
Relaxed! Short of time….too busy.
j. What word in verse 11 is the opposite of slothful?
Diligence.
k. Which of these two words (diligence and slothful) shows a more godly attitude? (verse 12)
We are to be diligent in the things of God to grow in them…..slothful means we are too lazy (or busy) to be bothered in God’s things.
2. Verses 13-20
a. Who is one example we can follow? (Verse 13)
Abraham, who received God’s promises with faith.
b. Did God’s promises come to pass immediately for Abraham? (verse 15; chapter 11:11-12)
No, he had to patiently endure and wait for many years for the promised son from Sarah.
c. How do we know that God’s promises will come true? ( verse 18; Numbers 23:19)
Because it is impossible for God to lie…..when He says a thing, it will come to pass…..what He had promised Abraham did happen and in the same way what He promises us will happen too.
d. What was the promise that God gave to Abraham in verse 14?
That he would have a son by Sarah and multiply his descendants.
e. What is one promise of God that YOU can hang onto? (John 3:16; 36)
The promise that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will be saved from eternal damnation.
f. What are God’s promises likened to in verse 19?
Likened to a firm anchor which will keep us from drifting.
g. What confidence does that give us? (verse 18)
It gives us the confidence that what God has promised, He will do. We can run to him for a refuge whenever doubts come in.
h. What is one promise of God for today, that still seems far distant in the future (but may not be)? (Acts 1:11)
The promise of Christ’s return
i. What is the “veil” that is spoken of symbolically here? (verse 19c; chapter 9:3, 7; Leviticus 16:2-3)
The veil in the tabernacle which shut off the Holy area from the working area…..no-one could enter the Holy Place without blood of an offering.
j. What happened to that veil when Jesus Christ died? (Matthew 27:51)
It was torn from the top to the bottom when He died for all mankind.
k. What did this show symbolically ? (chapter 9:8-11)
That the way direct to God was now open through the blood of Christ.
l. What position does Jesus Christ now hold in this picture? (verse 20a)
He is our High Priest and offered His own blood to God as a sacrifice for sin.
m. What Old Testament character do we see resurfacing here? (verse 20b)
Melchisedec, King of Salem
Hebrews Seven….(verses 1-28)
1. Verses 1-28
a. We have already had reference to Melchisedec….how do we know that this interpretation of Christ being likened to him is correct ? (verses 1, 11; chapter 6:20; Psalm 110:1-4)
Because it is not only written here in the New Testament, but also in Psalm 110 there is no doubt that the reference refers to the Lord Jesus Christ.
b. What do verses 6-7 suggest between these two men (seeing Abraham is considered to be the greatest man in Jewish history)?
That even though Abraham was great, he was meeting a greater when he met Melchisedec.
c. What parallels are there between the titles of Melchisedec and the titles of Christ in Isaiah 9:6?
Melchisedec was the king of Righteousness and the king of Peace; Jesus Christ had the title of Mighty God…..and the Prince of Peace.
d. In what other way is Melchisedec likened to Christ ? (verse 3)
There is no record of his family or pedigree, or even any other history. He just appeared to Abraham and then vanished again.
e. What does the writer go on to prove in verses 4-10?
That the Levitical priesthood which traditionally received the tithes, was in the person of Abraham paying tithes himself to this priest Melchisedec, and thus Abraham was acknowledging him as a greater man.
f. What is the point being made in verse 11?
That if the old priesthood was satisfactory, there would be no need for a new priesthood to be brought in.
g. Which tribe did the old time priests come from? (Exodus 29:29-30)
The tribe of Levi only.
h. Which tribe did the Lord Jesus come from ? What is He referred to as in Revelation 5:5?
The tribe of Judah, being referred to as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
i. What was the difference between the appointment of the Levitical priests and the appointment of Jesus Christ as High Priest ? (verses 15-16, 20-21)
The ordinary priests simply took office as a matter of hereditary right, whereas the Lord Jesus was appointed by God the Father to be the High Priest upon an oath for the specific purpose of making the way to God open to ALL people through the sacrifice of Himself.
j. Can you find how many times the reference to Psalm 110:4 is quoted in this chapter?
Twice…. verses 17 and 21.
k. What is another difference between the old priesthood and the new? (verse 24; chapter 5:6)
There was a continual succession of priests due to death, with some better than others in the old order of things. In the new order, there is only one Eternal High Priest who lives for ever and who is absolutely sinless.
l. In what ways is He superior? (verses 23-27)
i. He lived a totally sinless life ii. He is everlasting
iii. His sacrifice doesn’t need to be repeated iv. He is perfect in every way.
v. His priesthood will never change.
m. What does verse 25 tell us?
