Online Study (Hebrews)

We delve into the Word of God to pursue genuine growth, anchored in understanding Truth. John 17:17 underscores this pursuit, affirming the sanctification of individuals in Truth, with God's Word serving as the epitome of Truth. As men, we commit to a profound exploration of Scripture, recognizing it as God's declaration to humanity. Through this intentional engagement, we aim to grasp the profound wisdom, guidance, and transformative power embedded within its pages. Just as a document cannot be printed if the paper output tray remains closed, our spiritual journey remains incomplete if we fail to open ourselves to the illuminating insights and divine truths found within the Word of God.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87369165638

The Epistle To The Hebrews

Join The Call

Tuesday Morning Study

This weeks Study Questions

Chapter 13 - July 9

What are the main points of this chapter?
List the moral exhortations given in this chapter. (1-5)
Since God promises never to leave or forsake us, what can we say? (6)
List the religious exhortations given in this chapter. (7-19)
What should we be looking for? (14)
What does the author pray for in behalf of his readers? (20-21)
What is the final appeal made to his brethren? (22)
With whom does he hope to soon see them? (23)

Chapter 12 - July 2

What are the main points of this chapter?
How are we to run the race of faith? (1-3)
If we experience hostility striving against sin, how should we view it? (4-9)
What can chastening from God accomplish? (10-11)
As we run the race of faith, what should we pursue and how? (12-17)
How did Mt. Sinai appear to Moses and the Israelites? (18-21)
To what have we come? (22-24)
List four reasons we should not refuse Him who speaks from heaven? (25-29)

Chapter 11 - June 25

What are the main points of this chapter?
What is faith as defined in this chapter? (1)
What we do understand by faith concerning the worlds? (3)
List the names of Old Testament saints mentioned in this chapter (4-32)
What did these "heroes of faith" look forward to receiving? (13-16)
List some of the amazing things done by faith. (33-35)
List some of the things these people of faith endured. (35-38)
What did these "heroes of faith" obtain? What did they not? Why? (39-40)
From this chapter, what do we learn about faith and works?

Chapter 10 - June 18

What are the main points of this chapter?
Why were animal sacrifices insufficient? (1-4)
In coming to do the will of God, what has Jesus done? (9)
What distinguishes Christ's sacrifice from those of OT priests? (11-14)
What three-fold exhortation is based on what Jesus has done? (22-24)
What should we not forsake? (25)
What's meant by "sin willfully"? What's the consequence of doing so? (26-27)
Of what is one guilty when they persist in sin? Why should one be afraid? (29-31)
What three things do we need to receive the promise of God? (35-39)

Chapter 9 - June 11

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

2) Describe the two parts of the earthly tabernacle and what they contained (2-5)

3) What were the limitations of the earthly tabernacle and its services? (9-10)

4) Of what was Christ the High Priest? (11,24)

5) What sacrifice did Jesus offer? (12,14)

6) What does the sacrifice of Christ accomplish? (12,14-15,26,28)

7) When did the new covenant (testament) come into force? (15-17)

8) What is appointed for men? (27)

9) For whom will Christ appear a second time for salvation? (28)

Chapter 8 - June 4

What are the main points of this chapter?
Where is our High Priest? In what does He minister? (1-2)
If Jesus were on earth, what could He not be? (4)
What served as a copy and shadow of the true tabernacle? (5)
In what way has Jesus obtained a more excellent ministry? (6)
Why was it necessary to replace the first covenant with the second? (7-8)
Which covenant was the first, old covenant? (9)
List characteristics of God's new covenant foretold by Jeremiah. (10-12)
With the new covenant, what happened to the old covenant? (13)

Chapter 7 - May 28

What are the main points of this chapter?
Where in the Old Testament can we read about Melchizedek? (1)
What do Melchizedek and the Son of God appear to have in common? (3)
Why is Melchizedek greater than both Abraham and Levi? (4-10)
Why was there a need for a change in the priesthood? (11)
What was required for there to be a change in the priesthood? (12,18)
What evidence is there that the Law has been changed? (13-17)
List some of the qualities of Jesus' priesthood. (20-28)

