Happy New Year and welcome back to our Hebrews Study!! I have missed meeting with you each week.
Heather, a huge thank you for guest posting and sharing such a beautiful and practical devotion with us. The winner of Heather’s giveaway is Cheryl Downey who posted on January 4th at 10:22 a.m. Please contact Heather at thegoodariel@hotmail.com to claim your gift.
As we jump back into our study, let’s do a bit of review that I think will be helpful to the next several chapters as we dig deep into the priesthood of Jesus. Remember only men from the tribe of Levi were able to serve as priests under Old Testament Law. And then, not all Levites qualified. Only those who were descendants of Moses’ brother, Aaron, could serve as priests. In this chapter, we will learn even more about the Levitical priesthood and why Jesus’ priesthood is superior.
Below please find the video lesson for Hebrews Chapter 7.
This Week’s Memory Verse: But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lives forever. Hebrews 7:24.
This Week’s Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You have taught me so much about You and Your Son over the last six chapters. Thank You for Your Word and how it confirms itself over and over again from Old Testament to New Testament. Thank You for loving us so much that You did not leave us in a place where we had to be separated from You and could only be in Your Presence through a priest. Thank You for sending Jesus so that we could be in an intimate, personal relationship with You. Thank You that anytime I want to talk with You, I can. Thank You that because of Jesus, You hear me. I love You, Lord.
Assignment: Read Hebrews Chapter Seven
Homework Questions:
1. Melchizedek is a type of Christ, yet Scripture tells us very little about him. Despite this lack of information, the author of Hebrews uses Melchizedek to help us understand the central, most important, aspect of Judaism…the priesthood…and why Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater than that priesthood. Let’s begin with this question: Who is Melchizedek?
- Read Hebrews 7:1-3. Name the two titles given Melchizedek in verse 1.
- What did Melchizedek do for Abraham?
- What did Abraham do in response?
- Share what else you learn about Melchizedek in verses 2 and 3.
2. Melchizedek’s priesthood was royal. Scripture identifies him as not only a priest but also the King of Salem. As we learned earlier in our study, Old Testament law did not allow this dual role of priest and king. But it was predicted by the prophet Zechariah in Zechariah 6:13 which says,
“It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.”
And as we have already studied in Psalm 110 (verses 1 and 4), David also speaks to a Messiah who will be both Priest and King.
- Read Hebrews 7:2 and list Melchizedek’s two titles and their meanings.
By his name alone, Melchizedek represented righteousness and peace. These are two words that often go together in Scripture and are usually associated with Jesus.
- Read Psalm 85:10, Isaiah 11:5-6, and Isaiah 32:16-18. Share what they speak to you.
3. Melchizedek’s priesthood was personal. It was not hereditary. The author of Hebrews identifies him, not by his blood line or genealogy but by the statement that he was a priest of “God Most High.” For Old Testament priests, genealogy was everything. If a man was not a Levite and a descendant of Aaron, the law forbid him from serving as a priest.
- What problems could arise due to the fact that priests were chosen by blood line and not character? How did God solve this problem? (For an example, read 1 Samuel 2:12-16, 27-34)
- What does Hebrews 7:3 say about Melchizedek’s family history?
- Why do you think it significant that there is no record of his genealogy?
4. Melchizedek was eternal. A Levitical priest served from age twenty-five to age fifty. The Levitical priesthood itself began with Moses and ended with the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. But there is no biblical recording of Melchizdedek’s priesthood ending or beginning. It just was.
- Scholars believe this symbolizes the eternality of his priestly order and is yet another piece of evidence that Melchizedek’s priesthood is a t_ _ _ of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
5. Read Hebrews 7:4-7 and share two ways these verses affirm Melchizedek’s greatness as a priest.
6. What we learn from Melchizedek’s life is that priesthood is NOT based on inheritance alone. The key to priesthood is that it is received directly from God. For Old Testament priests, priesthood came through God’s Law. And because the Old Testament Levitical priesthood was based on the Law, God needed to establish a different priesthood for Jesus because He did not qualify under the Law since He was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi.
Also, the purpose of the priesthood was to reconcile men to God through a system of sacrificial offerings. And it accomplished this purpose to a point. But it was imperfect in that it could not give men complete access to God. Perfection would only come when they could offer full and complete access to God.
- Read John 14:6. What does it say? To whom was Jesus speaking?