That the Lord Jesus can save the worst sinner ever born who will turn to Him because He is alive for evermore. He will never get old and past it, He remains ever youthful and mature at the same time, always able to intercede on any person’s behalf.
n. What does this chapter do for you, NOW?
It tells me that I have an everlasting perfect High Priest who died for my sins once for all, and who is ALIVE now interceding for me and my weaknesses before God for ever.
Hebrews Eight….(verses 1-13)
1. Verses 1-13
a. Describe our High Priest…. (verses 1-3; chapter 6:20; Revelation 19:13-16)
He is a Heavenly High Priest, sitting at the Right Hand of God”s Majesty…..He is a priest and a king, He is also called a prophet. He is the only person who was ever Prophet, Priest and King.
- b. What is He a minister of? (verse 2)
The heavenly sanctuary and of God’s Heavenly Tabernacle which He has established.
c. What is the heavenly tabernacle made up of? (chapter 12:22-24a.)
It is made up of all believers, (all those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life), both Jews and Gentiles, with Jesus Christ as their High Priest.
d. What is the offering that our High Priest offers? (verse 3; chapter 7:27)
His own blood as a sacrifice; Himself to God as the sinless sacrifice.
e. What purpose did the original tabernacle and sacrifices serve as? Where did it all originate from? (verse 5; chapter 10:1; Exodus 25:40)
God gave Moses the pattern for the tabernacle because every detail was symbolic of some heavenly truth. The tabernacle and sacrifices were necessary for that time…..they pointed forwards to the day when God’s Son would make the supreme heavenly sacrifice for sin once for all. Everything the old time priests were told to do were pictures of some heavenly principle or truth.
f. What did Jesus Christ bring in? (verse 6)
A better covenant established on better promises.
g. Why do you think that God brought in the law when He knew that men couldn’t keep it fully? What did the first covenant (the law) prove? (verse 7; Romans 3:23)
God knew how impossible it was for man to keep it and become fit for His presence…..it only acted as a temporary refuge until Christ came to destroy sin for ever. But man has always thought he could make it himself, and it had to be proved to him that he couldn’t.
h. What do verses 7-8 tell us?
That the first covenant (the law) fell short for mankind….it was all outward performance, so a new covenant was necessary.
i. How does Galatians 2:16 enlarge on this thought?
It tells us that no-one can be made right before God by keeping the law because man always fails; Jesus Christ was the only One to keep the law in its entirety, and it is by believing and trusting in Him that we can be made fit for God’s presence now.
j. What is the essential difference between the old and the new covenants? (verses 9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17)
The old covenant consisted of rituals and continual sacrifices….all outward things, but the new covenant is an inward thing…..God’s laws are now in the heart. God’s people are now new creatures in Christ….we seek to please God now because we WANT to, not because we HAVE to!
k. Verses 8-12 are a quotation from Jeremiah 31:31-34. Substitute the term “God’s people” for Israel and Judah . How does this make it apply for today?
It makes the Old Testament promises much more relevant for us and for all who believe. Believers now have been given a new nature with new desires.
l. What do all God’s people know? (verse 11)
They all know the Lord.
m. What has happened to their sins? (verse 12)
God has completely wiped them out and forgotten them.
n. Which covenant are believers under today? (verse 13)
Under the new covenant…..the old is completely redundant.
Hebrews Nine….(verses 1-28)
1. Verses 1-14
a. Read verses 1-10 right through…..what is it all about? (verse 2)
It is describing the tabernacle that Moses built in the wilderness….the different ;parts, what was in them and who went into the different parts of it.
- b. How many main sections were there? (verses 1-3)
There were two parts…the Holy Place where the priests performed their sacrificial duties, and the Most Holy Place behind the fancy curtain which only the High Priest went into once a year with blood to offer for the sins of the people.
c. What was in the Most Holy Place? (verses 4-5.)
The ark (box) of the covenant which had the golden memorial pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that had sprung into bud and the two stone tablets with the law on them were in it. The lid of the box had the carved golden angels with out stretched wings on it. Besides this box, there was only a golden censer in there.
d. What was in the Holy Place, and who went in that part? (verses 1-2)
The table with the burning lampstand on it, and the freshly baked shewbread also on it. The priests went in that part every day to trim the light and fill it with oil (as it was not allowed to go out), and to change the bread.
e. Why was the Holy Place kept separate? (verses 7-8)
Because it showed the holiness of God and that the way to Him was not yet opened freely to all people…..only the High Priest had access to it once a year.
f. What happened to anyone else who handled or touched the ark or looked inside it? (1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:3, 6-7.)
