The Superior Son

The Superior Son

Hebrews 1:4-14 NIV

Thesis - Jesus Christ is superior to the angels.

Worship Objective - To cause people to appreciate Jesus Christ as the superior Son.

            There are three lessons taught for us in these verses.  One of the lessons is central in these verses while the other two are incidental.  I propose that we look at all three beginning with the incidental lessons and working our way to the central lesson.       

            The first incidental lesson concerns  

I.  The significance of the Old Testament

            A.  The Old Testament is quoted seven times in these verses.

                        1.  This book makes the most extensive use of the Old Testament.

                        2.  These quotations come from all three of the major sections of the                                 Hebrew Scriptures.

                                    a) Verse 6 from The Law - Deuteronomy

b) Verse 5b from The Prophets - 2 Samuel (was in "The Former Prophets")

                                    c) The other five quotes from The Writings - Psalms

3.  This use supports the relevance and authority of the Old Testament for Christians.

                                    a) It is pertinent even though partial.

b) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.  2 Timothy 3:16

c) These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.  1 Corinthians 10:11

            B.  The Old Testament is the Word of God.

                        1.  The writer to the Hebrews never mentions the human writers, he                                  always approaches it as God said (2 Peter 1:21).

                        2.  The Living Word fulfills the Old Testament.

                                    a) He spoke.

                                    b) He has spoken.

            The second incidental lesson taught in these verses concerns

II.  The existence of angels

            A.  That we have never seen or heard an angel does not disprove their existence.

                        1.  This was apparently part of the Sadducees hang up.

                        2.  Besides we may have seen and heard them without realizing it.

                                    a) I wonder if Abraham knew his visitors were angels (Genesis 18).

b) Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2

            B.  The angels are sent forth by God to serve and help men to keep true to          their faith in God (v. 14).

            C.  If we accept the Scriptures we must accept angels as real.

            Now, let's move on to the main lesson of these verses.

III.  The superiority of the Son

            A.  How He is superior

                        1.  He is superior in acclamation (vv. 4, 5)

                                    a) We have previously looked at this

                                    b) No angel was ever singled out as He was.

                                    c) No angel can claim Father-Son relationship.

                                                (1) God called Him his Son at his baptism

                                                (2) God called Him his Son at the Transfiguration

                                    d) This superior name is the theme of much Christian hymnody.

                        2.  He is superior in generation (v. 6)

                                    a) The first begotten

                                    b) The only begotten (John 3:16)

                        3.  He is superior in duration (vv.8, 10-12)

                                    a) God deigns to serve Him on the throne.

                                    b) The angels are servants without thrones.

            B.  Why His superiority is important

                        1.  His superiority determines the superiority of His message.

                        2.  His superiority determines the superiority of the salvation He offers.

            So what is the implication of His superiority for us?  Since he is superior we should receive the salvation He brings and worship Him as King of Kings. 

Lyons Falls, NY – 06/23/85

Pearl, MS – 12/09/87

Longview, TX – 06/28/98

Bangor, ME – 01/18/09