Feb 9,2002
Starting the Race
Hebrews 1:1-14
When the ancient church father Chrysostom was summoned before the Roman emperor and charged with being a Christian, the emperor threatened him with banishment if he did not renounce Jesus Christ. Chrysostom responded, "You cannot banish me, for the whole world is my Father’s kingdom."
"Then I will take away your life," said the emperor.
"You cannot," answered Chrysostom, "for my life is hid with Christ in God."
"I will take away your treasure," roared the emperor.
"You can’t," replied Chrysostom, "for my treasure is in heaven, where my heart is."
"Then I will drive you away from all your friends," the emperor said.
"You cannot, for I have one friend from whom you can never separate me. I defy you," said Chrysostom, "because you can do me no harm."
Such conviction grows out of a firm grasp of who Jesus Christ really is. Hebrews 1 will get you started on the race with a look at the majesty, power and glory of Jesus Christ.
1. "Christ, Buddha, Muhammad, they’re all alike," someone tells you. What do you say?
2. Read Hebrews 1:1-14. How do verses 1-3 reveal the essential truth of Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency?
3. What difference does it make that God "has spoken to us by his Son" (v. 2)?
4. Based on what we learn in verses 2-3, how would you answer the question "Who is Jesus Christ"?
5. Christ’s work of purification of sins (v. 3) will emerge as a major emphasis of the writer in chapters 9—10. Because there are so many aspects to who Christ is, we may find ourselves responding to him in different ways at different times. Compare and contrast your response to Christ as Creator and Sustainer to Christ as the one who provided the only remedy for our sins.
6. What assurance about Christ’s work of purification of our sins do we receive from the fact that he now sits at the Father’s right hand?
7. To drive his point home, the author uses seven Old Testament citations. What characteristics or attributes of Jesus does the writer find in the Old Testament to prove his claim that Jesus is superior to angels (vv. 4-14)?
8. Who is the source of all of these astounding statements (vv. 5-8, 10, 13)?
9. What does this tell us about the authority of our Old Testament?
10. Based on what you have observed in verses 5-14, how would you expand your answer to the question "Who is Christ?"
11. What needs in your life do these qualities of Jesus address?
12. What kind of life should you have because all this is true of Jesus?
Warning Signs
Hebrews 2:1-18
"Warning!" A black-and-white-lettered sign that I encounter once warns me of a danger ahead. Sometimes if there were no sign we could easily get into trouble. Cigarette packs, cans of weed killer, fences around nuclear power plants—they all carry impressive warnings, designed to steer us from life-threatening perils.
In Hebrews 2, the writer erects the first of six prominent warning signs in the letter. The first, in effect, alerts us to the danger of drifting off the course of our faith-race. It tells us to concentrate on staying in the race.
1. "Now you listen to me, you hear!" You may have heard this complaint from a parent, a teacher or even a drill sergeant. Similarly, Jesus struggled with different groups of people who heard and heard and heard (Mk 4:1-20), but produced nothing. What causes spiritual indifference?
2. Read Hebrews 2:1-18. In verse 1 we read, "pay more careful attention . . . to," and in verse 3 we are told not to "ignore." What is it that we are to focus our lives on?
3. What might cause you to "drift away" from Christ, or to let "such a great salvation" slip away like a loose ring that falls off your finger?
4. What logic does the writer use in verses 2-3 to further focus our attention on the peril of drifting away?
5. How does the writer strengthen the warning that God’s salvation in Christ is well worth our most intense obedience (vv. 3-4)?
6. What helps you to maintain a warm, life-changing relationship with Jesus?
7. To prove that Jesus is too great and too valuable to neglect, the writer tells us more about him (vv. 5-9). What major facts does he cite here?
8. From the description of Jesus in verses 10-13, paint a picture of him that would encourage a fellow Christian today.
9. Why did Jesus have "to be made like his brothers (you and me) in every way" (vv. 16-18)?
10. How does Jesus help you when you are tempted?
11. If you were to give Jesus names or titles, based on verses 5-18, what would they be?
How does knowing these titles or roles of Jesus keep you from drifting away from him and staying in the faith-race?
