中文LESSON 15 The Book of Hebrews
OPENING PRAYER
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT REVIEW
THE BOOK OF HEBREWS
AN UNUSUAL BOOK
EPISTLE OR A DEVOTION?
Hebrews Epistles “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” (Hebrews 1:1-3) Romans 1:1 – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle…” James 1:1 – “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations …” 1 Peter 1:1 – “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect … grace and peace be yours in abundance.” 2 John – “The elder, to the chosen lady and her children … grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ …”
A WORD OF EXHORTATION “a word of exhortation” (Hebrews 13:22)
THE HUMAN AUTHOR • It seems likely that he was Jewish in background. • Hebrews 13:23 he calls Timothy “our brother Timothy”
Possibilities: • ______________________________ • ______________________________ • ______________________________ • ______________________________
THE RECIPIENTS • Christians known to the writer (13:19) • They had been in the faith for some time (5:12) • They had previously suffered persecution (10:32-34) • They also seemed to be Jewish in background
THE DATE No later than: _________________ Possibly: _____________________
THE PURPOSE AND THEME Read these two passages: Hebrews 12:4,12 and Hebrews 2:1 What was the purpose of the book?
Now read Hebrews 12:14 What was another purpose of the book?
In the main part of the book, the writer proclaims this theme: “Christ Is Superior.” • 1:1-3 Christ is superior to the prophets • 1:4-2:18 Christ is superior to the angels • 3:1-4:13 Christ is superior to Moses • 4:14-7:28 Christ is superior to all the High Priests • 8:1-10:18 Christ is superior to the old covenant, sanctuary, and sacrifices
WARNINGS Hebrews includes 6 important warnings. Let’s read them: • Warning #1 = 2:1-4 • Warning #2 = 3:7-4:2 • Warning #3 = 5:11-6:8 • Warning #4 = 10:26-31 • Warning #5 = 12:14-17 • Warning #6 = 12:25-29
In the last portion of the book, the writer makes applications to the Christian’s life. He encourages them to show their faith by godly living.
• 10:19-12:29 Applications to believer’s life
• 13:1-25 Concluding exhortations
THE FINAL EXAM