- Read Hebrews 10:1-2. How does this reinforce what we just read?
7. The truth the author wants his audience to know is that the Old Covenant sacrifices offered in the Temple only covered the sins of the people. They never removed them. Had the sacrifices fully and completely removed sin, the priests would not have had to offer them day after day, year after year.
- Read Jeremiah 31:31-34. What does this say and how does it support what the author of Hebrews is saying?
8. Remember the author’s audience as you read this and how absurd his words must have sounded to them. They were Jews steeped in the tradition of sacrificial offerings. I am certain that they could not fathom the idea that the priesthood Moses had instituted thousands of years earlier was temporary, inadequate, and imperfect. It was all they knew. Day in and day out, year in and year out they faithfully brought their sacrifices. Now this teacher…this man…this religious leader was telling them it was no longer valid. He was telling them the old priesthood had been replaced by Jesus and that He was now the new way to receive forgiveness of sin and access to God.
- Read Hebrews 7:12. Of what does the author speak here?
- Define the word “change.”
- What would you have thought if you were a Jew sitting in his audience? Would his words have convinced you?
9. Read Hebrews 7:15-17. Below you will find verses 15-16.
And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
Let’s examine the word “another” for a moment. The Greek language has two words for “another.” Allos, meaning another of the same kind, and heteros meaning another of a different kind. Allos indicates the adding of another, a quantitative difference. Heteros indicates a change in type or kind, a qualitative difference. As applied to Hebrews 7:15, the author is saying Jesus is not another Levitical priest like those who ministered in the temple. He is a completely different kind of priest.
- Now read Hebrews 7:18-19. Why did the author of Hebrews state that the old requirements for priesthood were “weak and useless (NLT)” or “weak…and unprofitable…(NKJV)?
10. The climax of his case comes now with the author telling his audience that Aaron has been replaced by Christ. The old has been set aside for the new.
- What is the better hope in which we have confidence in Hebrews 7:19?
- If you had to distinguish the old and new system as they relate to sin, what do you believe is the most profound difference?
- Read 1 Peter 1:10-12. Share your thoughts on this passage and how it relates to our lesson this week.
11. Hebrews 7:20-22 tells us God established the new system with an oath.
- Find the oath. From where does it originate? Identify the three places we already have seen it in Hebrews (hint: chapters 5 and 6)
- Quite often when God does a big thing, He does it with an oath. Not because it makes His promise any more valid or reliable, but because the oath places emphasis on the importance of what He is saying. If you want to go a bit deeper on this subject, read Genesis 22:16-18. If you do this, share how God used an oath here and why.
- Read Hebrews 7:22 again. What does this passage tell us about Jesus’ role?
- Describe what having Jesus as your surety (or guarantor) means in your own life?
12. Read Hebrews 7:23-28. Let’s focus on Hebrew 7:25 because contains a most marvelous promise. Below please find this verse in several translations to give you greater insight into the verse.
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (KJV)
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (NIV)
Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (NASB)
Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save] those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. (NLT)
- Spend some time with this verse and these translations. Share what God speaks to your heart.
- Friend, the promises found in these verses should fill our hearts to overflowing with praise and gratitude! According to Hebrews 7:25, who does God save?
- What is the assurance we have in the last half of Hebrews 7:25?
13. Christianity is often criticized for claiming Jesus is the only way to God. Christians make this claim because it is what the inerrant, unchangeable, eternal Word of God says.
- Read John 14:6. What does Jesus say here?
Jesus is not only able to save. He is the only one able to save. His the only one who has been given authority by God to free people from the slavery of sin and death. Jesus alone delivers us from ALL sin…past, present, and future. There is no other requirement for salvation than faith…faith in Jesus. All God asks is for in return is a humble and contrite heart, a tender and remorseful heart that desires forgiveness above all else.
And, if that is not enough, once we receive forgiveness, Jesus remains near, ever interceding on our behalf.
Picture yourself bowing before Him and confessing your sins…your critical spirit…your gossiping tongue…your unforgiving heart?
Now, listen to His words as He goes before His Father in heaven on your behalf:
“Father, I know it looks bad. I know this is her third time asking for forgiveness about this. But she is struggling. She is trying. She is praying. She is on her knees. She is broken. Remember, Father, I have already paid for what she has done. My grace is sufficient. She has been forgiven. See my righteousness in her, Father.”