12. "Be sure your seatbelts are securely fastened," the aircraft’s captain warns you because of approaching turbulence. How can you help one another to be "securely fastened" into Jesus?
Winning the Race
Hebrews 3:1-18
Coaches tell us that what distinguishes average from superior athletes is the will to win. Endowed with equal physical strengths, one reaches the heights of stardom while the other slips into obscurity.
In this chapter, the writer describes two equally endowed Christian runners in the faith-race. One succeeded and the other failed. What made the difference? The will to win. One held firmly to Christ, but the other fell by the wayside because of a hard heart.
1. What makes the difference between vibrant, growing Christians you know and those who appear to be dull and uninterested in the implications of their profession of faith?
2. Read Hebrews 3:1-18. What does the writer emphasize about Jesus in verses 1-6 that would encourage us to "fix [our] thoughts" on him (v. 1) and "hold on" to our courage and hope (v. 6)?
3. Why would it be essential for the Hebrews to be convinced that Jesus is greater than Moses (vv. 2-6)?
4. How do you concentrate intensely on Jesus (v. 1), especially when you are being tested by adversity, neglect or indifference?
5. In verses 7-11 the writer hoists his second warning—unbelief and disobedience. These verses describe the nation of Israel after they crossed the Red Sea. They refused to obey God’s command to take the Promised Land because they were afraid of the military might they would face. So they were forced to wander forty years till that whole generation died off. How does the psalmist describe God’s perspective on the Israelites?
6. In what ways might Christians "test and try" God (v. 9)? Why?
7. How do those whose hearts have turned away from God act?
8. Why do we need encouragement every day to hold fast to Christ?
9. How did God judge the Israelites whom Moses led out of Egypt (vv. 15-19)?
Why did he judge them in this way?
10. How seriously do you think Christians today take disobedience and unbelief? Explain.
11. On the positive side, what advantages are given to the one who has the will to win the race and who shares in all that Christ offers (v. 14)?
12. Review the facts about the hardhearted (vv. 8, 10, 12-13, 15-18). Which aspects of this lifestyle come closest to your experience?
What are you doing to avoid the peril of "falling in the desert" (v. 17)?
Receiving God’s
Blessings
Hebrews 4:1-13
Opportunities are greater today than ever before in history. Young people have greater chances for health, happiness, and prosperity than had the children of any previous generation. The same is true for Christians in God’s faith-race.
It was true for God’s people, Israel, yet they missed the opportunity for living in God’s land of blessing and perished in a wilderness of unbelief and disobedience. This chapter tells Christians in the race that there is something to fear, but also something to strive for—experiencing God’s promised rest now.
1. Why do you think some Christians miss out on the chance to find God’s richest blessings?
2. Read Hebrews 4:1-13. What do you think the promise of entering God’s rest means in verse 1?
3. The tragic fate of the Israelites who perished in the desert serves as the basis of God’s warning to those who have heard the gospel. Why did some who had the gospel preached to them miss their opportunity to receive God’s rest (v. 2)?
4. From what you have observed in Hebrews thus far, how would you describe the faith which is required to receive God’s rest?
5. We are told to do our best to reach God’s rest (3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5-6, 9-11). How do you picture such rest?
6. God rested from all of his work (v. 4), and he offers us a "Sabbath-rest" on the seventh day of the week. What does it mean to you to rest from your work?
7. Verses 6-8 refer to the Israelites. How did they refuse to receive God’s rest?
8. The "word of God" that judges our thoughts and attitudes (vv. 12-13) is the specific promise of God’s rest. How can God’s Word show you the condition of your heart?
9. How should our exposure to God’s scrutiny and our accountability to him affect our thoughts and attitudes (v. 13)?
10. What role does Scripture have in your life right now?
How would you like to deepen or change that relationship?
