Finding Comfort in the Supremacy of Christ

 

Summary

In the epistle to the Hebrews, we find a profound message of comfort and encouragement for believers facing trials and tribulations. The Hebrew Christians were experiencing persecution, disappointment, and a sense of disillusionment as they awaited the return of Christ. The writer of Hebrews addresses their struggles not by tackling each problem individually but by pointing them to the preeminence of Jesus Christ. The central theme of this epistle is the supremacy of Christ over all, including angels, Moses, and Aaron. The writer emphasizes that the root of their troubles lies in their failure to fully grasp the truth about Jesus Christ and their relationship with Him.

The key to overcoming their difficulties is to understand that Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brethren. This profound truth is the answer to every problem and perplexity they face. The writer urges them to realize the privilege of being called brethren by Christ, which should lead them to a place of joy and confidence, regardless of their circumstances. The epistle highlights the importance of understanding the person of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. This dual nature is essential for believers to comprehend, as it underscores the mystery of the Incarnation and the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice.

The message is clear: believers are set apart, sanctified, and called into a new relationship with God through Christ. This sanctification involves being separated from the world and dedicated to God's service. The writer reminds the believers that their identity as brethren of Christ means they are heirs of the glory to come. This truth should fill them with hope and assurance, knowing that Christ is their helper and advocate, interceding for them at the right hand of God.

Key Takeaways:

- The preeminence of Jesus Christ is the central theme of the epistle to the Hebrews. Understanding His supremacy over all things is crucial for overcoming life's trials and tribulations. By focusing on Christ, believers can find comfort and encouragement in the midst of their struggles. [04:22]

- Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call believers His brethren. This profound truth is the answer to every problem and perplexity. Realizing this privilege should lead believers to a place of joy and confidence, knowing that they are loved and accepted by Christ. [07:30]

- The dual nature of Christ, being both fully God and fully man, is essential for believers to comprehend. This mystery of the Incarnation underscores the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice, as He became one with humanity to redeem and sanctify them. [19:21]

- Believers are set apart, sanctified, and called into a new relationship with God through Christ. This sanctification involves being separated from the world and dedicated to God's service, leading to a life of holiness and purpose. [37:13]

- As heirs of the glory to come, believers should be filled with hope and assurance. Christ, as their helper and advocate, intercedes for them at the right hand of God, providing grace and strength in times of need. [41:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Hebrews
- [01:03] - The Struggles of Hebrew Christians
- [02:28] - Purpose of the Epistle
- [04:22] - The Preeminence of Christ
- [05:23] - Understanding Our Relationship with Christ
- [06:28] - The Unique Teaching of the New Testament
- [07:30] - Christ's Unashamed Brotherhood
- [09:12] - The Complete Answer in Christ
- [11:39] - The Importance of Theology
- [13:08] - The Mystery of the Incarnation
- [19:21] - The Dual Nature of Christ
- [25:16] - The Sanctification of Believers
- [37:13] - The Meaning of Sanctification
- [41:23] - The Hope and Assurance in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 2:11 - "For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."
2. Hebrews 1:1-3 - "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the writer of Hebrews mean when he says that Jesus is "not ashamed to call them brethren"? How does this relate to the concept of sanctification? [00:28]
2. How does the epistle to the Hebrews describe the preeminence of Jesus Christ over angels, Moses, and Aaron? [05:53]
3. What are some of the struggles faced by the Hebrew Christians as mentioned in the sermon? [01:03]
4. According to the sermon, what is the one solution to all the problems faced by the Hebrew Christians? [04:03]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man help believers in their faith journey? [19:21]
2. In what ways does the realization that Jesus is not ashamed to call believers His brethren provide comfort and encouragement during trials? [07:30]
3. How does the concept of sanctification, as described in the sermon, differ from common understandings of holiness or purity? [37:13]
4. What implications does the supremacy of Christ have for believers' understanding of their identity and purpose? [04:22]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How might the understanding that Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother or sister change your perspective on that situation? [07:30]
2. Consider the dual nature of Christ. How does this understanding impact your daily walk with God, especially in moments of doubt or confusion? [19:21]
3. In what ways can you actively embrace your identity as someone set apart and sanctified for God's service in your community or workplace? [37:13]
4. How can you remind yourself of the preeminence of Christ in your life when faced with decisions or challenges that seem overwhelming? [04:22]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to feel accepted or loved. How does the truth that Jesus is not ashamed to call you His own speak into that struggle? [07:30]
6. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of your relationship with Christ and the privileges it entails? [05:23]
7. How can you share the hope and assurance found in Christ with someone who is currently facing trials or feeling disillusioned? [41:23]

Devotional

Day 1: The Supremacy of Christ in Our Trials
Understanding the supremacy of Jesus Christ is crucial for overcoming life's trials and tribulations. The epistle to the Hebrews emphasizes that the root of many struggles lies in failing to fully grasp the truth about Jesus and our relationship with Him. By focusing on Christ's preeminence over all things, including angels, Moses, and Aaron, believers can find comfort and encouragement amidst their struggles. This understanding shifts the perspective from the problems themselves to the One who is above all, providing a source of strength and hope. [04:22]

Hebrews 1:3-4 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."

