Historical Posts
The New Covenant is Here – Audio
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The New Covenant is Here Now!
Old Covenant
God had given Israel a covenant written in stone by his own finger, and they broke it almost as soon as it was given. It was broken literally when Moses threw the tables of stone on the ground in anger (Exodus 32:19), as some of the Ten Commandments were being broken by the people while he was still on the mountain (Exodus 20:1-17). As Moses eventually received a new set, or copy, of commandments in the old covenant (Exodus 34), so do God’s people receive a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
New Covenant
As Jeremiah prophesied, God would make a new covenant and that new covenant was to be placed and kept in the minds and hearts of God’s people (Jeremiah 31:33). Everyone should know God, for they will have been taught of Him (Jeremiah 31:34). God even promised to no longer remember our sins (Jeremiah 31:35).
The Hebrew writer shows how the first covenant was not faultless; therefore, a new covenant was needed. Through Christ, we have now received the new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:7-13).
Today, if We Keep the New Covenant, He will be Merciful to Us.
We learn God’s laws of His new covenant by studying His word. We must meditate upon it day and night. Then, by following His commandments and walking in the light as He is in the light, His blood continues to cleanse us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Galatians 04:21-31 The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah
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Text: Galatians 4:21-31
Introduction
1. In the first four chapters of Galatians, Paul defends
a. His apostleship as being from God, not man – Galatians 1-2
b. His gospel of justification by faith in Christ, not by the Law of Moses – Galatians 3-4
2. In defending the gospel of justification by faith in Christ, Paul makes five arguments
a. Personal argument – the Galatians’ own experience – Galatians 3:1-5
b. Scriptural argument – the testimony of the Old Testament – Galatians 3: 6-25
c. Practical argument – how one becomes a son and heir of God – Galatians 3: 26-4:7
d. Sentimental argument – appealing to their relationship with Paul – Galatians 4:8-20
e. Allegorical argument – using Hagar and Sarah as an illustration – Galatians 4:21-31
3. In this study, we will consider Paul’s allegorical argument
a. “Allegory” comes from Greek allos (other) and agoreuein (to speak in public)
b. An allegory is “a figurative representation conveying a meaning other than and in addition to the literal”
4. It is important to note
a. Paul does not deny the actual historical narrative, but he simply uses it in an allegorical sense to illustrate his point for the benefit of his readers who are tempted to go under the burden of the law” – Robertson’s Word Pictures
b. The apostle gives an allegorical interpretation to the historical narrative of Hagar and Sarah, not treating that narrative as an allegory in itself
Body
I. THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
A. SARAH AND HAGAR
1. Sarah, who is barren, has a handmaiden named Hagar – Genesis 16:1
2. Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham to bear a child in her place – Genesis 16:2-3
3. Hagar conceives and despises her mistress Sarah – Genesis 16:4
4. Sarah deals harshly with Hagar – Genesis 16:5-6
5. Hagar returns to Sarah, and bears Ishmael – Genesis 16:7-16
B. ISHMAEL AND ISAAC
1. God promises that Sarah will have a son – Genesis 17:15-17
2. God confirms the covenant will be through Isaac, not Ishmael – Genesis 17:18-21
3. Sarah bears Isaac as God promised – Genesis 21:1-8
4. Sarah has Abraham send Hagar away – Genesis 21:9-14
II. PAUL’S APPLICATION
A. PAUL REVIEWS THE HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
1. Abraham had two sons – Galatians 4:21-22a
2. One (Ishmael) by a slave woman (Hagar) – Galatians 4:22b
3. One (Isaac) by a free woman (Sarah) – Galatians 4:22b
4. The son of the slave was born of the flesh – Galatians 4:23a
a. Ishmael’s conception was natural
b. When Abraham went into Hagar
5. The son of the free woman was born through promise – Galatians 4:23b
a. Isaac’s conception was by God’s power – Hebrews 11:11-12
b. As promised by God – Genesis 21:1-2
B. PAUL APPLIES THE ALLEGORICAL ELEMENTS
1. The two women are two covenants – Galatians 4:24-27
a. Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia, bearing children for slavery
1) She corresponds to present Jerusalem
