For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. Jeremiah 31:34b, Hebrews 8:12
I continue my study of Hebrews, and in the text today - Hebrews 8:1-13 - the author of Hebrews builds on Hebrews 7 - where the text discusses why Jesus is a better high priest - by describing how the new covenant through Christ's blood is a better covenant (than the first covenant). Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-2: Jesus is seated at the right hand of God in Heaven in a tabernacle not built by human hands. V3: The sacrifice that Jesus offers is superior to those offered in the first covenant - it is perfect and final - and the those offered with the first covenant were only "a copy and shadow" of the things to come. As such Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Vv5-6: This new covenant is better because it "was enacted on better promises." Vv7-9: The first covenant required obedience to the law and God knew the people could not keep this covenant so He had already planned to send His Son and provide for the second covenant. Vv10-13: With this new covenant, Jesus lives in our hearts and "all [believers] shall know" God as they have a personal relationship with Him. This new covenant offers forgiveness in sins in a way that the first covenant could not because it required ongoing sacrifices. With Jesus, the first covenant becomes obsolete and points to the end of times where heaven and earth are replaced with the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). VV8-12 quotes Jeremiah 31:31-34.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: We are all born prone to sin and everyone needs a Savior - Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid claiming your are without sin and don't need Jesus. Claim the promises of Jesus and that Jesus is faithful to deliver on all of them. See Jesus is not only better but better than anything else - He should be Your greatest treasure.
My Prayer: Father God, you are an awesome God and King of Kings who is faithful to deliver on all of Your promises. I am not deserving of how You save and are faithful. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
