Embracing the New Covenant: Grace Over Law

In the book of Hebrews, we find a profound message directed to the Jewish believers, emphasizing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. This transition marks a significant shift from the traditional temple worship, sacrifices, and priesthood to a new and better way of relating to God. The old covenant, with its laws and rituals, is no longer valid because Jesus has fulfilled and surpassed it, offering a new covenant of grace. This new relationship with God is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus, who purged our sins and now sits at the right hand of the Father.

The book of Hebrews addresses the issue of Jewish believers trying to mix the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace. This mixture led some to return to temple sacrifices, which is contrary to the new covenant. God has spoken to us in these last days through His Son, Jesus, who is the express image of God and the brightness of His glory. Jesus is superior to the angels, and His name is above every name. The angels are ministering spirits, but Jesus is the Son of God, appointed heir of all things.

The message of Hebrews is clear: we must pay attention to the words of Jesus and not drift away from the great salvation He offers. The old covenant was steadfast, and every transgression received a just recompense. How much more should we heed the new covenant, which offers a better hope, better promises, and a better resurrection? Jesus, through His death, has purged us of our sins, making it possible for us to have fellowship with God. This new covenant is not based on our ability to keep the law but on our faith in Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The transition from the old covenant to the new covenant through Jesus Christ signifies a profound shift in how we relate to God. The old ways of temple worship and sacrifices are no longer valid because Jesus has established a new and better way through His sacrifice. This new covenant is based on grace, not law, and offers a deeper relationship with God. [01:17]
• 2. The book of Hebrews addresses the issue of mixing the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace. This mixture led some Jewish believers to return to temple sacrifices, which is contrary to the new covenant. We must embrace the new covenant fully and not hold onto the old ways. [02:53]
• 3. God has spoken to us in these last days through His Son, Jesus, who is the express image of God and the brightness of His glory. Jesus is superior to the angels, and His name is above every name. We must pay attention to His words and not drift away from the great salvation He offers. [04:38]
• 4. Jesus, through His death, has purged us of our sins, making it possible for us to have fellowship with God. This new covenant is not based on our ability to keep the law but on our faith in Jesus Christ. The work of redemption is complete, and we have access to the Father through Jesus. [18:18]
• 5. The new covenant offers a better hope, better promises, and a better resurrection. It is a covenant of grace, not law, and provides a deeper relationship with God. We must embrace this new covenant fully and live in the light of the better way that Jesus has provided for us. [21:21]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:24] - Introduction to Hebrews
• [00:54] - Authorship and Context
• [01:17] - Transition to the New Covenant
• [02:03] - Early Jewish Believers
• [02:34] - Mixing Covenants
• [03:27] - God Speaks Through His Son
• [04:38] - Jesus Corrects Misinterpretations
• [06:23] - Traditions vs. God's Law
• [08:24] - Jesus, the Express Image of God
• [10:26] - Jesus, Heir of All Things
• [11:37] - The Shekinah Glory
• [12:44] - Jesus Upholds All Things
• [17:34] - Jesus Purges Our Sins
• [21:01] - A Better Covenant
• [24:37] - Jesus Superior to Angels
• [29:02] - Jesus, Called God
• [31:38] - The Vastness of God
• [39:02] - The Universe's End
• [44:01] - Jesus at God's Right Hand
• [45:27] - The Better Way
• [46:05] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

1. Hebrews 1:1-4
2. Hebrews 2:1-3
3. Hebrews 8:6-13

1. What does Hebrews 1:1-4 tell us about how God has communicated with humanity in the past and present? How does this passage describe Jesus' role in this communication? [04:38]
2. According to Hebrews 2:1-3, why is it important for believers to pay close attention to the message of salvation delivered by Jesus? What warning is given about neglecting this message? [09:18]
3. In Hebrews 8:6-13, what are the key differences between the old covenant and the new covenant established through Jesus? How is the new covenant described as superior? [21:56]
4. How does the sermon describe the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant, and what issues did early Jewish believers face during this transition? [02:34]

1. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus being described as the "express image" of God in Hebrews 1:3? What does this mean for our understanding of Jesus' nature and authority? [12:21]
2. The sermon mentions that some Jewish believers were mixing the old covenant with the new covenant. What might have motivated them to do this, and what are the potential dangers of such a mixture? [02:53]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the new covenant offers a "better hope" and "better promises" compared to the old covenant? How does this impact a believer's relationship with God? [21:21]
4. How does the sermon address the issue of traditions potentially complicating or distorting the message of Jesus? What examples are given, and how can this be relevant to modern believers? [06:59]

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there any old traditions or practices that you find difficult to let go of, even though they may not align with the new covenant of grace? How can you fully embrace the new covenant in your life? [02:53]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of paying attention to Jesus' words and not drifting away from the salvation He offers. What practical steps can you take to ensure you remain focused on His teachings? [09:18]
3. Consider the concept of Jesus being the "express image" of God. How does this understanding influence your view of Jesus and your relationship with Him? How can you deepen this relationship? [12:21]
4. The sermon discusses the dangers of mixing old and new covenants. Are there areas in your life where you might be trying to mix law and grace? How can you address this to live more fully in the grace of the new covenant? [02:53]
5. How can you apply the idea of a "better hope" and "better promises" in your daily life? What specific promises of the new covenant can you hold onto during challenging times? [21:21]
6. The sermon mentions the potential for traditions to complicate the message of Jesus. Are there any traditions or practices in your faith community that might be hindering the true message of the gospel? How can you address these issues constructively? [06:59]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus has purged us of our sins, making fellowship with God possible. How does this truth impact your daily walk with God, and how can you live in the freedom it provides? [18:18]