2) She is in slavery with her children
b. Sarah represents Jerusalem above, those who are free
1) She corresponds to heaven (the New Jerusalem)
2) She is ‘our mother’ (those in Christ)
3) She who was barren is no longer desolate
2. Those in Christ are like Isaac – Galatians 4:28-31
a. They too are children of promise
b. They too have been persecuted
1) Ishmael (born of the flesh) persecuted Isaac (born according to promise)
2) Judaizing teachers (born of the flesh) persecuted Christians (born according to the Spirit)
c. The Scriptures tell what will be the end
1) The son of the slave woman (i.e., Judaizing teachers)
2) Will not inherit with the son of the free woman
d. Those in Christ
1) Are children of the free woman (heaven above)
2) Are not of the slave (present Jerusalem, with the Law of Moses)
Conclusion
1. Thus Paul illustrates why the Galatians should not heed the Judaizing teachers
a. It would be a return to slavery (to the Law of Moses)
b. It would be turning their back on the Spirit who conceived them – Titus 3:5-7
c. It would be turning away from the promises of heaven – Hebrews 12: 22-25
2. Our threat today might not be from Judaizing teachers
a. But there are those who would have us turn away from Christ
1) Voices in the world
2) False religions
3) False Brethren
b. The end result would be the same
1) A return to slavery – cf. John 8:31-34
2) Falling short of receiving the promises – Hebrews 4: 11
3. Only by remaining in Christ can we be the free children of promise, with Jerusalem above as our true mother…! – Revelation 2:10c
Hebrews 11:11 “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.”
Hebrews 11:12 “Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore. Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.”
Hebrews 4:11 “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Revelation 2:10 “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Galatians 03:15-25 The Purpose of the Law
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Text: Galatians 3:15-25
Introduction
1. In teaching they were justified by faith in Christ, Paul reminded the Galatians that
a. They received the Spirit by the hearing of faith – Galatians 3:1-5
b. The heirs of Abraham were those “of faith” – Galatians 3:6-9
c. Those of the works of the Law were under a curse – Galatians 3:10-12
d. Christ has redeemed them from the curse of the Law, that even Gentiles could now receive the promise of the Spirit through faith – Galatians 3:13-14
2. With such comments regarding the Law, Paul anticipated a likely objection
a. What purpose did the Law then serve?
b. What was its relation to the promise given to Abraham?
3. We might also ask ourselves
a. What value does the Law (Old Testament) have for us today?
b. Do we even need to study it, since we are not under the Law?
4. Such questions are easily answered, first from our text (Galatians 3:15-25), and then from other statements of Paul regarding the value of the OT.
Body
I. FOR THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL
A. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS NOT
1. Not to change the promises made to Abraham – Galatians 3:15-17
a. Even a man’s covenant cannot be annulled or added to once confirmed
b. The Law which came 430 years later, cannot annul the covenant confirmed by God
2. Not to provide the promise made regarding the Seed – Galatians 3:16-18
a. To Abraham and his Seed (Christ) were the promises made
b. The Law did not make the promise of no effect, nor did it provide the inheritance regarding the Seed
B. WHAT IT’S PURPOSE WAS
1. It was added because of transgression – Galatians 3:19-23
a. for the purpose of revealing and manifesting to man his sinfulness
b. Till the Seed (Christ) should come to whom the promise was made
c. Not against the promise, but it could not provide life
d. Confined all under sin, that the promise might be given to those who believe
e. Kept them under guard, kept for the faith (Christ) afterward revealed
2. It was a tutor to lead them to Christ – Galatians 3:24-25
a. To bring them to Christ
b. Now that faith (Christ) has come, they are no longer under it
1) It came to an end when nailed to the cross – Colossians 2:14-17; Ephesians 2:14-16
2) Jews converted to Christ have died to the law – Romans 7:1-6
3) Thus it was replaced with a new covenant – Hebrews 7:18; 8:13; 9:9-10; 10:9
3. The Law was “holy”, “just”, and “good” (Romans 7:12), but it was designed to be temporary. With the coming of Christ and His New Covenant, it came to end as a system of justification (Galatians 5:4).
