Hebrews Lesson 1: The Superiority of Christ
Hebrews Lesson 1: The Superiority of Christ (13:15)
Our knowledge of the background of Hebrews is limited. The book is formally anonymous, and we do not know precisely to whom it was written. Nevertheless, it is a profound book of vital importance to the Christian faith. Many sugges... more
Hebrews Lesson 2: The True Humanity of Christ
Hebrews Lesson 2: The True Humanity of Christ (11:40)
Hebrews 1 presents a highly exalted view of Christ. God has spoken de nitively and nally in his Son (1:1-3). He has become much better than the angels (1:4-14). For this reason, people must listen to the Son or face dire consequen... more
Hebrews Lesson 3: Be Faithful
Hebrews Lesson 3: Be Faithful (10:49)
Hebrews 3 challenges Christian to be faithful in their commitment to Christ. Jesus, who is greater than Moses, is set forth as a positive example of faithfulness. Believers are exhorted to consider Jesus (3:1) and to endure steadfa... more
Hebrews Lesson 4: Entering into God's Rest
Hebrews Lesson 4: Entering into God's Rest (10:52)
Hebrews 3:16-4:13 is concerned with entering into God's rest. The author elaborates upon Psalm 95 in order to remind the hearers of Israel's past rebellion and the subsequent consequences. Such rebellion, however, is now a present ... more
Hebrews Lesson 5: Jesus Our Great High Priest
Hebrews Lesson 5: Jesus Our Great High Priest (10:48)
Hebrews 4:14-16 opens up the central portion of the book (4:14- 10:25) focusing upon the central theme of Christ's high priesthood. Concerning this topic, the author of Hebrews goes into far more detail than any other NT writer. Je... more
Hebrews Lesson 6: Warning Against Apostasy
Hebrews Lesson 6: Warning Against Apostasy (11:21)
In Hebrews 5:11 the reader comes to the third warning passage in the book (5:11-6:20), a stern admonition of spiritual disaster for those who turn away from Christ. The scholarly debate on this passage has been extensive. Interpret... more
Hebrews Lesson 7: Jesus: Our Perfect High Priest
Hebrews Lesson 7: Jesus: Our Perfect High Priest (10:09)
Following on the heels of strong warning (6:1-8), the author of Hebrews turns to strong encouragement (6:9 and following). This encouragement to the readers is grounded in the sure promises of God (6:13-19) which leads t... more
Hebrews Lesson 8: The New Covenant
Hebrews Lesson 8: The New Covenant (11:39)
The focus upon Christ's priesthood continues in chapters 8-9 with emphasis upon the new covenant established by his once-for-all sacri ce on the cross. The main emphases of this section include the superior priestly ministry ... more
Hebrews Lesson 9: The Sacrifice of Jesus
Hebrews Lesson 9: The Sacrifice of Jesus (9:17)
Hebrews 10:1-18 has been deemed a "theological crescendo,"meaning that the author of Hebrews reiterates key theological themes covered thus far in the book such as the exaltation, incarnation, and high priestly work of Christ... more
Hebrews Lesson 10: The Implications of Christ's Sacrifice
Hebrews Lesson 10: The Implications of Christ's Sacrifice (9:29)
Hebrews 10:19-39 draws out the implications of the once for all sacri ce of Jesus described in the previous section (note the word "therefore"). The passage divides into three sections. First, the author encourages his r... more
Hebrews Lesson 11: Enduring Faith
Hebrews Lesson 11: Enduring Faith (10:50)
Having expressed con dence that both he and his readers are counted among those who "have faith to the persevering of the soul" (10:39), the author of Hebrews now turns more speci cally in chapter 11 to the character of endur... more
Hebrews Lesson 12: Looking Unto Jesus
Hebrews Lesson 12: Looking Unto Jesus (11:40)
Having delineated examples of enduring faith in chapter 11, the author moves in chapter 12 toward exhortation and specific application. God has proven faithful in the lives of others who have endured in faith. Since others have persevered,... more
Hebrews Lesson 13: Concluding Exhortations: Guidelines for Christian Living
Hebrews Lesson 13: Concluding Exhortations: Guidelines for Christian Living (7:08)
The author of Hebrews concludes his letter with a series of practical guidelines for Christian conduct. Chapter 13 seems to pick up on the concluding exhortation of Hebrews 12, that believers should show gratitude in their&n... more