Jesus is Better: Hebrews 10
In Hebrews 10, the author takes a “turn”. The first 18 verses are a reminder of all the reasons why Jesus is better than the old sacrificial system. He reminded them that in the old system, you had to continue to sacrifice, because nothing was final. Here in present day America, we still often “try” to do good things to get into God’s favor. Remember, nothing we can do can fix our sin problem. We can’t go to church enough, give enough money, or be kind enough. Verse 19 reminds us that only Jesus’ blood can fix our sin problem.
The author then begins to give the readers some action steps:
1. Draw near to God – v22. We should lean in to God because He gives us permission to do that through Jesus.
2. Hold fast to hope – v23. The people reading this letter were under the foot of Rome, and had no voice to do anything. Their hope could only be in Jesus. He is faithful!
3. Consider love and good works though meeting together – v24-25. This only happens in the context of community. It is difficult to live a “different” life, and we need each other desperately. You cannot fulfill this verse if you just come to worship (or just watch worship) and be done. We must be the body of christ together.
Verses 26-28 give us a giant warning, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.” The LORD will judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. We can’t cheapen what God has done. We can’t live like we don’t care. God doesn’t take this lightly.
Verses 32-35 are an encouragement to not throw away our confidence, which has a great reward! Following Jesus is so worth it!
To Discuss Today:
1. What do you need to adjust to better move in God’s direction?
2. What has caused you to lose hope? (finances, election, pandemic, illness, etc.) Remind yourself of the One who is our hope. Allow Him to encourage you through His Word.
3. Who is your community? Who are you spurring on to love and good deeds? Who is doing that for you?
