1. In the first section of Hebrews (1:1-4:13), "the superiority of Christ as God's spokesman" is emphasized. 2. Review: a. (ch.1) God has spoken to us by His Son who is superior to: 1) the prophets (vs.1-3) 2) the angels (vs.4-14). b. (ch.2) We are: 1) warned against neglecting the great salvation that has been revealed by Christ and confirmed by the apostles (vs.1-4) 2) shown why Jesus came to earth in the flesh (vs.5-18). a) (vs.5-9) Jesus came so man can regain the dominion that he lost. b) (vs.10) By coming in the flesh to bring many sons unto glory, Jesus was made perfect through sufferings. c) (vs.11-13) Jesus made it possible for man to be united with Him and the Father in the church (Ephesians 2:14-16). d) (vs.14-15) By coming in the flesh, Jesus made it possible for man to be delivered from death. e) (vs.16-18) By coming in the flesh and being tempted, Jesus is able to serve as our merciful and faithful High Priest. 3. (ch.3) Christ is superior to Moses. a. (vs.1-6) Christ is shown to be superior to Moses in 3 ways. b. (vs.7-19) Because Christ is superior to Moses, Christians are admonished to remain faithful to the Lord.
Discussion:
I. (3:1-6) CHRIST IS SUPERIOR TO MOSES IN 3 WAYS
A. (vs.1-2) Christ is superior to Moses in office. B. (vs.3-4) Christ is superior to Moses in glory and honor. C. (vs.5-6) Christ is superior to Moses in rank.
II. (3:7-19) BECAUSE CHRIST IS SUPERIOR TO MOSES, CHRISTIANS ARE ADMONISHED TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE LORD
A. (vs.7-11) The Israelites who did not remain faithful to God under Moses' leadership were not allowed to enter the Promised Land (Psalm 95:7-11). B. (vs.12-19) Christians must remain faithful to the Lord in order to go to heaven. 1. (vs.12) We must guard against developing an evil heart of unbelief that will result in a departure from God. 2. (vs.13) We are to exhort each other to prevent being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 3. (vs.14) We must remain steadfast unto the end. 4. (vs.15) We must not allow our hearts to be hardened. 5. (vs.16-19) We must avoid the mistakes of the Israelites (Numbers 1:45-46; 14:26-32).
Conclusion:
1. The comparison of Christ and Moses made in Hebrews 3:1-6 shows us why we must remain faithful to the Lord: Christ is far superior to Moses. 2. The instructions given in Hebrews 3:7-19 show us how to remain faithful to Christ.
