I. Introduction
A. A. Better
B. B. Better Theme
1. This year on Sunday nights, we will examine the book of Hebrews
a. Quarter 1: The Supremacy of Christ
b. Quarter 2: The Priesthood of Christ
c. Quarter 3: The Covenant and the Cross
d. Quarter 4: The Life of Faith and Endurance
2. Each week, we will examine the text from different perspectives:
a. Week 1: Exegeting the Text
b. Week 2: Application of the Text
c. Week 3: Person of Faith Demonstrating the Message
C. C. Background on Hebrews
1. Hebrews 3:12-13 reveals the purpose of the letter- to remain faithful to Christ through any circumstance
2. Also meant to convey the importance of the sanctifying work of Christ
3. Interesting Notes about Hebrews
a. We don’t know the author
b. It might have been a sermon
c. Must engage in OT study to understand the meaning.
d. It was written for an audience struggling with the New Covenant.
II. Chapter One: The Son Who is Above All
A. A. Scheme of
1. Jesus is not a new idea; He has always been planning to mankind.
a. Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son…
b. God communicated this through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel), David, the prophets, etc.
2. The culmination of the OT message was Jesus.
a. John 1:14-18
b. Jesus is the completion of that message, and now the New Covenant has final authority.
B. B. of the Son
1. Jesus is the exact of God.
a. The word for exact imprint is χαρακτήρ (charaktēr). It means an exact reproduction.
b. Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.(Here the word for image is εἰκών (eikōn) from which we get the word icon).
c. Jesus is supreme because He is God, although distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit.
2. In verses 2-3, there are seven statements summarizing Jesus’ divine nature and (Heir, creator, radiance, exact imprint, upholds all things, made purification, sat down at right hand).
a. Notice that just as God spoke the world into existence, Jesus’s powerful word upholds all things (1:2).
b. He is superior to even the angelic beings because He holds the name of Son of God.
c. He is seated at the right hand of God, which designates a completed work on earth (1:3).
3. Jesus declared this at the Great Commission when He states, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.”
C. C. Soundness of
1. Jesus is better than .
a. It could be that there was angel worship going on.
b. Josephus mentions that in late Judaism, angels were considered exalted beings and that spiritual work required service by angels.
c. Some may have thought that Jesus was an angel.
d. The angels are servants, but Jesus is sovereign.
e. The angels are aids to believers, but only Jesus saves (1:14).
f. The author includes seven OT quotations in this first chapter, all about Jesus’ sovereignty. There is a connection between the covenants that we find in the book of Hebrews that is unique and encouraging.
2. One of the methods the writer employs is allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture.
3. Through this method, the writer shows us:
a. He has a more excellent name
b. He is called by the Father
c. He is the firstborn
d. He is worshiped by the angels
e. He is
f. He is the foundation of creation
g. He with the Father
4. The ministers serve at the pleasure of Christ to the saints. Jesus directs them in their work, not the other way around.
D. D. Better Living (Application)
1. to Christ
a. Traditions and culture have their place in the examination of Scripture, but Christ’s words should always carry more weight.
b. His authority should be above all.
2. to Christ
a. Jesus is presented as the exact imprint of God’s nature.
b. We should strive to look like Him above all.
III. Conclusion
A. A. Supreme Savior
1. Jesus is truly supreme!
2. Listening to Him and seeking to live our lives by His example and teaching leads to better living.
B. B. Invitation
Discussion Questions
1. Jesus as God’s Final Word
Hebrews 1 emphasizes that God has spoken finally and fully through His Son. How does this truth shape the way we evaluate tradition, culture, and even religious practices today? What challenges might arise when Christ’s authority is placed above all else?
2. The Supremacy of the Son
Jesus is described as superior—Creator, exact imprint of God, sustainer, purifier, and reigning King. Which of these descriptions stands out most to you, and why? How does seeing Jesus in this way deepen your understanding of His role in your salvation and daily life?
3. Better Living through Listening to Christ
We are urged to “listen to Christ” and “look to Christ.” What are some practical ways Christians today might unintentionally give more weight to other voices than to Jesus? How can we intentionally shape our lives to reflect Christ as the supreme authority?