July 31, 2010 Lesson 20 of Hebrews 13:9-25

What decisive choice and action are demanded here of the first readers of this epistle between their old Jewish associations and their new Christian allegiance? What comparable choices do those who wish to follow Christ still have to make today? Answer: Again, like yesterday I am having trouble answering. I will tell you what I am seeing in this section and I hope it answers the question. What I see first is a turning of away from ceremonial things such as foods. Second I see Jesus’ death being compared to the old sacrifices to show how His death atones for our sins. I see a command to offer a sacrifice of praise. I see a plea to “obey your leaders and submit to authority” in v17. This is much different than v7. V7 is trying to get one to imitate the faith of the old leaders, while 17 is trying to get one to follow the new leaders under the new covenant.


V 15, 16,20, 21. What can we count on God to do for us, and why? What is the purpose in view? What sacrifices can we now offer in God’s service? How far is this purpose finding fulfillment in my life? Answer: Again, not sure but I will answer as best I can. V15-16 it tells us to sacrifice by praising God and helping others. Going back to Romans 12:1, “Therefore I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God –this is your spiritual act of worship.” As in the Old Testament this is not a sacrifice for atonement, but of worship, a fragrance offering. Ps 7:17, 51:17; sacrifices showing a humble heart. V20-21 is showing how those of us who humble ourselves and make our lives a sacrifice, as in 15-16, then God will be pleased and equip you with what you need to allow Him to work through us.

July 30, 2010 Lesson 19 of Hebrews 13:1-8

List in detail the various aspects of Christian duty which are enjoined or implied here. Examine our own life and circumstances in order to discover way in which your practical obedience in demanded. Answer: 1) Love each other as brothers, 2) entertain strangers, 3) remember those in prison, 4) Marriage should be honored and kept pure, 5) keep free from the love of money, and 6) remember your leaders (i.e Moses, Abraham) and imitate them.


V5, 6, 8. What makes the Christian adequate to face every possible circumstance? Why is there for them nothing to fear, and no-one who can really harm them? What use can they make of the Old Testament Scriptures for the encouragement? Answer: The Christian is adequate to face whatever life throws at them because we believe in the Son of God that fulfills these verses. Christ is our rock and foundation. V5 comes from Deut 31:6, 8 while V6 comes from Ps118:6


V7. In what ways should Christian leaders, whose life on earth has ended, be remembered? Answer: They should be remembered and imitated.

July 29, 2010 Lesson 18 of Hebrews 12:18-29

V18-24. List the ways in which our Christian privileges under the new covenant excel the experiences of the Israelites at Sinai. Of what ought we by faith deliberately to be conscious when we draw near to God through Christ and his shed blood? Answer: We are heirs with Christ. At Sinai they were given the law, the law does not save. The law shows us our sin, the law provided rituals for cleansing of sins. Christ’s words, like and with the law, shows us our sins, however it is His sacrifice under the new covenant that brings us righteousness. (I hope this answers the question, I am not sure I understood it)


V25-29. What is here said to be impending and inescapable? How do we know this? Cf. Mark 13:31; 2 Pet 3:9-14, How in consequence, ought we to live our present earthly lives? Answer: Warning against refusing God. Judgment is impending and inescapable. However, for us the standard is set higher than in the OT times. They were warned through the OT prophets (i.e. Moses, Abraham, etc.), we were warned through Christ (heaven). Again, I am not sure I answered this one right. I double checked the STS book to see if I had the right questions for the right day, and it seems that I do.


Notes
V 23. ‘The assembly of the firstborn’: i.e. the church (Greek, ecclesia) of the privileged who have heavenly inheritance and whose names are written in heaven. Cf. Like 10:20; Rev 21:27.
V23. ‘The spirits of righteous men made perfect’: i.e., either Old Testament saints, or all the faithful departed.

July 28, 2010 Lesson 17 of Hebrews 12:1-17

V1-4. What quality does the Christian race particularly demand? What conditions must be fulfilled if it is to be run successfully? How can I gain the help I need to finish the course? Answer: running the race requires perseverance/ endurance! As I understand the second question based on this passage the conditions needing to be met is Christ’s endurance of the cross and our belief in Him.


V5-11. For what purpose does God in his providence order some of the earthly experience to his children? What goal has he in view for us? On what kind of response from us does our full enjoyment of benefit depend? Answer: God disciples us like our earthly fathers (or mother depending on the situation) have to, in order to teach us lessons. Lessons that will help us grow into what He (or he if we are talking about our earthly father) wants us to be, a transforming process. The fulfillment depends on our acceptance of that discipline. If we rebel it will be of little use, except to frustrate.


