Why Jesus? Because He is King and Priest – Both!

Introduction:

Genesis 14:17-20

Psalm 110:4 - The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, "“"You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

How Is Melchizedek's Priesthood > Levitical Priesthood? (Hebrews 7:1-10):

1. Levitical priesthood was for Israel / Melchizedek's priesthood was for Everyone . (Heb 7:1-2a)

   1 John 2:2 - He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

   John 1:29 - The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!..."

2. Levitical priests could never be King / Melchizedek was Priest and King . (Heb 7:2b)
3. Levitical priesthood was Hereditary / Melchizedek's priesthood was Personal . (Heb 7:3a)
4. Levitical priesthood was Limited in Time / Melchizedek's priesthood never Expired . (Heb 7:3b)
5. The levitical priesthood Paid Tithes to Melchizedek. (Heb 7:4-10)

   Luke 6:46 - Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 7:1-10

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Explain, in your own words, the overall point of this passage. Why would this have been such a huge revelation for the Jews who received this message?
   

3. Why do some people believe in Jesus as their Savior, but not as their King? How do we sometimes justify “subdividing Jesus”, and thereby trying to take Him on our terms instead of His?

Breakout
Pray for one another. Is there any area in your life where Jesus is not King?

Why Jesus? Because He is Our Anchor

Introduction:

Why Should I Trust the Lord? (Hebrews 6:13-20):

1. Because His character is Unquestionable . (Heb 6:13-15)

   Hebrews 6:13-15

   Genesis 15:5 - "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them…So shall your offspring be."

   Genesis 15:6 - And he (Abraham) believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

2. Because His promises are Definitive . (Heb 6:16-18)

   Hebrews 6:16-18

   Numbers 23:19 - God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man that He should change His mind.

3. Because His Son is Steady Anchor . (Heb 6:19-20)

   John 14:6 - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 6:13-20

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Recap the life of Abraham and discuss how his example should impact our lives and our faith.
   

3. What characteristics or qualities of God do you need to constantly remind yourself of in this current season of life?
   

4. What promises of God do you have a hard time believing in sometimes? How can you strengthen your confidence in these promises and fight against doubt?
   

5. How is Jesus a steady anchor for our souls?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? The Point of No Return

Introduction:

The Call to Maturity (Hebrews 6:1-12):

1. Maturity means Moving On from the Basics . (Heb 6:1-8)
2. Maturity means Loving God . (Heb 6:9-10)
3. Maturity means Imitating the Faithful . (Heb 6:11-12)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 6:1-12

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why is it impossible (Heb 6:4-6) to bring someone back to repentance if they experience the blessings of the Gospel and then fall away?
   

3. Why does your service to others in the church have to be motivated by your love for God (Heb 6:10)?
   

4. Who is a Christ-follower that you’ve observed that is worth imitating (Heb 6:12)? What about their faith do you find inspiring?

Breakout
Pray for one another for an earnest pursuit of following Jesus!

Why Jesus? Because He Makes Us Mature

Introduction:

Three Signs You Aren't Mature (Hebrews 5:11-14):

1. You can't Teach . (Heb 5:12-13)
2. You have no Discernment . (Heb 5:14)
3. You aren't Applying God's Word. (Heb 5:14)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 5:11-14

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How can you convince an immature person that they are immature?
   

3. How do we know that these “immature” people being addressed in this passage are merely “church-goers”, not born again believers? What does the text say that leads to this interpretation? (Note: this will become more clear as we get into the very next passage!)
   

4. Why do you think that discernment is so lacking in the church? How can HBC (you) foster an environment of discernment?

Breakout
Pray for the immature in our church to truly get serious about their walk with Christ.

Why Jesus? Because He is Our High Priest

Job Qualifications of the High Priest Jesus Christ

Introduction:

Job Qualifications of the High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-4):

1. Must be a Man . (Heb 5:1)
2. Must be Appointed by God . (Heb 5:1,4)
3. Must offer Sacrifices . (Heb 5:1,3)
4. Must Understand others. (Heb 5:2-3)

Jesus' Resume' Meets the Qualifications (Hebrews 5:5-10):

1. Jesus was fully Man . (Heb 5:1)
2. Jesus was Appointed By God . (Heb 5:5-6)
3. Jesus offered a Sacrifice . (Heb 5:9-10)
4. Jesus Understands you. (Heb 5:7-8)

   Matthew 26:39 - And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

3 Things Jesus Understands, and Teaches Us, About Trials:

1. Sometimes Suffering is God's will.

   Philippians 3:10 - that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...

2. Knowing God's will doesn't mean Doing God's will is easy.
3. God's will is all that Matters .

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 5:1-10

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why was it important for the Jews to understand that Jesus qualifies to be the High Priest? Why is it important for our church to understand?
   

3. Why is suffering sometimes God’s will for His people? How did Jesus serve as an example on how to pray when we suffer? See Matthew 26:39.
   

4. What does it mean that Jesus “learned obedience through what He suffered” (v8)? How does suffering teach us obedience towards God?

Breakout
Pray for one another.