Lesson #2 Our Best Hope and the Greatest Rest Hebrews 3-4:13. THE BEST OF THE BEST and GREATEST OF THE GREAT!

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1 GREATEST OF THE GREAT! Christ our Lord and Saviour. Credit given to information from a companion study guide: Hebrews: Beyond the Veil by Jack W. Hayford, and After The Sacrifice by Walter A. Henrichsen Outline: Introductory Session - Fellowship and Introduction of the Course Use this first session to introduce your leader (s) and do a general introduction of how and where the study will take place. Each participant should receive an outline of the Hebrews study. Encourage guests to invite others so as to start with a full group right from the beginning. Each person should bring: Bible, Notebook and Pen and try to go over the study guide questions in preparation for the following study. A Psalm is suggested and assigned for each week and different members share with the group what they see in the Psalm. JESUS, MESSIAH AND MEDIATOR The Best of the Best and the Greatest of the Great! Lesson #1 - The Best Truth & Greatest Teacher Hebrews 1-2:18 * Psalm 19 **John 1:14; 2 Chron. 5:13, 14; Col 1:27, 28 a. The person and power of Jesus Christ - Hebrews 1:1-4 b. The entrance of the First Born Son whom Angels worship c. Greatest Instructor & Example - Hebrews 2:1-18 Lesson #2 Our Best Hope and the Greatest Rest Hebrews 3-4:13 *Psalm 16:5-11 **Romans 5:1, 2; John 14:27; Isaiah 30:15 a. The Best Leader More faithful than Moses - Heb. 3:1-6 b. Strong warnings and firm encouragement (7-19) c. Promised Rest and God s Word Heb. 4:8-13 Lesson # 3 Best Advocate and our Greatest Mediator Hebrews 4:14-5:11 *Psalm 27, **Col. 1:19-22; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 Peter 5:7 a. Priestly Qualities of Jesus as our Advocate 4:14-5:4 b. The Prayers of Jesus for us. John 17:20-23 c. The Eternal High Priest prays for us. Romans 8:26, 27 Lesson #4 Best Foundation and Greatest Security Hebrews 5:11-6:20 *Psalm 62 **Proverbs 4:7-9; 1 Cor. 2:6-16; 1 Peter 2:1-2 a. The Milk in our early Faith Hebrews 5:11-14 b. Growing & Solidifying our Faith - 6:1-12 c. The Best & Greatest Source of Security 6:13-20 Lesson #5 The Best and Greatest Covenant Hebrews 7:1-28 *Psalm 111 **John 14:6; Romans 5:5-11; 1 Timothy 6:12-16 a. The Royal Priest Melchizedek Heb. 7:1-10; Genesis 14:18 b. Jesus Compared to Melchizedek - 7:11-21 c. The Guarantee of a Better Covenant 7:22-28 Lesson #6 The Best Promise and Our Greatest Companion Hebrews 8:1-13 *Psalm 93 **2 Cor. 1:20; Gal. 3:13-14, 26-29; 1 John 2:24 a. God s Most Precious Promise Ephesians 1:13, 14 b. The Law prepares us for the Grace of God Romans 3:21-24 c. The laws of the New Covenant work from within Rom. 8:1-11

2 Lesson #7 The Greatest Purification and Cleanest Clean Hebrews 9:1-28 *Psalm 51 **Isaiah1:18; Leviticus 16; Romans 8:1-4 a. Totally clean as we enter His presence. Rev. 1:5,6 b. Better than animal sacrifice 1 John 1:7-10, Romans 5:12-21 c. Freedom from guilt over past sins Heb. 9:25-27 Lesson #8 The Perfect and Greatest Sacrifice - Hebrews 10:1-18 *Psalm 40 **Isaiah 53:5; 2 Cor. 5:14-21; Eph. 2:1-22 a. Justified because of this great sacrifice - Heb. 10:10 b. Freedom to accept unconditional love Romans 5:1, 2 c. Compelled to respond Romans 12:1, 2 Lesson #9 Our Best Assurance Plan Hebrews 10:19-39 * Psalm 100 **2 Cor. 3:1-18; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Peter 1:3-21 Lesson #12 My Best Response A Sacrifice of Praise Heb.13 *Psalm 23 **John 13:34-35; Genesis 28:15; Phil. 4:18-19 a. Loving relationships Hebrews 13:1-4 b. Money and trust Hebrews 13:5-6 c. Praise and confidence Hebrews 13: 7-16 ********************** \\\\ ********************** *Psalm of the week **Supplementary Scripture passages A helpful resource booklet for diagrams, illustrative charts, etc regarding the Tabernacle and Sacrificial practices is AFTER THE SACRIFICE by Walter A. Henrichsen Lamplighter Books a. Reasons for feeling secure in our hope - 10:19-23 b. Being accountable to each other 10:24-25 c. Taking our salvation very seriously 10:26-39 Lesson #10 Faith - The Most Valuable Gift - Hebrews 11:1-40 *Psalm 96; Romans 1:16-17; Habakkuk 2:4; I John 5:4-5 a. Dealing with reality Hebrews 11:1-7 b. The Faith of our fore-fathers Hebrews 1l: 4-12 c. By faith we now speak on His behalf 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Lesson #11 Our Blessed Example - Hebrews 12 *Psalm 99 **1 Peter 2:21-24, Romans 6:4-14, Col. 3:4-17 a. Keeping our focus on the One who led the way 1 Cor. 9:24-27 b. God s Discipline Hebrews 12:4-12 c. Keeping our hearts and minds open to the One who went ahead.

