1. Hebrews 2:1 introduces a recurring theme of Hebrews: abandoning the faith. What verb is used to describe this abandoning, and what is the remedy (also given in v.1)? Think about your own experiences: Have you seen this happen to people you know and love? What can Christians do to take the warning of this verse seriously?
2. Hebrews 3 employs Moses as a type of Christ, as it does other OT figures and objects (e.g., Melchizedek, the tabernacle/temple, the high priest, etc.). But how does the author compare Christ to Moses in vv. 1–6? What does this contribute to the author’s argument so far in Hebrews? (Think back to 1:1–4.)
3. Hebrews 4:14–16 introduces another type, the Great High Priest. What makes Jesus the greatest high priest (vv. 14–15, and continuing at 5:1), and what benefit does it provide believers (4:16)?
4. It has been said that 5:11–6:20 could be removed from Hebrews, and Hebrews would remain intact logically. The purpose of this section, then, is mainly rhetorical, a “kick [in the pants].” There are certainly interpretive challenges in this section (does it imply you can lose your faith? If so, what about verses like John 6:39, John 10:27–30, or Philippians 1:6?). However, if its primary purpose is rhetorical, what effect does it have? How does it motivate the original audience and us today? That is, if you think less about the potential theological dilemmas and more about responding wisely to these warnings, what is your response?
5. Although 5:11–6:12 is unsettling, 6:13ff ends on a note of hope. On what grounds do we place our confidence to continue in the faith? Circle, underline, or highlight the words that describe God’s character, purposes, and actions to save his people.
New Testament Reading Plan Week 10: Hebrews 2–6
1. Hebrews 2:1 introduces a recurring theme of Hebrews: abandoning the faith. What verb is used to describe this abandoning, and what is the remedy (also given in v.1)? Think about your own experiences: Have you seen this happen to people you know and love? What can Christians do to take the warning of this verse seriously?
2. Hebrews 3 employs Moses as a type of Christ, as it does other OT figures and objects (e.g., Melchizedek, the tabernacle/temple, the high priest, etc.). But how does the author compare Christ to Moses in vv. 1–6? What does this contribute to the author’s argument so far in Hebrews? (Think back to 1:1–4.)
3. Hebrews 4:14–16 introduces another type, the Great High Priest. What makes Jesus the greatest high priest (vv. 14–15, and continuing at 5:1), and what benefit does it provide believers (4:16)?
4. It has been said that 5:11–6:20 could be removed from Hebrews, and Hebrews would remain intact logically. The purpose of this section, then, is mainly rhetorical, a “kick [in the pants].” There are certainly interpretive challenges in this section (does it imply you can lose your faith? If so, what about verses like John 6:39, John 10:27–30, or Philippians 1:6?). However, if its primary purpose is rhetorical, what effect does it have? How does it motivate the original audience and us today? That is, if you think less about the potential theological dilemmas and more about responding wisely to these warnings, what is your response?
5. Although 5:11–6:12 is unsettling, 6:13ff ends on a note of hope. On what grounds do we place our confidence to continue in the faith? Circle, underline, or highlight the words that describe God’s character, purposes, and actions to save his people.