Because of what Jesus has done, sweet sister in Christ, you and I are able to stand in the presence of a Holy God and be found blameless and holy in His sight! Can you think of a greater gift?
As we end today, I have two questions for us to ponder.
*Do you believe what we have studied this week is Truth? If you do, how does it encourage you as you interact with your Father in heaven?
*Will you take time to thank God for the gift of Jesus in your life? Journal how He moves your heart. Stay in this place a while and praise Him…thank Him…feel Him…need Him…love Him. He is most worthy!
May God richly bless you this week as you spend time in Hebrews Chapter 7. Please share your thoughts with us as you read, study, and pray. I will be praying for all of us as we dig deeper with Him.
Blessings,
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Good Morning Wendy and Bible Study friends, I am finally caught up on the previous six chapters and so anxious to get started with Chapter 7. I have grown so much in my relationship with God this past year through hard experiences, blessings and this Bible Study. I personally thank you Wendy for sharing yourself and your knowledge with us. Christ calls us to help and strengthen each other in the faith, so you can mark me up as another soul you have lifted up and re-enforced. Looking forward to digging deeper into this Hebrews Study.
You are so welcome Charlotte. I love this study as much as you do. It has blessed me so much to be taught by so many of you!!!
Love,
Wendy
Thank you, Wendy. I lov e how you ended this video……I wish I could share it with everyone I know who thinks their ways will get them to heaven. Without the Holy Spirit they don’t and won’t understand. I have some catching up to do but am excited to delve back into Hebrews with you.
I too am excited to be back. Praying you will catch up quickly!! Thanks for the encouragement about the end of the video. I really prayed for the right words because it is a difficult Truth to accept, but it is just that TRUTH!!
W
Praise the LORD Wendy is back and our Hebrew study is on again. Seemed like f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
Wendy, thank you for your encouragement to me before Christmas. I did read the blog post to my family Christmas Eve. I had stratigically placed it in an envelope under the tree and on the outside wrote “open last” as I opened it I said I wanted to share with everyone the best gift I had ever received. As I read it, and afterward, it did not matter as much that my family appreciated it as I thought it might. What did matter was my personal way of thanking God for Who He is and for what He did through His Son Jesus. It was a nice moment with my walk with God. Thank you for praying for open hearts. I know His Word does not go out void.
So happy Hebrews here again. Now that sounds like a song. Hebrew Days are here again….I am also starting Ladies Bible Class on Thursday. I love having two studies going at the same time that way I stay in the Word every day every free moment. Thank You LORD. Praying for you Wendy as you prepare the lessons and for all my “Hebrew classmates” that God speaks to each of us and we are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit just like the disciples were. (Acts 13:52)
Thank you for sharing what you did with your family at Christmas. I am so proud of you!! I know the Lord will bless your obedience and your faithfulness. It is wonderful to hear how God is using His Word to grow you and take you to deep, rich, new places in your faith journey with Him.
W
Yanna,
That is so beautiful!! What an incredible way to honor God and share your faith with your family!! What a blessing you are!!
<3 Heather
How kind and encouraging you are thank you Heather.
Yanna… what a beautiful, inspiring way for me to start my morning! I love that you offered your ALL… your heart’s offering to God alone. I know that won’t go without Him stirring the hearts of your dear family members! xoxo
How kind you are Noelle and such an encouragement. Thank you! Made me cry I was touched “you offered your All…my heart’s offering to God alone. Whew. Need to cross-stitch that!!
I agree, I missed my Wendy time. But I did get caught up and re ran past vblogs. We didn’t do very much, I went to church and witnessed a few became baptized. It was awesome. And yes I cried. Now to get started on ch 7.
Dear Wendy,
I really, really sorry, but I can’t go on with the Bible Study.
I’m having the busiest days ever. My wedding will be in 10 days, my family is coming to Recife, where the wedding is gonna be, I need to pick them up at the airport, host them, support them.
Still, there is so much to do, so many details.
Plus, I’m getting extremely anxious, nervous, I can’t sleep well, eat well.
I got behind at chapter 6, and I won’t be able to concentrate on the study again until I go back to Canada, in mid february.
I decided to tell you, because you prepared this Bible Study so beautifully. I can see you love and care in every video, every post, every comment.
I’m really sorry, sweet Wendy. May I kindly ask you to keep praying for me?
