LESSON # 56 (Week ending 02/06/11)

Hebrews 1-6

BACKGROUND

The Epistle to the Hebrews is addressed to Hebrew believers, although its teachings are for believers of every race in every age. It is very meaningful to you and to me today. However, we do need to keep in mind that it was written to and for Hebrew believers. For example, to say that Christ is superior to the prophets would be especially meaningful to a Hebrew.^[1]

We live in a world where many people doubt that God can be known and where there are many conflicting philosophies and religious viewpoints. Even amongst professing Christians there are sometimes claims of further revelation that contradict or claim to go beyond Scripture. However, Hebrews leaves us in no doubt about the fact that God spoke decisively to Israel through the prophets and that he has fully and finally revealed his character and will by his Son (1–2). The OT revelation came at many times throughout Israel's history and in various ways such as dreams, visions and angelic messages. But the ultimate revelation has come in these last days of human history, through Jesus Christ. The writer will go on to suggest that the OT was a preparation for, and the foundation of, this ultimate revelation (e.g. 8:5; 10:1). Indeed, God continues to speak through the OT Scriptures to Christians in a whole range of circumstances (e.g. 3:7–11; 12:5–6). However, to emphasize the finality of the revelation through Jesus Christ, the writer points to his surpassing greatness as the Son of God.^[2]

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1:1–2:18: The Son is Superior To Angels

Ø Before the incarnation of Christ, how did God speak with His people?

Ø Since the incarnation of Christ, how does God speak with His people?

Ø How does God the Father describe God the Son?

Ø Since Jesus ushered in a New Covenant, is there any other avenue by which one can obtain salvation? (2:1-4)

Ø What does it mean that "Jesus was made a little lower than the angels"?

Ø Why did Jesus have to share in our humanity?

3:1-19 – The Son is Superior To Moses

Ø Why did the author of Hebrews call on his readers to focus on Jesus rather than focusing on Moses? Application for us today?

Ø Why the warning against unbelief? To whom do the verses 3:7-11 specifically apply? Is there application for others here?

Ø What kept the Hebrews from being able to enter the promised land? Application for us?

4:1-13 – True Sabbath Rest

Ø Did those who practiced "Sabbath rest" in the OT achieve that rest? Why or why not?

Ø Did the actual day that God originally set aside for the Sabbath day change after the advent of Christ?

Ø How does God refer to a "Sabbath day's rest" now?

Ø How does the author of Hebrews describe the Word of God?

4:14-5:10: The Great High Priest

Ø Who is the High Priest of the church?

Ø Is that High Priest able to understand our earthly struggles, pains, and sufferings? Why?

Ø Why are we able to approach the Throne of God when the Hebrews were not allowed to do so?

Ø Do we now need another human to mediate in our behalf with Christ?

Ø How did Jesus learn obedience to His Father? Application for us?

5:11-6:12: Falling Away

Ø To what is the author referring when he encourages his readers to leave "elementary teachings" and to "go on to maturity"?

Ø Verses 6:4-6 have caused great theological debate over the years. Here are some of the interpretations of this passage:

(1) it describes the sin of apostasy, which means Christians can lose their salvation;

(2) it deals with people who were "almost saved" but then backed away from trusting Christ;

(3) it describes a sin possible only to Jews living while the Jewish temple was still standing;

(4) it presents a "hypothetical case" or illustration that could not really happen.

(5)The two key words in v. 6 are "fall away" and "crucify." "Fall away" is not the Gk. word apostasia, from which we get the English word "apostasy." It is parapipto, which means "to fall beside, to turn aside, to wander." It is similar to the word for "trespass," as found in Gal. 6:1 ("if a man be overtaken in a fault [trespass]"). The message of this difficult passage is this: Christians can go backward in their spiritual lives and bring shame to Christ. While they are living in sin, they cannot be brought to repentance, and they are in danger of divine chastening. If they persist, their lives will bear no lasting fruit, and they will "suffer loss" at the judgment seat of Christ.

Ø Looking at the context of this passage and the context of the NT, which of the above explanations do you thing is correct? Or is there another one that gives better understanding?

6:13-20: God's Promise is Certain

Ø Why is our hope in Christ secure?

Ø Of what Israelite family were the Jewish priests taken?

Ø From what order was Christ taken? Is there significance for this? Application for us?

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^[1]McGee, J. V. (1991). Vol. 51: Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Hebrews 1-7). Based on the Thru the Bible radio program. (electronic ed.). Thru the Bible commentary (15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2]Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (Heb 1:1). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.

LESSON #55 (Week ending 01/30/11)

Leviticus 16-27

Chapter 16 – The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur

Ø What does "atonement" mean?

Ø Why did God require the change in the way this sacrifice was made?

Ø Why were two goats used for the offering? Significance of this?

Chapter 17 – Blood prohibition

Ø Why was the sacrifice limited to one location?

Ø What happened to those who sought a different way of sacrificing? Application for us?

Ø Where was the only place that God accepted the "universal" sacrifice?