V12-17 What dangers beset those who are spiritually slack and careless? How may a whole group be affected by one renegade? What particular steeps to avoid these dangers are (either explicitly or implicitly) given here? Answer: Those who are careless may lose all their reward. Esau did sell his inheritance for only a bowl of soup (talk about careless) causing many to suffer out of lack of blessing and frustration.

July 27, 2010 Lesson 16 of Hebrews 11:23-40

V23-28. Note how Moses’ faith gave him the twofold awareness and assurance emphasized in V1. What choices did such faith lead him to make: a) concerning the world in which he had grown up, and b) concerning the cost of siding with Israelites? How ought similar faith to affect my attitude towards the interest to which I choose to devote my life? Answer: Moses saw that the world he grew up in was not one that served God. Moses saw that it was filled with sin and no repentance. He had faith enough to realize that it was not about him or his pleasures. He saw that the ways of the Egyptians would lead ultimately to death. We are no different today. We must choose to leave the ways of the world behind so that we may live and grow in Him by faith.

V28-31. What different steps and stages of faith and its expression are illustrated by these four instances? What kind of faith did the capture of Jericho demand? Cf. 3:14; 6:11, 12; 10:35, 36. Is my faith at all weak in this last quality? Answer: Faith, the assurance of things unseen, I am not sure how to put that into this answer. I don’t see /understand the steps, stages, or kind of faith means.


V32-40. These verses give a summary of the achievements and the sufferings of the men and women of faith. Note that the victories are of all kinds; and that the most outstanding witness is given by the ‘martyrs’ who suffered and died rather than deny their faith. In what ways am I more privileged than they? Would I be ready to follow their example, or does their faith put mine to shame? Answer: I would say their faith puts mine to shame. If I was stoned or whipped in the public square would I be able to maintain my faith? I hope that I would, and thank God we don’t have to worry about this in America today. My thoughts and (more importantly) prayers go out to them who live this way (i.e. China, middle east). It is easy to have faith in God when you live somewhere that has “freedom of religion.” Not so easy when you have to fear for your life just for believing in the one true God. Actually not that I think about it, If you do live in fear because of your belief then to me that just proves God exists. Why would the enemy, satan, have to convince people to torture and kill those who believed in God if there is no god. What other religion is really treated to this degree?

July 26, 2010 Lesson 15 of Hebrews 11:1-22

Faith deals with things unseen and things future, and, in particular, with the living God and his faith doing (v1,6). It is sure of the present reality of the one, and of the coming fulfillment of the other. Notice in detail how these characteristics of faith were exhibited in the lives of the individual mentioned here. What does this teach me I need to desire if my life is to please God. Answer: It teaches me that it is by faith we are saved! Not by might or power or works. It is the faith in God, faith in Christ Jesus and believing that He is the only way to God. Without faith our belief is really nothing. Despite the daily sacrifices of the Old Testament (only temporary coverings of sin) verse 2 shows us that it was faith that the “ancients were commended for.”


V7-16. To what should faith in God pay attention, and what does its full expression involve? Where is the crowning fulfillment of its hopes to be enjoyed? How should such awareness affect my present outlook, action, and attitude to life? Answer: Faith, being that assurance of things hoped for, should continue to keep its eye on the promise. Noah and Abraham both did, as described in this passage. We too should keep our “eye on the prize” in that we too will one day live forever with God in heaven!!


V17-19. What apparent contradiction was involved (as Abraham at first was it) between God’s promise and God’s command concerning Isaac? How did Abraham’s faith in God triumph over this test, and what new hope did Abraham have in God? Answer: The contradiction is that God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations through his son Isaac. To sacrifice Isaac would have meant the end to that. However, God (like always for those who have faith in Him) provided to Abraham an appropriate sacrifice.

July 25, 2010 Lesson 14 of Hebrews 10:19-39

Having finished his doctrinal exposition, the writer proceeds to give practical counsel for the life we are to live under the new covenant.
V19-25. How are we exhorted here to give expression to our faith, hope and love? Seek in your own life to discern ways in which these exhortations demand your obedience. Answer: The exhortations, as noted in the NIV study Bible, are 1) Let us draw near to God (v22), 2) Let us hold unswervingly to… hope (v23), 3) Let us consider how we may spur on another on (v23), 4) let us not give up meeting together (v25), and 5) Let us encourage one another (v25). For me all 5 of these items are a daily battle. Some more than others and some more on one day than another. Living the Christian life is not something that we want to do by human nature. It is something that we pray for continually, that transforming by the Holy Spirit to be more like God that He may be glorified in us. That we are drawn nearer to God and sometime (i.e. during trying times) that requires the help and support of another believer.


