GOD HAS SPOKEN BY HIS SON

Passage: Hebrews 1:1-4

Key verse: 2

NIV

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke(A) to our ancestors through the prophets(B) at many times and in various ways,(C) 2 but in these last days(D) he has spoken to us by his Son,(E) whom he appointed heir(F) of all things, and through whom(G) also he made the universe.(H) 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory(I) and the exact representation of his being,(J) sustaining all things(K) by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,(L) he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.(M) 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.(N)

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ESV

The Supremacy of God's Son

1 Long ago, at many times and (A)in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but (B)in these last days (C)he has spoken to us by (D)his Son, whom he appointed (E)the heir of all things, (F)through whom also he created (G)the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and (H)the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. (I)After making purification for sins, (J)he sat down (K)at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name (L)he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS

The Letter to the Hebrews is about Jesus Christ. But it is not about his earthly ministry. It is about his ministry in heaven on our behalf as our great High Priest. Because of Jesus' priestly ministry, we may draw near to God. Chapter 4:16 says, 'Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence...' 1

:22 says, 'Let us draw near to God...in full assurance of faith.' As we study Hebrews may we draw near to God through Jesus Christ. May our hope become surer, and our faith more joyful and confident. And may we learn to pray.

Hebrews may have been written by Paul. Some scholars, however, think it was written by Barnabas or even by Apollos. It was surely inspired by the Holy Spirit. The author wrote to Christians with a Jewish background. In the early days of their faith they had suffered joyfully for Jesus. But they had become spiritually lazy and had lost the joy of their early faith. So there are seven warnings and 13 admonitions beginning, 'Let us...'

Hebrews is divided into two main parts: 1:1-1

:18 is doctrinal. It is about our High Priest, Christ, and his heavenly ministry. 1

:19-13:25 is practical. Faith, hope and love must be a practical part of Christian life.

1. God spoke to our forefathers (1)

People reveal their thoughts and feelings through the words they speak. The Almighty God wants to communicate with those whom he created in his own image. He spoke when he created the world. He spoke to Abraham; he talked with Jacob; he spoke through dreams to Joseph. He spoke through the prophets. He wants us to know and worship him; so he speaks to us through the Bible, his written word. Here he tells us what to believe and how to live.

2. God has spoken to us by his Son (2-4)

The Old Testament was mediated to the men of old by angels (Gal 3:19). But Jesus Christ is God's final word to us. He is far above the angels. He is the radiance of God's glory; he is God who created all things and who sustains all things by his powerful word. He came in the flesh and died to set us free from the power and guilt of sin. Then he took his seat at the right hand of God, the Majesty in heaven. He is the One worthy of our worship. We must listen to him and obey him.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for speaking to me. Teach me to listen to your word.

One Word: God has spoken by his Son