1. Mediator of the New Covenant
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Mediator of the New Covenant
Lesson 12

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Lesson Outline
Introduction A. In the Presence of Greatness B. Lesson Background

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Awesome Kings
History has recorded the names and accomplishments of great human rulers.
Unscramble the letters in the following descriptions to learn more about these rulers.
Augustus Caesar (Reign: January 16, 27 BC to August 19, AD 14) led the Roman Empire into a time known as Pax Romana, or Roman ACEEP.
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Awesome Kings
History has recorded the names and accomplishments of great human rulers.
Unscramble the letters in the following descriptions to learn more about these rulers.
Augustus Caesar (Reign: January 16, 27 BC to August 19, AD 24) led the Roman Empire into a time known as Pax Romana, or Roman PEACE.
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Awesome Kings
Suleiman the Magnificent (Reign: November 6, 1494 to September 7, 1566) ruled over the DEGLNO AEG of the Ottoman Empire that encompassed most of the Middle East and southeastern Europe.  
Louis XIV of France (Reign: May 14, 1643 to September 1, 1715) was also known as the NSU GIKN because he said the nobles of France should revolve around him like planets.
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Awesome Kings
Suleiman the Magnificent (Reign: November 6, 1494 to September 7, 1566) ruled over the GOLDEN AGE of the Ottoman Empire that encompassed most of the Middle East and southeastern Europe.  
Louis XIV of France (Reign: May 14, 1643 to September 1, 1715) was also known as the NSU GIKN because he said the nobles of France should revolve around him like planets.
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Awesome Kings
Suleiman the Magnificent (Reign: November 6, 1494 to September 7, 1566) ruled over the GOLDEN AGE of the Ottoman Empire that encompassed most of the Middle East and southeastern Europe.  
Louis XIV of France (Reign: May 14, 1643 to September 1, 1715) was also known as the SUN KING because he said the nobles of France should revolve around him like planets.
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Awesome Kings
John III of Poland-Lithuania (Reign: May 19, 1674 to June 17, 1696) was a military and political genius who became known as the ILNO of Lechistan.
Emperor Meiji of Japan (Reign: February 3, 1867 to July 30, 1912) led a once primitive country to become a world EEOPPRRSUW in the twentieth century.
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Awesome Kings
John III of Poland-Lithuania (Reign: May 19, 1674 to June 17, 1696) was a military and political genius who became known as the LION of Lechistan.
Emperor Meiji of Japan (Reign: February 3, 1867 to July 30, 1912) led a once primitive country to become a world EEOPPRRSUW in the twentieth century.
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Awesome Kings
John III of Poland-Lithuania (Reign: May 19, 1674 to June 17, 1696) was a military and political genius who became known as the LION of Lechistan.
Emperor Meiji of Japan (Reign: February 3, 1867 to July 30, 1912) led a once primitive country to become a world SUPERPOWER in the twentieth century.
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11. Awesome Kings There have been great and powerful figures in history.
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Awesome Kings
There have been great and powerful figures in history.
What would it be like to meet such a person face-to-face?
Such meetings would not be as pleasant as we would like them to be!
After all, why would great leaders even acknowledge us, let alone treat us civilly?
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Awesome Kings
The only way such a meeting could be pleasant is if someone would take us into the presence of such greatness.
At Mount Sinai, the idea of approaching God was frightening. But Heaven is shown to be a place where believers are welcomed by God.
Something changed. We now have someone to take us into God’s presence.
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Lesson Outline
I. The Terrifying Mountain (Hebrews 12:14, 15, 18-21) A. Peace and Holiness (vv. 14, 15) B. Burning and Blasting (vv. 18, 19) C. Fear and Quaking (vv. 20, 21)

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What Do You Think?
What are some things you can do to foster peace with others?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
To repair a broken peace
To maintain an existing peace
Considering Matthew 10:34-36 14

15. What Do You Think? How will God see holiness in you daily?
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What Do You Think?
How will God see holiness in you daily?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
At times when only He can see you
At times when others are watching as well 15

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Lesson Outline
II. The Blessed Mountain (Hebrews 12:22-29) A. Heavenly Jerusalem (vv ) B. Inescapable God (vv ) C. Godly Fear (vv. 28, 29)

