Hebrews

Date Written: 60-69 AD

Author: Unknown

Setting: These Jewish Christians were probably undergoing fierce persecution, socially and physically, both from Jews and from Romans. Jesus hadn’t returned to establish His kingdom and the people needed to be reassured that Christianity was true and that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.

Key People: Chapter 11 – Old Testament men and women of faith.

Purpose: To emphasize the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant. It was written to Jews who were struggling with their new faith. The commandments, the rituals, and the prophets had showed the people the way to forgiveness and salvation. But then Jesus came, fulfilling the Law and the Prophets, conquering sin, shattering all barriers to God, and freely providing eternal life. This was hard for the Jews to accept. They were entrenched in thinking and worshiping in traditional forms. Salvation by grace was a new and hard concept for them.

Key Verses: The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 1:3

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who from the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 12:2

Chapter Outline:

1-4 Supremacy of Christ

5-10 The New Covenant

11-13 The Life of Faith

Importance of reading Hebrews:

What we read: Hebrews reveals Jesus’ true identity as God. He is the ultimate authority. He is greater than any religion or any angel. He is superior to any Jewish leader and to any priest. He is the complete revelation of God. What we can learn: There is no name above the name of Jesus. He alone can forgive your sins. He did this by His death on the cross. You can find peace with God by believing in Christ. There is no other way to eternal life in heaven.

What we read: In the OT, the high priest represented the Jews before God. Now Jesus links us with God. There is no other way to reach God. Jesus is our perfect representative with God. What we can learn: Jesus guarantees our access to God the Father. He intercedes for us so we can boldly come to the Father. Our righteousness is like filthy rags, but it is because of the righteousness of Christ that we can come to God.

What we read: Jesus’ sacrifice was the fulfillment of all that the OT sacrifices represented. Because Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for our sins, our sins are forgiven. What we can learn: Sin separates us from God. Jesus made a way for those sins to be forgiven, but we must accept His sacrifice for us. By believing in Him and repenting of our sin, we are no longer guilty, but cleansed and made whole.

What we read: Though we are saved from sin when we believe in Christ, we still must grow in our faith. As our faith grows and matures, we can live blameless lives, be set aside for His special use and develop spiritual maturity. What we can learn: When we get saved, we are like a baby. But just like you wouldn’t expect to see a 10-year-old still taking a bottle, we as Christians are supposed to grow spiritually. Daily commitment to prayer, reading the Bible, fellowshipping with other mature Christians, etc. will grow your faith.

What we read: Chapter 11 is known as the faith chapter. Faith is being sure and certain that God is who He says He is. Faith is believing in all His promises and that He will do what He has said He will do. Faith helps Christians to face trials. Genuine faith is a commitment to stay true to God even when we are under fire and in the storms of life. What we can learn: We can have victory in our trials if we don’t give up or turn our backs on God. He can be trusted to see us through. We must trust Him and lean on Him. It is impossible to please God without faith.

Things to think about as your read Hebrews:

• Think about the truths you learned about Jesus. Is He supreme in your life?
• Do you see growth in your Christian walk? Are you maturing? Is your faith growing?
• Are you laying aside everything that is slowing you down, every sin, and running the race set before you? If not, what is holding you back?
• How do you deal with persecution? How do the warnings and exhortations of Hebrews apply to your life?
• Are you continually offering up the sacrifice of praise? What are some things you can thank God for today even though it doesn’t necessarily seem good now? Remember, it’s a sacrifice of praise.

James

Date Written: 49 CE

Author: James, who was Jesus’ brother and a leader in the Jerusalem church

Setting: This letter expresses James’s concern for persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.

Purpose: To expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior

Key Verses: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 1:19-20

But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do. 2:18

Chapter Outline:

1 Genuine Religion

2:1-3:12 Genuine Faith

3:13-5 Genuine Wisdom

Importance of reading James:

What we read: James wrote to Jewish Christians who had been scattered throughout the Mediterranean world because of persecution. In their hostile surroundings, they were tempted to compromise their true faith. What we can learn: This letter should remind us that genuine faith will transform our lives. We are encouraged to put our faith into action. It’s easy to say we have faith, but true faith will produce loving actions toward others. Find ways to put your faith to work.

What we read: In the Christian life, there are trials and temptations. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face them.  What we can learn: No one likes to suffer. We don’t naturally consider trials a joy. But trials give us the opportunity to turn what we say we believe into action and for it to strengthen our faith. Faith comes alive when we show that we trust God. We can have joy and rejoice in our trials because we know the reason for our hope. When we are facing a difficult time, our attitude is the most important part of the battle.

What we read: James gives warnings and advise about our tongue. What we can learn: Our words matter. Your words could bring curses or blessings. An untamed tongue will gossip, put others down, brag, manipulate, speak lies, exaggerate, complain, and use flattery.

What we read: Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.  What we can learn: The devil is always going to be trying to tempt us to reject God and turn away from Him. Use this 3 step plan every time 1) Submit to God – surrender your whole life to God,  2) resist the devil – tell him to go in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and 3) come near to God and He will come near to you – go to God in prayer and spend time with Him. He will meet you and protect you and lead you. Too often we only hear about step 2, but first we must be submitted to God.

Things to think about as you read James:

• How are you handling the trials in your life?
• Are you a doer of the Word or a hearer only?
• Do you show favoritism when dealing with people?
• Is your faith seen by your works? If not, what does that tell you?

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/7Tl9ue0lnwo?si=ww39oOVaMBMQxWZt

Blessings,

Nichole Henson

Fullness of Joy Ministry