THE UNCHANGING GOD

This month we will be studying the first four chapters of the book of Hebrews. Many suggestions have been made for the author, including Paul, but it is safest to say that one of the Apostles wrote it. The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians scattered all over Asia Minor. The writer takes the readers back to what they knew from the Old Testament to help them understand the supremacy of Christ, which is the main theme of the book. We will be dwelling on the unchanging aspect of God, His Message, His Warning and His Assurance.

STUDY ONE WEEK OF DEC 31^st                                          THE UNCHANGING GOD

Introduction:

Chapter 1 deals with the supremacy of the Person of Christ over the Angels.

1. To whom and through whom does God speak?

2. How does the writer describe the Son in this passage?

3. In what ways is Christ superior to the Angels?

4. Given that Christ is the Firstborn of God (v6) and He is superior to Angels, what is your understanding of the position of the heirs of salvation (v14) in relation to the Angels?

5. Why do you think the writer wanted to assure his readers that Christ was superior?

6. How does this passage show that God is unchanging?

7. As a result of this study, what have you learnt about the supremacy of Christ which will enhance your walk with Him?

8. How is the unchanging character of God a blessing or a challenge to you?

STUDY TWO   WEEK OF JAN 6^th  

THE UNCHANGING MESSAGE

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Hebrews 1:12]

Introduction:

This chapter deals with the salvation message and its importance.

Read:  Hebrews 2

Observe:

1.  How and from whom did the message of salvation come?

2.  What was the message?

3.  What were the consequences of ignoring the message?

4.  Why did Jesus Christ have to become human and suffer death?

Digest:

5.  What do you think the writer means in 2:8b “yet at present we do not see everything subject to Him”?

6.  Jesus died about 2,000 years ago.  How do you know that the salvation message is still available for us today? 

7.  What position does Jesus hold both in relation to Angels and man since His coming and death? Apply:

8.  How have you responded to God’s unchanging message?

9.     How can you “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12 NSV) on a daily basis?

10.  What is exciting/amazing to you about the fact that the message is unchanging?

 

Memory Verse:

Hebrews 2:2-3

“For if the message spoken by Angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?  This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.”

(NIV)                                                              Hebrews 2:2-3

STUDY THREE                                                                  WEEK OF JAN 14^th

THE UNCHANGING WARNING

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Hebrews 2:2-3]

Introduction:

Chapter 3 picks up on the severity of ignoring the unchanging message of salvation.  This warning of falling away still applies to us today.  The writer also introduces the fact that Jesus is superior to Moses.

Read:  Hebrews 3

Observe:

1.  What names and characteristics are used for Jesus in this chapter? 

2.  List the warnings in this passage.

3.  How were the readers instructed to relate to one another in view of the    warnings they had received?

4.  What happened to those who did not heed to the warnings given by Moses?

Digest:

5.  Who is included in the term “God’s house”?

6.  In relation to God’s house, how was Jesus worthy of greater honour than Moses?

7.  Why were the people warned not to harden their hearts?

8.  What is unchanging about the message of this chapter?

Apply:

What can we do daily so that those around us, and ourselves, are not hardened by the deceit of sin? 

Memory Verse:

Hebrews 3:12-13

“See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.  But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

(NIV)                                                            Hebrews 3:12-13

STUDY FOUR                                                                 WEEK OF JAN 21^st 

   THE UNCHANGING ASSURANCE

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Hebrews 3:12-13] 

Introduction:

Even though some of those whom Moses led failed to enter God’s rest because of their disobedience, Chapter 4 assures the readers that God’s rest still stands.  The writer also assures the readers that this rest stands because Jesus, who died for their sins, is now their Great High Priest and encourages them to approach the throne of grace with confidence.  We need to study this diligently so that we can continually remind ourselves of the unchanging assurance.

Read:  Hebrews 4

Observe:

1. What is the benefit for those who heed the warning and obey the message?2.  How is Jesus described in this passage?3.  Why was the message of no value to some who heard it?4.  According to this passage, what are the characteristics of the Word of God?5.  How should we approach the throne of grace?  Why?

 Digest:

6.   What is a Sabbath-rest?7.   What is the value of faith in hearing and responding to the message?

8.   What assurance does faith give to those who believe?

9.      What are the consequences of unbelief?

10.   In your own understanding, what is the unchanging assurance given in this chapter?

Apply:

11.  How real have the characteristics of God’s word (4:12) been in your experience?12. Let us spend time thanking the Lord for His unchanging assurance.