SSS4 : Epistle to the Hebrews : Lesson 27

Text: Hebrews 4: 14-16
17 November 2019

PROBLEMS THAT ARE COMMON TO MAN

1. Problem of unbelief (Hebrews 3: 17 – 19)

2. Problems of the heart

a. Hardened heart (Hebrews 3: 8)
b. Rebellious heart (Hebrews 3: 8)
c. Always going astray in the heart (Hebrews 3: 10)
d. God sees the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4: 12)

3. Problems in life

a. Suffering (Hebrews 4: 15)
b. Temptation (testing)
c. Personal weaknesses

GOD’S ANSWER: JESUS OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God…” Hebrews 4: 14

1. The role of the High Priest

a. To intercede before God
b. To seek God for mercy and grace on behalf of His people

2. Jesus the Son of God

cf. Hebrews 1

a. Firstborn (in rank) (Hebrews 1: 6)
b. King (Hebrews 1: 8 – 9)
c. Co-Creator (Hebrews 1: 10 – 12)

3. Who has passed through the heavens

a. He has completed His work on earth and has ascended into heaven
b. He is now in heaven in God’s presence interceding for us

4. Jesus as a man

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin…” Hebrews 4: 15

a. In all things He had to be made like His brethren (Cf. Hebrews 2: 17 – 18)
b. He is able sympathise with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4: 15)
c. He was tempted in all points, as we are
d. Yet without sin

AN EXHORTATION TO COME TO GOD THROUGH JESUS

Hebrews 4: 16

1. To come

a. Boldly
b. To the throne of grace

2. To obtain mercy

3. And find grace to help in time of need

APPROPRIATE RESPONSES

1. Confess our need for help in the midst of problems

2. Cherish the Lord Jesus our great High Priest

3. Come to God in times of need