V26-39. For those who have God given light concerning the way of salvation, what is the only alternative to going on with God? Why are its consequences so serious? On what grounds does the writer here expect, and appeal for, the best from his readers? Answer: If you turn your back on God, once you have been given the light, you have turned you back on the only way to salvation. You will have no way of returning. The passages says, it is as if you have crucified Christ all over again. The writer says that if we persevere in our faith we will be richly rewarded.


Notes
V22. As the high priest and his sons at their consecration for service in the earthly sanctuary were washed with water and sprinkled with the blood of sacrifice (Exod 29:4, 21), so we in ‘heart’ and ‘body’ (that is, inwardly and outwardly, in our whole being) have been ‘sanctified’ by Christ’s sacrifice.
V26, 29. The writer has in mind deliberate and persistent apostasy – self-chosen denial and defiance of both the Son of God and the Spirit of Grace. The closing words of verse 26 mean that no second atoning sacrifice is provided for those who reject the sacrifice of Christ and his sanctifying blood.

July 24, 2010 Lesson 13 of Hebrews 10:1-18

Write down as many contrasts as you can find between the sacrifices of the tabernacle and the sacrifice offered by Christ. Why did the latter succeed where the former failed? Answer: the latter failed because it could not cover the sins past, present, and future. Christ’s holy and righteous sacrifice for our sins is the only thing that can cover all sins for all times. The differences here include: 1) Tabernacle sacrifices had to be repeated, 2) they were ‘an annual reminder of sin’ (v3) while Christ’s sacrifice puts the sins out for all time, and 3) Christ now sits at the right hand of God the priest cannot do that.


What consequences of Christ’s sacrifices: a)enjoyed by him, and b) can be enjoyed by us? Answer: We will be made holy. Not sure from this passage. I will wait on Pastor Troy on this one.


To what truths does the Holy Spirit bear witness in the Old Testament passages that are quoted here? Answer: That Christ would be the sacrifice for all sins for all time.


Notes
V5-9. The truth emphasized here it that a moral act of personal obedience has superseded ritual ceremonies, which in themselves had no inherent worth. They were only ‘a shadow of the good things that are coming’ (v1).
V1, 10, 14. ‘Perfected’ and ‘made holy’: The meaning is that by Christ’s one sacrifice we are brought for ever into a perfect, unalterable relationship of acceptance with God and consecration to his service. No further offering for sin is necessary (v18).
Psalms 40:6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. 7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come-- it is written about me in the scroll. 8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

July 23, 2010 Lesson 12 of Hebrews 9:15-28

V15-23. What are the reasons why Christ’s death was necessary? Of what benefits can we be sure because it has occurred? Answer: It was necessary to bring the fulfillment of the new covenant. Eternal salvation for those who believe in and follow His Word.


V 24-28. What differences are indicated here between what the Jewish high priest did and what Christ has done? What are the consequences of Christ’s one sacrifice of himself? How can it affect what happens to us when this life is over? Answer: Christ shed blood and took it to the heavenly tabernacle, something the Jewish priest could not do. His blood was shed once for all time, not over and over as the Jewish priest must do for not only for the people but their selves as well.


Note: V15-22. According to ancient practice covenants were sealed in blood, by the symbolic introduction of the death of the parties making it. Also, once a transgression of a covenant obligation had been committed, death became necessary for a second reason, to pay the penalty of such failure. So, ‘without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins’.

July 22, 2010 Lesson 11 of Hebrews 9:1-15

V 1-10. In what respects did the earthly sanctuary and its ceremonies come short, and for what reasons? Answer: The earthly tabernacle was made by and ran by men. It was not built by the Most High God as is the one in heaven. It is also run by earthly priests that made atonement for the people once a year; while Christ’s priesthood makes this a continual atonement all people of all time. Even though these priests of Old Testament times performed these ceremonial atonements, it was not until Christ became the sacrifice for our sins that they were truly covered.


V11-15. In what ways is the ministry which Christ fulfilled superior to, and more effective then, the Levitical ceremonies? List its far reaching consequences. Answer: His own blood is perfect, just as He is, allowing Him to enter without needing the sacrificial blood of goats or lambs. Christ is clean both inside and out.


Notes
V 9. ‘Clear the conscience’: i.e., free it from guilt and defilement, or ‘cleanse’ it (v14).
V12. The Greek does not say that Christ took bleed into God’s presence, liked the Levitical high priest took blood into the inner shrine (v6). Rather he entered ‘through’ his own blood, i.e. on the ground of His death or shed blood. For by this the veil had been rent that had shut men out. Cf. Mark 15:37, 38; Heb 10:19-22.