They were struck dead for treating it lightly or as an object of curiosity, even Uzziah was struck down when he had good intentions.
g. What did all the laws, sacrifices, offerings and rituals point to? (verse 10)
They all pointed to the holiness of God and represented heavenly truths to the people in those days.
h. What made the change from the old to the new? (Verses 11-12)
When Christ came, He pointed the way to God through Himself as the only way. When He died, He presented His blood to God as the supreme sacrifice once for all and there was no longer any need for animal sacrifices, washings and rituals any more.
i. What do we see about the God-head in the plan of salvation in verse 14?
The whole three Persons of the Trinity were involved in the plan of salvation for mankind…..Christ was the agent, becoming the God-man, and went to the cross being enabled by the Eternal Spirit, and was then able to offer Himself without spot to the Father, with the Lord of Hosts, the Lord God Almighty and the Holy Spirit all being involved
2. Verses 15-28
a. What does verse 15 tell us?
That Jesus Christ is the One who brought in the new covenant by His death and sacrifice for sins, calling on people to take advantage of eternal life which He now offers freely to all who will accept it.
b. When does a person’s will and testament become valid?
Not until they die.
c. What do verses 18-22 show? Why?
That blood just HAD to be shed to cover sin….ALL have sinned and without the shedding of blood, sin cannot be taken away….this is why the animal blood sacrifices were necessary until Christ shed His perfect blood once for all.
d. What showed the pattern of heavenly things on earth? (verses 8b-9a)
It was the tabernacle (or tent) that Moses made according to God’s plan, that showed the principles of heavenly things, and how .they had to be purified with blood of animals.
e. What did the REAL thing need to be purified with? (verses 23, 28)
The heavenly principles have been purified by the blood of Christ….the PERFECT sacrifice of all.
f. Where did Christ enter, and why? (verses 24-26; 1 John 2:1)
Christ presented His sacrifice to His Father in heaven so mankind could now be free of this continual animal sacrificing which never took away sin anyway. He now represents us before His Father, the Most Holy God. He is our Advocate and intercedes for us when we do wrong.
g. What do men have to face after death? (verse 27; Revelation 20:11-15)
God’s Judgement Day.
h. What does verse 28 tell us?
Christ came the first time to take our sins on Himself and He is going to come a second time to take His people to Himself.
3. Overview……
a. How do you feel after going through this chapter?
So immensely thankful and humble to think that He would this for me!
b. What is the whole point of this chapter?
To show that Christ has brought a more perfect way to God than through the old rituals which could NEVER take away sins anyway. Not only has He BROUGHT this way, but He acts as our Advocate daily…He never leaves us alone or lonely.
Hebrews Ten….(verses 1-39)
1 Verses 1-17
The first part of this chapter re-iterates what has gone before….this was very necessary for the Jewish people who were steeped in the rituals of temple sacrifices for so many hundreds of years.
a. What could the law and sacrifices NOT to do? (verse 1)
They could never take away sins or make people anew.
b. What DID they do? (verse 3)
They just reminded the people each year of their sins
c. What has God done with confessed sin?
Psalm 103:12 He has taken them away as far as the east is from the west.
Isaiah 1:16-18 He has washed them clean and pure white.
Isaiah 38:17b He has put them out of sight behind His back.
Isaiah 43:25 He has blotted them out.
Isaiah 43:25 He will not remember them…..they are completely forgotten!
Micah 7:19b He has thrown them into the deepest sea.
d. Do we need to drag them up again then? (verse 17)
No! Definitely not! Especially other people’s sins! They are gone for ever.
e. What was impossible for the animal’s blood to do? (verse 4)
It could never take away man’s sins.
f. Who prophesied that one day Someone would come to do God’s will perfectly? (Psalm 40:6-8)
David wrote this in the Psalms.
g. What did the Lord Jesus come specifically to do? (verse 10)
God’s will in making a sacrifice that would be acceptable once and for all.
h. What is the contrast in verses 11-12?
The priests had to make sacrifices continually which only covered sin for the time being, but Jesus Christ came and offered ONE sacrifice which took away sin completely.
i. What is Jesus Christ’s position today? (verse 12)
He is sitting at the right hand of God’s majesty in heaven.
j. What is the wonderful position of God’s people today? (verses 14-17)
They have God’s ways put into their heart and mind so they have new desires and Gid never remembers their sins again.