Love,
Michele Caséca
We will miss you, but I understand. It will be up for a while, so if your schedule opens up to come back and join us, please do!!
W
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
Abba,
Our lives can feel like a tornado especially in the midst of an upcoming wedding. I lift Your bride Michele to You. In the way only You can, lead her to Your quiet waters to restore her soul. Show her ways to have intimate times with You… to have a Mary heart in the middle of Martha preparations. Ease her anxiety with Your perfect love that casts away all fear.
Not only in Michele’s life, but in all of ours… help each of us to be Your brides first and foremost, so You can order our days. You chose us above all nations! Help us to choose You above our to-do lists and the things that seem to demand our time and energy!
In Jesus’ Name, amen!
Michele, if you get this, just know that I was incredibly blessed by doing one of Wendy’s studies even after the study was done- I did it on my own… my own pace, my own timeframe… and, although I missed the real-time camaraderie with the girls, God moved mountains in my life through that study. All of her studies remain online! Thank you Wendy for these unbelievable, treasured resources! God works wonders through you!!!
xoxo
I am so excited to get started again. I was worried that after such a long break I would find it difficult to get back into the swing of things, but the new year and the new opportunities that lie ahead have just made me excited. I have never been involved in anything like this! I have been sharing with others what I am reading and hoping that in the future I will have friends joining me. Thank you for your continued obedience to God’s calling on your llife.
Thanks for sharing this study with your friends! That is how we grow. I love that God has given you a fresh enthusiasm for more of Him in 2012!!
W
I know the feeling, I am just now getting back into the swing of things. But after I get back from the store (its supposed to snow tonight 1-3 inches plus with the freezing , bad on the roads and I don’t like driving in it) So with my swiss miss hot cocoa. I am going to jump into Ch 7 and read. Did some research on it already. Very interesting.
Hey y’all,
I think I started getting the shakes due to Hebrews withdrawal! It’s so good to be diving back in with you Wendy and all my Bible study sisters!!
For number three, read v. 35 in I Samuel 2 and it gives you a prophecy of Jesus being our eternal priest. It first refers to a replacement for Eli’s household as priest, but ultimately, Jesus bring this prophecy to completion. Just further proof of Jesus as our appointed and anointed High Priest.
<3 Heather
{I referred to my Matthew Henry commentary via QuickVerse, just to make sure I wasn’t reading that wrong.}
Thanks for leading us to another place in Scripture that affirms what we have read in Hebrews. I just love how His Word confirms itself over and over again!!! We are blessed to have you, Heather!
W
Heather
I have noticed you have referred to commentaries to further understand. I would love any pointers on using an online commentary. There are times I need a little help understanding this study or the desire to dig deeper.
Thanks,
Beth
I am looking forward to digging back into the study, too. I read that verse, Heather. Thanks for pointing it out. I see the answer to number 3 is about the problems that could arise from choosing the priest from blood line and not character. Eli was pious, but his sons were not. And he didn’t do anything about it.
Thank You Wendy for the Hebrews Bible Study! Im getting up at 6:30 am start digging into the book of Hebrew and with your help and the lesson it is great! My prayer life has changed it is stronger, going to church is exciting I cant wait to get there to worship our Lord, Sunday morning and night worship and Wednesday night. I cant get enough and I thank you again for this Bible study. Fill me up with Jesus I LOVE it!!!
Wow!! How exciting to read your words, “Fill me up with Jesus. I LOVE it!!!” May He answer that prayer exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or imagine. I can’t imagine a better prayer. May He fill all of us to overflowing!!!
Love,
Wendy
Ok y’all,
I’m not quite sure if I’m getting number 6 right. I understand both verses in their own right, but I’m not quite sure if I’m getting how the Heb verses reinforce the one we looked at in John.
I get that Jesus is the only way to the Father {John}. In Heb, the author tells us that the Temple sacrifices were made over and over because they were not complete or good enough to last, a shadow of the sacrifice to come. I understand that Jesus was our perfect sacrifice, made “once and for all” which then fulfilled the Law; which is why sacrifices are no longer needed or required. I’m just not sure that I’m getting how Heb is reinforcing John…unless it’s simply the fact that because He was the perfect sacrifice {Heb}, Jesus is the only way to the Father {John}?
Am I missing something or is that everything?
