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Hebrews 2: The World to Come
What important part of Jesus’ message do you many most people miss?
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Acts 20:35 “By my example, you have seen how we should work to help those in need. Remember that Jesus said greater blessing is found in giving, not receiving.”
Hebrews 2:1 Because of Jesus’ position, power, and authority, we should pay close attention to the message concerning him, lest something slip by without our understanding its importance.
King James
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
What were the most important words Jesus ever spoke?
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Matthew 10:32–33 “If anyone publicly acknowledges me before men, I will publicly acknowledge him before my Father in Heaven. “But anyone who denies me before men I will deny before my Father in Heaven.”
Matthew 22:37–39 “You must love God with your whole heart, with all your being and all your strength. This is the first and most important of all commandments. But the second commandment is equally important. Love your neighbor as yourself.“
Mark 11:26 “If you do not forgive, your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.”
Luke 6:47–48 “Everyone who not only hears my words but also puts them into practice is like a wise man who dug deep and laid the foundation of his house on solid rock. When a storm brought torrential rain, flooded streams, and hurricane-force winds, his house did not collapse, because it was well built on an unshakeable foundation.”
Luke 22:42 “My Father, if you are willing, let me escape this suffering. Nevertheless, I want your will, not mine.”
Luke 24:49 “As my Father promised, I will send the Holy Spirit upon you. Wait in Jerusalem until you are equipped with power from Heaven.”
John 19:30 After Jesus had received the wine, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head and quit breathing.
Hebrews 2:1 Because of Jesus’ position, power, and authority, we should pay close attention to the message concerning him, lest something slip by without our understanding its importance.
King James
Matthew 10:32–33 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 22:37–39 Verse text
Mark 11:26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Luke 6:47–48 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
Luke 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
If the consequence of rejecting and not obeying God is so severe, why would so many people choose the broad road to destruction?
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Matthew 7:12–14 “Do what you would have others do to you, for this is the intent of everything taught in the Law and the prophets. “Enter through the small gate. For many take the wide gate and broad road that lead to destruction. Only a few find the small gate and narrow road that lead to life.”
Hebrews 2:2–3 If the words spoken by God’s messengers were absolute truth, bringing unavoidable consequences for their rejection and disobedience, we cannot escape judgment if we neglect the good news that was first brought by Jesus Christ and was confirmed by eyewitnesses who experienced the truth of his life-changing message,
King James
Matthew 7:12–14 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Hebrews 2:2–3 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Why are eyewitness reports sometimes ignored?
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Hebrews 2:2–4 If the words spoken by God’s messengers were absolute truth, bringing unavoidable consequences for their rejection and disobedience, we cannot escape judgment if we neglect the good news that was first brought by Jesus Christ and was confirmed by eyewitnesses who experienced the truth of his life-changing message. To validate their message, God did signs and wonders according to his desire—various gifts and miracles that were possible only by the power of the Holy Spirit.
King James
Hebrews 2:2–4 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
If miracles convince people of the truth, why do you think God doesn’t do more of them?
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Matthew 11:21 “How terrible it will be for you, Korazin. And for you, Bethsaida. If the people of Tyre and Sidon had seen the miracles you saw me do in your towns, they would have turned to God long ago in sackcloth and ashes.”
Matthew 13:58 Because of their unbelief, he did very few miracles there.
Hebrews 2:4 To validate their message, God did signs and wonders according to his desire—various gifts and miracles that were possible only by the power of the Holy Spirit.
King James
Matthew 11:21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
Matthew 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Hebrews 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
How can people be unconcerned about the world to come?
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Matthew 24:38–39 “Before the flood, people were eating, drinking, and having a good time until the day Noah entered the ark. They did not believe until the flood swept them away. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes.”
Luke 12:16–20 He gave this illustration: “A rich man had an unusually productive farm that produced huge harvests. ‘What shall I do?’ he said to himself. ‘I have no place to store all my crops. I know. I will tear down my granaries and build bigger ones in their place. Then I will have enough room for all my goods, and I can tell myself, Now you can relax and enjoy life because you have saved enough to last for many years. Eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said, ‘You fool! Tonight, you will die, so what good is all the wealth you have accumulated?’ “
Hebrews 2:5 God’s messengers brought truth, but we speak of the world to come, which was never put under their authority.
King James
Matthew 24:38–39 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Luke 12:16–20 e ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Hebrews 2:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.
What motivates people to help the undeserving?
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Hebrews 2:6 In one place in Scripture, the poet says, “What are mere mortals, God, that you would even think about them? Why should you care enough to visit?”
King James
Hebrews 2:6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
How could sinful people be worth dying for?
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Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to find and save those who are lost.”
Romans 5:8 The immense greatness of God’s love is proven by the fact that we were undeserving sinners when Christ died for us.
Romans 8:29–30 Because God knew what we would become, he sent his Son to be the first example of what his family will be like. Seeing the desires of people’s hearts, he called all those who would listen, made them blameless in his sight, and revealed his glory in them.
Hebrews 2:6 In one place in Scripture, the poet says, “What are mere mortals, God, that you would even think about them? Why should you care enough to visit?”
