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Hebrews 1: God Revealed in Jesus Christ
To whom do you think the writer of Hebrews is speaking, to non-believing Jews, to Christians with a Jewish heritage, or to Gentile converts? Why?
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Hebrews 1:1 At various times and in different ways, God has spoken to our ancestors through the mouths of prophets.
King James
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
The writer of Hebrews does not identify himself. Who do you think it was? Why?
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Hebrews 1:1 At various times and in different ways, God has spoken to our ancestors through the mouths of prophets.
King James
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Other than words spoken by prophets, in what ways does God speak to people?
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Isaiah 30:21 You will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way to go. Walk in that direction” and you will turn to the right or left as you are led.
Joel 2:28 In that day I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. Your children will prophesy, your elders will have revelations in dreams, and your youth will see visions.
John 15:24 “If I had not done miracles that no man has ever done, they would not be to blame. But they saw my deeds and hated both me and my Father.”
John 16:13 “But when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority but will say only what he hears. He will reveal to you things to come.”
Romans 1:20 They have no excuse for not believing and doing the good they know to do, since the power and nature of our invisible God can be clearly observed in his creation.
Hebrews 1:1–2 At various times and in different ways, God has spoken to our ancestors through the mouths of prophets. But in these last days, God has spoken to us through his Son, through whom all things were created in the beginning and will belong to him in the end.
King James
Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
John 15:24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Hebrews 1:1–2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
If someone were to say, “God told me . . .” how might we know whether we have heard the truth?
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1 Kings 13:18 “I am a prophet,” he said, like you are. The Lord’s angel told me to bring you to my house for something to eat and drink.” But he lied.
John 10:27 “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me.”
Hebrews 1:1–2 At various times and in different ways, God has spoken to our ancestors through the mouths of prophets. But in these last days, God has spoken to us through his Son, through whom all things were created in the beginning and will belong to him in the end.
King James
1 Kings 13:18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as thou art; and an angel spake unto me by the word of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Hebrews 1:1–2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Why does Jesus deserve the highest place of honor?
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Matthew 23:11 “Whoever is the greatest among you must be everyone’s servant.”
Acts 4:12 “God has done this, and it is a wonderful sight to behold. Make no mistake about this. Jesus is the only power and authority under heaven who will save us from our afflictions and restore our relationship with God.”
Philippians 2:7–9 Instead of coming in royal attire, asking to be served, he worked as a lowly member of the servant class. As an ordinary human being, he subjected himself to death on the cross. Therefore, God has promoted Christ to the highest of all positions and has made the name Jesus greater than any other name.
Hebrews 1:3–4 Jesus perfectly reveals God’s character and glory, the power of his word sustaining all things. After sacrificing himself for our sins, he took Heaven’s highest place of honor. A much better servant than God’s messengers, he has earned a name above all others.
King James
Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Philippians 2:7–9 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Hebrews 1:3–4 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
How is Jesus different from the angels?
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John 1:14 The Word became human and we have seen the majestic splendor of Jesus Christ, the Word of Life, and the glory of the only son of the Father.
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God. However, his Son, who came from him, has revealed him to us.
Philippians 2:7–9 Instead of coming in royal attire, asking to be served, he worked as a lowly member of the servant class. As an ordinary human being, he subjected himself to death on the cross. Therefore, God has promoted Christ to the highest of all positions and has made the name Jesus greater than any other name.
Hebrews 1:5–6 Unto which of his angels did God ever say, “You are my Son. Today I have brought you forth”? And again, “I am his father, and he will be like me. He will be my firstborn son, above all the kings on Earth. Let all my messengers worship him.”
Hebrews 1:14 Aren’t the angels sent for spiritual service, to help those who will surrender their lives to the Lord and be freed from sin?
King James
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Philippians 2:7–9 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Hebrews 1:5–6 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
What does wind and fire have to do with ministry?
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Psalm 69:9 In my consuming passion for worship and pleasing God, other people’s problems became mine.