<3 Heather
Heather, I am thinking God sacrificed Himself for us. John paved the way for God in human form as His Son Jesus. God sacrificed Himself on the cross through the blood of His One and Ony Son Jesus and defeated death. TAKE THAT SATAN nothing else is ever needed except for us to follow Jesus with our own cross the the One Way of deafeating satan forever eternal life. The Only Way to our Creater, Redeemer, Father, Prince of Peace, Mighty God….LOVE THIS
While on #6 (by the way, I’m shouting with excitement along with you Heather and Yanna since Jesus is our perfect sacrifice!) … I was moved… that unlike the law, Jesus brings JOY. The law was a pattern of how to live, but it didn’t encompass JOY! It’s such a beautiful portrait of a Daddy’s love… to not only raise us morally and ethically… but to desire we live each of our days with heartfelt joy regardless of circumstances! I’m also humbled that, although we haven’t reached the millennium prophecy, WE get to be the ones who are saved, live with joy and have God’s Word written on our hearts NOW! It made me rethink the way I view the scripture I memorize. It’s not something I “should” do… or something on my to-do list, but it’s an honor and a privilege!
Have an awesome day girlfriends!
Wow!! Love your “Joy” revelation. By rising again, Jesus enabled us to receive His Spirit and in that Spirit resides UNENDING, EVERLASTING JOY that is ours in Him. Thanks for reminding me of this beautiful gift of Joy!!
Love you,
W
Heather, I don’t think you are missing anything. In John 14:6 when Jesus said “I am” my Study Bible say that to God, Jesus is not one way among many. but THE WAY. In the early church, Christianity was sometimes called “the Way, the Truth”. In Hebrews 10:1 The sacrifices prescribed under the old law prefigured Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The fact that the sacrifices under the old covenant was repeated year after year gives testimony that the perfect, sin removing sacrifice had not yet been offered. But, that ultimate once and for all sacrifice occured when Jesus shed His Blood upon the cross becoming the New Covenant between mand and God. This gives Him authority to say “I Am”.
Don’t know if this helped or confused.
Heather, you are not missing anything at all. You are exactly right. Jesus is now the only way to the Father…no more Old Testament sacrifices needed. His one perfect sacrifice was enough!! Acts 4:12 reinforces the same Truth…
“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
And all God’s girls say, “Amen!”
Love,
Wendy
Yes, I’m back again. I just have to say I <3 number 9!! The word study on “another” and how it relates to Jesus as our new priest brought me a total wow moment and I had to copy it all down into my journal and yes I wrote “wow” next to it, too.
I also love how the verses {18-19} remind us that under the law that the old priesthood was ruled cannot save us. The law can’t save us in anyway shape or form anyway, that is just not its purpose; it can only Instruct, Condemn, and Protect. With Jesus as our new, different priest under the new covenant and the law that has been fulfilled {Matt 5:17-18}, He is able to be our salvation. Our perfect, eternal, once and for all sacrifice. He is the living Gospel the Word made flesh and is able to draw us closer to the heart of God. All of the previous verses have been leading to this {John 14:6, Jeremiah 31:31-34, I Samuel 2:35}. I am GEEKING out for Jesus over here y’all! I can’t wait to jump into number 10 tomorrow!
<3 Heather
Heather I love you. I am GEEKING out too. I have this feeling you are even considering an online course in Greek and Hebrew. 😀
Great points Heather. I especially love Jeremiah 31:31 because this is the only place in the Old Testament that God uses the word “New Covenant”. That New Covenant would be with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. To me personally, I feel the mention of Judah as being a foretelling of Christ and the tribe that would become the New Covenant. Of course that is a personal thought. God did not forsake His Old Covenant but it was fulfilled and it’s purpose was achieved with the New Covenant. The sacrifice of Christ that took away the need for additional animal sacrifices. That was the New Covenant. Praising God for giving us the New Covenant.
Heather, you have such a great way of breaking down these verses. Thanks for sharing with us!!! I join you in praising God for this New Covenant. I am SO thankful we do not live under the Law!!!
