Near to the Heart of God A Study of the Book of Hebrews Lesson 20 Hebrews 9:1 – 14 A “Tents’ Situation: The Parlor or the Den?

I. Introduction A.The Parlor or the Den? A man’s perspective B.The heart of the message of Hebrews C.Several themes have converged 1. Man’s sin and need of salvation outside of his own efforts 2. Jesus Christ is the Great High Priest, who has entered into history through the incarnation. 3. There is a New Covenant which fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant and which surpasses and sets aside the old. D.The New Covenant, cited in chapter 8, is now shown as fulfilled in Christ (Heb. 9:1—10:18).

E.The structure of our text 1. The furnishings of the tabernacle (vss. 1-5) 2. The function of the tabernacle: tabernacle ministry and its message for then and now (vss. 6-10) 3. The superior priesthood of Jesus Christ and its benefit for Christians: a cleansed conscience which facilitates the worship and service of God (vss ) F.Internet sources for tabernacle pictures

II. The furnishings of the tabernacle (vss. 1-5) A.The tabernacle and courtyard B.The tabernacle: outer and inner divisions C.Furnishings of the outer tabernacle 1. Lampstand 2. Table with sacred bread D.Furnishings of the inner room (holy of holies) 1. The altar of incense 2. The ark of the covenant

E.The author does not go into detail (vs. 5) 1. This (the Old Covenant and its worship) is where the Hebrew believers were tempted – why emphasize that which tempted his audience? 2. He is emphasizing the substance, not the shadow, what is new and superior to the old. (Example) 3. He is focusing on the two chambers of the tabernacle and the implications of their relationship. (The den and the parlor)

III. The function of tabernacle worship and its significance (vss. 6-10) A.The outer tent (den) was a virtual beehive of priestly activity (v. 6). B.The inner sanctuary (parlor) was a different story (v. 7). 1. Only the high priest entered once a year 2. Only with blood sacrifices 3. Sacrifice only for sins of ignorance C.Lessons we were meant to learn (vss. 8-10) 1. The system restricted access to God (v. 8). 2. There was no cleansing of conscience, a necessity for worship (v. 9). 3. Priestly ministry was merely external (v. 10).

IV. Christ, a better priest, and better promises, producing a purified conscience and resulting in nearness to God in worship and service (vss ) A.Christ: our High Priest of good things to come (v. 11; see 8:6) B.He passed through a greater and more perfect tent – the heavens (v. 11; see 4:14) C.He entered most holy place (v. 12; see 9:24) D.Atonement achieved by Christ’s blood, not animal blood (vss ) E.This purifies our consciences from dead works to worship/serve the living God (v. 14; see v. 9; 10:22)

V. Conclusion A.Trace the argument of vss B.1940 Ford pickup: beautiful, but useless C.The key concept: the important role of the conscience 1. Acts 23: Romans 2: See also 2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:5-7, 18-20; 3:8-9; 4:2; 1 Peter 2:19; 3:18-22 D.Satan’s role as accuser (Revelation 12:10; Zechariah 3) E.Our motivation should not be guilt, but grace.

Copyright © 2008 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 20 in the series, Near to the Heart of God, A Study of the Book of Hebrews prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for December 7, Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.