2. Verses 18-31
a. Why is there no more need for sin offerings? (verse 18)
Because the price is paid and they are FORGOTTEN for ever!
b. Because this is so, what can we now do? (verses 19-20)
We can enter into God’s presence with all confidence through the blood of Jesus Christ.
c. What does He act as for us? (verse 21)
He is our WAY and our HIGH PRIEST.
d. What are the first two “Let us” we are to do because of this? Why can we do this? (verses 22-23)
i. “Let us” come near in sincerity and confidence because our lives and consciences have been washed with the water of the Word.
ii. Having come, “let us” now remain faithful to our original beliefs without wavering…..God will be faithful to His side of the bargain.
e. Having done these two things, what is the third “let us” that follows? (verse 24)
We are to consider others and to be loving to them, so they in turn will be the same…..just as people can be leaders in bad things, so Christians can be leaders in good things.
f. To be able to do this, what must we do? (verse 25)
We must get together with other believers, both in church meetings and also socially so we can encourage each other.
g. What is this passage about? (verses 26-31)
A deliberate turning away, refusing to obey the truth we have seen, and nothing more can be done for that person.
h. What can they expect as a result? (verses 30-31)
Judgement, death and punishment.
i. How many warnings can you find in this passage?
i. verse 26….. Nothing can be done, sacrificing won’t help.
ii. verse 29… Can only expect God’s judgement.
iii. verse 28… Death, physical and eternal
iv. verse 30… Severest judgment and vengeance.
d. What is the unforgivable sin? (Matthew 12:31-32)
Despising and refusing the blood of Jesus Christ and turning one’s back on the voice of the Holy Spirit.
e. What is the most serious warning of all? (verse 31; 2Peter 2:20-21)
That it will a most fearful thing to fall into God’s hands on the day of judgement.
3. Verses 32-39
a. What happened to a lot of these Christians when they first believed? (verses 32-33)
They suffered a lot of persecution because of it.
b. What is to be our attitude when this happens? (verse 34; 1 Peter 4:14, 16, 19)
We are to rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
c. What did it seem that they were made by these persecutions? (verse 33, 1 Corinthians 4:9)
A gazing stock and a spectacle.
d. Who (or what) observes how Christians react to persecutions? (1 Corinthians 4:9)
Other people and also the heavenly beings….angels and demons as well.
e. How did Paul feel when he was being persecuted? ( 1 Corinthians 4:10)
As though he was held as a public spectacle and made a fool of.
f. How did these Christians respond? (verses 34-35)
They supported Paul in his prison sentence and didn’t complain or grumble, they knew they had something that no-one could ever take away from them!
g. What do Christians need to have, to do and remember? (verses 35-36)
They need to keep their confidence in God, to have patience and remember that there is a great reward in keeping His ways.
h. What prospect does a believer have that others don’t? (verse 37 )
That Christ is coming back one day for them!
i. How does God feel about those who start towards Him and then turn away? (verse 38; 2 Peter 3:9 )
He has no pleasure in them, and is immensely sad….He doesn’t want anyone to perish.
j. What do we each have to make sure we do? ( verse 39 )
To not draw back or turn away. But to believe and make sure we don’t end up in a lost eternity.
4 . Summing Up…
a. What is this chapter all about ?
It shows that Christ has made the perfect sacrifice in Himself, thus enabling sinners to be cleansed and come to God. Then it goes on to show what will happen to those who don’t believe and who turn away from God.
b. What is the challenge for you in all this?
To make sure we aren’t one of those who turn away from the Holy Spirit’s promptings, and to obey what is right.
Hebrews Eleven….(verses 1-40)
1. Verses 1-3
a. Put in your own words what faith is…. (verse 1)
Faith is the strong conviction that things exist that cannot be seen or felt….e.g. that God is there and that what He says is true.
b. How important is faith when seeking spiritual values? (verses 2, 6)
Faith is the beginning and continuation of this.
c. What can we accept by faith about how things began? (verse 3)
If people can accept the “big bang” theory, surely it is far more logical to accept the fact of a Great Creator!
d. What do the Scriptures teach about how God created? (verse 3; Genesis 1:3, 6, 9 etc)
He created by His Word…..just speaking and it was done!
2. Verses 4-7
We now come to a list of people who exercised their faith in God in different ways …….
a. What was basically the story of Cain and Abel? (verse 4; Genesis 4:1-12)
They were Adam and Eve’s eldest sons and had been taught that God only accepted a blood sacrifice. But Cain thought his way was good enough, and he offered what he had grown by his own efforts, while Abel obeyed what God wanted and offered a lamb. Cain was not happy that Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God while his wasn’t and he became jealous of Abel and killed him, and then lied to God about what he’d done.
b. Why was Abel’s sacrifice a better one than Cain’s? (verse 4a)
Because his was done in obedience to God’s requirements and Cain’s was done as he thought fit in disobedience.
c. What does the last part of verse 4 tell us?
