9/24/12

Hebrews, Chapter one, Mark Copeland

                      "THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS"

                              Chapter One

Dispensing with greetings and salutations typical of letters at that
time, the epistle to the Hebrews begins like a sermon, with the author
immediately declaring the superiority of Jesus.  While God spoke in
times past to the fathers by the prophets, He now speaks to us through
His Son (1-3).  Jesus is also demonstrated to be much better than angels
(4-14).

POINTS TO PONDER

   *  How Jesus is superior to OT prophets

   *  How Jesus is superior to angels

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
   - Jesus’ superiority over prophets as spokesman - He 1:1-3
   - Jesus’ superiority over angels by virtue of His deity - He 1:4-14

2) How did God speak in time past?  How does He speak today? (1-2)
   - By the prophets at various times and in various ways; by His Son

3) List seven things that describe the Son. (2-3)
   - He is the appointed heir of all things
   - Through Him God made the worlds
   - He is the brightness of God’s glory
   - He is the express image of God’s person
   - He upholds all things by the word of His power
   - He purged our sins
   - He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high

4) List five ways that Jesus is superior to the angels. (4-14)
   - He is the "Son", angels are not
   - He is "the firstborn" who receives worship from angels
   - He is "God" enthroned and anointed, angels are merely servants
   - He is "LORD" (Yahweh) who is the eternal Creator
   - He is "sovereign" seated at the right hand of God, angels are
     ministering spirits

5) For whom have the angels been sent forth to minister? (14)
   - Those who will inherit salvation

6) List the Old Testament passages that are referenced to in this
   chapter. (5-13)
   - Ps 2:7 and 2Sa 7:14 in verse 5
   - Deut 32:43 (Septuagint) in verse 6
   - Ps 104:4 in verse 7
   - Ps 45:6-7 in verses 8-9
   - Ps 102:25-27 in verses 10-12
   - Ps 110:1 in verse 13