Chapter 6 - MAY 21

What are the main points of this chapter?
What six things are mentioned as elementary principles of Christ? (1-2)
What five blessings were experienced by some who had fallen away? (4-5)
As those once blessed persist in their sin, what is their condition? Why? (6)
What confidence did the author have for his original recipients? Why? (9-10)
Even so, what qualities did he desire of them? (11-12)
Upon what two immutable things does our hope lie? (13-18)
As what does our hope serve? To where does it reach? (19-20

Chapter 5 - MAY 14

What are the main points of this chapter?
What qualifications are necessary to serve as high priest? (1,4)
What duties are performed by the high priest? (1-3)
Who chose Jesus Christ to become High Priest? (5-6,10)
In the flesh, what did Jesus experience? What did He learn? (7-8)
What did Jesus become through such suffering? For whom? (9)
What made the author's subject difficult to continue and explain? (11)
What should his readers been capable of at that time? (12)
What did they need instead? Why? (12-13)
Who is capable of handling the "meat" of the Word? (14)

Introduction

The epistle to the Hebrews is a unique book in the New Testament. It begins as an essay (He 1:1-2), progresses as a sermon (He 2:1-4), and ends as a letter (He 13:23-25). Its contents are deep and challenging. Many Christians find it difficult; some equate its difficulty with the book of Revelation.

But for Christians willing to take the time to read and reflect upon it, they will be:

Reminded of how blessed they are to have trusted in Christ
Impressed with the superiority of Christ and His New Covenant over Moses and the Old Covenant
Warned of the danger of apostasy and the need for steadfastness in their faith Author

The author does not identify himself. Many believe it to be the apostle Paul (e.g., Clement of Alexandria) and have offered arguments in his favor (cf. Commentary on Hebrews, Robert Milligan, p. 5-19). Yet it seems unlikely when you consider the author’s statement, “...was confirmed to us by those who heard Him” (He 2:3). This suggests the author received the gospel message second-hand, while Paul declared that he had not received the gospel from or through men (Ga 1:11-12).

Other names have been proposed over the years: Barnabas (suggested by Tertullian), Apollos (suggested by Luther), even Priscilla (suggested by Harnack). Perhaps Origen says it best, “But who wrote the epistle, to be sure, only God knows.”

Recipients

The general consensus is that this letter was written to Jewish Christians. There is uncertainty as to where they and the author were at the time of composition. Many believe the recipients were in Palestine, and the author in Rome. Others suggest the readers were in Rome and the author elsewhere, based upon a possible implication in He 13:24. In any case, they were Jewish Christians whom the author knew personally (He 10:34; 13:19).

Date

We know the epistle was written prior to 96 A.D., because Clement of Rome quotes from Hebrews in his letter that was written at that time. There are certainly strong indications that it was written prior to 70 A.D....

There is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple
The author writes as though priests were still offering sacrifices - He 8:4; 10:11 If the Jewish Christians were in Palestine, it was likely before or at the beginning of the

Jewish Wars (ca. 66-70 A.D.; cf. He 12:4).
The time frame of 63-65 A.D. is often suggested.

Purpose And Theme

The author wrote this epistle to prevent his readers from abandoning their faith in Christ (He 2:1-4). To encourage his Jewish brethren not to go back to the Old Law, he endeavored to show the superiority of Christ and His Covenant (He 8:1-2,6). A key word found throughout the epistle is “better”:

Christ is “better than the angels” - He 1:4
We enjoy “the bringing in of a better hope” - He 7:19
Jesus has become “the surety of a better covenant” - He 7:22
He is also “the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises” - He 8:6
The heavenly things benefit from “better sacrifices” - He 9:23
Indeed, the purpose of this epistle was to exhort his readers to remain faithful to the much

better things they have in Christ (He 13:22). As for its theme, I suggest the following: The Superiority Of Christ and The New Covenant

Outline

Here is a simple outline of the book, with its main divisions...

The superiority of Christ - He 1:1-8:6
1. Better than the prophets, as a much better Spokesman - He 1:1-3
2. Better than the angels, by virtue of His Deity and humanity - He 1:4-2:18
3. Better than Moses, for He is the Son who provides a heavenly rest - He 3:1-4:13
4. Better than Aaron, as His priesthood is a superior one - He 4:16-8:6
The superiority of the New Covenant - He 8:7-10:18
1. For it is based upon better promises - He 8:7-13
2. For it is based upon a better sanctuary - He 9:1-28
3. For it is based upon a better sacrifice - He 10:1-18
Exhortations drawn from this superiority - He 10:19-13:25
1. Draw near to God and hold fast - He 10:19-39
2. Run the race of faith with endurance - He 11:1-12:29
3. Miscellaneous exhortations - He 13:1-25

Key Warnings

A unique feature of the epistle to the Hebrews are the warnings throughout the book. As we conclude this introduction, perhaps it may be profitable to summarize them.