Overcoming Weakness
Hebrews 4:14—5:10
The Pulitzer Prize-winning book City of Joy tells about the intense suffering of a Polish priest in a Calcutta slum. His superiors offered him a comfortable lodging, but he chose to live just like the slum-dwellers. By his suffering he learned what it was like to be a slum-dweller. He could not have learned that any other way. Mother Teresa said that same exact thing! Likewise, the Hebrews needed to be reminded of their God-appointed, suffering high priest, Jesus Christ, so they would hold firmly to him. But the writer says they had to grow up from spiritual infancy.
1. What experiences have you had that have helped you to better understand another person?
2. Read Hebrews 4:14—5:10. What commands are given in 4:14 and 16?
3. What is there about the character of Jesus that encourages us to obey these commands?
4. When you are tempted, what difference does it make to know that Jesus was likewise tempted and therefore sympathizes with your weakness?
5. Jesus, as our merciful and faithful high priest, made atonement for our sins. The writer reminds the Hebrews of their earthly high priest in Judaism. What was the high priest like (5:1-4)?
6. What main fact does the author establish about the high priesthood of Jesus (5:5)?
What difference does it make?
7. How would you compare Jesus’ high appointment with the life he lived (5:7-8)?
8. How does your life reflect your high appointment as the adopted son or daughter of God?
9. What was the result of Christ’s suffering (5:8-10)?
10. How does this help you to take a positive attitude toward suffering?
The Race to Maturity
Hebrews 5:11—6:20
The Hebrews were in desperate danger of quitting the race, so the writer urged them to go forward. This is a chapter with four strong appeals: "Let us go on to maturity" (v. 1). "Show diligence" (v. 11). "Do not become lazy" (v. 12). "Take hold of the hope" (v. 18).
1. When are you most tempted to drop out of the faith-race? Why?
2. Read Hebrews 5:11-14. How would you describe the failures of the Hebrews?
3. In view of their resources and opportunities for growth, how do you account for their problems?
4. Why is "infant" (v. 13) an apt description of spiritual failure?
5. Read Hebrews 6:1-20. The foundation of our Christian faith is essential, but what were the Hebrews doing (vv. 1-3)?
6. According to vv. 4-6, why is it absolutely essential to develop Christian maturity?
7. What are the consequences of falling by the wayside (so to speak)?
8. Two kinds of land production vividly portray the reason to go on to maturity (vv. 7-8). How does each characterize your life?
9. What hope does the writer see for better things to come (vv. 9-10)? Why?
10. As you reflect on your track record, of both diligence and laziness (vv. 11-12), how can you improve?
11. What essential part of God’s nature encourages the Hebrews to be positive and hopeful about their future (vv. 13-18)?
12. How would you describe the anchor of your soul (v. 19)?
13. In verses 19-20 the writer returns to the Hebrews’ familiar religion of priests and their temple with its holy place curtained off. In other words, it was a picture of a more profound spiritual reality in Christ. How does Jesus fulfill your deepest aspirations and help you to go on to maturity in your faith-race?
Eternal Companion
Hebrews 7:1-28
In the Old Testament, religion and priests go hand-in-hand. Moses had carefully laid out all the rules for the Levites, the priestly clan of Israel. But the Hebrew Christians had departed from their old religion that was centered on priestly functions. Yet some of them hankered to return to their old ways. "Don’t turn back," the writer appeals. "You have something far better in Christ." In chapters 7—10, the author tells of Christ’s superior priestly origin, his better covenant and his sufficient-for-all-time sacrifice of himself. Regardless of whether we have had to move away from old traditions to find Christ, we all need confidence builders like chapter 7, so that as we run our faith-race, we will stick with Jesus, no matter what.
1. "He always makes me feel so strong," a church member said of his pastor after a sermon. What relationships strengthen your knowledge of Christ and build you up?
