Hebrews 10

Hebrews 10 CSB

1 Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come, and not the reality itself of those things, it can never perfect the worshipers by the same sacrifices they continually offer year after year. 2 Otherwise, wouldn’t they have stopped being offered, since the worshipers, purified once and for all, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in the sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, as he was coming into the world, he said: You did not desire sacrifice and offering, but you prepared a body for me. 6 You did not delight in whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. 7 Then I said, “See— it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, God.” 8 After he says above, You did not desire or delight in sacrifices and offerings, whole burnt offerings and sin offerings (which are offered according to the law), 9 he then says, See, I have come to do your will. He takes away the first to establish the second. 10 By this will, we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time. 11 Every priest stands day after day ministering and offering the same sacrifices time after time, which can never take away sins. 12 But this man, after offering one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. 13 He is now waiting until his enemies are made his footstool. 14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are sanctified. 15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after he says: 16 This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, the Lord says, I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds, 17 and I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts. 18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus— 20 he has inaugurated for us a new and living way through the curtain (that is, through his flesh)— 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, 25 not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. 26 For if we deliberately go on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire about to consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who disregarded the law of Moses died without mercy, based on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you think one will deserve who has trampled on the Son of God, who has regarded as profane the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who has said, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, and again, The Lord will judge his people. 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 Remember the earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings. 33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. 34 For you sympathized with the prisoners and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions, because you know that you yourselves have a better and enduring possession. 35 So don’t throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet in a very little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. 38 But my righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and are saved.

The New Covenant: A Greater Promise

Bible Passage: Hebrews 10

Summary: Hebrews 10 explains how the New Covenant through Christ is superior to the Old Covenant, emphasizing the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus that brings forgiveness and access to God.

Application: Understanding the New Covenant helps Christians grasp the fullness of God’s grace and mercy, encouraging them to live in the light of Christ's sacrifice and to cultivate a deeper relationship with God without the barriers of the Old Covenant.

Teaching: This sermon will teach that the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant was a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which replaced the need for continual sacrifices and offered believers a new, direct relationship with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the promises of the Old Covenant. His sacrifice is the cornerstone of the New Covenant, bridging the gap between humanity and God and establishing a new way to relate to Him.

Big Idea: The New Covenant through Jesus Christ is not only a fulfillment of God's promises but also a deeper invitation into a relationship free from the shadows of the Old Covenant.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider exploring the historical context of the Old Covenant sacrificial system and its limitations compared to the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Use Logos to delve into commentaries that discuss the theological implications of the New Covenant as presented in Hebrews. Additionally, examine how this transition is perceived in other New Testament writings, such as the Gospels and the letters of Paul.

1. Old Shadows Reveal Needs

Hebrews 10:1-4

Perhaps you could explain how the Old Covenant's sacrifices, repeatedly offered year after year, could never truly cleanse the worshippers, serving only as a reminder of sin. This sets the stage to highlight the insufficiency of the Old system and the need for something greater—fulfilled by Christ. This acknowledgment of human imperfection and the role of the law in pointing towards Christ invites believers to move from ritual to relationship.

2. Obedience Brings Fulfillment

Hebrews 10:5-10

You could focus on how Christ's coming fulfills God's will, with His body offered once for all as a true and final sacrifice. Emphasize the transition from the repetitive, unfulfilling sacrifices to Jesus, whose obedience and sacrifice accomplish what rituals could not. The New Covenant, forged through His sacrifice, liberates believers from the bondage of the old ways, encouraging them to embrace this transformative relationship.

3. Once for All Completed

Hebrews 10:11-18

Maybe you could explain how Christ, having offered a single sacrifice for sins, sat down at God's right hand, illustrating the completeness of His work. His once-for-all sacrifice contrasts sharply with the endless offerings under the Old Covenant. This suggests the security and assured forgiveness offered by Christ, inviting believers to live in confidence, knowing that their sins are truly forgiven, and drawing them closer to God.

4. Open Access to Grace

Hebrews 10:19-25

Perhaps you could highlight the encouragement to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, holding unswervingly to hope. The access granted to believers through Jesus' sacrifice fosters communal encouragement and love. This point calls believers to live out their faith actively, supporting one another and living out the New Covenant's transformative power in daily life.

5. Overcoming Through Perseverance

Hebrews 10:26-39

Maybe you could discuss the warning against rejecting the New Covenant in favor of returning to the old ways or falling away. This section serves as a solemn reminder of the seriousness of the New Covenant. Highlight the call to perseverance, faithfulness, and the confident expectation of what Christ has accomplished. Encouragement is given to remain steadfast, embracing the enduring promise of the New Covenant.

Embracing the New Covenant: A Transformative Promise

Bible Passage: Hebrews 10

Summary: Hebrews 10 presents the superiority of the New Covenant established through Christ's sacrifice, contrasting it with the Old Covenant's sacrificial system, emphasizing how believers are now made perfect and cleansed once for all.

