Overview

Assignment

  1. Select ten recurring keywords or phrases from Hebrews. What are they?
  2. Pick a distinctive color for each keyword and as you read Hebrews for the third time, mark the keywords or phrases.

Theme

The author appears to have three major themes that are interwoven through the text:

Christianity is better than Judaism

Here are some examples:

  • Christ is better than angels - Hebrews 1:4
  • We have a better hope - Hebrews 7:19
  • We have a better covenant - Hebrews 7:22; 8:6
  • It has better sacrifices - Hebrews 9:23

Make a distinctive mark or color besides verses that discuss how Christianity is better than Judaism. Note what makes it better and make a list of your notes and verses.

Exhortation to hold on to your faith

But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly” (Hebrews 13:22). Thus, the primary purpose of the letter to the Hebrews is exhortations. The exhortations are often marked with the phrase “let us.” Here are some examples:

  • Hebrews 3:6 - to be a part of Christ’s house
  • Hebrews 3:14 - to be partakers with Christ
  • Hebrews 4:11 - to enter the rest
  • Hebrews 6:11 - to gain the full assurance of hope
  • Hebrews 10:23 - The confession of our hope
  • Hebrews 10:35-39 - The promise of a great reward
  • Hebrews 12:1-3, 12-13 - Don’t be discouraged

Make a distinctive mark or color besides verses that give exhortation note what is being encouraged. Make a list of your notes and verses.

Warnings against leaving Christianity

Hebrews also contains numerous warnings against leaving the faith, such as:

  • Dangers of neglect - Hebrews 2:1-4
  • Dangers of unbelief - Hebrews 3:7-4:13
  • Dangers of not maturing - Hebrews 5:11-6:20
  • Dangers of drawing back - Hebrews 10:26-39
  • Dangers of refusing God - Hebrews 12:25-29

Make a distinctive mark or color besides the verses that issue warnings and note what is being warned against. Make a list of your notes and verses.

Outline

  1. Christ is better - Hebrews 1:1-8:5
    1. Christ is better than the prophets - Hebrews 1:1-3
    2. Christ is better than the angels - Hebrews 1:4-2:18
      1. Because of his deity - Hebrews 1:4-2:4
      2. Because of his humanity - Hebrews 2:5-18
    3. Christ is better than Moses - Hebrews 3:1-4:13
    4. Christ is better than Aaron - Hebrews 4:14-8:5
  2. A better covenant - Hebrews 8:6-10:18
    1. Based on better promises - Hebrews 8:7-13
    2. Based on a better sanctuary - Hebrews 9:1-11
    3. Based on a better sacrifice - Hebrews 9:12-10:18
  3. A better life - Hebrews 10:19-13:17
    1. The full assurance of faith - Hebrews 10:19-11:3
    2. Examples of faith - Hebrews 11:4-40
    3. The endurance of faith - Hebrews 12:1-29
    4. Loving others - Hebrews 13:1-7
    5. Loving God - Hebrews 13:8-17
  4. Final words of encouragement - Hebrews 13:18-25