THIS SUNDAY
Last week, in chapter seven, we spent our time looking at Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, after the order of Melchezidek. This is in contrast to the order of the Levitical Priesthood. Jesus is not a great high priest like the Aaron and his sons.
However there is similarity, because the high priest of Israel and the work they did was a "copy and shadow" of Jesus Christ and His work as the Great High Priest. They gave an impression of what was to come.
In the next three chapters, we will see how these copies and shadows pointed to something better that was to come. We will also see how what was to come (through the priestly work of Jesus) would be eternally effectual, and that the works of the Levitical Priesthood could not save, redeem, or transform.
...Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. Heb 8:6
The outline of the next three chapters are roughly outlined as the following:
Christ's Ministry as High Priest is better because:
The covenant he mediates is better.
The Temple he works in is better.
The sacrifice that is offered is better.
The effectiveness of all the above is better.
We will spend most of our time this coming Lord's day in chapter eight. However, in preparation throughout the week, as we walk through this section, it would be beneficial to read through chapters 8-10 at a time, and then perhaps going back any spending more time on the section we will be covering on the upcoming Sunday.
ADDITIONAL PASSAGES TO READ
Exodus 19:1-8 (The Old Covenant)
Deuteronomy 28 (The blessings and curses of the Old Covenant)
Jeremiah 31:31-40 (The Promise of a New Covenant)
Ezekiel 36:16-32, 37 (The Promise and Prophecy of a New Covenant)
CONSIDER/MEDITATE
What is better about the new covenant?
How does the fulfillment of the New Covenant effect you today?
How will the promise of the New Covenant effect you eternally?
(REMINDER) THEMES OF HEBREWS
Christ is better. Throughout, we will see that Christ is better than angels, Moses, and Israel. He is the better high priest, sacrifice, mediator, and more. This theme will be a major part of Sunday morning sermons, focusing on the superiority of Jesus Christ.
Continuity of the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament is not a redo of the Old, but it is a continuation of the Old. You will see many references to Old Testament passages throughout the book of Hebrews. Many times these references will help you better understand Jesus, the Gospel, and the New Covenant.
Warning passages What is the warning? Don't miss Jesus! Pay attention to His message! Do not neglect Him! Do not be deceived by sin! Hold fast! Strive to enter His rest! Do not grow weary, and many more. The warnings are so great because Christ is superior, the Son of God, the only way into the House of God.
DAILY PRIVATE/FAMILY WORSHIP
Seek daily communion with God through scripture reading, prayer, and singing. Click on the resources below.
"I feel it is far better to begin with God—to see his face first, to get my soul near him before it is near another." - Robert Murray M'Cheyne
SONGS WE ARE LEARNING
BE IN PRAYER
Beginning weekly men's meetings and monthly women's fellowship. More details to come.
Preaching and teaching God's word at Ozarks Bible Church
Christian education for our community.
The building up of Ozarks Bible Church into the head, that is Christ, in love.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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