Through The Bible

Session #56 – Hebrews, Part 2

February 1, 2006

The author of Hebrews was clearly in the business of encouragement.

• Hebrews addresses believers who have grown weary in the Christian way and are in danger of abandoning their Christian vocation.
• These people have been Christians for a long time, but are now finding their enthusiasm waning and their commitment weakening.
• They have become dull in understanding, sluggish, and are in danger of drifting (5.11-14).
• Their earlier history was a model of perseverance (10.32-36).

Hebrews extensively uses the Old Testament. Quotations, summaries of Old Testament events, and bridges between the Old Testament and person of Jesus are part of the beauty of Hebrews.

Introduction (1:1-2:9)

Exposition 1: Glory through Suffering (2:10-5:10)

Exhortation 1: Pastoral assurances and warnings (5:11-6:20)

Exposition 2: Access to God through the Sacrifice of Jesus (7:1-10:18)

Exhortation 2: Pastoral assurances and warnings (10:19-39)

Exposition 3: Perseverance by Faith (11:1-12:24)

Exhortation 3: Pastoral assurance and warnings (12:25-27)

Conclusion (12:28-13:25)

Selected passages

Hebrews 4:12-16

Four questions:

1. What does Jesus know? (vv. 12-13)

2. Who is Jesus? (v. 14)

3. What does Jesus feel? (v. 15)

4. What are we to do? (v. 16)

Hebrews 5:11-14

The implication is strong in 5.11-14 that spiritual maturity is a training and progression.

When you talk about growing in your faith, do you speak of “trying” to grow or “training” to grow?

Hebrews 7:1-28

A better…best…High Priest: Jesus

Hebrews 11

The Faith Hall of Fame

· Definition of faith (11:1-3)

· Examples of those who were faithful (11:4-40)

· What’s the value of hearing stories of faithful people?