2. Read Hebrews 7. Jesus is our high priest, not of the ancient Jewish line of Aaron, but of the line of the pre-Aaronic Melchizedek. "Just think how great he [Melchizedek] was," commands the writer (v. 4). What was there about Melchizedek that made him so great (vv. 1-3)?
3. Great as his name and position were, there was one incident that proved Melchizedek’s superiority to the Hebrews: Their patriarch Abraham tithed (gave one-tenth of his income) to him (v. 4). According to verses 5-10, why does this prove that Jesus’ high priesthood is superior to that of Levi (Aaron’s son)?
4. Jesus inaugurated a new era and set aside the old because he was not of the priestly tribe (vv. 11-14). On what does his priestly authority rest (vv. 15-17)?
5. How can his everlastingness affect your day-to-day ups and downs?
6. In what sense were the ancient rules of the Jews "weak and useless" (vv. 18-19)?
7. Why is our hope in Christ a "better hope" (v. 19)?
8. God’s oath set aside Jesus as a distinctive high priest (vv. 20-21). How does Jesus guarantee our faith-agreement (covenant) with him (v. 22)?
9. What does the permanence of Christ’s priesthood make possible for us (vv. 23-25)?
(Claudette is in New York now)
God’s "New
Deal"
Hebrews 8:1-13
Way back in 1932, President Franklin Roosevelt sought to rescue the US from the pit of the Great Depression by launching the "New Deal". The concept caught the imagination of the people. The time was ripe for a radically new economic and social program. In this chapter, the writer of Hebrews announces God’s "new deal"—a covenant, or agreement, between God and humanity. It offers far superior promises to those of the "old deal" (Old Testament laws and regulations).
1. Why do you think the concept of "new, improved, better" is so effective in advertising?
2. Read Hebrews 8:1-13. "We do have such a high priest" (v. 1) refers to the description of Jesus in 7:23-28. What additional facts do you learn about him (vv. 1-2)?
3. What is Christ’s heavenly ministry (vv. 3-6)?
4. Verse 6 looks back to prove Christ’s superior ministry and forward to prove that we have a superior covenant with God. The key is "better promises." What was the problem with the first covenant (vv. 7-12)?
5. What are the main benefits for us of God’s "new deal"?
6. Do you function better under external restraint (the law) or inner constraint (God’s Spirit) (v. 10)? Why?
7. What is one purpose of God’s new plan (v. 10)?
8. The distinctive mark of God’s children is that they know him (v. 11). How does such knowledge transform your life?
9. What guarantees God’s "new deal" (v. 12)? (See also vv. 1-3; 9:14.)
10. How is the covenant promise of forgiveness better than the old covenant?
11. What happens to you when you say to God, "Thank you for forgiving and forgetting my sin"?
12. A magazine ad for dishwashers offers more power, more pizzazz and more performance. How could your understanding and application of God’s "new deal" offer all of that to you in your walk with him?
(Claudette will be home from NY on the 10th)
The Runner’s Power
Hebrews 9:1-28
In view of the colossal problems besetting us—drugs, violence,wars, depression, to name a few—it seems like a gross oversimplification to say that the blood of Jesus Christ is the solution. But, in a different context, the Hebrews faced similar problems of neglect, unbelief and immaturity. They were in danger of dropping out of the race and turning back to their old ways. Seemingly, they lacked the power and purpose to advance and press on in their faith-race.
What was the solution given to them? The blood of Jesus. Only a full and perfect knowledge of what Jesus is and does for us can bring us to a full and perfect Christian life.
1. Why does our culture often deny and dodge the truth of Christ’s offering his own blood for humankind?
2. Read Hebrews 9. What was the point of the reminders about the Old Testament sanctuary (vv. 1-5)?
3. In what way did the priests’ gifts and sacrifices fall short (vv. 6-10)?
4. Contrast what Jesus did (vv. 11-14) with the old system (vv. 1-10).
How could you successfully marshal a debate to show that Jesus came to give us something better?
