FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

A STUDY IN HEBREWS

LISTEN UP!1:1-8, 14; 2:1-4

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

What are synonyms for the word maturity?

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

State – To flesh-out one’s faith is to build up,

strengthen and mature in their faith.

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

The overall theme of Hebrews is the absolute

supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as mediator of God’s

grace.

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

Author – There are varying views.Paul – Paul does not identify

himself as the author which he does in his other books. The

writing style is markedly different than Paul’s style.

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

Barnabus – He was a Jew of the priestly tribe of Levi (Acts 4:36) who

was a close friend of Paul’s. He traveled with Paul on his first

missionary journey. Tertullian’s DePudicition, 20 (c.200) quotes from “an epistle to the Hebrews under the

name of Barnabus.”

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

Apollos – His name was first mentioned by Martin Luther. He was Alexandrian by birth, was also a Jewish Christian. Luke tells us that “he was a learned

man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). He was also associated with Paul in the early years of the church. (1 Cor. 1:12, 3:4-6, 22).

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

Date – Must have been written before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in A.D. 70 because the author

does not mention the temple’s destruction. He also consistently uses

the Greek present tense when speaking of the temple. (See 5:1-3;

7:23, 27; 8:3-5; 9:6-9).

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Recipients – Jewish converts who were familiar with the Old Testament and who were being tempted to

revert to Judaism or to Judaize the Gospel.

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Theme – The absolute supremacy and

sufficiency of Jesus Christ as revealer and as

mediator of God’s grace.

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

OutlinePrologue, 1:1-4

God has spoken in His Son

Part I Part II Part III

1:5-4:16 5:1-10:39 11:1-12:29

God’s King-Son grants honor to loyal “partners”

God’s Priest-Son insures access

into “true” heaven, the

throne of grace

Faith’s response continues to see

the invisible

Epilogue, 13:1-25Live in expectant Gratitude

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What is the number one threat to the success of Christian evangelism in

America?

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TOLERANCE

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In a recent Newsweek/beliefnet.com poll

the question was asked, “Can a good person who isn’t of your religious faith go to heaven or attain salvation. 79% said yes.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. Outline the background information of the book of Hebrews.

a. Author-1. Paul – does not identify himself as author. Different writing style.2. Barnabus – Jew of the priestly tribe of Levi. Traveled with Paul.3. Apollos – Learned man of the Scriptures. Associated with Paul.b. Date – Before 70 A.D. because the destruction of the temple is not

referenced.c. Recipients - Jewish Converts.d. Theme – The absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as

revealer and mediator of God’s grace.

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

2. How did God communicate to His people in the Old Testament days? (Heb. 1:1)

He spoke through the prophets

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3. How has God communicated to Christian’s since the day of the prophets? (v. 2)

He speaks through His Son, Jesus

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4. How has Christ communicated with you? (List ways)

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5. How does the author establish the supremacy of Christ in (vs. 3-4, 14)

Jesus is…a. The radiance of His glory.b. The exact representation of His nature.c. He upholds all things by the Word of His power.d. He sits at the right hand of the Father.e. He is superior to the angels.

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6. How do these verses bring you hope to pacify any doubt of the supremacy of Christ?

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

7. What warning is given in (Heb. 2:1)?

To pay attention to the truth

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8. How good are you at focusing on the truth of Christ’s message regardless of life’s circumstances?

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9. What is the result of not listening or paying attention?

Drifting away from the truth

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10. We are warned not to “neglect so great a salvation” (2:3). What is

the result of such neglect?

Judgment for sin in our lives

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11. Does (vs. 3) seem to mean that one can lose their salvation if they

neglect it? Absolutely not! The writer of Hebrews is addressing Christian’s and was warning against losing the glory

and reward of having served the Lord faithfully no matter what the temptation to drift away from one’s initial

commitment.

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12. At what level is your current commitment?

Drifting away NeglectingHalf-hearted Fully-engaged

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13. What do you need to do to get back on track this week?

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Step 1 D o not neglect the reading of God’s Word

Step 2 R ead God’s Word with purposeStep 3 I nteract with other Christian’sStep 4 F ervently pray when/how?Step 5 T ell others about Christ

Avoiding The D R I F T

Mel Gibson