Hebrews Chapter 3

Hebrews 3     As we begin Chapter 3 the author begins to explain why Jesus is superior to Moses. He has already established in previous chapters that Christ is superior to the Prophets in his revelation of the truth, and that Christ is more excellent than the angels in position and honor. What did the author say the holy brethren were partakers of? vs. 1 The author of Hebrews wanted them to consider Jesus. What did he call Jesus? vs.1- Note: The High priest is sent from among us to mediate our relationship to God. He is our advocate. But a priest is also one who offers sacrifice in behalf of the people for the atonement of sin. Christ Jesus was not only the priest, but also the sacrifice. The high priest is also the Lamb of God, slain for us, and offering himself as the gift of atonement for our sin. Who did the author compare Jesus to? vs. 2 Why had Jesus been counted worthy of more glory than Moses? vs. 3 Every house is built by someone. Who is the builder of all things? vs. 4 Moses was faithful in all God's House as a servant. What were the things he did a testimony of? vs.5 Christ was faithful over God's House as a Son. Who is God's house? vs. 6 What will show that we were truly a believer that belonged to the house of God? vs. 6 What are we not to do if the Holy Spirit speaks to us today? vs. 7,8 The Holy Spirit reminds them not to harden their hearts if they hear His Word in the way that the Israelites did when they provoked God in the day of their trial. They saw His works, but they forgot them and served other gods. Because they always went astray in their hearts, what were they unable to enter at that time? vs.7-11 (Note - If you want to read some of the accounts of their rebellion toward God, you can read Psalm 106, Numbers 25, Psalm 95, Exodus 16 & 17, and 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 to name a few places. You can find more references as well by looking in the concordance.) What does the author of Hebrews want each one of us to make sure about? vs. 12 How can we help each other not be deceived by sin and have a hardened heart? vs.13 What is the evidence that we have become partakers of Christ? vs. 14 The author of Hebrews mentions again not to harden their hearts like their forefathers did during the 40 years in the wilderness. (vs.15-17) Who were the ones who did not get to enter into the Lord's rest, the promised land? vs.18,19 - Name 2 things that kept them out. Note: The last paragraph of this chapter moves back to the writers argument that Jesus is greater than Moses. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, but he could not keep them from sin and destruction in the wilderness. He could not bring them safely to the promised land, even though he himself was a faithful servant. So those who died in the wilderness did not enter into God's rest because of their unbelief. Jesus however is able to bring us safely into God's rest. That is the topic of Chapter 4 which we will take up tomorrow. Jesus was not only faithful, but also effectual and therefore we conclude he is superior to Moses. We will see how believer's have that "rest" in Jesus tomorrow in Hebrews Chapter 4. For now, think about your own heart, and make sure that it is one that believes God for His goodness and trusts in His promises. Summarize your thoughts and post a prayer if you would like. Prayer Father God, I pray ...

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