4. What purpose, if any, does the Law (Old Testament) serve the people of Christ today…?
II. FOR THE PEOPLE OF CHRIST
A. FOR OUR LEARNING
1. Note carefully what Paul wrote in Romans 15:4
a. Things “written before” (i.e., the OT) were “written for our learning”
b. The OT was written and preserved especially for Christians’ benefit!
c. The OT provides “patience and comfort”, that we “might have hope”!
2. The OT provides a record of God’s faithfulness, how He kept His promises:
a. To Abraham and the nation of Israel
b. To judge the wicked and avenge the righteous
c. To forgive the penitent, and protect the humble
3. As we read this history of God’s dealings with Israel, it gives us hope that God will keep His promises to us!
B. FOR OUR ADMONITION
1. Paul had just reminded the Corinthians of Israel’s fall in the wilderness 1 Corinthians 10:1-10
2. Note carefully what he says in 1 Corinthians 10:11
a. The events described may have happened to Israel
b. “They were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come”
c. Again, the OT was written and preserved especially for the benefit of Christians!
3. We should not be surprised to see how often NT writers appealed to the OT in their efforts to admonish Christians
a. As the writer of Hebrews, in exhorting Christians to remain steadfast – Hebrews 3:12-19
b. As James, in encouraging Christians to be patient in their suffering James 5:7-11
c. As Peter, in warning of false teachers and scoffers – 2 Peter 2-3
4. We need to study the OT to be reminded of the very real danger of apostasy!
C. FOR OUR WISDOM
1. Paul noted that Timothy had known the “Holy Scriptures” since childhood 2 Timothy 3:14-15
a. When Timothy was a child, the only scriptures available was the OT
b. So Paul clearly had the OT in view
2. He said the OT is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ”
3. How is this possible? The OT provides:
a. The fall of man and the rise of sin
b. The background and development of God’s scheme of redemption
c. Hundreds of Messianic prophecies which describe what to expect when He comes
4. One cannot hope to fully understand such books of the New Testament like:
a. Hebrews, without an understanding of the Levitical priesthood
b. Revelation, without an understanding of OT prophecy and apocalyptic literature
5. If one wishes to be wise concerning their salvation in Christ, it is imperative to study the Old Testament!
D. FOR OUR PROFIT
1. “All Scripture” includes the OT scriptures, especially in this context – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Therefore the OT is profitable for:
a. Doctrine – such as the nature of God, man, and sin
b. Reproof and correction – the need for repentance
c. Instruction in righteousness – how to live godly lives
3. Thus the apostles frequently appealed to the OT when teaching Christians their conduct:
a. E.g., Romans 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; 9:7-10
b. E.g., James 2:20-26
c. E.g., 1 Peter 3:8-12
4. While certain aspects of justification and worship have changed, many principles of righteousness remain the same under the New Covenant
Conclusion
1. For the people of Israel, the Law served a valuable purpose
a. It helped them to understand the nature of sin, and the need for redemption
b. It guided them until the promised Seed (Christ), through Whom God blessed all nations
2. For the people of Christ, the Law continues to serve a valuable purpose
a. For our learning and admonition
b. For our wisdom and spiritual profit
While we rejoice in the salvation now offered through faith in Christ, let us never underestimate the value of studying the Old Testament. Its many examples of obedience through faith (cf. Hebrews 11:1-40) should inspire us to likewise walk in “the steps of faith”
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 09:11-28 The Superior Sanctuary – audio
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Text: Hebrews 9:11-28
Introduction
1. In the current section of the epistle to the Hebrews, the focus is on the superiority of the New Covenant which provides:
a. Better promises – Hebrews 8:7-13
b. A better sanctuary – Hebrews 9:1-28
c. A better sacrifice – Hebrews 10:1-18
2. Three weeks ago we considered the earthly sanctuary of the Old Covenant, that tabernacle which:
a. Served as copy and shadow of the heavenly things – Hebrews 9:9; Hebrews 8:5
b. Involved fleshly ordinances imposed only until the time of reformation – Hebrews 9:10
c. And was therefore limited in its ability to provide what man truly needed! – Hebrews 9:9b
3. In the second half of the ninth chapter, we are now introduced to the Heavenly Sanctuary of the New Covenant:
a. The true tabernacle in which Christ is a minister – Hebrews 8:2
b. The true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man – Hebrews 8:2