Luke 3:16 “No, I am not the Messiah,” he said. “He will come after me and will be much greater than I am. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Acts 2:2–4 Suddenly, a sound came from above, like a violent wind, filling the area where they were sitting. Fiery tongues appeared and settled upon each of them, and the entire group was filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak in unknown languages as the Spirit gave them the words.
Hebrews 1:7 He sends his messengers with the wind of the Spirit, his servants with tongues of fire.
King James
Psalm 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Acts 2:2–4 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Why is the eternal reign of Christ a triumph for some and a terror for others?
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Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who calls me master will enter the Kingdom of Heaven but only those who do the will of my heavenly Father.”
Luke 13:28 “When you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, you will cry and grit your teeth in pain because you have been shut out.”
Romans 14:11–12 It is as the prophet Isaiah said, As surely as I live, the Lord says, every knee will bow before me. Everyone will confess that I am God. We will all answer to God for our actions.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer for Christ’s sake, we will reign with him, but if we deny him, he will deny us.
Hebrews 1:8–9 To his Son, he says, “You’re God, ruling your Kingdom with righteousness forever. You love doing what is right and hate self-centered motives that hold contempt for others, so God himself has given you the highest praise by appointing you to the topmost position.”
King James
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Romans 14:11–12 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Hebrews 1:8–9 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
If Jesus was born in Bethlehem, how could he have created Earth and the universe?
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Genesis 48:3 Jacob said to Joseph, “At Luz in the land of Canaan, God Almighty appeared and blessed me.”
John 1:1–3 He was with God, and he was God, in the beginning. The Word already existed. Everything was created by him. Nothing existed that he did not make.
John 1:18 No one has ever seen God. However, his Son, who came from him, has revealed him to us.
Hebrews 1:10 He also says, “You, Lord, created Earth in the beginning, and the entire universe is a result of your work.”
King James
Genesis 48:3 And Jacob said unto Joseph, God Almighty appeared unto me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,
John 1:1–3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Hebrews 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
“Forever” is an infinitely long time. Scientists tell us that even the sun won’t last that long. How can anything or anyone last forever?
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Titus 3:6–7 Jesus Christ our Savior generously poured his Spirit upon us, making us a part of his family, heirs of eternal life with him.
Hebrews 1:11–12 “When everything has perished, wearing out like a garment, you will remain. Like a worn-out garment, the old will be folded up and the new brought forth. But you remain the same forever.”
King James
Titus 3:6–7 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Hebrews 1:11–12 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
How will the enemies of Christ be put under his control?
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Hebrews 1:13 God never said to an angel, “Sit here at my right hand until I’ve put your enemies under your control.”
Revelation 19:20 The beast and the false prophet who did miracles in his presence and deceived those with the mark of the beast, worshiping his image, were both cast into the fiery lake with burning stones.
Revelation 20:10 The devil that deceived them was cast into the fiery lake with burning stones where the beast and false prophet were, to be tormented day and night forever.
Revelation 20:14–15 Death and its domain were cast into the fiery lake, which is the second death. Everyone whose name was not recorded in the Book of Life was cast into the fiery lake.
Revelation 21:8 The faithless and cowardly, the detestable and murderous, the prostitutes and fortune tellers, the idolaters and liars—all will be cast into the fiery lake of burning stones, which is the second death.
King James
Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 20:14–15 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
To what extent do you think angels are involved in people’s affairs—past, present, and future?
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Psalm 91:11 God will command his angels to protect you wherever you go.
Daniel 6:22 “God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths, so they have not harmed me. I was found innocent before God, as I am before you, my king, guilty of no crime.”
Matthew 4:11 Then Satan left, and angels came and ministered to Jesus.
Matthew 13:39–41 “The enemy who sowed the weeds is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age. And the reapers are the angels. Just as the weeds are bundled and burned, so will it be with people at the end of this age. The Son of Man will send his angels to separate from his Kingdom those who do evil and draw others into sin.”
Hebrews 1:14 Aren’t the angels sent for spiritual service, to help those who will surrender their lives to the Lord and be freed from sin?
King James
Psalm 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
Matthew 4:11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Matthew 13:39–41 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?