The warning against drifting - He 2:1-4

Through neglect we can easily drift away

The solution is to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard

The warning against departing - He 3:12-15

Through sin’s deceitfulness we can become hardened and develop a lack of faith by which we can depart from the living God

The solution is exhort one another daily and remain steadfast

The warning against disobedience - He 4:11-13

Like Israel in the wilderness, we can fail to enter our rest through disobedience

The solution is diligence and heeding the Word of God

The warning against dullness - He 5:11-6:6

Dullness of hearing can make it difficult for us to appreciate the extent of our blessings in Christ, and even falling away to the point of crucifying the Son of God afresh!

The solution is grasping the first principles of the oracles of God, and then pressing on to spiritual maturity and perfection

The warning against despising - He 10:26-39

It is possible to so despise God’s grace as to no longer have a sacrifice for sins, but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment

The solution is to hold unto our confidence in Christ, and believe with endurance

The warning against defying - He 12:25-29

It is possible to refuse to listen to the One who now speaks from heaven!

The solution is to look diligently to the grace of God, receiving it in such a way so we

may serve Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear

With such warnings, this book is indeed a “word of exhortation” (He 13:22)!

Review Questions

1) Who is author of the book of Hebrews?

- Only God knows

2) Who were the original recipients of this epistle?

- Jewish Christians, possibly in Palestine or Italy

3) When was it written?

- Likely between 63-65 A.D.

4) What has been suggested as its purpose? Its theme?

- An exhortation to remain faithful to Christ
- The superiority of Christ and the New Covenant

5) What are the three main divisions of this epistle?
- The superiority of Christ - He 1:1-8:6
- The superiority of the New Covenant - He 8:7-10:18
- Exhortations drawn from this superiority - He 10:19-13:25

6) List the six warnings found in this epistle.
- The warning against drifting - He 2:1-4
- The warning against departing - He 3:12-15
- The warning against disobedience - He 4:11-13 - The warning against dullness - He 5:11-6:6

- The warning against despising - He 10:26-39 - The warning against defying - He 12:25-29

Chapter One

Dispensing with greetings and salutations typical of letters at that time, the epistle to the Hebrews begins like a sermon, with the author immediately declaring the superiority of Jesus. While God spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, He now speaks to us through His Son (1-3). Jesus is also demonstrated to be much better than angels (4-14).

Points To Ponder

How Jesus is superior to OT prophets
How Jesus is superior to angels

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

- Jesus’ superiority over prophets as spokesman - He 1:1-3
- Jesus’ superiority over angels by virtue of His deity - He 1:4-14

2) How did God speak in time past? How does He speak today? (1-2)

- By the prophets at various times and in various ways; by His Son

3) List seven things that describe the Son. (2-3)

- He is the appointed heir of all things
- Through Him God made the worlds
- He is the brightness of God’s glory
- He is the express image of God’s person
- He upholds all things by the word of His power - He purged our sins

- He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high

4) List five ways that Jesus is superior to the angels. (4-14)

- He is the “Son”, angels are not
- He is “the firstborn” who receives worship from angels
- He is “God” enthroned and anointed, angels are merely servants
- He is “LORD” (Yahweh) who is the eternal Creator
- He is “sovereign” seated at the right hand of God, angels are ministering spirits

5) For whom have the angels been sent forth to minister? (14)

- Those who will inherit salvation

6) List the Old Testament passages that are referenced to in this chapter. (5-13)

- Ps 2:7 and 2Sa 7:14 in verse 5
- Deut 32:43 (Septuagint) in verse 6 - Ps 104:4 in verse 7

- Ps 45:6-7 in verses 8-9
- Ps 102:25-27 in verses 10-12 - Ps 110:1 in verse 13

The Epistle To The Hebrews

Chapter Two

The author interrupts his comparison of Christ with angels with his first of six warnings in this epistle: a warning against drifting by neglecting our great salvation (1-4). He then illustrates Jesus’ superiority to angels by being made lower than the angels, whereby He became the perfect captain of our salvation and a merciful and faithful High Priest (5-18).

