Why Another Set of Notes on the Epistle to the Hebrews?
(Preface)
Whether there is a need for another set of notes on Hebrews is debatable. These notes were not produced to bring something new and novel to the forum on Hebrews. Rather, they have been provided to address a specific teaching context. Essentially, here is what the reader will find.
• These notes are designed first, for the typical believer, and secondly, for the pastor who ministers to the congregation as a whole. For this reason, they are devotional in style. While the reader will find many academic issues addressed, the notes are primarily a model for teaching or preaching through Hebrews. This style precludes some more formal writing conventions.
• The notes are designed to tackle difficult problems head-on. They often begin where other commentaries leave off when addressing the tough questions of Hebrews. While every effort is made to represent the opinions of others fairly, these notes do commit to specific interpretive positions while respecting divergent views.
• The notes model a thematic expositional style which is best understood by reading. While careful attention is paid to good language analysis, the weight of the lessons center around the great biblical themes and arguments of Hebrews, rather than on syntax alone. They interpret the scriptures from the perspective of Jesus Christ, our Messiah.
• An extensive Table of Contents (rather than a simple one) is included purposely so that individuals seeking specific issues will be able to locate them easily.
• Finally, while no personal harm is intended, these notes specifically name and identify those movement and groups which tend to draw glory away from the Lord Jesus Christ in their theology. While this may offend some, it should be noted that these groups also reserve to themselves the right to point out those with whom they disagree. The popular practice of not naming names and organizations has left the average Christian unequipped to obey 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
Audio files (MP3) are available which correspond to these lectures.
*For purposes of expositional outlining this author recommends Daniel Wallace’s outline of Hebrews, available at www.Bible.org.
The editorial comments and interpretive postures contained in this syllabus represent Mr. Steel's personal position only and should not be construed as the position of any school or church where he may be serving.
Acknowledgement
Special thanks go to our English teacher daughter, Kristin Thompson for help in the initial phases of editing. Though time has not allowed a full edit and correction, she has graciously helped me make one or two passes through the notes for errors.
Any broad redistribution beyond your needs in a local assembly or classroom should be with permission only. The Lord willing, revised copies will be available for free non-commercial distribution through www.centerforbiblicalministries.com
James P. Steel, Sr.
Preliminaries
Dedication
These notes are dedicated with gratitude to my loving wife, Anne, whose role as a loving helpmate has enabled me in all my endeavors for Christ during the past forty years. Her constant encouragement, wise input, and helpful assistance have affirmed her full partnership in all of our endeavors.
Publication Notice
Revision August 2007
Copyright 2007, James P. Steel
www.centerforbiblicalministries.com
Unless noted otherwise, all quotations are from the King James version and basic Greek definitions cited are from Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
This material may be freely copied and distributed through any media so long as no alterations are made to the text and no charge of any kind is associated with the distribution of these materials, including charges for web access. All biblical quotations are from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted.
These and similar materials represent a work of love added into an already full schedule. Suggestions for improvement and clerical adjustments are always welcomed.
Contact: BibleTrainer@CenterForBiblicalMinistries.com
The nature of this study:
Pastors looking for a deeply exegetical treatment of Hebrews will not find it here (See bibliography). While every effort has been made to respect the Greek and use it when appropriate and necessary, the notes in this text contain a mix of both information and exhortation. They are designed to be read and understandable by adults in general. They are in a format which lends easily for use in preaching and in teaching.
A Word About the Author
Jim Steel has served equally in church planting, missions, and Christian education endeavors. His doctrinal position is available at www.CenterForBiblicalMinistries.com. His ministry has focused heavily on the centrality of Christ and he stands without apology for the full and complete inspiration of the Bible and the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through the sacrifice of our risen Christ. Dr. Steel, who is an instructor at Cornerstone Bible Institute in Hot Springs, South Dakota, is available for personal contact through the web site noted above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
An Ever-So-Brief Introduction to Hebrews
Who wrote the book of Hebrews?
A Few More Appetizers for Our Plate
The First Subject of Hebrews Is Revelation
II. God's Revelation Described.
[Graphic Insert: Hebrews – A Graphical Overview]]
[Gaphic Insert – Last Days & Biblical Timeline]
I. What Does It Mean to Be a Son?
A. Access. To be a son implies access.
B. Ability. To be a son implies the ability to understand and communicate the Father’s message.
C. Adaptation. To be a Son implies that His nature is God’s nature.
D. Authority. This Son, as heir possesses all things.
I. The Primacy of Christ through the Creative Order.
A. Consider what is meant by the words, by whom also he made the worlds.
B. Consider the significance of the words, by whom also He made the worlds.
II. The Primacy of Christ Through the Shekinah Glory.
III. The Primacy of Christ in the Expression of God’s Substance.
The Primacy of the Son. Part II
I. The Primacy of Christ in the Forward Movement of All Things.
A. To Uphold is to Carry Forward
B. The Term “All Things” Extends Far Beyond the Materials of Creation
C. The Word of His Power is Not the Power of His Word
II. The Primacy of Christ in the Purging of our Sins.
A. The Argument Has Not Shifted
B. The Purging Was Not Applied to All
C. The Purging Was Once For All
D. The Purging Opened the Way for Christ to Resume His Position
A word about the organization of Hebrews.
His Primacy Over Angels Declared
His Primacy Over Angels Required
His Primacy Over Angels Proved
Seven Old Testament Quotes That Wrap It Up
The first question that comes to our mind is, More earnest heed than what?
The second question, What is the nature of the danger?
The third question, Why should I be expected to place more importance on these words of Christ?