Chapter 18 – Unlawful Sexual Relationships

Ø Why did the Lord specify what seems obvious to us?

Ø Where did the Israelites learn these deviant sexual behaviors?

Ø Why does God want His people to be pure? Application for us?

Chapters 19-20 – Other unlawful practices

Ø List several of the other practices of the heathens that God detested.

Ø Do these apply to us or were they primarily to protect the Israelites?

Ø Does verse 20:26 still apply to us and if so give some NT references that demonstrate it does.

Chapters 21-22 – Rules for Priests

Ø Why were priests given such strict rules? List those rules.

Ø Did God require a higher standard for the conduct and character of Priests? Why or why not?

Ø What future person did they picture?

Chapter 23 – Appointed Feast/Festival Days

ISRAEL'S RELIGIOUS CALENDAR

Festival	Date	Meaning
Passover	14 Nisan (Mar/Apr)	A memorial festival, celebrated in the home. Each family ate a Passover meal symbolizing their solidarity with the Exodus generation the night God struck the Egyptians and passed over Jewish homes (see Ex. 12). This was the first day of the religious year, for it marked God's redemption of His people from slavery in Egypt.
Unleavened Bread	15–21 Nisan (Mar/Apr)	A week–long period marked by sacrifices, during which the people ate bread made without yeast, as a reminder of their forefather's hasty departure from Egypt (see Ex. 12:34).
First fruits	16 Nisan (Mar/Apr)	A celebration of thanksgiving, held at harvest time, during which the first newly ripened barley was presented to the Lord. The symbolism foreshadows the resurrection of Jesus, called a first fruit in 1 Cor. 15:20–23.
Pentecost (Weeks)	5 Sivan (May/Jun)	New grain is offered in thanksgiving to the Lord, and special sacrifices are offered. It is significant the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, and 3,000 were converted. These first Christians were representative of the millions God will harvest from our lost race as His own.
Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah)	1 Tishri (Sept/Oct)	This day of rest was the first day in Israel's civil year. "Rosh Ha–SHA–nah" means "head of the year," i.e., new year.
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)	15–21 Tishri (Sept/Oct)	On this solemn day of fasting and prayer the high priest entered the innermost room of the sanctuary and made atonement for "all the sins" of the people of Israel (see Lev. 16). "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement."
Tabernacles (Succoth)	15–21 Tishri (Sept/Oct)	During this week the people of Israel lived outside in shelters made of branches. No work was done during this time, and the family was to relive the days of ancient Israel's travel through the wilderness. Following the solemn Day of Atonement, this relaxing week symbolized the rest and joy that follows our salvation. "Succoth" means "shelters," or "lean–tos." This festival was concluded with a solemn assembly and sacrifice on 22 Tishri.

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Chapter 24 – Oil and bread before the Lord

Ø Are there any comparisons for us today with God's ordinance that the Hebrews keep the lamp stand lit?

Ø What about the loaves of bread? Any comparisons for us?

Ø What does it mean to blaspheme the name of the Lord?

Ø Does the passage about capital punishment apply for today?

Chapter 25 – The Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee

Ø Do these requirements apply only to the Hebrews or also to us? Why/why not?

Ø God promised the Israelites a "land". Does He make that same promise to us?

Chapter 26 – 27: Rewards and punishments and Vows

Ø What does God promise Israel for their obedience to Him?

Ø Does He promise the church the same things?

Ø What about His punishments, are they any different for Israel and the church?

Ø How does God view disobedience and sin?

Ø What is the remedy for sin?

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^[1]Richards, L. O. (1991; Published in electronic form by Logos Research Systems, 1996). The Bible readers companion (electronic ed.) (89). Wheaton: Victor Books.

LESSON #54 (Week ending 01/23/11)

Leviticus 1-15

Introduction:

Ø "Leviticus emphasizes that what God asks of man is to walk humbly with him, in obedience to His will. To that end the first half of Leviticus (chapters 1 to 16) makes explicit what the first clause in the Golden Rule declares—"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God...". The second half of Leviticus (from chapter 17 onwards) explains in detail what the second clause of the Golden Rule means—"and thy neighbor as thyself". (Knight, Levitius)

Ø "The Book of Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied by a Christian. However, a book referred to about 40 times in the New Testament should be of great significance to every Christian. Apart from the question of the typological significance of the Levitical sacrifices, the Book of Leviticus contains extensive revelation concerning the character of God—especially His holiness but also His electing love and grace. Also it provides many rich lessons concerning the holy life that God expects of His people. Many New Testament passages, including some key concepts in the Epistle to the Hebrews, cannot be evaluated properly without a clear understanding of their counterparts in the Book of Leviticus." (Walvoord, & Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary)

Ø We today do not understand the significance of the sacrificial system instituted by God. Bloodshed is an awesome image of the sin and the cost of salvation.

