Hebrews

The Theme of Rest

Hebrews 3:7-4:11
While the theme of rest is central to this passage in Hebrews, it is by no means a new innovation of the writer, nor is it confined to this text. In fact, the idea of rest is one of the themes that appears in creation, arises again in the fall, and continues through the subsequent strands of redemption, all the way to its fulfillment in the consummation of the age. This section of Hebrews expounds on the subject of rest, taking us through all four of these phases, and pointing us to eternity, where those who trust in Christ will receive the fullness of the glory of the rest purchased by Christ on our behalf.

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That None of You May Be Hardened

Hebrews 3:12-14
We are easily tempted by sin. And if left unchecked, sin will lead us away from God. Hebrews 3 gives us a deterrent to sin, unbelief, and disobedience. It tells us to “exhort one another.” Faith-building relationships are key to battling sin in our own lives.

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Hold Our Original Confidence Firm to the End

Hebrews 3:6-4:2
In the Old Testament, God’s people saw him do great and mighty works, yet many failed to trust him. The writer of Hebrews uses their example to emphasize our own need to trust him to the end. Jesus himself said, “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 10:22; 24:13). Why must faith persevere? This passage answers the question for us.

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For Us and For Our Salvation

Hebrews 2:9-3:1
The writer of Hebrews has been taking pains to expound the supremacy of Christ, and will continue to do so as the overarching theme to his letter. At this point, the question needs to be addressed: if Christ is supreme in every way, why did he undergo such a supreme humiliation, taking on flesh specifically to die? This passage explains, in dense, rich, multifaceted language, why Jesus took on flesh, leading us to consider why such a thing was necessary to accomplish the gracious purpose of God.

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Everything in Subjection to Him

Hebrews 2:5-9

Our world is not as it should be. God originally designed it and us for more, but we have turned to our own way. The effect of our rebellion is seen in the state of our world. God, however, is working to undo the damage caused by our sin. One day, this will be fully realized “in the world to come.”

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We Must Pay Much Closer Attention

Hebrews 2:1-4

The writer is concerned for the spiritual condition of this church, so he gives the first of five warnings in the letter to Hebrews. By telling them not to neglect the gospel, he suggests that they could subtly and gradually move away from what Jesus has accomplished on their behalf. Such neglect is not a deliberate rejection of the gospel, but rather an undetected movement away from truth. He warns them to keep the gospel firmly in their minds so they don’t “drift away” from Jesus.

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Much Superior to Angels

Hebrews 1:4-2:4

After demonstrating Christ’s superiority to God’s human messengers (the prophets), the writer of Hebrews now turns to God’s heavenly messengers (the angels). Using seven quotations from the Old Testament, he proves that Jesus is the greatest Word from God. In doing so, the writer also demonstrates how Jesus is the point of the Bible.

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He Has Spoken by His Son

Hebrews 1:1-4

God has revealed himself to his people in many different ways throughout history. This revelation is treasured and studied. But each of these different ways of speaking to his people is superseded by his final word: Jesus. In fact, the writer teaches us that all that God said beforehand pointed toward its fulfillment in his Son, who is the greatest treasure. What can we learn about God through his Son? And what are the implications of hearing God speak?

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An Overview of Hebrews

Hebrews 1-13

In Hebrews, we read about a church that faced many difficulties. They suffered persecution from those outside the church. And they dealt with spiritual weariness, unbelief, and spiritual immaturity within their own community. The writer of the letter addresses each of these problems with one resounding message: Jesus. He sought to strengthen their souls by reminding them over and again of what God has accomplished through his Son. We begin this study of the letter to the Hebrews by surveying the overall message.

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