King James
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 8:29–30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Hebrews 2:6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Why did our Creator give us the ability to sin?
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Romans 6:20 How do we know this is true, that we are completely free from sin? While we were slaves to sin, we were under no obligation to be righteous. The reverse is also true. If we are completely committed to pleasing the Lord, we are under no obligation to be unrighteous. We are free, able always to make the right choice.
Hebrews 2:7–8 “Even though they ranked lower than the angels, you crowned people with great glory and honor, giving them authority over your creation, putting all things under their feet.” God gave them authority over all things, without exception. But right now, we see that this promise has yet to be fulfilled.
King James
Romans 6:20 or when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Hebrews 2:7–8 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
How did Jesus’ death make life possible for us?
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Romans 5:17 If one man’s disobedience caused death to rule over us, how much more will life reign in us through the obedience of one, Jesus Christ, by whom we receive God’s gift of love and acceptance.
Galatians 3:13 On the cross, Christ saved us from the curse of the Law by being a curse for us, for Scripture says, Anyone hanged on a tree is cursed.
Hebrews 2:9–10 Jesus came in human flesh, also ranking lower than the angels yet crowned with great glory and honor so he could know death for us and make God’s unmerited favor available to all mankind. The creator of all things and giver of life revealed his giving, loving nature in Jesus Christ. Through his suffering and death, he became the superhero who leads people away from sin and into his glory.
James 2:10 If someone were to keep the entire Law except for one small point is no less a violator than one who is guilty of all.
King James
Romans 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Hebrews 2:9–10 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
In what ways does the nature of God differ from Satan?
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John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will live forever. “
John 8:44 “You come from your father, the devil, and your desires are like his. From the beginning, he was a murderer and opposed the truth, because truth was not in his nature. When he lies, he speaks from his heart, because he is a liar and the father of lies.”
John 10:10 “The thief comes with one purpose: to steal, kill, and destroy. I came to bring the fullness of life.”
John 13:35 “If you love one another, people will know you are my disciples.”
Hebrews 2:11 He who cleanses and those who are cleansed are of the same giving nature, which explains why he is proud to make people part of his family.
King James
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Hebrews 2:11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
What does it mean to be part of God’s family?
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Galatians 3:29 If you belong to Christ, then you are part of Abraham’s family and heirs of God’s promise.
Hebrews 2:11–13 He who cleanses and those who are cleansed are of the same giving nature, which explains why he is proud to make people part of his family. For the poet said to God, “With my brothers and sisters, I will claim your name. When your family has gathered, I will boast of your greatness.” He also said, “I will trust him in all things—I and the children God has given me.”
King James
Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Hebrews 2:11–13 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
If God is all-powerful, able to do anything he wants, why was it necessary for Jesus to be born as a human being? How do we know there wasn’t a better way?
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Matthew 26:42 Again, Jesus left to pray. “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be emptied without my drinking it, let your will be done.”
John 14:9 “Philip! Have I been with you so long and you still do not recognize who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. So why do you ask me to show him to you?”
Hebrews 2:14 Since God’s children were flesh-and-blood human beings, Jesus became like us, subjecting himself to death so he could destroy the devil, who had power over death.
1 Peter 2:21 In the midst of suffering, you are called to do good. Christ suffered for you so you would follow his example step by step.
King James
Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
If we have no reason to fear death, why do so many Christians have that fear?
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John 11:25–26 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even if they have died, and those who are living and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
Romans 8:16 God’s Spirit confirms in our human spirit that we are his children.
2 Timothy 1:7 A spirit of fear is not from God, for in him we have power, love, and a sound mind.
Hebrews 2:15 Thus, he freed us from a lifetime of fearing death.
King James
John 11:25–26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
How would you define a “descendant of Abraham”? Why is God not concerned about angels?
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John 8:44 “You come from your father, the devil, and your desires are like his. From the beginning, he was a murderer and opposed the truth, because truth was not in his nature. When he lies, he speaks from his heart, because he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Romans 2:28 Righteousness is not something worn outwardly, like a garment, nor is our relationship with God something we inherited from our ancestors.
Romans 4:13–14 God’s promise that Abraham and his descendants would possess the world resulted from Abraham’s faith, not from observing commandments. If obedience to rules and regulations were the basis for God’s favor, then faith would have no value and the promise, which is based on faith, would be nullified.
Romans 4:16 God’s promise is based on faith, making it a gift to all those who believe—those who have the same commitment as Abraham our father had, hearing and obeying God.
Hebrews 2:16 Obviously, his concern is for the descendants of Abraham, not angels.
King James
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Romans 4:13–14 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Hebrews 2:16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
What did the High Priest have in common with those he represented?
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Hebrews 2:17–18 To be our merciful and faithful High Priest, sacrificing himself for the forgiveness of our sins, he had to become like us. Since he endured suffering and was tested, he can help us through our trials.
Hebrews 4:15 Our High Priest is easily touched with the feeling of our infirmities, because he was tested in every area just as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 5:2 Because of his own experience with temptations, he has compassion for sinners.
King James
Hebrews 2:17–18 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 5:2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.