Hebrews: Background, Theme, & Outline

Hebrews

Background:

The book was apparently written to Jewish believers (3:1, 12,
14; 6:9) who were tempted to drop faith in (the invisible)
Christ and return to the (visible) OT system of worship.

Contents:

The entire book labors to prove Christ better than the OT
system of worship. To this end, Hebrews presents Him as a
superior prophet (1:1 - 14), priest (4:14 - 10:22), and prize
(10:23 - 13:25). Since He is a better prophet, we should heed
His word. Since He is a better priest, we should approach God
through Him alone. Since He is a better prize, we should
prefer Him to those things which can be shaken, and endure for
Him. The strong emphasis on holding "fast our confession of
faith" (3:6, 14; 4:14; 10:23) exhorts any believer who becomes
tempted to place their faith in that which can be seen or
"shaken" (11:26-29), rather than Christ.

Theme: Hold Faith In Christ

Outline:

1) Reasons
A) Because He's the best Prophet (1:1 - 4:13)
B) Because He's the best Priest (4:14 - 10:22)
C) Because He's the best Prize (10:23 - 13:25)

2) Ways
A) By heeding His word (1:1 - 4:13)
B) By approaching God (4:14 - 10:22)
C) By enduring discipline (10:23-29)
D) By loving the brethren (13:1-25)

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Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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