PASSAGE:  HEBREWS 7:18-28
DUE NEXT WED.  February 11th

Read the passage slowly and carefully.

1. Before you forget, note a couple of things you learned for the first time in lecture last week about Melchizidek--do you think he is an important Biblical figure to encounter? Why or why not? What bigger principle about the way God works throughout history did Melchiz represent?

What about Alison's review of the first half of Hebrews--what struck you from the "A,B,C's " of Hebrews 1-6? DO you agree that our measure of faith is DIRECTLY RELATED to our picture of God? Why/why not?

2.  From verses 18-25 in our passage. Why does the addition of an oath make things permanent whereas things of the Law alone could change?  Who swore the oath in vs. 20? Look at Psalm 110:4 that is quoted there.......why is it significant that it was quoted during David's day?? Was David prophet, priest, or king ? (extra credit!) What about Melchiz?

3. Vs. 18 is actually quite explosive, though it may not seem so at first reading. What was "weak and useless?" How would that sound to the Jewish mind?  What do you think it means, "the law made nothing perfect?" 

List ways you have learned thus far through Hebrews study that the Law/Old Covenant system was "imperfect." Check out Heb 10: 1-10 to help you. It should be a LONG list!

4. We are going to be studying the "two covenants--" old and new, for a couple of weeks now. Go to Luke 22:20 and note the setting of these words of Jesus. Was He the first one to refer to a "new covenant?"

In chapter 8 of Hebrews (next week) we will look in-depth at God's first pronouncement that "another covenant" was needed, so for now, just read  8:7-13...... This was prophesied in Jeremiah's day!  Now,  does 7:19 make sense to you? how so?

5.  Verse 22 says Jesus is the "guarantee of a better covenant."  Look up II Cor. 1: 20-21 and list ways that passage amplifies the meaning of Christ our "guarantee."

List the strong words used in Hebrews 7:22-25 that make clear "a better covenant."...
Why, from v. 19, does Christ represent "a better hope?"

6. Read verses 25-26...Make a list of each adjective used to describe Christ's priesthood (hint: there are at least 4!) beside each one, list how Christ exemplified that. What do these verses promise YOU personally? List ways Christ's priesthood is better for us? What does it mean to you that "he ever liveth to intercede for us!" WOW ...Now check out I John 2:1-2...how does this amplify these verses and their meaning?

HAVE A GREAT WEEK IN HIM!