1.) I am expected to place more importance on these words because of the One who affirmed them.
a. What do we mean when we say angels now have a diminished role?
b. What do we mean when we speak of the world to come?
c. What do we mean when we ask, "What is man?"
d. What do we mean when we say, God set Him over the works of His hands?
e. What do we mean when we say, He tasted death for every man?
I. Why Has Christ Become a MAN?
A. Christ Became Man in Order to Elevate Manhood.
B. He became man order to subjugate all things to Himself.
C. He became man in order to taste death for every man (or all things).
II. Why Was it Necessary for CHRIST to Become a Man?
A. It was fitting for Christ to do this because it is HIS DOMAIN.
B. It Was Fitting to Bring About a Change in Our Human Natures.
Faithful Servant, Faithful Son
I. The Truth Concerning Christ
C. A Great Contrast to Explore
B. The Ones Receiving the Warning
1. When we first read this we may be tempted to think that the subject has changed.
2. For the word of God is quick.
3. Not only is the Word of God living, but also according to this verse, it is powerful.
4. " … and sharper than any two edged sword."
5. This sword makes no exceptions. (It separates) Verse 13.
I. Consider Some of the Things We Have Already Learned About Christ’s Priesthood.
II Consider Some More Important Truths About His Priesthood.
1. This Great High Priest had to be a man.
2. This Great High Priest had to be appointed.
3. This Great High Priest had to fulfill the intermediary duties of the high priest.
4. This Great High Priest Had to Learn Obedience. Vs. 8.
I. The Superficial. The Never Learning.
II. The Super Rational. The Ever Learning.
I. The Greatest Parable Which Illustrates God’s Promises.
II. The Greatest Biblical Precedent for Applying God’s Promises.
III. The Greatest Proof that God’s Promises Are Sure
I. Let's Talk About the Person of Melchizedek
II. Let's Talk About the Priesthood of Melchizedek.
A. It was a superior priesthood because it was a kingly priesthood.
B. Melchizedek's Priesthood is Superior Because it is Universal.
C. This Melchizedekan Order is Superior Because of its Precedence.
D. This Melchizedekan Priesthood was Superior By Virtue of its Priority.
E. The Melchizedekan Priesthood is Superior Because of its Permanence.
A. Consider what it means to be changed.
B. Consider what all was changed.
Impertinent Priestly Pretenders
I. The Perfections of our Priest
II. The Impertinent Priestly Pretenders
A. First, consider the Levitical priesthood itself.
B. Consider the Mormon Priesthood
C. Consider the Romish Priesthood.
D. Consider also the Arminian System, (though it has no priesthood).
E. Consider the Adventist Priest.
I. Consider the Kind of Priest That We Have.
II. Consider the Kind of Tabernacle He Possesses
III. Consider the Kind of Gift Which He Offers
A. The New Ministry Introduced
C. The New Covenant Described.
A. The Physical Description of the Tabernacle Paraphernalia is Found in Verses 2-5.
[Graphic Insert – Day of Atonement]
A. Get a feel for the order of events on the Day of Atonement.
B. Get a feel for the important conclusions that our author makes in these verses.
A. By Virtue of a Greater Tabernacle. Vs. 11.
A. The Testament Introduced. Vs. 15
C. Its Pattern Explained. Verses 23-28
A. One theme has to do with comparing things figurative with things real.
B. Another theme has to do with comparing once with often.
C. Our last theme has to do with comparing the word body with the word will.
A. Observe the declaration. Vs. 14.
C. Here we see the evidence or the documentation.
A. The Invitation Presented. Vs. 19
B. The Directions Provided. Vs. 20
C. The Transportation Supplied. Vs. 20b
A. We see in this the privilege of access.
B. We also see in this the privilege of the priesthood.
C. We see the priority of preparation.
II. We Are to Hold Fast our Confession Vs. 23
III. We Are To Consider One Another.
IV. We are to Assemble for Purpose of Exhorting One Another. Vs. 25.
A. It is required that we understand the Jewish mind.
B. It is required that we understand the Jewish people to whom Hebrews is written.
C. It is required that we understand the argument that our author has been making.
II. Our Message. Vss. 10:26, ff
C. The Damnation Expected. Vs. 29-30
[Graphic Insert – The Bible's Fiercest Warning!]
I. The Admonition with Respect to the Past. Vss. 32-34.
A. Notice that this is a directive.
B. Notice exactly what they were to recall.
II. An Admonition With Respect to the Present. Vss. 35, 36
III. An Admonition With Respect to the Future. Vss. 37-39
A. The key word in this first phrase is substance.
B. But the word substance (or title deed) does not stand alone.
IV. The Transcendence of Faith.
The Effectual Working of Faith
I. The Proof of Biblical Faith.
II. The Power of Biblical Faith.
A. Faith changes fearful doubt into bold confidence.
B. Faith replaces our need for instant gratification with deferment.
C. Faith changes our attachments from earthly things to heavenly things.
D. Faith will even make us willing to give our dearest loved ones to God.
III. The Paradox of Biblical Faith.
I. We Are to Look at our Leader.
A. The first fact we learn is that a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us.
B. We are now the ones who are to be running.
C. We must turn from the past. We are required to set aside all hindrances to that race.
D. We must focus on the present. We must run this race with patience.
E. We forsake all for the future. We must fix our eyes on the Leader.
II. Reconsider the Requirements.
A. Understand Who it Is Who Trains Us.
C. Understand the Nature of this Process.
D. Understand what your attitude must be in this process.
E. Understand the Product of Discipline.
III. Renew our Commitment to Run.
I. Acknowledge the Danger. Vss. 15-17
II. Approach the Right Mountain. Vss. 18-24
A. The Wrong Mountain. Vss. 18-21
B. The Right Mountain. Vss. 22-24