3 intimacy with the Best of the best and the Greatest of the great Jesus Christ our Messiah, Mediator, Lord and Saviour. Lesson #1 The Best Truth and Greatest Teacher Hebrews 1: l 2:18 *Psalm 19 Extra Scripture: **John 1:14; 2 Chron. 5:13, 14; Col 1:27, 28 Introduction: Welcome, Opening Comments Sharing of Psalm 19 with Participating Prayers 1. How does the writer to the Hebrews say God spoke in the past and how does he speak at the time this book was written? _ 2. Who does he say the Son is? Discuss how we can guard against complacency and drifting away from the security of our faith. 5. Jesus was made perfect in his suffering? What does this mean and how does this help us to identify with Jesus and know that he identifies with us? (2:14-18) 6. What encouragement do you think the early Christians gained from knowing that Jesus called them his siblings? How does this make me feel? Next week: The Best Hope & the Greatest Rest Hebrews 3:1-4:13. *Psalm of the week: Psalm 16:5-11 Discuss how he describes Jesus, the Son of God. 3. In verse 4 we read that Jesus became superior to the angels. According to the rest of chapter 1 how does Jesus differ from angels? 4. The writer to the Hebrews challenges new believers to continue learning new spiritual truth. (Hebrews 2:1-4) Why is it important to recall what we have learned as well as to learn new truth?

4 Study #2 Our Best Hope and Greatest Rest Hebrews 3: l 4:13 Psalm of the Week: Psalm 16:5-11 Extra Scripture: Romans 5:1&2, John 14:27, Isaiah 30:15 Sharing of Psalm 16:5-11 with Participating Prayers Read together: Hebrews 3: 1-4:13 1. Chapter 3 begins with Therefore so we ask, What for? Why does the writer call the readers, Holy brothers and sisters and why should we fix our thoughts on Jesus? 2. Why was Jesus found worthy of greater honor than Moses in his leadership? (Hebrews 3:1-6) 4. The writer to the Hebrews speaks of entering into the rest of God. What is this rest and how does it apply to us? (Hebrews 4:8-13)? 5. Why do you think the author challenged these early Jewish believers to enter the Sabbath-Rest of God? 6. What do we learn about the Word of God in 12 & 13 and how does this encourage us to solidify our salvation? Next week: Our Best Advocate & Greatest Mediator Hebrews 4: :11. Try to do some research on an advocate and a mediator. What are their tasks? Psalm for the coming week: Psalm 27 Discuss how Moses & Jesus were faithful in the house of God. How do we fit into this house? 3. In 3:7-19 we are warned against unbelief. What Scripture does the writer quote and how would this encourage them? How are we to encourage others? (13)

5 Study #3 Our Best Companion and Greatest Advocate Hebrews 4: l4 5:11 Psalm of the Week: Psalm 27 **Scripture: Col. 1:19-22, 2 Peter 1:3-4, 1 Peter 5:7 Sharing of Psalm 27 with Participating Prayers Read together: Hebrews 4:14 5:11 1. Hebrews 4:14 concludes that believers who acknowledge who Jesus is and experience his forgiveness will hold firmly to the faith they profess. How might this enable us to have greater freedom in our daily walk? 3. What do we know about Melchizedek? How would Jesus be like Melchizedek? 4. What is your emotional response to the knowledge that Jesus, God s Son makes continual intercession on our behalf? Jesus prays to the Father for me! 5. What was the specific prayer Jesus prayed for us before he went to the cross? (John 17:20-23) 6. Close by reading Romans 8:26, 27 to see how the Spirit intercedes for us. *********** Next week: The Best Biblical Foundation And Greatest Source of Security - Hebrews 5:11-6:20 Psalm of the week: Psalm How is Jesus like a High Priest? (Hebrews 4:14-16) Discuss the difference of how people would approach a High Priest and how we are told to approach Jesus?

