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
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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?
[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).
[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).
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