Hebrews Warning Against Apostasy November 6, 2016 Through the Bible in a Year Xavier Reyna, Director Ben Compere, Editor Wayman Lim, Choir Director Susan Turner, Prayer Warrior “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,

Lesson The Superior Son The author demonstrates to his readers the superiority of Jesus over all that preceded him by using scripture for the purpose of warning them against apostasy and encouraging them in their faith. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,

The Four Keys to Aid in Understanding Hebrews Theme: the superiority of Jesus Christ Method: exposition of Old Testament scripture Purpose: exhortation to warn the readers against apostasy and encourage them to remain in the faith. Style: Alternating of scripture exposition and exhortation in making the argument “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,

The Purpose for Writing Hebrews is to: WARN the readers of the consequences of departing from Jesus and returning to their former way of life ENCOURAGE the readers to persevere in the faith in spite of the tribulations associated with it “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,

Hebrews: Abbreviated Analysis Introduction: (1:1–3) The Superiority of the Son (1:4–10:18) The Outworking of the Son’s Superiority in the Life of the Believer (10:19–13:17) Concluding Instructions and Greetings (13:18-25) “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,

Five Warnings Against Apostasy: Don’t Drift away Harden your hearts Be immature Deliberately sin Refuse to listen All these warnings guard against a terrifying judgment. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,

Hebrews 1:1-3 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1,2,