Ø "Leviticus teaches about holiness for everyone. It covers sickness to sex, and everything in-between. Holiness is important to God for all of His people, not just the priests. We are all called to be holy as He is holy." (Knowles. The Bible Guide)

Ø The sacrifices described in Leviticus are solemn, costly and moving. But they are never enough. They are for ever being repeated; because sin is never fully dealt with . . . the painful knowledge is that all the sacrificing of animals has never really dealt with sin. Jesus, on the cross, at last makes a sacrifice which works for everyone for all time. He dies shouting triumphantly, 'It is finished!'

Chapters 1-7: The Offerings

Ø Chapter 1: Burnt Offering

ü What did the Lord require to be used as a burnt offering? Why?

ü Why did the one bringing the offering have to lay his hand on the offering?

ü Who does the animal being sacrificed represent?

Ø Chapter 2: Grain Offering

ü What did the Lord require to be used as a grain offering? Why?

ü "Symbolically this offering speaks of the moral perfection of the life of our Savior (fine flour), untainted by evil (no leaven), fragrant to God (frankincense), and filled with the Holy Spirit (oil)." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ø Chapter 3: Fellowship or Peace Offering

ü What did the Lord require to be used as a fellowship offering? Why?

ü "The finished work of Christ in relation to the believer is seen in the peace offering. The Lord Jesus is our peace (Eph. 2:14), having made peace through the blood of His cross (Col. 1:20). (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

(over)

Ø Chapter 4 – 5:13: Sin Offering

ü "The sin offering points symbolically to Christ, who was "made sin" for us, though He knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

ü Notice the "unintentional" nature of the sins in this section.

Ø Chapter 5:14 – 6:7: Guilt or Trespass Offering

ü Offered for the forgiveness of intentional sins as compared to the Sin Offering.

ü Was there any additional requirement other than the offering given?

ü "The Lord Jesus not only restored what had been stolen through man's sin – fellowship with the heavenly Father, but He added more. For God has received more glory through the finished work of Christ than if sin had never entered the world. And we are better off in Christ than we ever could have been in un-fallen Adam." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ø Chapter 6:8 – 7:38: Additional Priestly Rules

Chapters 8-10 = Consecration of the Priests – these are men especially set apart for ministry to God. Compare with the qualifications in Timothy and Titus for elders and deacons.

Ø Chapter 8-9: Ordination and Installation of the Priests

ü Why was the blood was placed on ... the ear, ... hand, and ... foot of Aaron and his sons?

ü This is to remind us that Christ's blood should affect our obedience, service, and walk. (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Ø Chapter 10: Serving God is Serious Business

ü Why did God deal so harshly with Nadab and Abihu?

ü "Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each burned incense ... before the Lord with profane fire, perhaps fire that was not taken off the brazen altar. Since the altar speaks of Calvary, it was as if they tried to approach God in some way other than through the atoning work of Christ. Fire went out from the Most Holy Place and devoured them as they stood by the golden altar in the holy place. Moses warned Aaron, in effect, that any complaint would be rebellion against God's righteous dealings." (MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary)

Chapters 11-15 = Laws of Cleansing – God is a holy God and desires His people to be holy also!

Ø Why did God give the Israelites food restrictions?

Ø Why the need for purification after childbirth?

ØWhy the instructions about infectious diseases and bodily discharges?

Ø Do these laws of cleansing apply to us? What can we learn from them?

LESSON #53 (Week ending 01/16/11)

2 Timothy

This second letter to Timothy, one of Paul's Pastoral Epistles, is the last of Paul's letters. The major themes of this second epistle are:

1) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15).

2) "Preach the Word; be prepared in season, out of season; correct, rebuke, exhort with all patience and careful instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2).

1:1-2:13: Encouragement to be Faithful

Ø What does Paul mean when he says that he prayed for Timothy day and night?

Ø What does it mean that God did not give "a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline"?

Ø What does it mean to be ashamed?

Ø What does it mean to suffer for the Gospel?

2:14-26: An Approved Workman

Ø Who is considered an "approved" workman?

Ø The words translated "do your best" are a translation of the Greek word spoudazo which means to do something with intense effort and motivation—'to work hard, to do one's best, to endeavor.'^[1] Is this the way you study the Bible?

Ø An approved workman, according to Paul, takes responsibility for his actions. List some of the ways Paul encourages Timothy to be an approved workman. Do these apply to us?

3:1-9: The Last Days

Ø How does Paul describe the people of the last days? Do you see any parallels to our society today? What does this tell you?

Ø According to Paul, were their people of his day who were evil and unwilling to come to the Truth? How about today, do evil people exist today?

Ø What should our response be to people who reject the Truth?

3:10-4:8: Paul's 2^nd Charge to Timothy

Ø Paul was able to say to Timothy, "you have seen my life, now emulate it". Can you say that to your Timothy?

Ø What is Paul's conclusion about how people living a godly life will be treated? Is that also true for us today?

Ø How does Paul view Scripture? Do you agree?

Ø Why is it important to get the Word of God out?

4:9-22: Other Remarks

Ø Was Paul able to make converts of everyone he knew? Are we? Who is the One who is responsible for making converts?

Ø On whom did Paul keep his eyes when he was being rejected and persecuted? How about you?

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^[1] Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1: Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (661). New York: United Bible societies.