Hebrews 9:1-10

Notes on each verse:

V.1 More fully implies what the author has been saying most emphatically that the Old covenant was always meant to be replaced by the new! Much like Paul says to the Galatians, it was like a “tutor” meant to take care of the People of God preparing them for the covenant to come!

vvs. 2-5 describe the temple of the old covenant.

-The holy place and the most holy place further in.

-v4 in particular describe what is in the Holy of Holies:

-The golden altar of incense, ark of the covenant, and whats inside the ark: Golden urn holding the manna, Aaron’s staff, and the tablets of the covenant.

-v5 describes the cherubim overtop of the ark.

-The closing of v5 is peculiar in that last sentence...” Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

-Is this merely because of a lack of understanding of what the old temple(tabernacle) like due to lost info?!

Summary: This passage highlights the distinctions between the old covenant and the new covenant, emphasizing the limitations of the earthly tabernacle and its rituals in comparison to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Application: By understanding the shortcomings of the old covenant, Christians can appreciate the fullness and perfection of the new covenant through Christ. This sermon encourages believers to rely on Christ’s sacrifice rather than their own works or traditions for salvation and spiritual growth.

Teaching: The message teaches that the rituals and sacrifices of the old covenant were merely shadows pointing to the ultimate reality found in Christ. It illustrates how the new covenant fulfills and surpasses the old one, providing direct access to God through faith in Jesus.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the entire Bible, this passage demonstrates Christ as the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, the perfect high priest, and the once-for-all sacrifice that replaces the inadequate rituals of the old covenant.

Big Idea: True worship and forgiveness are found only through Christ, who completes the shadows of the old covenant with the reality of a new and living way.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the historical context of the Jewish sacrificial system using the Logos library, particularly exploring how the writer of Hebrews addresses the leveraging of Old Testament imagery. Pay attention to the differences between the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries as well as the implications of the new covenant found in passages like Jeremiah 31:31-34. This will aid in understanding the theological nuances present in Hebrews and their application to your audience.

1. Sanctuary's Symbolic Structure

Hebrews 9:1-3

You could highlight how the physical description of the tabernacle was intentional in showing the limitations of the old covenant, serving as a foreshadow of something greater. Emphasize that the earthly sanctuary, with its distinct sections, signified the barriers between God and humanity, which Christ has now removed through His perfect sacrifice.

2. Sacred Symbols Revealed

Hebrews 9:4-5

Maybe explore the sacred objects within the Holy Place, focusing on their symbolic significance, yet explaining how they were mere shadows of the true heavenly realities brought forth in Christ. Discuss how these elements anticipated the true presence of God, now accessible to believers through Jesus.

3. Priesthood's Partial Service

Hebrews 9:6-7

Perhaps explain the priestly duties and their repetition, underscoring how they mirrored the incomplete nature of the old covenant. Contrast with how Christ, as our high priest, has offered Himself once for all, rendering further sacrifice unnecessary.

4. Provisional Practices Passed

Hebrews 9:8-10

You could emphasize the temporary and provisional nature of the old covenant rituals, as pointed out by the Holy Spirit. Reinforce the idea that these regulations were placeholders until the new covenant, urging listeners to embrace the freedom and completeness found in Christ.

Verse by verse comments continued:

v.6 the priests would go into the first room and perform their duties daily...

-v7 but only the high priest could go beyond this first room into the HOH and he was to do so only 1 time per year. A person’s /family’s known sins were taken care of throughout the year but this HOH visit by the high priest would cover unintentional sins of the people.

v.8 This entire system is interpreted for us....The Holy SPirit indicates that the way into the HOH isn’t yet opened as long as the first section is still standing

v.9 This is symbolic for the present age.

-This arrangement is NOT enough-”gifts and sacrifices are offered that CANNOT perfect the conscience of the worshipper.

v.10 this old system is imposed until the time of reformation occurs.