W
Thoughts mulling around I hope I do not confuse anyone. Question three was my night ponder and talk over with God when I could not sleep. So Mel shows up in a Priestly robe (assumption here) all decked out and people just accept him as their priest. Mel had no mother or father, no geneology (so was he an orphan), Mel was priest of God Most High (so did God just make him) I smile here. Then Mel meets Abraham returning from a defeat and blesses Abraham. Okay so as I type this I think I need to stop and explain where my brain is going. Jesus shows up as a preacher in his day knowing more than the wise in the temple even at 12. He had “no father” yet he had a mom, his geneology on his adopted dad’s side leads straight back to God as His Father. Jesus meets us returning from a defeat and blesses us. Jesus and Mel are given a 10th of everything by those who have been blessed once defeated and blessed. Mels name means king of righteousness, king of peace, Mel has no beginning of days or end of life, a high priest forever. Again, parallels Jesus. My ponder so Mel’s character and the way he lived honoring God in his service as great high priest kept people from questioning the “role” “life” he led even though Mel’s background had no earthly concrete backup. What is wrong with us? There is so much more evidence we can check off for who Jesus is. Mel got the respect just for his position pretty much taken from thin air if you ask me (if I lived then) and here we have Jesus with so much history, geneology, a mother and a Father, bringing peace, living peace, teaching righteousness, living righteousness and we as humans for generations doubt Him. I don’t get it. Wendy maybe I should copy and paste this and send it in an email….Praying before I click post. Okay I prayed 🙂 we are here to dig deeper I am digging. Any thoughts? Maybe I am stretching too far I just am in awe of how Mel and Jesus are so similar yet there is not much about Mel for us to follow/worship God’s plan is incredible. Why in Hebrews did the writer not stop and write in bold “and you listened to Mel and accepted Mel and you question Jesus? ” Thank goodness God does not give up on us and keeps His promise.
I too was having questions about Q 3 and the genealogy. Then I read your response here Yanna, and got a little more understanding or insight. It is interesting to compare Mel with Jesus with the only difference being that Jesus leads to salvation I dont see Mel doing that. I may just copy some of your insights for my notes as well. and move on because I’m claiming Deut 29:29 here. God has secrets and I am only supposed to be responsible for what He reveals to me. Now to Q 4.
Hi girls,
Yanna, what a great summary. And I love how you wrote it in your own words…easy to understand and relate to. Your way of relating Jesus and Melchizedek is great!!
I do need to clarify something. According to all commentators I read, Mel DID have a mother and father. They are just not mentioned. He was most likely not an orphan and did not just appear on earth. It is the absence of lineage that is significant to the author of Hebrews. His mother and father…his lineage…is genealogy is NOT relevant to his ability to be a called to priesthood by the Most High God. God chose him for whatever reason. That is one way he is a type for Christ to be a priest…priesthood not based on lineage…but based on the fact that He was chosen by God.
I hope this explanation helps with your questions.
Blessings,
Wendy
Thank you Wendy. It certainly does and I am so thankful our teacher is also doing her homework. 🙂 As I think about Mel uppermost in my mind is how God used him and God can use us if we are willing. As well as the thought that we have so much more evidence to believe God is Who He says He is, Jesus is the Son of God, why would I ever doubt? Just because Jesus was not dressed in a priestly robe, an earthly king as humans expected our stereotype mental picture. Then those thoughts lead me to think about everyone I meet no matter who they are, where they live, color of their skin, rich or poor, addicts, living in sin are all God’s vessel’s only needing to be filled with Him. Who will fill it, show them, love them if not me? My new title for Hebrews; Humbling Hebrews.
Ha ha I looked above my post and saw Heather’s we are asking deep questions Wendy. Thankfully Heather’s question and comments make me want to “move on” to the other questions and see what she was pondering at question six, nine and ten. Heather you must have stayed at your quiet place all night. So more meat Wendy! No more milk. 🙂 Heather this is kind of fun I am laughing that we both have deeper thoughts and questions for Wendy. Wendy get a cup of coffee or tea and a piece of chocolate then take a deep breath and think.
Wow, you girls are tough!!! :0)
I will do my best to get to work. I really LOVE that God is pricking your hearts, challenging you, and taking you deeper still with Him. That is totally an answer to my prayers.
W
It’s fun Wendy! Your questions are tough. My fill in the blank for I think #4 was Twin…I think I would get a deduction there if this were a test. 🙂
I agree with y’ll, this study really makes you want to study the Word of God more and more. I have a small issue with number 10 – the 3rd question, couldn’t see how 1 Pet. 1: 10 -12 relates with the study, so a few pointers will help.