That even though Abel died because he did the right thing, we can still learn a lesson from it.
d. What happened to Enoch , and why? (verse 5; Genesis 5:22-24)
Enoch had enough faith to walk with God daily….God had so much pleasure in his company that He took him bodily to heaven….one minute he was on earth, and the next he was gone, body, soul and spirit!
e. Why is it impossible to please God without faith? ( verse 6 )
Because faith is the vehicle that gives substance to God….one has to believe that God exists and that He wants us to communicate with Him in an acceptable way. One has to take the time to find out what this is, and then to do it.
f. What does God want more than anything else from a person? (Matthew 22:37-38)
He wants our heart, loyalty and allegiance (love). Even though an unbeliever and faithless person may live a good life, this does not please God, because He wants a person’s heart and mind first.
g. In what way should a person seek for God? (verse 6b; Psalm 34:18; Matthew 7:7-8)
Believingly, sincerely and diligently…..He is not hard to find! Just call out to Him with a contrite heart and He will hear you!
h. What made Noah exercise his faith? (verse 7 )
He believed that what God said would happen, would come to pass, and it was fear of the consequences if he didn’t obey that got him into gear.
i. What fact makes Noah’s faith even more remarkable? (Genesis 2:6)
The earth was being watered by heavy mists and dews, and there had never been such a thing as rain as we know it!
j. What did Noah’s faith and obedience do? (verse 7b)
It proved he believed what God said in spite of what others may have thought; it saved his family and it made him an heir of God’s righteousness.
3. Verses 8-29
a. What was remarkable about Abraham’s faith and obedience? (verse 8)
He left his home country prepared to follow God’s instructions on the way, not knowing where he would end up.
b. In both his and Noah’s case, what did faith result in? (James 2:20-24, 26)
Obedience and action
c. Where was Abraham’s faith centred? (verse 10, 14-16)
It was centred on a heavenly city and on God.
d. What was Abraham’s and Sarah’s ultimate test of faith ? (verse 11, 17-19)
It was concerning the promised child which was born to them in their absolute old age and then Abraham’s obedience in being prepared to offer him back to God.
e. What could have been Abraham’s reasoning at this point in time ? (verse 19)
God has been faithful in giving the miracle of this child in the first place, therefore He will give him back again if He asks me to sacrifice him.
f. How were Isaac and Jacob able to make these pronouncements about their descendants? ( verse 20; Genesis 27:28-29, 37-40)
It was their faith in God to bring them to pass that enabled them to give these blessings.
g. What did Joseph have faith would happen? (verse 22)
That one day God would take the people of Israel out of Egypt and back to the land He had promised to Abraham.
h. What was Moses’ great step of faith? (verses 24-25)
When he stepped out of Pharaoh’s protection and tried to help his people.
i. What do you think Moses’ reasoning was? (verse 26)
I don’t belong in all this wealth while my people are suffering as slaves….I can help them get out of this! He felt his life was empty and that maybe God could use him to get them out.
j. Where was Moses’ reasoning wrong? ( verse 27 )
He hadn’t waited for God’s timing….he went ahead on his own and it didn’t work.
k. What is the lesson in this for us?
We must wait for God’s instructions and not do it on our own. We mustn’t make the plans….we must follow His plans for us.
l. What do we see about the subsequent events after God told him to move? (verses28-29)
Things happened…..God spoke and Moses went forwards in faith that God would work.
4. Verses 30-40
a. What exactly happened the week that Jericho was taken? (verse 30; Joshua 6:14-16 )
For six days the people and priests carrying the ark circled round Jericho not making a sound except for the priests blowing the trumpets. On the seventh day, they started earlier and went round the city seven times just blowing trumpets, but at the seventh time Joshua told them to shout and the walls fell down. This was according to God’s instructions.
b. Who was saved out of the city? (verse 31; Joshua 6:17, 23, 25)
Only Rahab and her family were saved.
c. What was the point of these two examples? (James 2:20-26)
The people of Israel had faith and obeyed God’s instructions in this unlikely exercise; Rahab had to believe (faith) that God would save her, and she acted on it by getting her family to be with her and to leave the red cord out the window. (works)
d. What would have happened in both cases, if only faith was exercised? (James 1:22-25)
If they had only had faith but didn’t act on it, nothing would have happened!
e. So what principle do we see here? ( James 2:24 )
Faith and works go hand in hand…..one is no use without the other.
f. What did peoples’ faith often result in? (verses 33-38)
Sometimes it resulted in victory, and other times it involved persecution, and even death.
g. What was their faith centered on? (verses10, 13-16)
It was based on God’s Word and what He said….they looked to Him and to being with Him in the heavenly country…..this world’s riches are nothing compared to heavenly riches.
h. How do we fit into this picture? (verse 40; John 10:16 )
Believers today and the Old Testament saints will all be made complete together, and there will be ONE fold and ONE Shepherd.