July 21, 2010 Lesson 10 of Hebrews 8

V 1-6. Jews were used to seeing Levitical priests fulfill their ministry in an earthly sanctuary. As Christians they need to appreciate that Christ’s ministry is different and ‘much more excellent’ (v 6). In what ways is this true? What is the significance of his being already seated at the right hand of God’s throne (V1)? Cf. 10:10-14; 4:14-16; Eph 4:8. Answer: Christ’s priesthood is far more excellent because He reigns from the tabernacle built by God in heaven, His sacrifice is forever (no beginning or end), He is greater than Aaron, Abraham, and all those before Him, and His sacrifice is for everyone (not just Jew).

V7-13. Why did the first covenant fail? Was there anything wrong with it? In contrast to it, in what ways does the new covenant meet our need, give us ‘better promises’ (V6), and make success certain? Answer: People were wrong with the first covenant. Israel/ Jews are still God’s covenant people and He tried to use them to spread His word throughout the world. However, they became too engrossed in the “me”.

Note. V10-12. Experimental progress into the enjoyment of the blessings of the new covenant is best appreciated from the bottom to the top as: a) forgiveness of sins, b) personal knowledge of the Lord, c) covenant relation to him, d) the indwelling Spirit turning the external restraint of the law into an internal constraint to do God’s will.

July 20, 2010 Lesson 9 of Hebrews 7:15-28

V15-25. What are the distinctive differences between the Levitical and the Melchizedek orders of priesthood – in qualification for office, in continuance in office and in efficacy? In relation to Christ’s office, what is added by God’s oath? Answer: 1) Levitical is based on ancestry and regulation; Melchizedek is not. 2) Levitical was weak; Melchizedek is powerful. 3) Levitical has no oath; Melchizedek is based on an oath. 4) (this is where Melchizedek has better efficacy and continuance in office) Jesus is the priest forever, His is a priesthood that lasts for all time, and for this reason is able to save all those who come to God.


V 23-28. How do these verses show that in Jesus we have a perfect High Priest, and that he perfectly meets the sinner’s need? In what ways is he unique both in person and work? Answer: 1) Jesus lives forever, making His priesthood an everlasting appointment and giving Him the ability to save all who come to Him. 2) Christ does not have to offer daily sacrifices (v27) because he is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (v26). 3) the Law appointed priests, while the new oath appointed Jesus who “has been made perfect forever.”


Note: V25. ‘Completely’: the Greek phrase means ‘to the uttermost’ both of time and of degree.

July 19, 2010 Lesson 8 of Hebrews 7:1-14

V 1-10. On what grounds is Melchizedek said to be greater than Abraham and consequently superior to the Levitical priesthood? By what the scriptural record both does and does not tell us about him, in what ways is Melchizedek made to resemble the Son of God? Answer: Melchizedek 1) has not family (no father mother, or genealogy; v3), 2) His name means king of peace or king of Salem (Jerusalem), 3) He was greater, receiving the tithe from Abraham.


V 11-14. Why could not Jesus possibly be a priest after the order of Aaron? What does the promise in the Old Testament of a new order of priesthood (see Ps 110:4) imply concerning the existing Levitical priesthood? If the priesthood is changed, what must inevitably be changed as well? Answer: OK this is new to me. I am confused as to all of this. I know Jesus is descended from Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. I don’t understand how Jesus is also out of the order of Melchizedek. I understand that Melchizedek is a different line than Aaron. Aaronic Priesthood is of the Law, while Melchizedek is not. I will be excited to Pastor Troy’s response.


Notes:
V1. ‘This Melchizedek was king … and priest’: among the Israelites these two offices were never held by the same person.
V 2. ‘First… righteousness, then… peace’: Cf. Is 32:17.
V 12. The priesthood was so fundamental to the old covenant between God and his people, that any change in the order of priesthood must of necessity involve a change in the whole constitution; i.e., it implies nothing less than an accompanying new, and indeed better, covenant. See 7:22.

July 18, 2010 Lesson 7 of Hebrews 6:9-20

V9-12. What gives the writer confidence concerning his readers’ final salvation? In what ways does he desire to see improvement in their Christian living? Examine yourself to see in which of these characteristics you are strong or weak. Answer: The confidence comes from knowing that God is just and doesn’t forget the good works they have done for God’s people. In other words if God makes a promise He is going to keep it. He judges without favor. The author wants to see diligence in the Christian lives of these believers. He does not want them to “become lazy.” He wants their faith and patients to grow.


V 13-20. If we have made Christ our refuge, what three unshakable grounds of assurance have we that our confidence and hope will not disappoint us? In what ways is Jesus himself like an anchor? What benefits does he guarantee? Answer: 1) God keeps His promises, 2) It is impossible for Him to lie, 3) He is all powerful. Really 1 is the only thing to hold onto. The other 2 things and rest of this passage only seek to prove 1 as I see it. I may be wrong, but it makes sense to me. Jesus is that anchor by what He guarantees; salvation through His sacrifice.