5. In verse 15 "for this reason" introduces the writer’s proof of why Jesus had to offer his blood for us. Of what value is it to you to be set free to receive an eternal inheritance?
6. Why was the shedding of sacrificial blood required even under the old covenant (vv. 16-22)?
7. The writer explains why the offering of Jesus’ blood is not only necessary, but also a superior sacrifice. Why is it important to direct our attention to "heavenly things" (v. 23)?
8. In what sense was Jesus qualified "to appear for us in God’s presence" (v. 24)?
9. What difference would it make to those steeped in Old Testament religion to know that Jesus once-for-all offered his own blood, rather than offering animal blood (vv. 25-26)?
10. How can you deepen your understanding of and appreciation for Christ’s self-sacrifice?
11. Death and judgment are certain. In view of that, how would you encourage someone to face eternity with hope and peace, based on what you have learned in this chapter?
Staying in the Race
Hebrews 10:1-39
Faced with seemingly eternal years of schoolwork and a multitude of rules to obey, children get discouraged. When that happens, parents and Teachers say, "Look at your great opportunities. Take advantage of what you have now. Don’t throw it away."
The writer of Hebrews, in chapter 10, reaches the heights of Mt. Everest with a picture of Jesus that offers his readers encouragement. From those lofty heights he tells them to warm up to God, hold their faith in him, and stir up one another in Christian faith and practice. His argument culminates at 10:18; it seems that he can gather no further evidence to draw them back to Jesus.
1. Recall an opportunity you missed because it sounded too good. What did you miss by not believing the evidence?
2. Read Hebrews 10:1-39. The writer continues to discuss Jesus and the Old Testament offerings. How do verses 1-4 prove that the Old Testament system was a shadow, not the real thing?
3. Contrast Jesus’ sacrifice (the reality) with the shadow (vv. 5-10). Why is his sacrifice better?
4. What did he do for us that the Old Testament sacrifices could not (vv. 10, 14)?
5. As you meditate on verses 11-18 and the awesome love and power of Jesus to take away your sins, what are the responses in your heart and mind?
6. Summarize what God wants to do for you in Christ (vv. 1-2, 4, 10-11, 14-15, 17-18).
What could you do if you don’t feel "holy" or "perfect"?
7. In light of what God has done for us in Christ (vv. 19-21), what three commands does the writer feel compelled to issue (vv. 22-24)?
8. What does the awesome privilege of coming close to God mean for us (v. 22)?
9. What role do others play in helping us to "hold unswervingly" to our faith (v. 23-25)?
10. If we fail to draw near to God, hold fast our faith and stir up one another, what is likely to happen (vv. 25-26, 38-39)?
11. How does the writer make clear that his warning of punishment applies to professing Christians (vv. 30-34)?
12. What purposes could be achieved in your life by both this strong encouragement and this stern warning?
Models of Faith
Hebrews 11:1-40
Probably no subject is so glibly misunderstood as faith. Nearly everyone professes to have some of it. Many people would like to have more. The writer to the Hebrews takes faith out of religious theory and clothes it with flesh and blood. The author does this with what we today call role models. These models inspire us to go on believing in Jesus.
1. Complete the sentence: "Faith is . . ."
2. Read Hebrews 11:1-40. How can you be sure of your hopes and be certain of what you can’t see (v. 1)?
3. What else does faith enable us to do (vv. 3, 6)?
4. Look for both assured confidence and calm expectation (v. 1) in the role models of faith in this chapter. How did Abel, Enoch and Noah express their faith (vv. 4-7)?
5. Considering the foolishness of his choices by human standards, what do you think Abraham’s emotions were like (vv. 8-10)?
In what way would his hope for "the city without foundations" enable him to endure?
6. What unseen certainties have guided you in making fundamental, life-changing decisions?
7. What subtle irony about the power of faith comes out in verse 12?
8. How does the promise of a heavenly country help us to keep our faith, even when we don’t see our hopes fulfilled immediately (vv. 13-16)?