Hebrews Twelve….(verses 1-29)
1 Verses 1-4
a. What is the writer saying in the first phrase? What is the “wherefore” there for?
It is tying in what is to come with what has already been said in the previous chapter….BECAUSE all these Old Testament saints had faith and did what they did (had faith AND action), this is what we are to do…..
b. What two things are believers to do? (verse 1)
We are to take off everything that hinders our Christian life, and we are to run the race with patience….AND keep on running.
c. When we run this race of life, what are we to keep our eyes fixed on? (verse 2)
The One who has been there and done that…..Jesus Christ, the One who made all this possible. He is the beginning of our faith and He will be the finisher of it when we see Him and become like Him….faith will then become redundant.
d. What three things (feelings, emotions, determinations) did Jesus Christ show in His life on earth? (verse 2)
i. He had JOY in doing His Father’s will
ii. He despised the SHAME of the things done to Him as of no consequence.
iii. He ENDURED it all and didn’t turn back.
e. What are we to remember when the going gets tough ? (verses 3-4)
We are to remember how Christ suffered for us….our sufferings are NOTHING compared to His when He had the burden of the sin of the whole world as well as the physical pain and torture He bore.
2 Verses 5-13
a. What is this section about?
The trials and tribulations which we go through whereby we can learn the lessons that God wants to teach us.
b. What are verses 5-6 which open the topic? (Proverbs 3:11-12)
They are a quotation from the Old Testament in Proverbs.
c. What are we being told in this passage? What should our reaction be when things go wrong? (verses 5-11)
It is telling us that God allows ALL things to bring us ultimate good….we should always ask ourselves what lessons God wants us to learn in whatever current situation we find ourselves in. God allows bad things to happen, to teach us utter dependence on Him….it proves that we are His children!
d. What did David say about his afflictions? (Psalm 119:69, 71)
Before he was afflicted, he went astray, but through them he learned God’s principles and it was good for him that he had been afflicted!
e. What does Paul say about things (both good and bad) that happen to us? ( Romans 8:28 )
That God will bring some good out of it somewhere in our lives. We may not see it at the time, but we may be able to use these experiences later in encouraging others.
f. What are some common sayings that back this thought up?
i. It’s an ill wind that blows nobody any good. ii. Every cloud has a sliver lining!
g. What is another reason that God allows difficulties in our lives? (Deuteronomy 8: 2-5, 16)
As a test to PROVE us to see if we will walk in His ways or not; we can show others that we have PROVED that God is faithful in ALL things.
h. If we get through life without difficulties, what does the writer suggest? (verse 8 )
That we may not be truly God’s sons.
i. What does verse 11 tell us?
We don’t enjoy these difficult experiences, but when we look back we can see how faithful God has been in teaching us what we need to know.
j. What encouragement are we given and exhorted to do in verses 12-13? Where does Peter say it is to start? (1 Peter 1:13)
We are to get our minds into gear and straighten ourselves up….in other words we are not to let ourselves slide into depression but to think positively, straighten our attitude up and follow God’s ways, asking him for the strength to do this.
k. What does Paul remind us to do in Ephesians 5:20?
To give thanks to God in ALL things, both good and bad! There are plenty of things we can give thanks for in SPITE of our current problem!
3. Verses 14-25…
a. What two things are we told that are to characterise believers? (verse 14)
Peace and holiness
b. We can understand a person being peaceful, but what makes a person holy before God? (2 Timothy 1:9; 1 Peter 1:14-22)
It is nothing that a person can do themselves apart from responding to God’s call to come to Him….it is all through Christ’s death on the cross that enables us to be washed in His blood through belief in His Word. THEN we are holy and are to live out what we are now and will one day be able to live in a holy heaven. We will exhibit this by living in obedience to the Scriptures and in loving one another.
c. What is the consequence of not being holy? Why? (verse 14)
A person who doesn’t have the holiness of being cleansed by Jesus Christ will NOT be able to enter heaven. No-one in their sins will be able to go there….even one lie will keep them out!
d. What does a believer have to be very careful to NOT do? (verse 15; Mark 11:25-26)
We are not to harbour grudges or have an unforgiving spirit.
e. Who is quoted as being an example of this? (verses 16-17; Genesis 25:29-34)
Esau, who lost his birthright to his brother Jacob, partly through his own fault.
f. What will be the result if one doesn’t forgive another? (Genesis 27:41)
They become bitter and this bitterness just grows like a cancer….they will go from bad to worse. In Esau’s case, he hated his brother and made death threats.
g. What is the example used in verses 18-21?