Points To Ponder

The very real danger of drifting and neglecting our salvation
Man’s fall from his exalted position over creation
Jesus’ humanity and its impact on His role as Savior and High Priest

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

- A warning against drifting through neglect - He 2:1-4
- Jesus’ superiority over the angels by virtue of His humanity - He 2:5-18

2) How can we avoid drifting away? (1)

- By giving earnest heed to the things we have heard

3) What proves we cannot escape judgment if we neglect our great salvation? (2-3)

- Disobedience to angels was punished, much more so if we neglect the Lord Himself

4) How was this great salvation revealed and confirmed to us? (3-4)

- Spoken by the Lord Himself at first
- Confirmed by those who heard Him (i.e., the apostles)
- God bearing witness through signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit

5) What does Psalms 8:4-6 reveal about the creation of man? (6-8)

- He was made lower than angels, but placed over all God’s works

6) Has man maintained his authority over all things? (8)

- No, now we do not see all things put under him

7) List eight reasons Jesus was made lower than angels (became flesh). (9-18)

- To taste death for every one
- To bring many sons to glory
- To be made perfect through sufferings
- To destroy the devil who had the power of death
- To release those subject to bondage through fear of death
- To give aid to the seed of Abraham
- To be a merciful and faithful High Priest
- To aid those who are tempted, having suffered temptation Himself

The Epistle To The Hebrews

Chapter Three

Having demonstrated Jesus’ superiority to prophets and angels, the author now compares Jesus to Moses (1-6). The comparison is followed with a reference to Israel’s unfaithfulness in wilderness which leads to the second of six warnings in this epistle: a warning against departing from the living God by developing an evil heart of unbelief (7-19).

Points To Ponder

How Jesus compares to Moses
The very real danger of departing from the living God

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter? - Jesus’ superiority over Moses - He 3:1-6

- A warning against departing - He 3:7-19

2) How are the original recipients of this epistle described? And Jesus? (1)

- Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling; Apostle and High Priest

3) How are Moses and Jesus compared in this chapter? (3-6)

- Moses: faithful as a servant in the house of God
- Jesus: faithful as a Son over and builder of the house of God (worthy of more glory)

4) Whose house are we? Under what conditions? (6)

- The Son’s house; if we hold fast the confidence and joy of hope firm to the end

5) What period of Israel’s history is referred to in Psalms 95? (7-11)

- 40 years of wilderness wanderings

6) What three things can lead the Christian to fall away? (12-13)

- Developing an evil heart of unbelief
- Departing from the living God
- Becoming hardened through the deceitfulness of sin

7) What three things can serve as an antidote preventing apostasy? (12-14)

- Beware of unbelief
- Exhort one another daily
- Hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end

8) Who rebelled in the wilderness and did not enter the Promised Land? (16-18)

- Those led by Moses out of Egypt, who did not obey

9) Why were they not permitted to enter? (19)

- Because of unbelief

Chapter Four

Since many Israelites failed to enter their Canaan rest because of unbelief, the author says we should fear lest we come short of our promised rest: heaven (1-10). Diligence is also required, and the third of six warnings is given: a warning against disobedience in view of God’s living and powerful Word (11-13). A positive motivation is then given: our great High Priest, Jesus, who enables us to obtain mercy and grace as needed (14-16).

Points To Ponder

The Sabbath rest, the Canaan rest, and the heavenly rest
The living and powerful Word of God
The privilege of prayer with Jesus as our High Priest

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

- The promised rest - He 4:1-10

- A warning against disobedience - He 4:11-13 - Our great High Priest - He 4:14-16

2) Since we have a promise of rest, why should we fear? (1)

- Lest we come short of it

3) Why did the word fail to profit many Israelites? (2)

- Because they did not have faith in what they heard

4) What three different “rests” are spoken of in this chapter? (4-10)

- Sabbath rest (He 4:4), Canaan rest (He 4:8), Heavenly rest (He 4:9-10)

5) What “rest” remains for us? What is required of us to enter it? (10-11)

- The heavenly rest; diligence, lest we disobey and fall like many in Israel

6) How is the word of God described in this chapter? (12)