I woke up this morning feeling a little down, today is the fourth day of strike action in Nigeria, been unable to go to work since Monday, there has been protests, riots and killings in some places and I am wondering, what is going to happen if this situation is not checked soon. I need your prayers for my country.
I also feel down because I did something that I had prayed to God that I will stop doing and it made me feel really bad. I thank God for this study because immediately I told myself, go pick up your laptop and finish your chapter 7 homework and there it was – Wendy put up Jesus’ response to my plea for forgiveness. Oh it gave me such peace. I am happy and glad right now and I know that God is indeed in this study.
Thank you Jesus for the gift of your intercession.
Love,
Olayinka.
Olayinka, praying for peace and rest to return to your country before more souls are lost. Also praying for your peace of mind and assurance that your sin is forgiven. Studying God’s word really gives us comfort in the knowledge that the unrest, pain and suffering we face in this world is just temporary and that one day we will all live in peace and harmony. No pain, no sin, nothing buy joy and happiness and praising our Lord and Savior.
Thanks for your question. The 1 Peter verse tells us that all that we are studying in Hebrews…all that Jesus did and is doing…was prophesied long ago. The prophets of old prophesied about Salvation…about His suffering and resurrection. The author of Hebrews wanted His Jewish audience to remember their words so that they would see Jesus was that prophesy fulfilled. He then tells them that those living among them are saying the same things as they prophets except the witnessed it with their very own eyes.
Hope this helps!
I join our sisters in praying for peace and reconciliation for your nation and peace for you. May you KNOW and BELIEVE to the marrow of your bones that Jesus loves you and has forgiven you of all your sin through His death on the cross…past, present, and future. All He asks in return is a devoted heart that loves Him above all else. I see that in you, sweet friend. He has forgiven you!!!
Love,
Wendy
W
Olayinka I pray my favorite verse over you and your country. Father cover Olayinka and her homeland with Your feathers and under Your wings give her refuge. Thank You for Your faithfulness Father and you are a shield and rampart against evil. In Your Jesus’ Name I pray Psalm 91:4. (The 91 Psalm has been prayed for soldiers for centuries it’s a good one when you have your own battle).
Wendy,
Thank you for the work that you have put into this BIble study. Makes me focus much more on the awesome God that we have and the intricacies of the entire biblical journey. Have a HUGE favor to ask – I listen to your video each week, then copy off the questions and work on them each day as part of my devotions. However, this next week I have the joy of going on vacation out of the country. I will be able to get email, but will not be able to make copies. Is there any way that you could send me the week 8 questions early to my email address, which is: jshrock@zoominternet.net
Totally understand if you can’t do this – thought i’d check; would be a great way to wake up each morning in St Kitts! We leave early, early Saturday morning.
Hi Jackie,
Thanks for your kind words. Usually I work on the lesson on Fridays and would have them done for you, but my daughter, Lauren, is having her wisdom teeth taken out at 7:00 am. I will have to wait and see how she does and how the day goes. If I get them done, I will definitely send them. If not, maybe you can answer them in a journal or on notebook paper.
Have a GREAT time in St. Kitts!! How fun!!
Prayiing all goes well for Lauren.
thanks Wendy – am now on vacation (St Kitts – absolutely beautiful) and having some quiet time and devotions. totally understand that you weren’t able to send the questions – appreciate all of the time that you must spend in getting the lesson prepared. hope your daughter did well and is feeling better – rest and pain pills always helps! i’ve brought paper along, plan to write down the answers to week 8, and then rewrite when i get home (it will be a great review!). hoping also to find a journal here- whatever God leads me to – that i can use for the year. Appreciated the TAPP devotional – have moved where I keep my BIble supplies and plan to read the entire Bible this year, along with doing Bible studies (such as yours). This is the excitement that I should always have when preparing and studying God’s Word. This is why I appreciate vacation – time to reflect and remember that God must always come first; yes, I have to go to work, but time must be spent with God constantly. Thanks for this devotional – stirs my heart!
Ladies, while doing some research on chapter 7, I found some additional information that shows comparisons of the High Priest of Israel, Melchizedek and Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. This is a breakdown with verses listed for clarification.