Notes:
V10-12. Note the mention of love, hope and faith. Cf 1 Thess 1:3; 5:8.
V 12. ‘Lazy’: in 5:11 the same Greek adjective is translated ‘dull’. Other renderings are ‘sluggish’ or ‘slothful’.
V 11, 12. ‘To the very end’, ‘… and patient’. This is an emphasis typical of this letter. Cf. 3:14; 6:15; 10:35, 36.

July 17, 2010 Lesson 6 of Hebrews 5:11-6:8

July 17, 2010 Lesson 6 of Hebrews 5:11-6:8
5:11-14. What is the writer’s complaint about his readers? What does he imply are the conditions of spiritual growth? By these standards, considering how long I have been a Christian, by this time what ought I to be? Answer: The writer is saying that we can not continue to live only knowing about the grace of God. We are to learn and study what is in the Word and put it in our heart so that we do not become tempted, allowing the Word to transform us. Where am I? Not where I could be.


6:1-8. What teaching constitutes the foundation of the gospel? See Acts 2:38; 20:21; 26:18. What reason is given here for not laying this foundation again? What were the only possibilities now open to such people? Answer: Repentance, it is for all, having faith in Jesus, understanding you are not worthy; basically all that it says in Mat 5:3-8. These foundational points are important to understand and live by but there is sooooo much more to the Word than that.


Notes
5:11. As the writer is about to begin his exposition of the Melchizedek priesthood of Christ, he is arrested by a sense of the difficulty of expounding it to those who have become spiritually so dull of hearing.
5:14. Note the practical evidence of maturity. Cf. Is 7:16.
6:4-8. To understand these verses compare the writer’s earlier reference to the Israelites in the wilderness. It was impossible for Moses to take them back into Egypt, and to bring them out through the Passover and the Read Sea a second time. Either they must go on with God and enter in, or come under God’s judgment, and be finally shut out. See 3:10-12.

July 16, 2010 Lesson 5 of Hebrews 4:14-5:10

4:14-16. What truths concerning our Christian High Priest are we exhorted here to confess, and what consequent privileges open to our enjoyment are we exhorted to possess fully? Answer: because Christ came to earth and was tempted and endured this earth just as we have, is therefore more sympathetic to our condition (sin). He, however, came out without sin making him the perfect High Priest, and it is because of His sacrifice that we are able to approach the throne giving us grace and mercy.


5:1-10. What qualifications for high priesthood are set forth in verses 1-4? How are these possessed by Christ at a higher level and in a fuller way than could ever be true of a Levitical priest? What benefit can he consequently make ours, and on what conditions? Answer: 1) they have to be chosen, 2) must be able to ‘deal gently’ with those who may be going astray, and 3) realize that he must offer sacrifices for himself because he is not above sin. I am not sure what is really being asked or how to answer the rest of this question. After a bit of research I will guess here (I hope pastor Troy will provide some insight). We are at a higher level than the Levitical priests because we now, through Jesus Christ, have a “direct line” to God. Because Christ died for us and intercedes for us we are in a higher position.


Notes:
The order of treatment in 5:1-4 is reverses in 5:1-10. The three points dealt with are: a) function b) understanding sympathy, c) appointment to office.
5:3. Every Jewish high priest ‘has to offer sacrifice for his own sins.’ Contrast 4:15. Jesus was sinless.
5:7-9. These verses give an amazing insight into our Lord’s true humanity and earthly humility.

July 15, 2010 Lesson 4 of Hebrews 3:7-4:13

3:7-4:2. What is the danger against which we are warned here? Why were the Israelites overtaken by it in the wilderness? How can we avoid similar disaster? Answer: We are warned against unbelief. As I recall for the most part the Israelites were overcome by it because of a lack of patience. They wanted it now! They were promised to enter the promised land and they felt like it was taking too long to get there so they took things into their own hands and started to worship false gods. This is absolutely a trap we can fall into today. We are in a society that rushes to get everywhere. We are a society filled with choices. We are in a society that is all about self. I think it makes it much easier, given these factors, to fall into disbelief.


4:1-13. In what ways does God use his Word in his dealings with us? What promise of his still stands open for our enjoyment? What are the conditions of obtaining its fulfillment in our experience? Can any avoid having dealings with him? Answer: God uses His word to judge us, to guide us, to give us comfort. We still have the promise that we too will be with Him in the Promised Land in the new creation. Obedience and belief are the conditions for fulfillment. None can avoid the final judgment.


