Hebrews 10:1-18

Theme of Book Christ Is Superior – To prophets – To angels – To Moses – To High Priests – In covenant – In sanctuary – In sacrifice This Applies to a Christian’s Life – Draw near to God and each other – Remember the Heroes of Faith – Enduring chastening as God’s children

1.What does the writer call the entire Old Testament system of ceremonies and regulations? A shadow of good things to come. 2.In verses 5 to 7, the writer offers another passage from the Old Testament that promised a new thing. What new thing would replace the Old Testament shadows? The body of Jesus.

3.Many (it would not be unfair to say most) Old Testament Jewish people thought it was God’s will that they continue to offer sacrifices to God indefinitely. How would you summarize God’s deepest will for Israel and for the entire world? He was as interested in sacrifice as he was repentant hearts. The first sacrifices only pointed to the one to come. 4.See Psalm 51:16-19, which the writer quotes here. How did David show that he fully understood this truth concerning sacrifices? (verse8) David understood God’s will for our hearts = repentance.

5.Some early Jewish Christians may have been confronted with this challenge: “If the Messiah truly has come, then why does the world still go on as it has, with sin and Satan still exercising their influence? Why hasn’t David’s perfect kingdom returned?” How would you answer these questions on the basis of verse 13? Satan has been defeated, Christ will usher in paradise at the end of time. Apply 6.The heavy emphasis on the blood of Christ as a secure covenant of forgiveness helps us appreciate the blessings we have in Holy Communion. How so? Wine = blood = forgiveness; Read Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7

Hebrews 10: Our hard work so far in this study has prepared us to understand the beautiful words of these verses. Explain each phrase in the light of what we have heard so far. “to enter the Most Holy Place” We are now able to stand before the Lord because we are clean of all sin. “by the blood of Jesus” The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin “a new and living way... through the curtain” new = “fresh” verse 20 The tabernacle blocked the way to God. When the curtain was torn in two – at Christ’s death - the barrier between us and the Lord was removed “a great high priest over the house of God” Jesus works on behalf of God’s people as our priest The House of God = Holy Christian Church “bodies washed with pure water” We have been cleansed by water and the word in baptism

2.Why do you think it was such a great temptation for the early Jewish Christians to give up meeting with their fellow Christians? They could have deserted and avoided persecution 3.Why is God’s faithfulness the ultimate encouragement for us to remain firm? His faithfulness has given us heaven. This life will pass away.

4.What does the writer mean by the word “Day”? (verse 25) Judgment Day Apply 5.What is the best way you can spur your fellow Christians on toward love and good deeds? Warn and encourage – find them and talk to them

Hebrews 10: What does the writer have in mind when he speaks about “deliberately keep on sinning” and “no sacrifice for sins is left”? He is talking about willful sin committed against our conscience. It drives out the Holy Spirit. 2.Discuss the following strong phrases the author uses to describe what a person actually does when he or she falls away from faith. “trampled the Son of God under foot” Ultimate disrespect for Jesus and his sacrifice “treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him” It is a slap in the face of Jesus and causes unbelievers to disrespect Jesus as well. “insulted the Spirit of grace” We act as if Jesus work for us means nothing.

3.In verse 31 we read, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Why do Christians need to hear strong warnings such as those in this section? God will judge people for their sin. We have a sinful nature that wants to pull us away from Jesus. We need the law to warn us. 4.Once again, the writer quoted from the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:3,4). What three lessons do these verses teach us? Christ is coming soon We live forever by/through faith If we give up our faith we come under God’s judgment.

5.Why was the writer so confident of his readers? He knew they loved their Savior. He was counting on their New Man Apply 6.In the light of verses 32 to 34, look at your own life. How might an earlier time of your life in Christ serve to encourage you now? Think of a time when your faith worked well for you.