Body
I. IT IS HEAVENLY (Hebrews 9:11, Hebrews 9:24)
A. A GREATER AND MORE PERFECT TABERNACLE
1. A tabernacle not made with hands
2. A tabernacle not of this creation
3. Where then is this tabernacle? Look ahead to Hebrews 9:24
B. IN HEAVEN ITSELF
1. Christ has not entered the earthly tabernacle made with hands
2. It is into heaven itself that Christ has entered!
3. He now appears in the presence of God
4. Therefore the superior sanctuary is none other than heaven, where God dwells!
5. In this heavenly sanctuary Christ serves as High Priest of the good things to come. The good things includes the promises of Jeremiah 31:31-34, especially the one pertaining to forgiveness of sin
II. ITS MINISTRY EFFECTIVELY DEALS WITH SIN (Hebrews 9:12-15)
A. ETERNAL REDEMPTION IS PROVIDED (Hebrews 9:12)
1. Christ entered the Most Holy Place (heaven)
a. Just as the high priest entered the Most Holy Place in the earthly sanctuary
b. With these two major differences:
1) Jesus took not the blood of goats and calves, but His own blood
2) Jesus entered once for all, not once a year
2. With His blood, He obtained eternal redemption
a. This is why He does not need to offer His blood every year – Hebrews 10:10-12
b. But His redemption is eternal in another sense, as seen later in Hebrews 9:15
B. THE CONSCIENCE IS PURGED OF SIN (Hebrews 9:13-14)
1. The blood of animals was able to purify the flesh of an unclean person
2. But the blood of Christ is able to purge the conscience from dead works (i.e., sin) to serve the living God
a. The animal sacrifices could not do this – Hebrews 9:9-10; Hebrews 9:10:1-2
b. For the daily and annual sacrifices constantly reminded them of sin – Hebrews 10:3
c. Therefore Christ not only removes the legal guilt of sin, but also the inward (or emotional) guilt of sin!
C. THERE IS REDEMPTION FOR SINS UNDER THE FIRST COVENANT (Hebrews 9:15)
1. His role as Mediator of the New Covenant is not limited to those who lived after it became of force
2. His death covers not only sinners since His death, but also those who lived under the first covenant, who were called to receive the promise of eternal inheritance!
3. In providing atonement for those before and after His death, Jesus has truly obtained eternal redemption
III. ITS MINISTRY NECESSITATED A COSTLY SACRIFICE (Hebrews 9:16-22)
A. TO INITIATE A NEW TESTAMENT (Hebrews 9:16-17)
1. A testament, or will, requires the death of the one who makes it
2. It does not become of force until the testator dies
3. The New Covenant with its heavenly sanctuary is like a testament, requiring Jesus’ death for it to become of force
B. TO DEDICATE A NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 9:18-23)
1. Consider what was done with the first covenant
a. It was dedicated with the blood of calves and goats
b. Its tabernacle and furniture were purified with the sprinkling of such blood
2. Should the new covenant require any less?
a. The first covenant contained only copies of the things in the heavens
b. The heavenly things required purification by better sacrifices, Jesus’ own blood
IV. ITS MINISTRY IS FINAL AND COMPLETE (Hebrews 9:24-28)
A. CHRIST IS NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD FOR US…
1. No longer is a high priest serving in a tabernacle made with hands
2. No longer is one serving in what was only a copy
3. Jesus is ministering as High Priest in that which is the true holy place!
B. HE ONLY NEEDED TO OFFER HIMSELF ONCE
1. The all-sufficiency of His sacrifice is seen that He only needed to offer Himself once
a. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often from the foundation of the world
b. Like the high priests of old, who entered the Most Holy Place each year
2. Therefore, at the end of the ages, He came to put away sin once for all!
a. The phrase end of the ages is equivalent to the last days – Hebrews 1:2
b. That final period of the world’s history – 1 Corinthians 10:11; 1 Peter 1:20
3. Just as man dies only once, so Jesus needed to be offered for sin only once
C. WHEN HE COMES AGAIN, IT WILL BE FOR SALVATION, NOT SIN
1. With His first coming, He was primarily the sin-bearer
a. He came to bear the sins of many
b. Which He did by dying on the cross for our sins – 1 Peter 2:24
2. His second coming will be apart from sin
a. To bring salvation (from the wrath of God to come – Romans 5:9)
b. To those who eagerly await for Him – 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10