9. Why do you think Abraham’s faith triumphed when he was asked to give up Isaac (vv. 17-19)?
10. How would you compare the faith of the named heroes and heroines who achieved greatness (vv. 20-35) with those unnamed persons who suffered grievously (vv. 35-38)?
11. Some Christians believe that faith always leads to material and physical blessing. What does this passage tell you about the role of both blessing and suffering for the faithful?
12. In tough circumstances, what connection do you make between your faith and the certainty of resurrection (v. 35)?
13. What has God enabled you to do through faith?
The Runner’s
Discipline
Hebrews 12:1-2
We often wonder why thousands of marathoners seem to enjoy punishing themselves in those grueling races. Certainly, for most, it’s not the hope of winning. What is it then? I guess that the real joy of the Marathon is just finishing, just winning the contest with yourself—doing what you have set out to do. That’s the attitude the Hebrews were supposed to have: Stay in the faith-race to the end.
1. Why is perseverance usually not at the top of the list of the qualities we most admire in people?
2. Read Hebrews 12:1-29. What hindrances and entanglements get in the way of your Christian faith-race (v. 1)? Why?
3. Up to this point in the letter, how has the writer encouraged perseverance by pointing to Jesus?
4. Of what value is it to keep your eyes on Jesus (vv. 2-3)?
How do you accomplish this?
5. What discipline of the Hebrews do you think the writer alludes to (vv. 3-4, 7; 11:35-38)?
6. How do the values of God’s discipline cited here help us to respond positively to discipline (vv. 10-12)?
7. How have you been able to "strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees" when under discipline (v. 12)?
8. Identify the writer’s specific instructions in verses 14-17.
On what principles are they based?
9. How could you identify a "bitter root" or a "godless Esau" in your life (vv. 15-16)?
10. What encouragement do you find in verses 18-24 to run the faith-race with perseverance?
11. We’ve all been tempted to drop out of the race. Why would the warning of verses 25-29 cause us to reconsider?
12. In what ways does your worship reflect (or fail to reflect) the fact that God is a "consuming fire" (v. 29)?
Running by the Rules
Hebrews 13:1-25
Ben Johnson of Canada was stripped of the Olympic gold medals he won at Seoul in 1988 because he broke the rules about drug use. Similarly, the Christian’s faith-race is much more than a sprint to the finish line. It’s a race which brings glory to God by the way the runners behave. In the concluding chapter, the writer to the Hebrews sketches a variety of duties to God and humanity. Together they reveal an exalted level of personal morality and duty.
1. How do you account for the rather lackadaisical attitude among some Christians who apparently think that it does not matter how they live, as long as they are "saved" or "belong to the church"?
2. Read Hebrews 13:1-25. Verses 1-3 tie in with verse 16. In what sense should loving others, doing good, sharing, entertaining strangers and helping the prisoners and the mistreated people be considered "sacrifices" to God?
3. Sexual purity is one of God’s absolutes (v. 4). How do you account for sexual impurity among professing Christians—some of them well-known public figures?
4. What facts about God help to keep you from loving money (vv. 5-6)?
5. Obligation to spiritual leaders are laid out in verses 7, 17-18. What is here that we should follow?
How can you do this in your church?
6. For their part, what should spiritual leaders be doing?
7. Suppose someone challenged you to prove the flat claim of verse 8. Based on Hebrews, what would you say?
8. The writer cannot resist another magnificent portrait of Jesus, again set against the backdrop of the old system (vv. 9-10). What new application is made of Jesus’ suffering, and which teachings have you encountered before in Hebrews (vv. 13-14)?
9. In what sense is our praise a sacrifice to God (v. 15)?
10. What insights do you gain about the writer (vv. 18-19, 22-25)?
11. Verses 20-21 are a benediction, a summary prayer. In making it a personal prayer, what kind of "equipment" ("everything good for doing his will") would you ask God for? Why?
12. On the basis of your study of Hebrews, what do you think God would like to "work" in you that would please him?
