My REAP Bible Study of Hebrews 7:11-28
1. Read
Read the passage with an open heart, asking the Holy Spirit to give you words of encouragement, direction, and correction. Underline the verses that seem important and that God is using to speak to you.
Important verses:
13-14 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.,
18, For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
22, This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
25, Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
27. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
2. Examine
Write down one or two of the key verses that stick out to you. Verse 27.
Ask yourself and write down your thoughts:
What is going on? It's an explanation of Jesus role as a comparison to the Jewish priest. It explains that there is no longer any need for animal sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, because Jesus has become the sacrifice that would do away with the old system.
Who is writing, and who is he writing to? We don't know who is writing. The book doesn't give us any concrete evidence. The audience is 1st century Jews, who had been faithful to the old system.
When? Not sure, but sometime in the first century, probably late first century.
What are the circumstances? This letter contains instruction concerning the new covenant verses the old covenant; that Jesus has fulfilled the Law, and has made salvation possible.
Does the author mention anything that might mention his purpose or intent? Yes! V22,25, 27
How do you think the author wants his audience to respond? I think he wants his audience to respond with faith in Jesus as having the power to save. They no longer need to sacrifice animals at the alter b/c Jesus has paid their debt once and for all. Place your faith in Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice that brings salvation.
3. Apply
Ask yourself these questions:
What is Gods word for me? There is no amount of good that I can do to be made right with God. Forgiveness comes because of and through Jesus.
How will I live differently and be different today? I will do good and show kindness to others, not for the purpose of gaining favor with Jesus, but to show the love of Jesus. I don't need to gain any favor! My duty is to serve others so that they can see the love of Jesus in me.
What are the things in my life that need to change in light of this truth? There certainly aren't always blatant issues that need to be changed because of a verse, but I can always be reminded of my reliance on Jesus for forgiveness. I am encouraged to make my life count in someone else's life today.
4. Pray.
God help me to rely on you and you -alone for forgiveness; not on anything I can do. Help me to live out my faith by showing the love of Jesus to the people I encounter today through my attitude, actions, and the way I treat others. Amen!
