December 9, 2012
Evening Service

Hebrews was written to those of Jewish heritage who had in some form accepted the way of Christ.  This of course was no small undertaking or an impulse decision.  It was a “gut wrenching” choice that carried great consequences for their way of life.  It was not a simple change of perspective or putting away old ways for new ones.  This was a decision that not only affected their spiritual life, but also their physical one. 

 

In choosing the person Christ over their religion of Judaism they:  were disassociated and disinherited by their family, lost jobs, excommunicated from the temple, mentally and physically abused, mocked, imprisoned, and even killed.

 

The writer stressed the superiority of Christ over the OT prophets, angels, Moses, the priesthood, the old covenant, the sanctuary and the sacrifices.  They were urged to choose Jesus who did not do away with all the traditions but fulfilled them as they all pointed to Him.

 

Hebrews 1:1-4 “obtained a more excellent way.”  By believing Jesus was the Christ and choosing to follow Him we all place ourselves into His kingdoms plan.

 

Hebrews 2:1 the first warning was to remember with earnestness lest we drift away.

 

Hebrews 2:14-18   the writer explains the importance of God becoming one of us.

 

Hebrews 3:1-4 Christ is superior to Moses.

 

Hebrews 4:14-16 we have a High Priest who has walked in our shoes and felt our pain, thus we should come “BOLDLY to the throne of grace” because He does understand us.

 

Hebrews 5:7-10 he portrays Christ as the perfect High Priest.  He later challenged them to grow in their faith and leave the basics (milk) and move on to deeper spirituality (meat).

 

Hebrews 6:1-3 & 9-12 calling them and us to a deeper walk that is guided by hope (v19)

 

Hebrews 7:24-25 Christ has no limits on saving those who truly come seeking salvation.

 

Hebrews8:10-12 the new covenant is fulfilled making the old one obsolete.

 

Hebrews 9:11-15 explains how the blood of Christ needed to be offered only one time to forever obtain eternal redemption for “who so ever will.”

 

Hebrews 9:22-28 answers why Jesus had to die and shed His life blood for our sins.

 

 

 

 

            Hebrews 10:9-18 is the true implementing of the new covenant that we live under.

 

Hebrews 10:23-27 the writer now begins to explain how we should react to such a wonderful promise.

Hebrews 11:1-6 faith is defined along with its importance.  This is followed by a recalling of some of the people who had great faith and how God was able to use them. (v32-40)

Hebrews 12:1-2 is a challenge to each of us to “run our race” that lies before us for Christ with endurance and an eye on the finish line.

Hebrews12:12-16 we are encouraged to work diligently to finish strong and not fall of God’s perfect plan for our lives.

Hebrews 13:1 we must continue in love.

Hebrews 13:5-6 is a great promise we can hold on to tightly.

Hebrews 13:10 we have exclusive rights to enter into a personal fellowship with the one and only true God of this universe through our participation in the communion service.

Hebrews 13:15 is our reaction to such a great honor.  We are to offer the sacrifice of our praise towards our God, Savior and Friend.

 

Hebrews is indeed a very challenging and spiritually deep letter from God.  It exhorts us to not stand still but always be moving in the direction of God (moving on towards perfection).  We are encouraged to always be “looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”