Reflection: In what specific area of your life are you currently facing trials? How can you shift your focus from the problem to the supremacy of Christ today?


Day 2: Embracing Our Identity as Christ's Brethren
Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call believers His brethren, a profound truth that answers every problem and perplexity. Realizing this privilege should lead believers to a place of joy and confidence, knowing they are loved and accepted by Christ. This identity as brethren of Christ means being part of a divine family, which provides a sense of belonging and purpose. Embracing this truth can transform how believers view themselves and their circumstances, fostering a deeper relationship with Christ and others. [07:30]

Hebrews 2:11 (ESV): "For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus calls you His brother or sister change the way you view yourself and your relationship with others today?


Day 3: The Mystery of the Incarnation
The dual nature of Christ, being both fully God and fully man, is essential for believers to comprehend. This mystery of the Incarnation underscores the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice, as He became one with humanity to redeem and sanctify them. Understanding this profound truth helps believers appreciate the lengths to which Christ went to secure their salvation and the intimate connection He offers. It invites believers to marvel at the mystery of their faith and to deepen their relationship with Christ. [19:21]

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: How does the understanding of Christ's dual nature impact your appreciation of His love and sacrifice for you? How can you reflect on this mystery in your daily life?


Day 4: Sanctification and Separation for God's Service
Believers are set apart, sanctified, and called into a new relationship with God through Christ. This sanctification involves being separated from the world and dedicated to God's service, leading to a life of holiness and purpose. Understanding this calling helps believers live intentionally, aligning their lives with God's will and purpose. It challenges them to evaluate their priorities and commitments, ensuring they reflect their identity as sanctified followers of Christ. [37:13]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more fully dedicate yourself to God's service? What steps can you take today to align this area with your identity as a sanctified believer?


Day 5: Hope and Assurance in Christ's Advocacy
As heirs of the glory to come, believers should be filled with hope and assurance. Christ, as their helper and advocate, intercedes for them at the right hand of God, providing grace and strength in times of need. This truth offers a profound sense of security and encouragement, knowing that believers are not alone in their journey. It invites them to rely on Christ's advocacy and to live with the confidence that comes from being heirs of His promises. [41:23]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: In what ways can you rely more on Christ's advocacy and intercession in your life today? How does this assurance change the way you approach your challenges and decisions?

Quotes


Now the way the men puts it is this these people are in trouble and they're unhappy and they're bothered about the way to pray and many another thing uh they're in this condition for one reason only he says and that is their failure to realize the truth concerning our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:04:28]

The theme of this great epistle is the preeminence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Now the way the men puts it is this these people are in trouble and they're unhappy and they're bothered about the way to pray and many another thing uh they're in this condition for one reason only he says and that is their failure to realize the truth concerning our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. [00:04:28]

The glory of this is that it brings us back to this one thing that matters the Lord Jesus Christ his preeminence and here in this phrase we're looking at this morning in this 11th verse of the second chapter this great theme is put to us in what I venture to call a very wonderful and a very beautiful and in a very tender manner. [00:06:48]

The answer you see which is given is this for the which cause he this Lord Jesus Christ is not ashamed to call you Brethren now it's all there that's the answer to every problem to every perplexity he is not ashamed to call you Brethren his brothers. [00:07:30]

Do we realize the privilege of all this do we realize that if we were but clear about this that we would indeed be in the happy position of being able to say nothing else matters the Lord is my helper and doesn't matter what men may do un me this man quotes that later on doesn't matter at all if the Lord is my helper. [00:08:23]

The dual nature of Christ, being both fully God and fully man, is essential for believers to comprehend. This mystery of the Incarnation underscores the depth of Christ's love and sacrifice, as He became one with humanity to redeem and sanctify them. [00:19:21]

The glory the preeminence of this blessed person lies in this that he is truly God and truly man two Natures in one person the one person the Lord Jesus Christ he is God of very God he is truly really man and here it is you see all in one phrase he is not ashamed to call us Brethren though he is so eternally different. [00:19:21]

He came in order that he might sanctify us and we his Brethren are the people who are being Sanctified what does this mean well let me put it like this this is a great term the term really means setting apart from for God vessels were Sanctified in the temple. [00:37:13]

The real meaning of this word Sanctified except in certain special cases where the context makes it clear the general meaning of Sanctified is setting apart for God for God's use putting into a new relationship to God something that was common like everything else is suddenly selected it's set apart it's Sanctified to God. [00:37:13]

He is not ashamed to call us Brethren and that means that we are in a likee status and position to his own he is the Son of God he makes us sons of God he's not ashamed to call us Brethren therefore for this cause he's not ashamed to call them Brethren which means this you see that we are the children of God this morning in Christ Jesus. [00:41:23]

He is not ashamed to call us Brethren what's it mean well it means that he's very concerned about us he's not only interested in us he's concerned about us he says these are my brethren I will declare thy name unto my brethren in the midst of the church realizing prayers unto thee I will put my trust in him. [00:41:23]

He is not ashamed to call us Brethren how different he is from us thank God he is thank God that he is the Eternal Son of God all of one and yet so different you see so many of us when we get on a bit in this world we tend to become ashamed of our relatives and of our families some of them are even writing their B iography is admitting this at the present time. [00:41:23]

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