13. The Supremacy of Christ and His New Covenant (Hebrews 9)
December 5, 2021 • David Schrock • Hebrews 9
As we come to the last message of our series on the cross, before considering the cradle and the cross of Christ (our Advent mini-series) we will return to the theme that we started with—the finished work of Christ. If Christ declared that it was finished on the cross (John 19:30). And his crucifixion completed the work described in Psalm 22 (see v. 31). Then Hebrews 9 gives us another passage where the once and for all work of Christ is extolled and explained. In fact, in describing the ways that Christ is better than all the persons, events, and institutions that preceded him in Israel, Hebrews 9 explains how the cross works—both on earth and in heaven. As you have time, read Hebrews 9 and pray that God would open our eyes to see all the ways that Christ fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Testament. Indeed, all of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings point to Christ, and this Sunday, Lord willing, we will see how that works once and for all. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discussion & Response Questions for Hebrews 9 1. What are the key components of the Levitical system of sacrifice? (Hint: there are four) 2. What do you know about each—the tabernacle, the priesthood, the sacrifices, and the covenant? 3. Why is it necessary to know these components of the sacrificial system, if you want to know the finished work of Christ? 4. How does Christ’s cross (and resurrection and ascension) fulfill the sacrificial system? 5. In what ways does Hebrews 9 depend upon and quote the Old Testament to explain Christ’s death and resurrection? 6. How is Christ better? Why is this good news for the Jewish followers of Christ? How is this good news for us? 7. What does it mean that Christ is the mediator of a new covenant? 8. What did the blood of Christ accomplish? Remember, the blood applies in two directions in Hebrews 9. 9. How does Christ purify heaven? How do we see that in the text? 10. How does the inauguration of the new covenant and the exaltation of Christ into heaven change the world? And impact your life?
4. The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16)
October 3, 2021 • David Schrock • Leviticus 16, Hebrews 9:23–28
At the center . . . of the center . . . of the center . . . of the law of Moses, we do not find law but gospel. What is the good news in the middle of the law of Moses? It is the promise in Leviticus 16:20–22 that your sins will be taken away. And this Sunday we will be looking at the Day of Atonement which holds forth the promise of this good news. As we continue our series on the cross, we will look at the Leviticus 16. In this chapter, the Day of Atonement, which is the center piece of Israel’s religion, is revealed. And more than that, the center of our hope in Christ's finished work on the cross is also revealed in the Day of Atonement. To prepare for Sunday, read Leviticus 16, as well as Hebrews 9. Together, these two chapters help us understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross and how God’s chief design for the law is the removal of all our sin, so that we can enter his presence through the priestly ministry of Christ. I look forward to seeing you Sunday and to marveling with you at God’s grace in bringing sinners like us into holy presence. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion and Response Questions for Leviticus 16 1. Before Sunday, how has the Day of Atonement played a role in your understanding of Christ’s cross? 2. What is something you learned from Leviticus 16 that enriched your understanding or increased your thanksgiving? 3. Where is Leviticus 16 located in the Law of Moses and the book of Leviticus? How does seeing the structure of the Pentateuch (Genesis–Deuteronomy) and the structure of Leviticus help you see the good news of the Law? Cf. 1 Timothy 1:8–11. 4. Why does the Lord begin with a reference to Nadab and Abide (see Lev. 10) ? What did they do? And what does this teach us about approaching God? 5. What role does the priest play in the Day of Atonement? How is Aaronic priest similar and different to Jesus? What do we learn about Christ’s death from the priestly actions? 6. What are the two movements in the Day of Atonement? (Hint: They are associated with the two sacrifices) What does this teach us about Christ’s cross? 7. What is the relationship between the Day of Atonement and the rest of the sacrificial system? How does that whole system relate to Christ? 8. How does reading Leviticus with Hebrews help us understand the Day of Atonement? How does the Day of Atonement enlarge our view of Christ’s work on the cross and its cosmic implications? 9. What other reflections or questions remain? How will the Day of Atonement help you read the New Testament going forward?
2. On the Hill of the Lord . . . God Tests, Provides, and Blesses (Genesis 22:1-19)
September 19, 2021 • David Schrock • Genesis 22:1–19, Hebrews 11:1–19
God said what? He told his servant Abraham to go and sacrifice his son, only son, Isaac, the one whom he loved. And did he? Is that what God requires? Why would God do that? And why would Abraham obey? If the conversation about Genesis 22 is challenging, imagine how difficult the conversation between father and son was between aged Abraham and Isaac, his teenage son. As they walked for three days to the hill of the Lord: Isaac: Father, where is the sacrifice? Abraham: The Lord will provide, son. And indeed, the Lord did provide—for Abraham, Isaac, Israel, and us! In Genesis 22, we enter one of the richest passages in the Bible. Every verse says something to us about God, his demands on humanity, his provision for humanity, and the pathway of death that leads to life. Indeed, if you are feeling tried and tested and on the verge of despair and death, Genesis 22 is for you. In looking at Genesis 22 this Sunday, we not only see an incredible moment in history, we also see a picture of what Christ’s cross accomplished and how we are to carry our cross in obedience to Jesus. To prepare for Sunday, take time to read Genesis 22. Read it slow. Read it a few times. See what is there, and pray that God might speak to us this Sunday as we consider these words together. As God allows we will gather on Sunday at 8:30am and 11:00am to dig into this glorious passage. May the Lord give us faith as we behold the way he provides salvation for those who trust in him. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions for Genesis 22 1. Before this week, how have thought about this passage? Has it been a source of comfort? Concern? Something else? 2. What does it mean that God tested Abraham? How is this unique to Abraham? And how is typical of all believers? 3. What is the arrangement of the text? How does seeing the structure help you see the drama? Why is important to slow down to see the drama in Scripture? 4. What are some of types and shadows that point to Christ? How do those types help us understand Christ’s cross? 5. How do we know that the connections from Genesis 22 to Christ are legitimate? What if we don’t make those connections? What are some of New Testament texts that help us make those connections? 6. What does Genesis 22 teach us about God and his provision? 7. What does Genesis 22 teach us about the gospel? 8. How does the experience of Abraham and Christ teach us to carry our cross? What does Genesis 22 teach us about discipleship? 9. How are you being tested today? How does Genesis 22 bolster your faith? How can we pray for you?