Hebrews Bible Study

Background and Introduction

Purpose in the Canon and in Church History

Every book in the Bible has a unique purpose and main idea and if you do not receive and apply the message of each book your Christian life is deficient.

God is sovereign over the background of every book and He uses this background to create an opportunity to reveal His truth for all time moving forward.

Colossians and Hebrews

The purpose and agenda of Colossians is to establish the doctrinal reality of Christ’s preeminence. It exhibits and articulates why Christ is preeminent and why the church must be all about Him.

Similarly, Hebrews exhorts the church to be compelled to live in light of Christ’s preeminence. Hebrews is the sermon companion to Colossians’ doctrinal teaching.

This is the call of the book - (ESV)

12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.

Structure and Emphasis of the Book

Hebrews is characterized by its 4 warning passages - Chapters 2, 4, 6, 10 - and there is a parallel nature between 2 and 6, as well as between 4 and 10. Further, in chapter 4 there is an encouragement in chapter 4 about rest. And in chapters 11-12 there is encouragement about faith.

Instruction A: God has spoken to Us in His Son

Warning A: (ESV)

Warning Against Neglecting Salvation

2 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Exhortation A: (ESV)

(ESV)

2 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Jesus Greater Than Moses

3 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,

Encouragement for the Faithful A: Hebrews