Note. 3:12, 13; 4:1. In each of these verses and exhortation is addressed in the plural to the many, exhorting them all to take care lest any single one of their number fall away.
Eric’s notes
4:1 the promise of entering His rest. See Isa 11:1-9. This is the promise of the second coming when Christ will sit on the throne in Israel in the new creation (Rev 21:4; Isa 65:17; 66:22).

July 14, 2010 Lesson 3 of Hebrews 3:1-6

V1, 6. Christians are described here as those who confess Christ and respond to his call. If these activities are to be fully meaningful, we must ‘consider Jesus’ as our ‘apostle and high priest’. What, then, can Christ do for us, and what does he demand from us as a) our Apostle, and b) our High Priest? Answer: He demands not only that we believe (for even the demons believe James 2:19) but also follow His Word.


V2-5. Find three ways in these verses in which Christ is said to excel Moses. Answer: Jesus excel or exceed Moses?? Jesus found to have greater honor than Moses. House builder has greater honor than house. Jesus is “equated” to God and since God created everything Jesus is said to have more honor than Moses. Moses was a servant, while Christ is a son making Him higher than Moses. Christ is over God’s house, while Moses is in the house.


Note:
V1. As ‘Apostle’ Jesus was sent from God to men to reveal; as ‘High Priest’ he offered himself for men to God to redeem and to reconcile. Cf. 1:1, 2a, 3b; 2:3, 17; 4:14; 5:1; 8:1.
V2-6. ‘God’s house’: this refers to God’s people or household, not to the tabernacle or temple. Now it is we Christians who are God’s house. Our heavenly calling makes us ‘holy brothers’ in God’s family.

July 13, 2010 Lesson 2 of Hebrews 2

V1-4. Why ought we to ‘pay more careful attention …to what we have heard’ (v1)? Sort out the reasons stated here. Against what practical dangers is this warning directed? Answer: I believe this passage is saying that if we don’t turn from our earthly ways we are doomed to eternal death. We can not trust in the law (or other ritualistic type beliefs) to save us, it is only through Christ that we may be saved. While here on earth Christ gave us more than enough evidence to believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of God and to turn from that is to receive your just punishment.


What, according to the Scriptures (eg Ps 8), is man’s divinely intended destiny? How do we here see God’s purpose for man being brought to its fulfillment? What path did the Son of God have to tread to make it possible for sinful men to share in this fulfillment? What, in consequence, can He now do for us? Answer: God’s will is that we all be saved however we have all sinned so that leaves us destined for eternal death. The path Christ had to take is briefly laid out in v14-15. Christ came to earth in a fleshly body and was crucified for our sins. The final consequence is our eternal salvation, if we accept Him.

July 12, 2010 Lesson 1 of Hebrews 1

V 1-4. List the statements made about Christ in verses 2 and 3. What do these statements tell us about his person and work? In what ways is He greater than prophets and angels? Answer: 1) “whom He appointed heir of all things” 2) “and through whom He made the whole universe” 3) “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory” 4) “the exact representation of His being” 5) “Sustaining all things by His powerful Word” 6) “He provided purification for sins” 7) He then “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Jesus is called what no other created being is called, Son, in addition to these statements. This makes His name superior to all others. Jesus is, was, and always will be the one true way to the father.


How do the scriptures quoted in verses 5-14 confirm the statement of verse 4? Define for yourself the ways in which what God says of Christ is different from what He says about angels. Answer: Like other passages we have read during these studies this author is using OT references to prove who and what Christ is to the NT Jews. However, in this instance it is to prove Christ’s superiority to the angels. These statements show how Christ is called the Son by God. The fact that He is called Son alone places Him above the angels. Not to mention the fact that Christ is seated at the right hand of God (v13), God through Christ created the heavens and the earth and all things in it (v10), the angels are commanded to worship Him (v6), Christ is set above the angels by God (v9), and the angels were sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (v14).


Notes:
The emphasis laid on Christ’s superiority to angels, which to us seems obvious, is explained by the fact that, to the Jews, one of the chief glories of the Old Testament revelation was that it was given through angels. See 2:2
Verse 7. Angels are created beings; they are God’s servants; and their form and appearance suffer change and transformation at God’s pleasure. Contrast the royal dominion and unchanging being of the Son (v8-12).

Eric’s personal note
It seems that the author is marking the change from prophets to now. Verse 1 and 2 note this transition.

July 11, 2010 Lesson 20 of Leviticus 27

Instruction as to what is to be done where an offering has been made to the Lord and the give3r wants to redeem it; also a regulation about tithes.

What can be redeemed and what cannot be redeemed? What does this teach us about the seriousness of vows made to God? Is there any exception to the statement inverse 29? Cf. Ps 49:7-9; Mark 10:45. Answer: The only thing, and I am probably missing something, that I see that can’t be redeemed is those items not redeemed by the following Year of Jubilee. The only exception to verse 29 would be those who God chooses to soften his heart and bring him closer to God, thereby saving him (kind of going back to the doctrine of election, very interesting doctrine by the way).