Conclusion
1. How is the sanctuary of the New Covenant superior?
a. By virtue of its nature: heavenly, not physical
b. By virtue of its ministry:
1) Dealing effectively with sin
2) Providing complete and final deliverance
2. Why should we be interested in the ministry of The Superior Sanctuary?
a. Because death is our appointed lot (unless Christ comes first) – Hebrews 9:27
b. And then comes the judgment – 2 Corinthians 5:10
c. The ministry of Christ prepares us for that coming judgment!
3. Are you prepared to stand before the judgment seat of Christ?
a. Preparation involves obedience, for Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – Hebrews 5:9
b. Preparation involves allowing the blood of Christ to purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God – Hebrews 9:14
4. Through obedience to the precious gospel of Christ, we can eagerly wait for Him, knowing that for us He is coming to bring salvation and not condemnation! – 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 08:07-13 The Promises of God’s New Covenant – audio
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Text: Hebrews 8:7-13
Introduction
1. Up to this point, the focus of the letter to the Hebrews has been on Christ
a. His superiority to prophets, angels, Moses
b. The superiority of His priesthood to the Levitical priesthood
2. With the transition in Hebrews 8:1-6, the focus shifts to the new covenant
a. A new covenant in which Jesus has already been described as:
1) The surety (guarantor) – Hebrews 7:22
2) The Mediator (one who intervenes) – Hebrews 8:6
b. In both passages, this covenant was described as a better covenant
3. Better than what? Better in what way? In Hebrews 8, we learn the answer
a. Better than the first covenant – Hebrews 8:7
b. Better because of the promises contained in it – Hebrews 8:6
Body
I. GOD’S PROMISE OF A NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 8:7-9, Hebrews 8:13)
A. THE FIRST COVENANT HAD FAULTS… (Hebrews 8:7)
1. Otherwise, there would have been no need for a second covenant
2. We have already seen concerning the first covenant that:
a. The Levitical priesthood could not bring perfection – Hebrews 7:11
b. The Law made nothing perfect, and was therefore annulled due to its weakness and unprofitableness – Hebrews 7:18-19
3. This inadequacy has special reference to the sacrifices of the first covenant
a. They could not make those who approach perfect – Hebrews 10:1-3
b. The blood of animals offered by the priests could not take away sins – Hebrews 10:4,11
B. THE PEOPLE DID NOT KEEP THE FIRST COVENANT… (Hebrews 8:8-9)
1. God found fault because they did not continue in His covenant – Jeremiah 11:7-10
2. For this reason He disregarded them, allowing them to be taken away by their enemies – Jeremiah 11:11-14
3. Even so, He did not leave them without some hope, for through the prophet Jeremiah He made a promise
C. GOD’S PLAN WAS A NEW COVENANT… (Hebrews 8:8-9)
1. Promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34
2. In which God would make a new covenant with Israel and Judah
3. A covenant different than the one made at Matthew Sinai (how, we shall see in a moment)
D. THE NEW COVENANT HAS MADE THE FIRST OBSOLETE… (Hebrews 8:13)
1. By even calling the promised covenant new, God made the first covenant obsolete
a. The old covenant actually continued on for about 500 years after Jeremiah
b. But with the promise of the new, attention would be taken away from the old covenant and directed toward the new one that was coming!
2. Its obsolescence was especially seen in the days of the Hebrew writer
a. It was becoming obsolete and growing old
1) The death of Jesus rendered the sacrifices of the first covenant unnecessary
2) Before long, the temple itself would be destroyed, and along with it, the last vestiges of the Levitical priesthood
b. Truly, it was ready to vanish away
II. GOD’S PROMISES INVOLVING THE NEW COVENANT (Hebrews 8:10-12)
A. IT WILL BE INWARD AND SPIRITUAL… (Hebrews 8:10)
1. I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts
2. The first covenant had its laws written on tablets of stone; the new covenant is one that requires God’s laws be written in our hearts
3. It is not enough to have God’s Word in our hands, on our coffee tables, etc.
a. We must plant God’s Word into our hearts – James 1:21
b. For only then can we truly be born again by the incorruptible seed, the word of God – 1 Peter 1:22-23
4. Are you living up to intent of the New Covenant, or are you little different than those under the first covenant, who had the Word, but not on their hearts?