- Living and powerful

- Sharper than any two-edged sword

- Piercing even to the division of soul and spirit

- A discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart

7) To whom must we give account? (13)

- The One who sees all

8) Why should we hold fast our confession? (14-16)

- We have a great High Priest, Jesus the Son of God

- He sympathizes with our weaknesses, because He was tempted (though without sin) - We can approach God’s throne boldly, obtain mercy and grace in time of need

Chapter FIVE

How Jesus is superior to prophets, angels, and Moses has been discussed. Now comes Jesus’ superiority to Aaron as High Priest. Qualities necessary to be high priest are reviewed, ably met by Jesus (1-10). Before proceeding further, the author finds it necessary to extend the fourth warning, this one against dullness due to spiritual immaturity (11-14).

Points To Ponder

How Jesus qualifies to be our High Priest
Signs of being dull of hearing (spiritually)

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

- Christ’s qualifications as High Priest - He 5:1-10 - A warning against dullness - He 5:11-14

2) What qualifications are necessary to serve as high priest? (1,4)

- Taken from among men, called by God

3) What duties are performed by the high priest? (1-3)

- To offer sacrifices for sin, to have compassion on the ignorant and straying

4) Who chose Jesus Christ to become High Priest? (5-6,10) - God, as was prophesied in Ps 2:7 and Ps 110:4

5) In the flesh, what did Jesus experience? What did He learn? (7-8)

- Vehement cries and tears, godly fear, things which He suffered; obedience

6) What did Jesus become through such suffering? For whom? (9)

- The author of eternal salvation; to all who obey Him

7) What made the author’s subject difficult to continue and explain? (11)

- His readers’ dullness of hearing

8) What should his readers been capable of at that time? (12)

- Able to teach others

9) What did they need instead? Why? (12-13)

- Milk and solid food; they were unskilled in the word of righteousness

10)Who is capable of handling the “meat” of the Word? (14)

- Those of full age
- Who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil

Chapter Six

The interruption of the discussion regarding Jesus as High priest continues with a solemn warning regarding spiritual progress, and the need for diligence, faith and patience in order to inherit the promises (1-12). The certainty of God’s promises upon which our hope is based serves as an anchor of the soul that reaches into heaven itself, where Christ is now our High Priest according the order of Melchizedek (13-20).

Points To Ponder

Elementary principles in the doctrine of Christ
The very real danger of crucifying again the Son of God
The basis of our hope that serves as an anchor of the soul

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter? - The peril of not progressing - He 6:1-12
- The certainty of God’s promise - He 6:13-20

2) What six things are mentioned as elementary principles of Christ? (1-2)

3) What five blessings were experienced by some who had fallen away? (4-5)

- Once enlightened - Partakers of the Holy Spirit
- Tasted the heavenly gift - Tasted the good word of God

- Tasted the powers of the age to come

4) As those once blessed persist in their sin, what is their condition? Why? (6)

- It is impossible (for others) to renew them again to repentance - They crucify again the Son of God and put Him to open shame

5) What confidence did the author have for his original recipients? Why? (9-10)

- Better things that accompany salvation
- Because of their work and labor of love in ministering to the saints

6) Even so, what qualities did he desire of them? (11-12)

- Diligence, imitation of the faith and patience of those who inherit the promises

7) Upon what two immutable things does our hope lie? (13-18)

- God’s promise and God’s oath, both in which it is impossible for God to lie

8) As what does our hope serve? To where does it reach? (19-20)

- An anchor of the soul; into heaven itself where Jesus is our High Priest

Chapter Seven

Resuming the discussion of Jesus as High Priest, the superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham and Levi is first demonstrated (1-10). Reasons are then given why a new priest after the order of Melchizedek was necessary, which also required a change in the Law (11-19). Finally, the greatness of Jesus as our new High Priest is explained (20-28).

