Capps / Ortlund Hebrews

A 12-Week Study
1. Auflage 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4335-4361-6
Verlag: Crossway
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: 0 - No protection

E-Book, Englisch, 96 Seiten

Reihe: Knowing the Bible

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week study lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) Reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) 'Gospel Glimpses' highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) 'Whole-Bible Connections' show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) 'Theological Soundings' identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on each and every page of the Bible. The book of Hebrews stands apart from other biblical books in its theologically unique portrait of Jesus Christ as the supreme revelation of God-a portrait bolstered by the author's skilled use of imagery, metaphor, and Old Testament analogy. In this study, readers will be exposed to one of the most beautifully written and stylistically polished books in the New Testament.

Matthew Z. Capps (MDiv, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Min. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) serves as the senior pastor at Fairview Baptist Church in Apex, North Carolina. Matt has written various articles for websites and blogs, such as the Gospel Coalition, the Gospel Project, and For the Church. Matt and his wife, Laura, have three children.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Capps, Matthew Z.

Ortlund, Dane

Leseproben

WEEK 2: INTRODUCTION: THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST

Hebrews 1:1–4

The Place of the Passage

The opening verses of Hebrews present Jesus as the final and definitive revelation of God to humanity. The author begins by establishing that “Long ago, at many times and in many ways” God spoke to his people (Heb. 1:1). But now, in these last days, God has conclusively spoken through Jesus—his beloved Son, the Creator, Sustainer, and Savior of the world (vv. 2–3), and an exact image of the Father (v. 3). The greatness of Jesus is finally depicted by his exaltation at the right hand of God above all earthly and heavenly beings (v. 4).

The Big Picture

Hebrews 1:1–4 draws our hearts to worship in light of the radiant majesty and unrivaled power of Jesus Christ.

Reflection and Discussion

Read through the passage for this study, Hebrews 1:1–4. After reading the passage, reread the portions listed below and respond to the questions—first with regard to Jesus as divine revelation (vv. 1–2a), then on Jesus’ person, work, and status (vv. 2b–4). (For further background, see the ESV Study Bible, page 2361, available online at www.esvbible.org.)

1. Jesus as Divine Revelation (1:1–2a)

God has spoken. In the introductory verses of Hebrews, the author sweeps over the span of God’s progressive revelation and lands on Jesus Christ as the climax of his communication. Considering some of the miraculous ways God spoke to the patriarchs and prophets in the Old Testament, what is the author attempting to demonstrate by contrasting how God previously spoke, and how God, through his Son, has now definitively spoken to his people (1:1–2)?

In verses 1–2, the author of Hebrews contrasts revelation in the Old Testament with the finality of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ in four areas. Compare the eras of revelation, the recipients of revelation, the agents of revelation, and the ways in which revelation was expressed.

Jesus is the definitive revelation of God in history. The implication of this truth is that God’s revelation in the Old Testament was sufficient for that era but incomplete. How does the revelation of Jesus “in these last days” affect how we read the complete canon of Scripture (Luke 24:27; John 5:39–40)?

2. Jesus: Person, Work, and Status (1:2b–4)

Many scholars believe that the titles “Son” and “heir” applied to Jesus in Heb. 1:2 are allusions to Psalm 2:7–8, a royal coronation Psalm recalling God’s pledge to David’s heir in 2 Samuel 7:12–16. In ancient Israel it was the firstborn son who had the right of inheritance. By virtue of his royal sonship, Jesus is the heir of the universe, including the world to come (Heb. 2:5–9), a position of blessing and glory. What is the author highlighting in Jesus’ unique relationship and responsibility concerning the universe?

In Hebrews 1:2–3, the author asserts that all of God’s creation belongs to Jesus because it was through his agency that all things came into existence and through his power that the universe is upheld. The preexistence, authority, power, and full deity of Jesus are evident in his role in creating and upholding the universe (1:10; see John 1:3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16). What do these truths communicate to us about the purpose of creation and Jesus’ dominion over his handiwork?