17. Awesome Mountains
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The Bible often speaks of mountains, associating certain ones with great acts of God.
The size and majesty of mountains make them logical places to associate with God’s greatness and power.
In our Bible text today, two very different mountain experiences are described.
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18. Awesome Mountains Read Hebrews 12:18-21 and Exodus 19:16-25.
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Read Hebrews 12:18-21 and Exodus 19:16-25.
List some characteristics of this mountain, representing the old covenant.
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19. Awesome Mountains
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Here are a few general descriptions of this holy mountain of God:
burning with fire
darkness
trumpet blast
terrifying voice
earthshaking
untouchable
quaking fear
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20. Awesome Mountains Read Hebrews 12:22, 23.
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Read Hebrews 12:22, 23.
List some characteristics of this mountain, representing the new covenant.
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21. Awesome Mountains
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Here are a few general descriptions of this holy mountain of God:
the city of the living God
the heavenly Jerusalem
a multitude of angels
the church of the firstborn
names written in Heaven
God, the Judge of all
people made perfect
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22. Awesome Mountains Both mountains describe the presence of God.
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Both mountains describe the presence of God.
Read Hebrews 12:24.
The difference is the presence of a mediator.
We can enter into God’s holy presence because of Jesus the mediator!
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23. Horizontal Visual
Start a discussion by pointing to this visual as you ask your learners to give synonyms for the word mediator.

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What Do You Think?
Of the images in verses 22, 23 contrasting the Christian’s destination with Mount Sinai, which is most significant to you? Why?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
City of the living God, heavenly Jerusalem
A multitude of angels
The church of the firstborn
People made perfect 24

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What Do You Think?
How can we guard against becoming resistant to God’s Word?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
During times of triumph
During times of distress 25

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What Do You Think?
How should the fact that “God is a consuming fire” (v. 29) affect the way we live?
Talking Points for Your Discussion
Given that God is merciful (Deuteronomy 4:31)
Given that God is a shield (Psalm 84:11)
Given that God is love (1 John 4:16) 26

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Lesson Outline
Conclusion A. Two Mountains B. Prayer C. Thought to Remember

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Awesome Mediator
The way we tell others about Jesus can be greatly affected by each person’s background and outlook on life.
How would your emphasis differ as you present information about Jesus, our mediator, to the following people?
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Photo: © MichaelJay / iStock / Thinkstock®

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Awesome Mediator
Demar has grown up in a very legalistic church, where he has been taught that God is harsh and demanding and will not accept us unless we follow very specific and strict rules.
How would you approach Demar?
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Awesome Mediator
Demar has obviously been told that God is holy and cannot tolerate sin.
That is true! But what is not true is that we can present ourselves sinless to God by our own efforts.
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Awesome Mediator
Demar surely knows that no matter how hard he tries to keep the rules, he still slips.
How fearful and full of doubts he must be!
Jesus paid for our sins, however, allowing us to approach God justified!
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Awesome Mediator
Felicia has never been part of a church but has an image of God as very loving and accepting. She believes God is her buddy, and she has no understanding of how Jesus fits into the picture.
How would you approach Felicia?
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Awesome Mediator
Felicia must not have had to suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin!
If God is so loving and accepting, does He love the drunk driver who killed an innocent child? Does He love someone who spread gossip about her?
If God loves, why is there suffering?
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Awesome Mediator
If God ignores sin, then those who suffer from sin must pay the price, not those who do wrong themselves.
How unfair!
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35. Awesome Mediator But if God punishes sin, how could God love Felicia ?
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Awesome Mediator
But if God punishes sin, how could God love Felicia ?
Deep down, Felicia knows that she has been selfish at times and has caused others pain.
What a problem!
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36. Awesome Mediator Here is where Jesus, our mediator, fits in.
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Awesome Mediator
Here is where Jesus, our mediator, fits in.
Sin must be punished, or God would be unfeeling of those who suffer.
But instead, God sent His perfect Son to pay for the sin of all who will accept His sacrifice on their behalf!
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37. Thought to Remember God’s grace is not an absence of holiness.
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Thought to Remember
God’s grace is not an absence of holiness.

38. Remembering the Covenant
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Next Week’s Lesson
Remembering the Covenant