The High Priest of Israel
7:11 could not mediate ‘perfection’ established on the basis of the law
7:20 no oaths involved in their appointment
7:23 there were many, because each one died and had to be replaced
7:27 needed to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s sins
7:28 weak
Melchizedek
7:1-2 he was called ‘king of righteousness’ and ‘king of peace’
7:3 his genealogy is unknown – ‘without beginning of days’,’ without end of life’, ‘a priest forever’
7:4-10 he was greater than Abraham, and therefore greater than Levi (the priestly tribe)
7:13 he was from a different tribe than the priests of Israel
7:16 his role as priest was on the basis of his conformation to regulations about ancestry
Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest
7:11 not in the order of Aaron
7:14 descended from Judah, a tribe from which priests did not come
7:16 his priesthood is based on the power of an indestructible life
7:17 a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
7:18 his priesthood sets the former law aside
7:19 his priesthood brings about a better hope by which we draw near to God
7:20-21 his priesthood was affirmed by God’s oath
7:22 because of this oath Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant
7:24 the priesthood of Jesus is permanent
7:25 therefore he saves forever (completely) those who come to God through him because his intercession is eternal
7:26 he meets our need – he is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens – not needing to offer sacrifices day after day.
7:27 he sacrificed for our sins once for all when he offered himself
7:28 he, appointed by oath, is perfect forever
Just wanted to share with you.
Thanks, Charlotte, this is GREAT!!!
W
Thank you Charlotte! I loved having a written visual to see who became less so He could become greater. 🙂 John 3:30
Hi, everyone, I’m finally caught up!
Charlotte, thanks for sharing. I love how you captured the essence of what was spiraling in my mind and made it linear. Especially about the oaths of the priesthood of Christ and how there is no higher to swear by. What assurance!
Love,
Sandra
It is Saturday morning and I am just completing chapter 7 – -what an amazing way to start the weekend. As I was nearing the end and reading verse 25, I found myself weeping at the thought of Jesus, who is perfect, interceding on MY behalf. . . one who is so imperfect and often fails over and over again in the same area. Then I continued on with your comments and found that you wrote exactly what I was picturing in my own mind. . . and oh, what a beautiful picture it is!! Forever is one of the words that I often struggle with. It seems that in my life, there are very vew things (if any, really) that have been Forever. Just the thought that there is something out there that my personality, my mistakes, my little quirks can’t change or chase away is amazing. The fact that Christ can love me FOREVER and provide salvation, through faith, FOREVER!! I am so thankful for that salvation and the promise of FOREVER.
I finished Chapter 7 today and I feel like my life is changed and enriched beyond words. This is one question that I wanted to answer here to finalize this chapter:
*Do you believe what we have studied this week is Truth?
Yes, I believe, I believe with my heart, my spirit, my soul. I believe this Truth with every fiber of my being. The emply place within me, that has since been filled with God, pulsates my very being screaming YES, this is Truth. The only Truth and the only Way.
If you do, how does it encourage you as you interact with your Father in heaven?
It gives me peace, peace that I lived so many years without. Comfort beyond description. I know that I can place my request and needs before His throne. I don’t need someone to do this for me. Because Jesus Christ died to set me free, save my soul from hell and forgive my past, present and future sins, I am free to enter into the most Holy place, God’s throne.
The lyrics to the following song was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither and they say so much about about our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ and what He did for you and me.
God sent His son, they called him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon;
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know who holds the future,
and life is worth the living,
Just because He lives.
“At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the Light
And the burden of the heart rolled away
It was there by faith, I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day”
Singing this (part of a medley) in church next week – these words could not exist without the existence of the perfect priest – Jesus Christ. How awesome! (thanks for sharing the Gaither song – they have always known how to share the message in such distinct words)
I love that song Jackie. I was raised singing songs like that. Thanks for posting that, perfect reminder for me.
Wendy, the walk through Hebrews 7 with you and God was unbelievable. I needed to hear Him and seek Him feel Him near. I was hurting and it was a very special time with God as I finished this chapter. Thank you. Thank You Jesus.
Wow! I just finished up with Hebrews 7 and it just moved me like no other! I’m still crying! I don’t express my thoughts very well but so many others here say so beautifully exactly what I’m thinking. Thank you everyone for all your comments and insights. Thank you Wendy for this study–it’s my first one and I love it!! And most all, Thank you God for loving me!!!! This is awesome and I am truly inspired to become a better person, the person He wants me to be
Hi, love how God is touching your heart through His Word. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. I so agree, the comments and insights help me grow so much.
Have a blessed day,
Wendy