6 Study #4 Our Best Biblical Foundation and The Greatest Source of Security Hebrews 5:11-6:20 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 62 **Scripture: Proverbs 4:7-9, 1 Cor. 2:6-16, 1 Peter 2:1, 2 Sharing of Psalm 62 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 5:11 6:20 1. Read Hebrews 5: What seems to have happened to these early Jewish believers since they first embraced the Gospel of Christ? 3. After reading Hebrews 6:4-12 what questions do you have? How solid or secure is my faith and how does my daily life style enhance the growth of my faith? 4. Read Hebrews 6: What is it that gives us a hope and a solid foundation that can not be shaken? 5. What is your response when someone asks you how you know for sure that you are a believer? (See I John 3:7-10) Next week: The Best and Greatest Covenant Hebrews 7:1-28 **Genesis 15 The First Covenant (Extra Scriptural Info) *Psalm of the week: Psalm 111 Discuss how the author contrasts the immaturity of his readers to their eating habits. What helps us distinguish good from evil? 2. In Hebrews 6:1-3 Christians are challenged to move from infancy to maturity. How should the habits of mature believers differ from those of infants in the faith?

7 Study #5 - The New and Better Covenant - Hebrews 7:1-28 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 111 ** John 14:6; Romans 5:5-11; 1Timothy 6: Sharing of Psalm 111 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 7: Read Hebrews 7:1-10 & Genesis 15:7-21 What is the meaning of Melchizedek s name? Did this tribe achieve perfection? Discuss how knowing this might be encouraging for us. 5. After reading Hebrews 7:22-28 we realize that Jesus became the guarantee of a new and better covenant. What was Jesus able to do that no other priest did or could do? 6. Jesus our High Priest lives to intercede for us. Is it easier for you to pray to Jesus or to pray to God the Father? Jesus understands my every need. What would you like him to ask the Father for you? Next week: The Best Promise & Our Greatest Companion - Hebrews 8:1-13 Psalm for the coming week: Psalm In Genesis 15:7-21 we read about the first covenant which God established with Abraham. What was the covenant and the promise God made to him? 3. In Hebrews 7:11-21 we see that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah? Which tribe was established to be priests and workers in the Tabernacle? 4. What do we learn about God s amazing love and forgiveness when we realize that priests are to be taken from the tribe of Levi? Who was Levi and what do you know about him?

8 Study #6 - The Best Promise and Our Greatest Companion Hebrews 8:1-13 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 93 ** 2 Corinthians 1:20; Gal. 3:13-14, 26-29; 1 John 2:24 Sharing of Psalm 93 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 8: Read Hebrews 8:1-2 & Ephesians 1:13, 14 We see here the crowning point of the whole Epistle. The Lord Jesus, our great Eternal High Priest is seen here as a) and b). 4. The laws of the new covenant work from within. According to Jeremiah 31:31-34 what would the law of the new covenant look like and where would it be written? 5. After reading Romans 8:1-11 make a list of what we have and what we don t have under the new covenant. What difference does this make in my life? * * * * * * * Next week - The Greatest Purification and the Cleanest Clean Hebrews 9:1-28 *Psalm of the week: Psalm In Eph 1:13&14 how do we fit into the picture? 3. Read Hebrews 8:3-7. We see that every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. If Jesus serves in our Sanctuary what are his gifts and what are his sacrifices? How is the ministry of Jesus in his body or sanctuary better than that of the priests in the Old Testament? See Romans 3:21-24

9 Study #7 - The Greatest Purification and The Cleanest Clean Hebrews 9:1-29 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 51 ** Isaiah 1:18; Leviticus 16; Romans 8:1-4 Sharing of Psalm 51 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 9: Read Hebrews 9:1-5 & Isaiah 1:18 In these first five verses the author gives us a picture of the place of worship and the regulations for worship in the Old Covenant. Share briefly what you have learned and how worship was very different from the way we know worship today. Describe what people might see, hear, smell and experience when they entered the Temple. 3. Read Hebrews 9: Why was the shedding of blood so important? When and where did it get started? What does the blood represent? 4. In verses the shedding of blood in the old system is compared to the shedding of the blood of Jesus. What is the difference and what do we need to do to apply the cleansing of his blood? 5. What did Christ, our Eternal High Priest not need to do in order to take away our sins? Next week: The Perfect and Greatest Sacrifice Hebrews 10:1-18 *Psalm of the week: Psalm Read Hebrews 9:6-10 What did the Holy Spirit reveal to the people in the keeping of these regulations? What were the gifts and sacrifices not able to achieve?