Points To Ponder

The superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham and Levi
The change in the priesthood and the annulment of the law
The superiority of Jesus’ priesthood to the Levitical priesthood

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The greatness of Melchizedek - He 7:1-10
- The need for a new priesthood - He 7:11-19
- The greatness of Jesus’ priesthood - He 7:20-28

2) Where in the Old Testament can we read about Melchizedek? (1) - In Gen 14:18-20; also Ps 110:4

3) What do Melchizedek and the Son of God appear to have in common? (3)

- Both appear to be without father and mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, remaining as priests continually

4) Why is Melchizedek greater than both Abraham and Levi? (4-10)

- Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek, and the lesser is blessed by the greater
- Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham and from his descendant Levi (so to speak)

5) Why was there a need for a change in the priesthood? (11)

- The Law which established the Levitical priesthood made nothing perfect

6) What was required for there to be a change in the priesthood? (12,18)

- The law had to be changed, indeed, annulled

7) What evidence is there that the Law has been changed? (13-17)

- The priest (Jesus) came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi as required by the Law - The priest (Jesus) has the power of endless life, as foretold in Ps 110:4

8) List some of the qualities of Jesus’ priesthood. (20-28)

- By the oath of the Lord
- Surety of a better covenant
- An unchangeable priesthood - Able to save to the uttermost

- Always lives to make intercession
- Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners - Offered up Himself once for all
- Has been perfected forever

Chapter Eight

Having demonstrated Jesus’ superiority to prophets, angels, Moses, and Levi, the author summarizes: we have a High Priest at God’s right hand who is Minister and Mediator of a better covenant established on better promises (1-6). Our attention is then directed toward that New Covenant which has replaced the Old Covenant (7-13).

Points To Ponder

The main point of all that has been said: “We have such a High Priest...”
The two covenants (the first and old, replaced by the second and new)

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter? - The new ministry of Christ - He 8:1-6
- The new covenant of Christ - He 8:7-13

2) Where is our High Priest? In what does He minister? (1-2)

- Seated at the right hand of God; the sanctuary and true tabernacle build by God

3) If Jesus were on earth, what could He not be? (4)

- A priest

4) What served as a copy and shadow of the true tabernacle? (5)

- The earthly tabernacle Moses was instructed to build

5) In what way has Jesus obtained a more excellent ministry? (6)

- He is the Mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises

6) Why was it necessary to replace the first covenant with the second? (7-8)

- The first was not faultless; there was fault with those under the first

7) Which covenant was the first, old covenant? (9)

- That made with Israel when God led them out of Egypt (i.e., Mosaic Covenant)

8) List characteristics of God’s new covenant foretold by Jeremiah. (10-12)

- God’s laws will be in their minds and written on their hearts
- He will be their God, and they shall be His people
- None shall teach his neighbor to know the Lord, for all will know Him - He will be merciful, and remember their sins no more

9) With the new covenant, what happened to the old covenant? (13)

- It had been made obsolete, old, and ready to vanish away

Chapter Nine

To appreciate the difference between the two covenants, their respective sanctuaries and divine services are compared. First the earthly sanctuary and the limitations of its divine services are reviewed (1-10); then the greater and more perfect heavenly sanctuary with emphasis on its better sacrifice, the blood of Christ Himself (11-28).

Points To Ponder

The symbolism of the earthly tabernacle and its divine services
The superiority of the heavenly High Priest and His sacrifice

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The earthly sanctuary and its service - He 9:1-10
- The heavenly sanctuary and its sacrifice - He 9:11-28

2) Describe the two parts of the earthly tabernacle and what they contained (2-5)

- Holy place: lampstand, table of showbread, altar of incense (cf. Exo 30:1-7) - Holiest of All: ark of the covenant, with the items in it, and the mercy seat

3) What were the limitations of the earthly tabernacle and its services? (9-10)

- Symbolic, and could not make one perfect in regard to the conscience - Imposed only until the time of reformation

4) Of what was Christ the High Priest? (11,24)

- Of good things to come, of the greater and more perfect tabernacle (heaven)

5) What sacrifice did Jesus offer? (12,14)

- His own blood, offered without spot

6) What does the sacrifice of Christ accomplish? (12,14-15,26,28)

- Eternal redemption (even for transgressions under the first covenant) - Cleansing consciences from dead works to serve the living God
- To put away sin, once and for all

7) When did the new covenant (testament) come into force? (15-17)

- Not until Jesus died on the cross

8) What is appointed for men? (27)

- To die once, and then the judgment

9) For whom will Christ appear a second time for salvation? (28)

- Those who eagerly wait for Him

Chapter Ten

The animal sacrifices of the Law (the first covenant) are shown to be insufficient, while the death of Christ fulfills the will of God and perfects those who are being sanctified (1-18). A three-fold exhortation based on what Christ has done (19-25) is followed by the fifth of six warnings, this one against despising God’s grace with willful sin (26-39).

