According to the Book of Hebrews
INTRODUCTION: Although not sure, this book is believed to be written by Paul because of its format and focus. Scholars believe that it was written about 70 A.D. when the Temple at Jerusalem was destroyed, and many Jews were dispersed and scattered abroad. Its purpose was to emphasize the supremacy of Christ in the New Covenant over and above all of what came before in the Old Covenant. “The term: “better than” is used repeatedly as a key phrase to remind readers that Jesus Christ is supreme over Moses and all the other great earthly prophets, kings, and priests. He was of the “order of Melchizedek”—a divine being without mother or father, king of righteousness and peace, not according to LAW of fleshly origin, but according to the power of an endless life. (Hebrews 7:16-17) Therefore, Christ has come as the beginning of a better hope and of a better covenant for eternity and not just annually.
As in the Book of Galatians, Paul is concerned for the spiritual well-being of the dispersed Jewish believers, and likewise he is pleading, reasoning, admonishing, and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith and not to backslide and return to the oppressive burden of the Law– trying to practice righteousness by works without faith that amounts to very little or nothing.
Beginning with the exactness of the image of Christ to His Heavenly Father and with His presence and power in Creation, Paul equates Jesus with His Father saying: God appointed Him a Son as heir, present in Creation with His Daddy (so to speak), the very image and likeness of the Father’s Glory. By Him, through Him, and for Him all things were created and upheld by the power of His Word. (He pre-existed as “WORD” before He came in flesh to earth. John 1:1-4) By Him our sins were purged by the shedding of His Blood. Having completed His assignment on earth, He is now seated at the Right Hand of Majesty to become our perpetual Great High Priest and better than angels. (Hebrews 1:1-9)
MAIN THEMES THROUGHOUT THE BOOK: –Christ’s supremacy, superiority, and transcendency
–His work is complete, and His purpose fully accomplished to establish Salvation under the New Covenant. Therefore He “sat down.”
EXHORTATIONS BY PAUL TO THEM: –Hold fast. Be diligent. Press on. Encourage one another. Endure difficulty and grow through them. Show gratitude. Give praise as a sacrifice when it is not easy to do so.
THE PRINCIPLE AND DISCIPLINE OF FAITH DEFINED: This is the foundation on which the New Covenant in the Blood of Christ is based. When the Believer is mature, there is a special rest and confidence in faith and on God, that exists.
–Faith is the substance (manifestation) of things hoped for; the evidence (sure confidence) of things not (yet) seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
EXEMPLARS OF FAITH: Abraham, Sarah, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, women received their dead ones alive, Rahab the harlot, did not perish because she protected the spies of the people of God from being detected. …
“Without faith it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) For who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He is a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE RACE OF FAITH UNTO THE PLACE OF REST IN GOD: “ Since we are surrounded by such a multitude of exemplars of faith, let us lay aside all encumbrances and snares and run with endurances looking especially to Jesus who endured the Cross and “sat down” at the right hand of the Throne of God.”
ENDURE HARDSHIP AND DO NOT GIVE UP THE FIGHT OF FAITH UNTIL THE PRIZE IS WON: Be not discouraged. Do not despise correction, for whom the LORD loves He chastens. Those who are not disciplined and chastened are illegitimate sons and daughters. Renew our/your spiritual vitality. Pursue peace and holiness. Do not be a fornicator or willfully indulge in other sins.
You/we have a better spiritual covenant than that of the Law punishment and death for sin; not the Law and experience of Sinai; but the spiritual Law of Mt. Zion, of spiritual worship—the city of the Living God in the Heavenly Jerusalem, unto Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant in His own Blood. SEE THAT NO ONE REFUSE HIM!
MORAL DOCTRINES: –Marriage is honorable so keep the marriage bed undefiled and pure.
–Be hospitable to strangers for you may be entertaining angels unaware.
–Be mindful of the brethren who are imprisoned and the sick and visit them.
–Let our/your conduct be above reproach in the community.
–Be respectful of those who are in authority over you.
–Remain diligent and faithful to God through Christ Jesus. He does not change but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He can be trusted, so stand firm in Him and do not follow strange doctrines. Be established by Grace.
–Do not forget to do good and continually lift praise with thanksgiving from our lips.
–Be not afraid for the LORD has said: “The LORD is our Helper…What can man do to me?”
CLOSING PRAYER: Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient God, in the name of Christ Jesus, let this work be acceptable and understandable to those who take time to read and digest it. Let them be edified, changed, and inspired to grow in faith and not be defeated or discouraged in the journey of faith. Hallelujah…AMEN!
BENEDICTION: “May the God of peace who raised Jesus from the dead—the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the Blood of His everlasting Covenant, make you/us complete in every good work. …that is pleasing in His sight through Christ Jesus, forever and ever. Amen!”
NOTE: Most of the study material is from the Thompson Chain- Reference Bible, Scripture readings from the Interlinear Bible—(Hebr., Greek, English) By J.P. Greene
Prepared By:
Rev. Brenda R. Berry—Presby. Pastor Emeritus (2019)
B.A., M.Div.