That of Israel at Mount Sinai.
h. What was Israel told to do at Mt. Sinai? How did they feel? (verse 21; Exodus 19:1-25 )
They were told to keep away from the mountain, and to not touch it in any way. They were terrified at what they saw of God’s presence on the mountain top and the accompanying fire, smoke , and thunder etc. Even Moses was afraid.
i. What is the contrast for us today? (verses 22-23)
We don’t have to come to a physical mountain to meet with God….we have a spiritual mountain (Mt.Sion) and a heavenly city to come to.
j. God is still Judge over all, so what is the difference? (verse 24; 1 John 2:1b)
Jesus Christ stands between us and God….He is the Mediator for those who accept their need of His blood to cleanse them from sin.
k. What is the warning in verse 25a?
Don’t refuse God’s call when you hear it
4. Verses 25b-29
a. What did Moses tell the people of Israel? (verses 25-26; Exodus 19:21-23)
Not to touch the mountain or they would surely die.
b. What did the mountain do when God came down to the top of it? (Exodus 19:18)
The ground shook and quaked, and the mountain top seemed as though it was on fire.
c. The people of Israel actually saw and felt all this….what do we see today of God’s presence? (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Nothing in that way. But we can see the difference in people’s lives when they become Christians.
d. What is a classic example of this in Acts 9:19-22?
That of Saul of Tarsus who was completely turned around to preach about Jesus Christ who he previously had been against.
e. Because we don’t see or feel great shakings or fire, does that mean that God’s presence or power is any less now than it was then? (verse 26; Hebrews 1:10-12; 2 Peter 3:10-13)
No, His power is just as great! The next time God physically shakes the whole earth, it will all roll up and disappear, leaving only men’s souls which live for ever before God and the heavenly host….God never changes and His salvation lasts for ever.
f. What does the believer have which will never move? (verse 27-28a )
The believer is part of the heavenly kingdom which is totally unmoveable.
g. In what way (or manner) should we believers serve God? What should we always remember? (verses 28b-29)
God is not to be taken lightly or treated in a familiar manner….we are to serve Him with reverence and godly fear, with the greatest sense of awe and privilege.
h. What is God likened to in verse 29?
He is a consuming fire….He requires our very being and our all because He can wipe out anything that takes His place in our lives. We are not self sufficient but are totally dependent on Him every minute of every day.
Hebrews Thirteen….(1-25)
1 Verses 1-6……
a. What are we told to do here? What can prevent this? (verse 1)
To continue in brotherly love…selfishness and inconsideration for others can prevent this, so we have to be careful to be more thoughtful.
b. What are we to remember to do? Why? What was one example of this? ( verse 2: Genesis 19:1-2, 12-13, 15-16)
We are to be hospitable to strangers….we don’t know where they might be from, even angels appear like this sometimes! This is what Lot did when he asked the strangers home for the night! One nearly always gains more than one gives, and Lot surely did as they saved his life.
c. Who else are believers to remember? (verse 3; James 1:27)
Those who are less fortunate than themselves….those who are being persecuted for their faith, perhaps even put into prison; those who are sick and disadvantaged. We are to help wherever we can.
d. Why should believers feel sorry for others when they are suffering? (1 Corinthians 12:25-26)
Because we are all members of the same body and when one hurts, all should feel it and sympathise. Conversely, when one rejoices, all should be glad for them!
e. What situation has God’s blessing? When did He first institute it? ( verse 4a; Genesis 2:24)
When He made Eve for Adam.
f. What is God’s order for marriage? (Matthew 19:4-6)
One man, one woman and no-one to interfere with that. God sees a husband and wife as one flesh (unit) and no-one else is to come between them.
g. What is going to happen to those who continue to practice promiscuity, jumping into bed with all sorts of other people? (verse 4b; 1 Corinthians6:9-10)
God will judge them in a day to come if they don’t repent….such people CANNOT go to heaven. God sees them as unclean before Him.
h. What can covetousness lead to? (verse 5; James 4:1-2)
It can lead to fights and squabbles, even to malicious feelings against someone who has something that others might covet (want).
i. What is the opposite of covetousness? (verse 5b)
Contentment and kindness to others.
j. What is worth far more than any earthly possession? (verses 5b-6)
The knowledge that God is with us and will never leave us is of far more value than anything materialistic.
k. How can a person gain this contentment? (Colossians 3:1)
By fixing their mind on the things of God and meditating on His word.
l. What is a person’s general attitude when they do this? (verse 6)
They are trusting in the Lord and not worrying about what people can do to them here.