B. IT WILL PROVIDE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD… (Hebrews 8:10)
1. I will be their God, and they shall be My people
2. The actual terms of this promise is really nothing new – Exodus 6:7; Leviticus 26:12
3. But in each successive age, its promise is filled with fresh meaning; for example
a. In this age, we enjoy a closer relationship with God -2 Corinthians 6:16-18; 1 Peter 2:9-10
b. But even more so, in the age to come, which is in eternity – Revelation 21:1-7
4. Are you utilizing the blessings whereby you can have a closer relationship with God?
C. IT WILL BE WITH PEOPLE WHO KNOW THE LORD… (Hebrews 8:11)
1. None of them shall teach…saying, ‘Know the Lord’, for all shall know Me
2. The New Covenant will be with people who have already come to know the Lord
a. Unlike the first covenant, in which people entered it at birth; as they grew up, they needed to be taught about the Lord
b. In the new covenant, one must come to know the Lord before they can enter the covenant
3. So it is that one must believe in Jesus before they can enter into a covenant relationship with their Lord through baptism – Acts 8:36-38
4. Does not this feature of the New Covenant preclude the practice of infant baptism?
D. IT WILL PROVIDE TRUE FORGIVENESS FOR SIN… (Hebrews 8:12)
1. “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more”
2. Here is the ultimate basis of the blessing previously described; by virtue of the forgiveness of sins can we truly be God’s people, and He our God!
3. Thus the New Covenant provides what the first covenant could not: true forgiveness of sins! – Hebrews 10:1-4, Hebrews 10:11
Conclusion
1. Such are The Promises Of God’s New Covenant:
a. As foretold through the prophet Jeremiah
b. Now fulfilled through the coming of Jesus and His death on the cross
c. By virtue of better promises, Christ is truly the Mediator of a better covenant!
2. But there is more to be said about why the New Covenant is a better covenant
a. It also has a better sanctuary
b. It also has a better sacrifice
c. But consideration of these things will be saved for later
3. At this point it is appropriate to ask:
a. Have you truly entered into a covenant relationship with the Lord?
b. Entrance into this New Covenant is simple: They involve faith in Christ and a confession of that faith (Romans 10:9-10), along with repentance of sins and baptism into Christ – Acts 2:36-39
4. The promised blessings of the New Covenant await any and all who are willing to so respond to the gospel of Christ!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 08:01-06 Our Glorious High Priest – audio
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Text: Hebrews 8:1-6
Introduction
1. With the beginning of chapter eight, we come to the close of the first major section Hebrews
a. In which the key thought is the superiority of Christ
b. In which Jesus is shown to be superior to:
1) To the prophets – Hebrews 1:1-3
2) To angels – Hebrews 1:4-2:18
3) To Moses – Hebrews 3:1-5
4) To Aaron and his Levitical priesthood – Hebrews 5:1-10; 7:1-28
2. The next major section really begins in earnest with Hebrews 8:7
3. In Hebrews 8:1-6, we find a transition
a. In which the main point of the first section is summarized
b. In which the main points of the next section are introduced
c. Indeed, these six verses truly summarize what the author seeks to establish in the first ten chapters of this epistle!
4. It can all be summarized in these words: “We have such a High Priest…”
a. In Jesus, we have a High Priest
b. Not just any High Priest, but “such” a High Priest; a glorious High Priest!