Application: This sermon will help Christians understand the profound freedom and assurance found in Christ's sacrifice, encouraging them to let go of performance-based faith and embrace their identity as forgiven and transformed children of God.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on the completion and fulfillment of the Old Covenant through Jesus Christ, explaining how His sacrifice not only fulfills the law but also offers a lasting, once-for-all forgiveness that the Old Covenant could not provide.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ is the ultimate High Priest who mediates the New Covenant, fulfilling the prophetic promises and establishing a deeper relationship between God and humanity, thus revealing God's redemptive plan through the ages.

Big Idea: The big idea communicates that through Christ, we are invited to experience a deeper, personal relationship with God that surpasses the limitations of the Old Covenant, enabling us to live boldly and confidently in our faith.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon with your Logos library, consider exploring the historical context of the Old and New Covenants to clarify their distinctions. Analyze Hebrews 10:1-18 for specific theological themes, such as the implications of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Also, delve into commentaries that address the audience struggles with understanding the significance of the New Covenant and its practical impact on daily Christian life.

1. Shadow of Salvation

Hebrews 10:1-4

You could explore how the Old Covenant provides a shadow of what was to come, highlighting our innate need for fulfillment beyond repeated rituals. The sacrifices under the law remind us of our imperfections and point us toward the perfection found in Christ. Mention that, while these rituals were necessary, they were ultimately inadequate. This context discovers our need for a complete and transformative sacrifice—the New Covenant through Jesus.

2. Sacrifice of the Savior

Hebrews 10:5-10

Maybe examine the profound shift from ritualistic offerings to a willing, obedient sacrifice through Christ. Emphasize Jesus' willingness to fulfill God's plan, surpassing what the old sacrifices could achieve. His obedience culminates in the New Covenant, providing us with a complete cleansing from sin. Highlight how Jesus' obedience exemplifies the depth of relationship God desires with each of us, inviting believers to embrace transformation rather than mere tradition.

3. State of Security

Hebrews 10:11-18

Perhaps focus on the finality of Christ's sacrifice, celebrating how His once-for-all offering perfects believers eternally. There's no need for repeated atonement; we live in a state of grace, empowered to approach God freely. Encourage Christians to let go of their performance-driven faith and accept the assurance and boldness enabled by Christ's ultimate act of love, reminding believers to live a life transformed by grace, assured of their identity in Christ.

The Greater Covenant: Finding Assurance in Jesus

Bible Passage: Hebrews 10

Summary: Hebrews 10 discusses the superiority of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ, contrasting it with the Old Covenant, emphasizing the once-and-for-all sacrifice of Christ, and encouraging believers to persevere in faith and good works.

Application: This passage reassures Christians that through faith in Christ's sacrifice, they have full assurance of forgiveness and access to God, encouraging them to live boldly and in community as they await Christ's return.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the New Covenant offers believers a direct relationship with God through Christ's atonement, calling them to a life of faith, hope, and love, while forsaking old religious rituals that are no longer necessary.

How this passage could point to Christ: The Christological focus in Hebrews 10 highlights Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, whose sacrifice fulfills and surpasses the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, making Him the mediator of a better covenant.

Big Idea: Believers can confidently approach God and live fully in light of the New Covenant established in Christ, which provides complete forgiveness and empowerment to live out their faith.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the historical context of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament and its implications for Jewish worshipers. Use your Logos library to examine the Greek terms in Hebrews 10 regarding 'once for all' and 'perfected,' as understanding their nuances can enrich your application and teaching on the finality and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

1. Shadow to Substance

Hebrews 10:1-10

Perhaps you could begin by highlighting that the Law, with its sacrifices, serves as a shadow of the good things to come in Christ. The repetitive nature of the sacrifices cannot perfect the worshiper, but Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, has ushered in a new, complete covenant. This demonstrates the insufficiency of the old system and the sufficiency of Christ, encouraging believers to embrace Jesus’ finished work and rest in the assurance it brings.

2. Complete Forgiveness

Hebrews 10:11-18

You might emphasize how Jesus stands distinct from earthly priests, who stand daily offering sacrifices that cannot remove sin. His single offering perfects believers forever, illustrating the finality and efficacy unique to His work. This point highlights the complete forgiveness and cleansing available to those who trust in Christ, inspiring confidence and courage in the believer's relationship with God.

3. Living Boldly Together

Hebrews 10:19-25

Consider focusing on the response to the New Covenant: faith, hope, and love. You could discuss how believers are invited to draw near boldly to God in confidence, holding fast to hope, and encouraging each other toward love and good works. This demonstrates the outworking of the New Covenant in communal life, motivating believers to embrace their identity in Christ and foster growth within the Christian community.

4. Enduring Faith

Hebrews 10:26-39

Maybe conclude by affirming the seriousness of sin after knowing the truth and the call to persevere. Hebrews warns against willful sin, but also promises great reward for endurance. You could challenge believers to remain steadfast in faith and live in light of the future promise of Christ’s return, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's faithfulness and staying committed to His calling.