10 Study #8 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 40 The Perfect and Greatest Sacrifice Hebrews 10:1-18 ** Isaiah 53:5; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21; Ephesians 2:1-22 Sharing of Psalm 40 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 10: Read Hebrews 10:1-10 & Isaiah 53:5 After re-reading the Hebrew portion and then Isaiah 53:5 what is your response? 4. In verse 15 we see another reference to the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives. What does he do and why do we continually need this reminder? 5. What can we learn from verse 17&18? Why is it so difficult for us to understand that the wrong (the sin) we commit is actually forgiven and not even remembered once we confess it? How can we encourage one another to accept God s daily forgiveness? ************** Next week: Study #9 Our Best Assurance Plan Hebrews 10:19-39 *Psalm of the week: Psalm In our lives what replaces the Mosaic sacrifices required to be made every year? 3. Read Hebrews 10: When Christ sat down at the right hand of God what is he waiting for? What is it that God considers perfect but for us is still a process?

11 Study #9 Our Best Assurance Plan - Hebrews 10:19-39 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 100 ** 2 Corinthians 3:1-18, Titus 3:4-7, 1 Peter 1:3-21 Sharing of Psalm 100 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 10: Read Hebrews 10:19-23 & Titus 3:4-7 In the above Scriptures which words give you a fresh hope or reassurance in the choice you made to follow Christ? How might these verses cause doubt to creep into my mind? 5. Read 1 John 5:18-20 When we take our gift of salvation seriously we will not willfully continue to sin. Why is this? Doubt is normal but the Holy Spirit is strong. Share what and how you overcome doubt and discouragement. ************** Next Week: Study #10 Faith The Most Valuable Gift Hebrews 11:1-40 *Psalm of the week: Psalm What type of situation or experience might cause you to doubt the security of your salvation or position in Christ? 3. Read Hebrews 10: Why is it so very important for believers to meet together for worship and to encourage one another in their faith? 4. Read Hebrews 10:26-39 How do I know for sure that I am a born again believer?

12 Study #10: Faith The Best & Most Valuable Gift Hebrews 11:1-40 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 96 ** Romans 1:16&17; Habakkuk 2:4, 1 John 5:4&5 Sharing of Psalm 96 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 11:1 7, 8-16, 39. A. Read Hebrews 11:1-7 Our Faith in the Now 1. In the light of what you know from Scripture and what you have experienced describe your faith as you see it today. How would you describe your faith today? 4. How and why might it be easier (or more difficult) for us to exercise our faith as clearly as they did? C. Read Hebrews 11:39&40, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 Our Faith in Hind Sight 5. What is it we have in common with all believers who have gone before us both in the old and in the new covenant? 6. What does Paul challenge us to do or be (by faith)? ************** Next Week: Study #11 Our Best and Greatest Example Hebrews 12 *Psalm of the week: Psalm What two things must we accept by faith in order to be in an acceptable standing with God? (11:6) B. Read Hebrews 11:8-16. An Example of Faith for Us 3. How does knowing about the faith of Noah and Abram strengthen our faith?

13 Study #11 - Jesus Our Best and Greatest Example Hebrews 12:1-28 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 99 **1 Peter 2:21-24; Romans 6:4-14, Colossians 3:4-17 Sharing of Psalm 99 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 12:1-28 A. Read Hebrews 12:1-4, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Keeping Our Focus 1. In light of what we shared last week about those who have gone before us how should we respond? 2. Why should we keep focused on Christ in the daily race of life? How would you explain verse 12 & 13? 4. Share how your faith has grown and how God my have used His discipline in your life. C. Read Hebrews 12:14, 15, Comparing the Old with the New 5. What does the writer to the Hebrews compare in these verses? How do we fit into this picture? 6. Jesus is still our Mediator. What is it that we can see in our minds eye when we come to God? See Heb.12:18-24 ************** Next Week: Study #12 Our Best Response A Sacrifice of Praise Hebrews 13 *Psalm of the week: Psalm 23 B. Read Hebrews 12:4-13. God Discipline s Us 3. What does God use as discipline in our lives? What should his discipline produce in our lives?

14 Study #12 - My Best Response A Sacrifice of Praise Hebrews 13 *Psalm of the Week: Psalm 23 **John 13:34-35, Genesis 28:15, Phil. 4:18-19 Sharing of Psalm 23 with Participating Prayers Today s Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 13 A. Read Hebrews 13:1-4 - Loving Relationships 1. What four relationships does the author touch on in these four verses? Use one word to describe the action the author suggests for each relationship. 2. Which one of the above listed relationships is or would be most difficult for you and why? 4. In the midst of daily life issues the writer reminds his readers of two thoughts to consider. What are they? C. Read Hebrews 13:7-16, Philippians 4:18&19 Praise and Confidence 5. List the review highlights the author touches on in these verses? (7-16) 6. In verse 15 & 16 the author tells his readers how they need to respond with a sacrifice of praise. In word and deed what does this mean for me? ************* May the Lord bless you as you move on to your next study of the Word. Yours because of Jesus our Messiah and Redeemer! Marleen Bahr B. Read Hebrews 13:5&6 Money and Trust 3. Why do you think the author links marriage issues so closely with the love of money & contentment? _