Body
I. SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD (Hebrews 8:1)
A. MANY PASSAGES REFER TO JESUS AT GOD’S RIGHT HAND
1. David prophesied that the Messiah would sit at God’s right hand – Psalm 110:1
2. Jesus said that He would sit at the right hand of God – Mark 14:62
3. When He ascended to heaven, He sat down at God’s right hand – Mark 16:19
4. At God’s right hand, He poured forth the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:33
5. Peter preached Jesus as being exalted to be at God’s right hand as our Prince and Savior – Acts 5:30-31
6. Paul taught that Jesus is at God’s right hand, interceding for us – Romans 8:34
II. A MINISTER OF THE TRUE TABERNACLE (Hebrews 8:2-5)
A. ERECTED BY GOD, NOT MAN
1. We are now introduced to a contrast between two “tabernacles”
a. There had been the earthly sanctuary or tabernacle
1) As ordained under the first covenant (i.e., the Law) – Hebrews 9:1ff
2) It was built by man
b. But now we read of one “which the Lord erected”; a heavenly tabernacle
2. The heavenly tabernacle is none other than heaven itself! – Hebrews 9:11-12; 23-24
B. IN WHICH HE OFFERS SERVICE
1. As a High Priest, it is necessary for Him to have something to offer – Hebrews 8:3
a. Every high priest is appointed for this purpose – Hebrews 5:1
b. What Jesus has to offer is not mention here, but will be later – Hebrews 9:12
2. This service He renders in heaven, not on the earth – Hebrews 8:4
a. If He were on earth, He couldn’t be a priest!
b. For the Law required priests from the tribe of Levi, and Jesus was from Judah
3. As for priests on the earth
a. They serve only the copy and shadow of the heavenly things – Hebrews 8:5
b. For Moses had been told by God to build the earthly tabernacle according to pattern shown to him on the mountain – Exodus 25:40
III. THE MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT (Hebrews 8:6)
A. HE HAS OBTAINED A MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY
1. In contrast with the ministry of the Levitical priests
2. Their ministry was simply a shadow and copy of His ministry – Colossians 2:16-17
B. AS MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT
1. The word “mediator”
a. The Greek is “mesites” {mes-ee’-tace}
b. It means “one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant”
2. By His death on the cross, Jesus has become the Mediator of the new covenant – Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24
3. This new covenant is here referred to as “a better covenant”
a. Better than what? Better than the “first covenant” – Hebrews 8:7
b. Which was established through Moses
C. ESTABLISHED ON BETTER PROMISES
1. What makes the new covenant better than the old are its promises
2. Some of those promises are explained later – Hebrews 8:10-12
3. But Peter describes the promises we receive as “exceedingly great and precious promises” – 2 Peter 1:3-4
Conclusion
1. With this transition passage, then, we are introduced to things that we will be discussing as we proceed through this letter.
a. The better covenant we have in Christ, based upon its better promises
b. The better ministry of Christ as our High Priest in heaven, seated at God’s right hand
2. When such things are properly understood, we can see how Jesus is truly our glorious High Priest!
a. One who stands ready to minister in our behalf
b. He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him – Hebrews 7:25
c. He is able to aid those who are tempted – Hebrews 2:18
a. Have you accepted Jesus as your High Priest by obeying His gospel? – Hebrews 5:9
b. For those who have not obeyed His gospel, we find this awesome warning – 1 Thessalonians 1:7-9
c. Please render obedience to the gospel today if you have not yet done so! – Acts 2:36-39
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 01:01-03 God’s Perfect Spokesman
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Text: Hebrews 1:1-3
Introduction:
1. The Epistle to the Hebrews is unique in its beginning
a. There is no mention of the author’s name, nor the recipients
b. Rather, it starts like an essay – Hebrews 1:1-3
2. We also notice the purpose of the epistle is twofold:
a. To encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith
b. Accomplished by showing the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant
