Be Greatly Encouraged: Seven Studies In The Book Of Hebrews

This study is for those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus and sometimes get discouraged. Hebrews is a letter written to Christians in the first century AD whose lives changed when they chose to follow Jesus. They believed that Jesus was the Messiah (the Christ), predicted by the prophets and sent by God. But Jewish society taught that Jesus was a fraud and that to believe in him was ridiculous. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews gave them encouragement, warnings and solid information so they could hold on to their courage, hope, confidence and faith in spite of difficulties. Why do believers in Jesus have a hard life? What has God given us to help us in our situation? Have other believers had difficulties but still stayed strong? Does it matter if we drift away? If these are our questions, this letter can help us. It will teach us more about Jesus, who he is, what he has done for us and what he is doing for us now.

Hebrews was written by a man who cared deeply about his dear friends, and wanted to give them reasons and resources to keep on believing. As a by-product we get many insights in to the meaning of the Old Testament law relating to sacrifice and the priesthood, but technical information was not the main purpose. The writer explains what it means to us that Jesus, God’s Son, became human, the great salvation he achieved for us, the amazing access to God this brings us and the privilege of having Jesus as our great High Priest. He warns us seriously that we can drift away, and give us practical advice on how to avoid this.

You can use these studies individually or as a small group. Each study should take about 1 hour. There are notes helping you understand the context and unusual words. Reading the living and active word of God will always help us. Enjoy Hebrews.