Theme: The way forward through the new covenant
Passage: Hebrews 8:1–13
How do we benefit from Jesus as our high priest?
1. Jesus serves on our behalf in the presence of God (1–6).
a. He is seated at the right hand of God (1).
b. He serves in the true tabernacle of God (2–5).
2. Jesus mediates a new covenant relationship between us and God (6–13).
a. The problem with the old covenant:
i. It got replaced (7)
ii. (because) The people of God couldn’t remain faithful to it (8–9).
b. The better promises of the new covenant for us:
i. God enables us to accomplish his law by writing it in our hearts (10).
ii. We personally and intimately know the Lord (11).
iii. God forgives our sins completely (12).
Main Idea: Since Jesus serves as our high priest, we must look to him and him alone to usher us into the presence of God.
Application Questions:
• What implications and applications can we draw from the fact that the true tabernacle is not physical on earth but spiritual in the heavenly realm? How should this affect the way we look at the things of this world?
• Since the old covenant was faulty and required God to establish a new covenant relationship with his people, how should we look at the Old Testament, especially its laws and regulations? Are we required to keep its commandments today?
• What do the better promises, given in the new covenant as described in vv. 10–12, indicate about your relationship with God? How might these be a comfort, reassurance, and motivation in your life?
• What hinders you from looking exclusively to Jesus to provide you access to the presence of God? What do you need to do today to begin to address these hindrances?
June 27th, 2021
HEBREWS :: The way forward through the new covenant
June 27, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff
October 3, 2021
October 3, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 13:18–25
Theme: Final Remarks for the Way Forward Passage: Hebrews 13:18–25 Three final calls to action as the book of Hebrews closes: 1. Pray for leaders to possess the conviction to powerfully display the Gospel (vv. 18–19). 2. Trust the work God is doing for you through Jesus (20–21). 3. Continue to persevere in the gospel (22). Main Idea: God’s has mapped out the way forward on life’s journey in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Application Questions: • What do vv. 18–19 teach us about the content of our prayers as well as how to pray? • How does the content of v. 20 serve as the basis for the request of equipping believers to do God’s will in v. 21? What does this indicate about God’s will in our lives? • What does it mean that God “works in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ” in v. 21? How should this impact the way that you live? • What has Hebrews taught you about perseverance in the gospel?
September 26, 2021
September 26, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 13:7–17
September 26, 2021 - The Way Forward Following Your Leaders Passage: Hebrews 13:7–17 Title: The Way Forward Following Your Leaders Main Idea: God provides us with guides for our spiritual journey. Thus, we must: 1. Imitate our spiritual mentors (7–8). a. Remember their teaching. b. Observe their life choices. 2. Trust Christ’s Sacrifice (9–16). a. Don’t follow faddish teaching (9). b. Follow Christ’s path (10–14). c. Offer God sacrifices that praise him (15–16): i. Speech that confesses his name ii. Service that benefits others 3. Submit to your church leaders (17). a. They watch over your souls. b. They will give account. c. The more joyous their task, the more benefit to you Application Questions: • Name the spiritual mentors that have impacted your life. What was it about them that made such an impact on you? • How are you vulnerable to false teaching today? • What does Christ’s path suggest about the way our lives should look (vv. 12–14)? How does this differ from your current reality? • What does submitting to your current church leaders mean and not mean? How can we make their work joyous and not a burden?
September 19, 2021
September 19, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 13:1–6
Theme: The Way Forward in Service Passage: Hebrews 13:1–6 How thankful service to God (12:28–29) acts toward the people in our lives: 1. Spiritual Siblings: Lovingly care for your spiritual brothers and sisters (1) 2. Strangers: Hospitably care for those you don’t know (2) 3. Suffering: Think about those suffering for Christ and act accordingly (3) 4. Spouse: Vigilantly remain sexually pure (4) 5. Self: Conduct your life free from the care of money (5–6) Main Idea: Service focuses on the situation and needs of others by deemphasizing the desires of self. Application Questions: • Are you connected with this body of believers so that you can lovingly care for your brother and sisters here? How can you connect more deeply to obey the command in v. 1? • Why might believers struggle showing hospitality to those they don’t know, even in the context of the church? What can be done to address a lack of hospitality in your life? • What can you do to empathize with and help those who are suffering for the cause of Christ? • Where are you weakest in the battle to remain sexually pure? What steps do you need to take to remain sexually pure in our current context? • What practical ways can you implement in your life to free yourself from the love of money?