1. The 1st section (1:1-4:13) shows how Christ is superior as God's spokesman. 2. The 2nd section (4:14-ch.10) shows how He is superior as High Priest. 3. According to ch.10, Jesus has offered a superior sacrifice as High Priest. 4. Review (10:1-25): a. (vs.1-4) The sacrifices offered by the Jewish priests were not sufficient. b. (vs.5-10) Christ offered Himself as a perfect, final sacrifice. c. (vs.11-18) The sacrifices offered under the two covenants are contrasted. d. (vs.19-21) The Lord's sacrifice provides Christians with certain privileges. e. (vs.22-25) These privileges are accompanied by responsibilities. 5. In this lesson we are covering the information presented in 10:26-39. Discussion:
I. (10:26-31) THOSE WHO DESPISE THE LORD'S SACRIFICE WILL BE SEVERELY PUNISHED
A. (vs.26a) The Lord's sacrifice is despised when a person sins willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth (6:4-6; 2 Peter 2:20-22). B. (vs.26b-27) Despising the Lord's sacrifice is a serious offense. C. (vs.28-29) Despising the Law of Moses is compared to despising the Lord's sacrifice. 1. (vs.28) For an additional note on despising the Law of Moses, see Deuteronomy 17:2-7. 2. (vs.29) Despising the Lord's sacrifice will result in sorer punishment. D. (vs.30-31) God will take vengeance on those who despise His Son's sacrifice (5:7-9). II. (10:32-39) WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ARE OFFERED
A. (vs.32-34) The Hebrew Christians were instructed to remember their former service and faithfulness (Revelation 2:5). 1. (vs.32) They had endured great affliction. 2. (vs.33) They had been afflicted, and they had been companions of others afflicted. 3. (vs.34) They had assisted the writer financially. 4. God will not forget such acts of service and faithfulness (6:10). B. (vs.35-39) Christians must remain faithful and patient to receive God's promise. 1. (vs.35) Our confidence has great recompense of reward -- it must not be cast away. 2. (vs.36) We must be patient (6:11-12). 3. (vs.37) Christ is going to return one day. 4. (vs.38-39) The souls of the faithful will be saved -- others will be lost.
