Looking for God in All the Right Places
December 26, 2004 - Hebrews 1:1-14
Open It
What are some restaurants, vacation spots, books, movies, or other areas of interest that you consider the best of their kind?
What situations might tempt a Christian to turn his or her back on Christ?
How do you think you might react if you saw an angel?
Explore It
How is Jesus distinguished from God? (1:5)
What is the relationship of Jesus and the angels? (1:6)
To what extent do the angels honor the Son? (1:6)
What are angels like? (1:7)
What name or title applies to Jesus, the Son? (1:8)
What is Jesus' nature? (1:10-12)
What will happen to the enemies of Christ? (1:12)
Get It
What difference does it make to you that Jesus is "heir of all things" and that the Father made the universe through Him?
Why do you think the author of Hebrews made such a point of Christ's deity to these Hebrew Christians?
What impact would you suspect these words had on Jewish Christians who were considering returning to Judaism?
What are some ways we can honor Christ?
What difference does it make to you that Jesus sustains everything by His powerful word?
When, if ever, have you sensed that angels were ministering to you or watching over you?
What in your life tempts you to back away from your commitment to Christ?
Apply It
What steps can you take to remind yourself that Jesus is the Son of God and worth following?
In what ways can you honor the Son of God as God in your worship this week?
Who can you tell today about the unique person of Jesus Christ?
Notes
Hebrews 1:5-6:Jesus is God's firstborn Son. In Jewish families the firstborn son held the place of highest privilege and responsibility. The Jewish Christians reading this message would understand that as God's firstborn, Jesus was superior to any created being.
Hebrews 1:10-12: The author of Hebrews quotes Psalm 102:25-27. In the quotation, he regards God as the speaker and applies the words to the Son Jesus. The earth and the heavens rolled up like a robe reveals that the earth is not permanent or indestructible (a position held by many Greek and Roman philosophies). Jesus' authority is established over all of creation, so we dare not treat any created object or earthly resource as more important than he is.
Hebrews 1:11-12: Because the readers of Hebrews had experienced the rejection of their fellow Jews, they often felt isolated. Many were tempted to exchange the changeless Christ for their familiar old faith. The writer of Hebrews warned them not to do this: Christ is our only security in a changing world. Whatever may happen in this world, Christ remains forever changeless. If we trust him, we are absolutely secure, because we stand on the firmest foundation in the universe-Jesus Christ. A famous hymn captures this truth: "On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."
Hebrews 1:12: What does it mean that Christ is changeless ("you remain the same")? It means that Christ's character will never change. He persistently shows his love to us. He is always fair, just, and merciful to us who are so undeserving. Be thankful that Christ is changeless-he will always help you when you need it and offer forgiveness when you fall.
Hebrews 1:14: Angels are God's messengers, spiritual beings created by God and under his authority (Col. 1:16). They have several functions: serving believers (Hebrews 1:14), protecting the helpless (Matthew 18:10), proclaiming God's messages (Rev. 14:6-12), and executing God's judgment (Acts 12:1-23; Rev. 20:1-3).