What does this chapter show of the Lord’s character? What does he require in His people? Answer: I think this chapter shows that God gives us and gives us room to make errors and be forgiven, but there is always a point from which we can no longer be forgiven. God is a loving God who wants our obedience, if we can not give that then we will not be part of the chosen in the end.

July 9, 2010 Lesson 18 of Leviticus 25

How was the year of Jubilee reckoned, and what was its general purpose? Are there any corresponding spiritual blessings in Christ? And how can we enjoy them? Cf. Gal 2:4; 5:1, 13. Answer: The year of Jubilee was a year of equalization or resetting. It allowed debts to be settled (and created a point from which debts could be prorated) and help those less fortunate. I am not sure if I am on the right track or not, but I would have to say that under the blood of Christ we live in a continual year of jubilee. Our transgressions, or sin debt, is forever and always forgiven.


What light is shed in this chapter on the principles governing our relationship to God and to one another in Christ? See especially verses 17, 23, 35, 36, 38, 42, 43, and 55. Answer: We are all slaves to righteousness. In Romans 6:14-23 Paul describes this in a bit more detail. We are the elect, and therefore slaves to righteousness.

July 8, 2010 Lesson 17 of Leviticus 24

Consider the significance of the words ‘pure’ and ‘continually’ which reoccur in verses 1-9. Apply these words to your own worship and Christian service. Answer: I am not really sure how to answer this one. I do see pastor Troy’s points, however, that our worship should be continuous and our hearts need to be kept pure.


What attributes of God’s character are set side by side in this chapter? Cf. Heb. 10:19-31. What constraint should such awareness put on us? Answer: God is a forgiving God, however if we are given the knowledge (and we all are) and still continue to live in the “world” then we are blasphemers as well.

July 7, 2010 Lesson 16 of Leviticus 23

List the feasts and note the general character of each. What did they have in common? And what were their differences? Answer: The Passover ad Unleavened Bread; Twilight on 14th day of first month, lasts 7 days, eat bread with no yeast and present an offering made from fire, remember Israel’s deliverance. The First Fruits; bring a wave offering from your first harvest, also bring a burnt offering of a lamb, to recognize God’s bounty. Feast of Weeks, or the end of Pentecost; new grain offering, wave offering of the first fruits, burnt offering of 7 lambs, show joy thankfulness to God for His blessing. Feast of Trumpets; first day of 7th month, do no work but sound trumpets, Present Israel before God for His favor. Day of Atonement; 10th day of 7th month, do no work, deny yourself, offering made by fire, cleanse priest and people from sin. Feast of Tabernacles; 15th day of 7th month, lasts 7 days, day 1 sacred assembly, for seven days present offerings to the Lord with fire, on the 8th day hold sacred assembly and present offering made by fire, memorialize journey from Canaan and give thanks for its bounty.


What are the New Testament parallels to the three main feasts and what is the significance of each? A)The Passover. Cf. 1 Cor 5:7-8. B) the Feast of Weeks, or Pentacost. Cf. Acts 2:1-4. C) The Feast of Tabernacles, the final ingathering of the harvest. Cf. Rev 7:9-10. Answer: a) the blood of Christ serves as the Passover Lamb for all time. B) I don’t want to talk much here for two reasons; one I don’t know a lot and two so many different faiths believe different things so I can’t argue it effectively one way or the other. C) this is the final call home when Christ takes us all to heaven.

July 6, 2010 Lesson 15 of Leviticus 21 and 22

What words and expressions occur frequently, giving the reason why these instructions are imposed? List some ways in which we ought to be showing similar concern. Answer: I am the Lord, and be holy are two that first come to mind. Or a third is I am the Lord who makes them holy.

What can we learn here about the serious effects on our Christian lives of things that are apparently small, but spiritually unclean? Answer: Is it saying that even the smallest things can and many times do corrupt the whole of our lives?

July 5, 2010 Lesson 14 of Leviticus 19 and 20

What particular attribute of God receives emphasis in these chapters as a ground of obedience to his commands? Cf. 1 Peter 1:14-17. Answer: God’s sovereignty and holiness.


Which one of the Ten Commandments do these laws elaborate? What significant summary of the law of God is to be found here? Answer: As I sit and read through them thinking about what was in the text I have to say the first one to pop out at me is, well I don’t know. I see several, if not all 10, touched on here. I am not sure what he is asking.