3. That superiority is demonstrated through a number of contrasts
a. The very first contrast begins in these first three verses
b. In which Jesus is contrasted with the prophets of the Old Testament
Body
I. GOD’S SPOKESMEN IN TIME PAST
A. THE EXPRESSION IN TIME PAST
1. Refers to the period of time prior to the coming of Jesus
2. That period of time described in the Old Testament (Genesis-Malachi)
B. GOD SPOKE TO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS
1. The fathers would be the ancestors of the Israelites
2. The prophets would include great men like Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
a. The Hebrew word for prophet means one who boils over
b. It refers to one who is inspired by God to speak for Him – 2 Peter 1:21
3. At times, the prophets themselves were unsure of what they spoke – 1 Peter 1:10-12
C. GOD SPOKE AT VARIOUS TIMES AND IN DIFFERENT WAYS
1. His revelation did not come all at once, but progressively at different times
2. His methods varied as well, using visions, dreams, symbols, etc.
D. So God has clearly revealed Himself as One who speaks; that is, He communicates His will to mankind!
II. GOD’S SPOKESMAN IN THESE LAST DAYS (Hebrews 1:2-3)
A. THE EXPRESSION IN THESE LAST DAYS
1. The Old Testament often spoke of the last days – Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1
2. As such it often special reference to the age of the Messiah
a. The apostles spoke of their time as the time of this fulfillment – Acts 2:16-17
b. Thus it denotes the final phase of history, brought on by the first coming of Christ, continuing until His second coming and the consummation of all things – Hebrews 9:26
B. GOD HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
1. God has spoken once again, but note the contrast!
2. In time past it was through prophets; but in these last days it is by His Son!
a. God has sent His own Son to speak for Him!
b. As wonderful as the prophets were, how can they compare to God’s own Son?
3. There is no contrast, especially as we read on and notice
C. THE EXCELLENCE OF GOD’S PERFECT SPOKESMAN
1. Jesus is the appointed heir of all things!
a. The author may have had Psalm 2:8 in mind, for in verse 5 he quotes from Psalm 2:7
b. As the beloved Son, it is only natural that He would be the appointed heir
c. What does all things include?
1) All that the Father has! – John 16:15
2) The authority to raise and judge the dead – John 5:26-29
3) The authority to rule in heaven and on earth – Matthew 28:18
4) This authority Christ has even now! – Acts 2:36; 10:36; Ephesians 1:20-22; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 1:5
2. Jesus is through whom He (God) also made the worlds!
a. Not only the Heir, but also the Creator!
b. For it was through the Son that God created the universe – cf. John 1:3; Colossians 1:16
1) All things were created by (or through) Him (He is the Creator)
2) All things were created for Him (He is the rightful Heir)
3. Jesus is the brightness of His (God’s) glory!
a. In Jesus we see the very radiance of the glory of God!
b. As John wrote, we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father… – John 1:14
c. When we behold Jesus, we see an extension of the glory of God!
4. Jesus is the express image of His (God’s) person!
a. He is the exact representation of God’s being and character! – Colossians 2:9
b. Therefore Jesus could say:
1) To Thomas: If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. – John 14:7
2) To Philip: He who has seen Me has seen the Father; – John 14:9
5. Jesus is upholding all things by the word of His power!
a. Not only the Creator, but also the Sustainer of the universe – Colossians 1:17
1) By His word the universe holds together!
2) All He has to do is say the word, and the universe is no more!
b. Note well:
1) This illustrates the power of His Word
2) Shall we not listen when He speaks? – Luke 6:46
6. Jesus has also by Himself purged our sins!
a. A clear reference to His death on the cross for our sins
b. This speaks to His role as our Redeemer, a theme that will be prominent later in this epistle – Hebrews 2:17; 9:26,28
7. Jesus has also sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high!
a. This Jesus did when He ascended to heaven – Ephesians 1:20; 1 Peter 3:22
b. Sitting at the right hand of God is a place of honor, but for Jesus it is also a place from which He reigns!
1) As indicated in Ephesians 1:21-22; 1 Peter 3:22
2) It is true that He is waiting for the His enemies to be made His footstool (Hebrews 10:12-13), but He is reigning until that time! – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
3) As stated in Psalm 110:1-2, from which the author to the Hebrews quotes, the Messiah was to rule in the midst of Your enemies
c. Thus Jesus is truly the ruler over the kings of earth – Revelation 1:5; 17:14
Conclusion
1. The sentence does not end with verse three
a. It continues on into verse four, with a declaration of Jesus’ superiority over angels
b. But that verse and the rest of the chapter we shall save for the next study
2. But what have we seen in this lesson?
a. God is clearly a God who speaks, He makes His Will known to mankind!
b. And now He speaks through His Son, Who is:
1) The appointed Heir of all things!
2) The Creator!
3) The brightness of God’s glory, the express image of His person!
4) Our Sustainer, Redeemer, and King!
3. How can one turn their back on Him? Especially when the Majesty on high proclaimed at the Mount of Transfiguration: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! – Matthew 17:5
4. Are you heeding the words of the Beloved Son, God’s Perfect Spokesman? – Matthew 28:18-20
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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