In Hebrews 1:3 Jesus is described as the “radiance of the glory of God.” In biblical literature “glory” often refers to the luminous manifestation of God’s person (see Ex. 16:7; 33:18; Isa. 40:5; 60:1, 19). Concerning the significance of the word “radiance,” many have noted that the moon reflects light whereas the sun radiates light because it is its source. What does this tell us about Jesus as the radiance of God and our role as reflectors of God’s glory?

Hebrews 1:3 proclaims that Jesus is “the exact imprint of God’s nature.” To the initial readers, this language would have been reminiscent of an impression placed as an image, as on a coin. Simply put, Jesus is the true image of God (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15). How do these words help us understand what Jesus taught in John 14:8–11?

After making purification for sins, Jesus sat down at “the right hand of God.” Many scholars believe this is an overt allusion to Psalm 110:1. This Psalm is quoted directly in Hebrews 1:13 and alluded to at 8:1; 10:12; and 12:2. What is being communicated when the author writes that Christ “sat down at the right hand of God”?

Jesus is declared superior not only to the prophets but also to the angels1 because of his more excellent inherited name (1:4). The author seems to be echoing 2 Samuel 7 concerning the honor conferred on Jesus as the Davidic heir. What is the significance of distinguishing Jesus from the angels in the position of the royal heir?

Read through the following three sections on Gospel Glimpses, Whole-Bible Connections, and Theological Soundings. Then take time to reflect on the Personal Implications these sections may have for your walk with the Lord.

Gospel Glimpses

PURIFICATION OF SIN.2 The Bible is clear that sin and its corruption have destructive implications for humanity and for all of creation. The need for purification from sin is part of the overarching storyline of the Bible. The cosmic scope of sin sets the stage for cosmic redemption by the atoning death of Jesus. In the Old Testament, atoning sacrifices were established for God’s people to mediate punishment for their sin and obtain cleansing through blood (Leviticus 16). Atoning sacrifices also cleansed the objects of the earthly temple patterned after the cosmos, the temple dwelling of God. In Hebrews we see that the death of Jesus obtained the needed purification of sins and the cleansing of the human conscience before God (Heb. 1:3; 9:14). Jesus’ sacrifice also extended to the purification of “heavenly things” (9:23) and is therefore cosmic in scope. The heart of the gospel is the good news that the blood of Jesus atoned for sin and has implications for the entire cosmos.

COMPLETE SALVATION. Right before Jesus took his last breath on the cross he proclaimed, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The work that the Father had sent him to accomplish was complete; namely, his perfect sacrifice for our sin was finished (Heb. 1:3; 9:11–12, 25–28). The author of Hebrews points out that once Jesus’ work on the cross, and in the resurrection, was complete, he sat down at the right hand of God, underscoring the finality of his work and status. Unlike the Levitical priests who made imperfect sacrifices year after year to cover sins, Jesus made the perfect once-for-all sacrifice that eradicated sin—and then he took his seat to reign forever (10:11–12).

Whole-Bible Connections

REVELATION AND REDEMPTION. Revelation in human language is essential to the communication of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Without verbal revelation, humanity cannot have access to the good news of God’s redemption. The revelation found in the Old Testament does not stand on its own, however; it is incomplete without its conclusion and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. “In these last days” we come to understand that the persons and institutions of the Old Testament point to the person and work of Jesus Christ, in whom we find redemption (Heb. 1:1–2).

THE PERFECT SON. In the Bible, sonship is related to familial likeness, lineage, and inheritance. Not only was God’s first “son” Adam created in his image, Adam also bore sons in his own likeness, and thus in the image of God (Gen. 1:28; 5:1–3). God later refers to Israel as his corporate “son” (Ex. 4:22–23; Ps. 2:7; Hos. 11:1) and his “firstborn” (Deut. 33:17; Ps. 2:7; Jer. 31:9; Ezra 6:58). Both Adam and Israel failed to be what the Father desired. Both failed to do what God had required of them as “sons.” Their disobedience contrasts starkly with the flawless obedience of Jesus, the divine-human son, who perfectly images the Father and brings him honor (Prov. 10:1; 15:20; 23:15).

GLORY OF GOD. In biblical language, the glory of God is an image of his perfection, beauty, and greatness. In Genesis 1:27 we are told that Adam was created in the image of God. As God’s image-bearer, Adam, along...