Points To Ponder

Why Christ’s sacrifice is superior to animal sacrifices
The importance of drawing near to God, and assembling with brethren
The terrifying condition of Christians who persist in willful sin
Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- The superiority of Christ’s sacrifice - He 10:1-18
- Exhortation to draw near and hold fast - He 10:19-25 - A warning against despising - He 10:26-39

2) Why were animal sacrifices insufficient? (1-4)

- They did not make one perfect, because they could not take away sins

3) In coming to do the will of God, what has Jesus done? (9)

- He took away the first (covenant) that He may establish the second (covenant)

4) What distinguishes Christ’s sacrifice from those of OT priests? (11-14)

- He offered one sacrifice for all time, capable of perfecting those being sanctified

5) What three-fold exhortation is based on what Jesus has done? (22-24)

- Let us draw near, let us hold fast, let us consider one another

6) What should we not forsake? (25)

- The assembling of ourselves together

7) What’s meant by “sin willfully”? What’s the consequence of doing so? (26-27)

- To knowingly persist in sin (i.e., presumptuous, rebellious sin)
- No sacrifice for sin, certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation

8) Of what is one guilty when they persist in sin? Why should one be afraid? (29-31)

- Trampling the Son of God underfoot, counting the blood by which one is sanctified a common thing, insulting the Spirit of grace

- God will judge His people, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God

9) What three things do we need to receive the promise of God? (35-39)

- Confidence, endurance, faith

Chapter Eleven

Having stressed the importance of faith for salvation (He 10:39), the author defines faith (1-3) and then illustrates faith’s role in the lives of many Old Testament saints (4-40).

Points To Ponder

The meaning of faith for New Testament Christians
The examples of faith in Old Testament believers

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter? - Faith defined - He 11:1-3
- Faith exemplified - He 11:4-40

2) What is faith as defined in this chapter? (1)

- Confidence in what we hope for, assurance about what we do not see (cf. NIV)

3) What we do understand by faith concerning the worlds? (3)

- They were framed by the word of God, they were not made by things visible

4) List the names of Old Testament saints mentioned in this chapter (4-32)

- Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Israel, Rahab - Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets

5) What did these “heroes of faith” look forward to receiving? (13-16)

- The promises, especially regarding the heavenly country and city prepared by God

6) List some of the amazing things done by faith. (33-35)

- Subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises
- Stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire
- Escaped the edge of the sword, became valiant in battle, turned armies to flight - Women received their dead raised to life again

7) List some of the things these people of faith endured. (35-38)

- Torture, mocking, scourging, chains of imprisonment
- Stoned, sawn in two, wandering destitute in mountains and caves, afflicted, tormented

8) What did these “heroes of faith” obtain? What did they not? Why? (39-40)

- A good testimony
- The promise (i.e., the Messianic promise)
- That they might be made perfect together with us (i.e., salvation, the heavenly city)

9) From this chapter, what do we learn about faith and works?
- True faith leads to action, faith without works is dead (cf. Jam 2:14-26)

Chapter Thirteen

The epistle concludes with miscellaneous moral and religious exhortations regarding their conduct as Christians (1-19), followed by a benediction, a final exhortation, and a farewell that mentions Timothy along with greetings from those who are from Italy (20-25).

Points To Ponder

How we should live as Christians
How God makes us complete in every good work

Review Questions

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Moral and religious exhortations - He 13:1-19
- Benediction, final exhortation, and farewell - He 13:20-25

2) List the moral exhortations given in this chapter. (1-5)

3) Since God promises never to leave or forsake us, what can we say? (6)

- “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

4) List the religious exhortations given in this chapter. (7-19)

- Remember those who rule over you
- Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines - Be willing to bear reproach with Jesus
- Continually offer the sacrifice of praise, giving thanks
- Do good and share
- Obey those who rule over you, be submissive
- Pray for others

5) What should we be looking for? (14)
- The city that is to come (cf. He 11:10,16)

6) What does the author pray for in behalf of his readers? (20-21)

- For God to make them complete in every good work to do His will
- For God to work in them what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ

7) What is the final appeal made to his brethren? (22)

- Bear with this word of exhortation which he has written in few words

8) With whom does he hope to soon see them? (23)

- Timothy