July 4, 2010 Lesson 13 of Leviticus 18

In chapters 18-20 we pass from the worship of the people to their behavior. Chapter 18 prohibits unlawful marriage, unchastity, and Molech worship; but the last is dealt with more fully in 18:2-5


What reasons are given for Israel’s obedience to these laws and how important is this obedience? See V1-5 and 24-30. Answer: 1) it is the decree of the Lord, 2) He will drive them out if they do not. God said it, so we do it (or don’t do it as the case may be). We do it because we love God. God has given us sex and sexual desires so that we may use them the way He intended. Even today we are not to use them in just any old way. Many in the culture will tell you different.


What light is thrown by this chapter on God’s command for the extermination of the Canaanites? Answer: I see that God intends to throw them out because of their sexual sins.

July 3, 2010 Lesson 12 of Leviticus 17

There are two main instructions in this portion: first, that all domestic animals which are to be killed shall be brought to the tabernacle (v3-9); and second, that no blood must be eaten (v10-16). The former of these instructions points to a time when animals were not killed except in connection with worship of some kind.


What would this first instruction (v3-9) teach Israel about God? Where is it suggested in these verses that this instruction is directed against idolatrous worship? Answer: The first instruction is to bring the sacrifice to the place it is to be sacrificed. Don’t sacrifice your goat, ox, or bird in the field when you are commanded to do it at the Tent of Meeting or the altar. To sacrifice outside this area is the same, as I understand, as idol worship.


Why was the eating of blood so strictly forbidden? See verse 11 in particular. What is the significance of this for us? Answer: Blood is the life of the animal. It is that blood that is used to atone for sins. Eating/ drinking that blood is forbidden, just as taking the life of another. Today yesterday, and for all time Christ died to cover all sins (Heb 10:10; 9:11-28). It is for this reason that the blood of animals is no longer needed for sacrifice. It is for this reason that we can eat the meat of these animals for Christ said that it is not what enters the mouth but what comes out of it that makes him unholy (Acts 1:1-23; Mat 15:1-20; 1 Tim 4:3-5).

July 2, 2010 Lesson 11 of Leviticus 16

Sketch out the order of the ceremonies of the Day of Atonement. Answer: 1) Aaron is to get a sin (young bull) and burnt (and ram) offering. 2) Bathe and put on the sacred linen tunic. 3) take with him a sin (two male goats) and a burnt (ram) offering for the Israelites. 4) Present his own sin offering. 5) cast lots with the Lord for the scapegoat. 6) The goat that is for the Lord, he is to make it a sin offering. 6) The scapegoat is to be sent alive into the desert. 7) Take burning coals from the censer and incense to burn behind the curtain to conceal himself. 8) take the bulls blood and sprinkle it on the atonement cover. 9) do the same with the goats blood. 10) then do the same for the Tent of Meeting. 11) then the same for the altar. 12) place his hands on the scapegoat and confessing all the sins of Aaron and the people and letting it go. 13) Aaron is to bathe and change back to “street clothes” to offer the burnt offering for himself and the people. 14) the remaining pieces of the offerings are to be burned outside the camp. 15) all who touched the scapegoat and the remaining sacrifice pieces must be bathed.


What do you learn from this chapter about: a) the conditions of approach into God’s presence; b) the complete removal of sin’s guilt through substitution; c) the necessity on man’s part of submission in penitence and faith to God’s way of salvation? Answer: The first thing that comes to mind is how we would think of this kind of thing today. Many today would look at this like, “really, I have to do what?” In other words “I have to do that to atone for my sins to a God I can’t see? I don’t need that.” I wonder, how many of the Jews felt the same way? Anyway, back to the questions. A person has to be made holy and righteous in order to approach God, and even then we cannot see Him. It is through a process (in these times it is sacrifice and today a belief in Christ as the Way) that removes our sins. Either then or now submission is mandatory to the forgiveness of sins.


Note: v 8, 10, 26. ‘Scapegoat’ in Hebrew (azazel) means ‘destruction’.

July 1, 2010 Lesson 10 of Leviticus 14:33-15:33

How does this portion show that sin, wherever found and in whatever form, is defiling God’s sight, and prevents acceptance before him? Answer: I think that all of these “unclean” situations show that we are unclean before God. I see that no one is really shunned, they are quarantined to begin or go through a cleansing process.


Chapter 15 is usually taken to represent the defilement of secret sin. Notice: a) how it pollutes the whole life and all around it, and b) that this kind of defilement requires atonement just as much as other forms of sin. Cf. Pss 19:12; 51:6-9. Answer: It is interesting how everything this unclean person comes in contact with becomes unclean. People, clothing, chairs, beds and bed linens, ect all becomes unclean. Women as well are seen as unclean during their monthly period. I find it even more interesting that when a man and woman are together that they are too bathe and become unclean for a period of time.