2. Verses 7-17
a. What will a good leader do for the body of believers? (verse 7)
He will teach the Word of God faithfully and practice what he preaches.
b. What is the main focus of their life? (verse 8)
Their eyes are fixed on Jesus Christ who never changes and is always the same. Their faith is such that it can be confidently followed.
c. What do different strange teachings do for the believer? (verse 9; James 1:8)
Nothing! They only make them unstable like a tossing sea.
d. What should a person establish themselves on? (verse 9; Ephesians 2: 8-9)
On the grace of God through faith….this is a gift from God which cannot be worked for, or earned in any way.
e. What sort of altar does the believer have? Why do those who continue with animal sacrifices have no right to take part at it? (verses 10-13)
The believer has a spiritual altar with offerings of spiritual sacrifices….those who continue with animal sacrifices do not recognise the supreme sacrifice of Christ or His High Priesthood, therefore they have no part at the spiritual altar of God.
f. In what way did the pattern of the Old Testament sacrifices identify with Jesus Christ? (verses 11-12)
The animal sacrifices were burnt outside the camp in the wilderness, and Christ was crucified outside the city of Jerusalem.
g. In what way does the believer identify with Christ’s death? (verse 13; John 17:14-16)
By taking on His reproach, in being in the world, but not of it….that is, not loving or following the values of the world.
h. What should the believer have his sights set on? (verse 14; Colossians 3:1-2)
The heavenly city and things of God, and everything else will fall into place.
i. What sort of spiritual sacrifices are spoken of in this passage? (verses 15-16)
The sacrifice of praise to God and the giving of thanks to Him, to do good to others and to submit to the authority of others and to take the time to pray.
j. Why do you think these things are thought of as sacrifices? What IS a sacrifice?
A sacrifice is something that costs, and these things don’t come naturally, they are deliberate choices that take time and effort
k. What are three sacrifices are mentioned in the Scriptures below that we can do today which are acceptable to God? What reasons are given for their acceptance by God?
Psalm 51:17….The sacrifices of a broken spirit and a contrite heart….God values these as He can do something for a person with this attitude towards Him…..He can do nothing with a stubborn, proud person.
Psalm 27:6…. The sacrifice of joy and praise….this shows a positive attitude to God and gratitude for deliverance.
Psalm 116:17…. The sacrifice of thanksgiving….God always responds to those who call on Him.
l.. What are two more sacrifices mentioned in these verses below?
Philippians 4:16-18… the sacrifice of giving to others in need….God gave His all for us, and He rejoices when we give back to Him through others….it is like a rich sweet fragrance to Him.
Romans 12:1-2… The sacrifices of a holy, right living life….giving our bodies and actions to God by renewing our minds to transform our attitudes and actions.
m. What do you notice about these sacrifices? What stimulates them?
These sacrifices are all deliberate choices on the part of the believer to give back to God what He has given to them. Such sacrifices delight the heart of God. It is like each believer being a little reflection of God’s light in this dark world of sin….we have no light in ourselves, we can only reflect what God has given us!
n. What else is a sacrifice in a way that God commands us to do? (verse 17)
To submit to those who are over us, whether it be in the church or in civil authority; it is not a natural feature of the human psyche to do as they are told!
3. Verses 18-25
a. What is the writer asking for here? Why? (verses 18-19)
He is asking for prayer that he might be released from prison, so he could visit them again.
b. How is the Lord Jesus described in verse 20?
As the GREAT SHEPHERD of the sheep.
c. How is He able to be this GREAT SHEPHERD? (John 1:29)
Because He gave His blood as the New Covenant and God has endorsed this by raising Him up.
d. What other ways is He described as being a shepherd?
John 10:11….. As the GOOD SHEPHERD who knows His sheep.
1 Peter 2:25…. As the SHEPHERD and BISHOP of our souls.
1 Peter 5:4…. As the CHIEF SHEPHERD who is coming back one day.
e. How many flocks will He have at the end of time? (John 10:16)
Just ONE! There will be ONE SHEPHERD and ONE FLOCK.
f. What is God working towards in each believer? (verse 21a)
God is wanting each believer to be doing His will so that they might become perfect (mature and complete) and be well pleasing in His sight.
g. Who will have all the glory in the time to come? (verse 21b; Philippians 2:9-11)
Both the Father and the Son as God will receive all the glory from all creatures and mankind.
h. What does verse 23 tell us about Timothy? What was the writer hoping would happen?
Timothy had been in prison too and was now released; the writer was now hoping that he too would be released so they could go together to meet with the readers of this letter.
i. Where was the writer when he wrote this letter?
He was in prison in Italy, presumably in Rome.