Christ Is Better Than Moses

Preface

Hebrews 3:1 – 4:13

Describe your favorite ways of resting and relaxation. How often do you do this?

Introduction

Having argued for the supremacy of Jesus (who is shown to be superior to the prophets and the angels in the last Bible study), the Spirit-led writer of Hebrews now makes the case for how Christ is better than Moses, the one through whom the first covenant came.

The author will issue a second warning, now against forfeiting the rest offered to us (What was the first warning about?). The importance of rest is then expounded in chapter four.

Questions

1. Why is Moses so esteemed by the Hebrew people? Briefly recall facts about his life.

Read Hebrews 3:1-6

2a. In what way is Christ better than Moses?

b. Why did the writer of Hebrews argue that Jesus is greater than Moses?

Read Hebrews 3:7-19

3a. A warning is given, based on the Old Testament passage in verses 7-11. Who is this warning for?

b. What is the nature of the warning? (What is its severity of the warning? What is the tone of the author? Is it pleading or punitive? What effect does the rhetorical style used have on the feel of the message?)


c. What will be the result of not heeding this warning?

4. We are told to encourage one another to identify with Christ rather than be overcome by unbelief (Hebrews 3:13)

a. How is sin deceitful?


b. How does encouragement help?


c. How can God use you today to encourage another believer?

Read Hebrews 4:1-13

6. Who gets to experience God's rest?

Read Joshua 21:43-45

7a. Describe the kind of rest the people experienced. Of what did this rest consist? Did this rest last?


b. What does this rest mean for us as Christians?


8. Take some time to examine your own heart and life. Have you entered into God's rest through faith, or are you still trying to be saved through your own work and self-effort? What evidence would you give to support your answer?

Read Hebrews 4:12-13

9. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we are instructed to wield. How may we do so in the world of our everyday student lives?

Conclusion

The need for God's rest is urgent. A person should diligently, with intense purpose and concern, secure it. It is not that he can work his way to salvation, but that he should diligently seek to enter God's rest by faith – lest he, like the Israelites in the wilderness, lose the opportunity. God cannot be trifled with. If you are walking by faith today, you can feel sure of your security in the love of God.

Christ Is Better Than Angels

Preface

Hebrews 1:1 – 2:18

Many opinions abound about who Jesus is. List some common ideas about the identity of Jesus that you've heard.

Who do you believe Jesus is? Why?

Introduction

The overarching theme of Hebrews is the supremacy or the preeminence of Christ. He is higher than any Old Testament character. He is superior to any Old Testament institution. He is greater than any Old Testament ritual. He is better than any Old Testament sacrifice. His life, death and resurrection make Him preeminent.

In this Bible Study, the author shows how Jesus Christ is superior to angels, which are held in high regard by the Jews as highest beings next to God.

Questions

Read Hebrews 1 (Refer to Hebrews 1:1-4)

1. Consider the ways Jesus is described here. How would you summarize the ways Jesus is described here in a sentence?

a. What does it mean that God “has in these last days spoken to us by His Son”? (John 1:1-14)

b. What does it mean that Christ has been appointed heir of all things? (Psalm 2:8-9, 89:27, Romans 11:36, Colossians 1:15-18)

Refer Hebrews 1:4-14

3a. Discuss why God made angels. What are they for? (Deuteronomy 33:1-1, Psalm 68:17, 97:7, 104:4, Acts 7:38, 53, Galatians 3:19)

b. How does the passage contrast Jesus from the angels?

Read Hebrews 2 (Refer to Hebrews 2:1-4)

4. What warning does the writer issue?

5. What does it mean when it says, 'Jesus was perfected through suffering' (Hebrews 2:10), bearing in mind that He never sinned?

Read Colossians 1:13-20

6. In what ways does this passage echo the themes expressed in Hebrews 1 and 2? What new truths are mentioned?

7. How has your views of Jesus Christ changed as a result of these chapters? Explain.

8. Given the excellency and supremacy of Christ, why do you think human beings still tend to trust other things more?

9. In what areas of your life do you need to recognize that Christ is far better than everyone and everything else you might put your faith and trust in?

Conclusion

Through this Bible study, we have gotten a better understanding of Christ. We learn about His glorious nature and the cause for which He suffered and died on earth, that is, the purification of sins and reconciliation with God.

There is no better promise than that in Jesus Christ. Not only has He atoned for our sins, but He continues to help us in our times of testing. Angels may minister to us as God's servants; Jesus ministers to us as His own kith and kin.

May we truly worship Jesus Christ as the One who humbled Himself, died for our sins, and who is now risen and glorified.