Restoration and Hope: Christ's Victory Over Death
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truths found in Hebrews 2:5-18, focusing on the restoration of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The passage reminds us that it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, but to humanity, highlighting the unique role and responsibility we have been given. Despite the fall of man and the loss of dominion due to sin, Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, was crowned with glory and honor through His suffering and death. This act of grace was to taste death for everyone, restoring what was lost in the Garden of Eden.
We delved into the historical context of Hebrews, understanding that it was written to a community facing persecution, which led some to downplay their faith. The letter addresses three groups: believing Jews, those intellectually convinced but not committed, and curious seekers. This context is relevant to us today, as we may find ourselves in similar spiritual positions.
The heart of our discussion was the restoration of our relationship with God through Christ's sacrifice. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection have reconciled us with the Father, a truth that should not be overlooked. This reconciliation is the essence of the Gospel, and as we approach the communion table, we are reminded of the reformers' teaching that the symbols of the Gospel should never be isolated from its preaching.
We also reflected on the fear of death and the victory Christ has won over it. Through His death, Jesus destroyed the power of the devil and delivered us from the fear of death, offering us eternal life. Personal stories of facing mortality served as poignant reminders that this world is not our home, and our true home is with God in heaven.
Finally, we considered the significance of Jesus as our merciful and faithful high priest, who made propitiation for our sins. His understanding of our temptations and sufferings assures us that we are not alone in our struggles. As we partake in communion, we celebrate the restored relationship with God and the hope of eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
1. Restoration Through Christ: Our relationship with God, disrupted by sin, is restored through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This restoration is the core of the Gospel, reminding us that despite our failures, we are reconciled with God through Christ's sacrifice. [45:34]
2. Facing Mortality with Hope: The fear of death is overcome by the victory of Jesus, who has defeated the power of the devil. This assurance allows us to face our mortality with hope, knowing that our true home is with God in heaven. [48:57]
3. The Role of Humanity: God has given humanity a unique role, not angels, to have dominion and proclaim the Gospel. Despite the fall, we are called to fulfill this role, empowered by the grace and redemption found in Christ. [40:05]
4. Jesus, Our High Priest: Jesus, as our merciful and faithful high priest, understands our temptations and sufferings. His empathy and sacrifice provide us with the strength to endure trials, knowing we are not alone. [57:22]
5. Communion as a Reminder: The act of communion is a powerful reminder of the Gospel's truth and the restored relationship with God. It is a time to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and the hope of eternal life, encouraging us to live in the light of this truth. [59:28]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [30:42] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
- [33:29] - Personal Reflections and Background
- [35:05] - Historical Context of Hebrews
- [37:31] - Key Message: Restored Relationship with God
- [38:35] - Psalm 8 and Humanity's Role
- [40:22] - The Plot Twist: Paradise Lost
- [44:43] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Restoration
- [47:32] - Facing Mortality and Hope in Christ
- [50:20] - Personal Story: A Father's Passing
- [55:33] - The Fear of Death and Jesus' Victory
- [57:06] - Jesus as Our High Priest
- [59:28] - Communion and the Gospel
- [01:00:19] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 2:5-18
- Psalm 8:3-6
- Genesis 1:28
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Hebrews 2:5-18, what role does Jesus play in restoring humanity's relationship with God? How is this different from the role of angels? [31:28]
2. In the sermon, it was mentioned that the community of Hebrews faced persecution, leading some to downplay their faith. How did this historical context influence the message of Hebrews? [35:21]
3. The sermon referenced Psalm 8 in relation to humanity's role. What does Psalm 8:3-6 say about humanity's position in creation? [38:49]
4. How does the sermon describe the fear of death and Jesus' victory over it? What personal stories were shared to illustrate this point? [48:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. The sermon emphasizes the restoration of our relationship with God through Jesus' sacrifice. Why is this restoration considered the core of the Gospel message? [45:34]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as our merciful and faithful high priest provide comfort in times of temptation and suffering? [57:22]
3. The sermon discusses the fear of death and the assurance of eternal life. How does this assurance change the way believers view their mortality? [48:57]
4. The sermon highlights the unique role of humanity in proclaiming the Gospel. How does this role empower believers in their daily lives? [40:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. In what ways do you feel it has been restored through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection? How can you deepen this relationship? [45:34]
2. The sermon mentioned facing mortality with hope. Have you experienced a situation where the fear of death was prevalent? How did your faith influence your perspective during that time? [48:57]
3. Consider the role God has given humanity to proclaim the Gospel. How can you actively fulfill this role in your community or workplace this week? [40:05]
4. Jesus is described as our high priest who understands our struggles. Is there a specific temptation or suffering you are currently facing? How can you seek Jesus' help in this situation? [57:22]
5. Communion is a reminder of the Gospel's truth. How can you prepare your heart and mind to approach the communion table with a deeper understanding of Christ's sacrifice? [59:28]
6. The sermon shared personal stories of facing mortality. How can you support someone in your life who is dealing with a serious illness or facing the end of life? [50:20]
7. Reflect on the historical context of Hebrews and the challenges faced by early Christians. How can their perseverance inspire you to remain steadfast in your faith amidst modern challenges? [35:21]
Devotional
Day 1: Restoration Through Christ
Our relationship with God, once disrupted by sin, is restored through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This restoration is the essence of the Gospel, reminding us that despite our failures, we are reconciled with God through Christ's sacrifice. The passage in Hebrews 2:5-18 highlights that it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, but to humanity, emphasizing the unique role and responsibility we have been given. Jesus, made a little lower than the angels, was crowned with glory and honor through His suffering and death, tasting death for everyone to restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden. This act of grace is a profound reminder of the love and mercy extended to us, calling us to live in the light of this restored relationship. [45:34]
Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively live out the restored relationship with God in your daily life, especially in moments of failure or doubt?
Day 2: Facing Mortality with Hope
The fear of death is overcome by the victory of Jesus, who has defeated the power of the devil. This assurance allows us to face our mortality with hope, knowing that our true home is with God in heaven. The passage in Hebrews 2:5-18 reminds us that through His death, Jesus destroyed the power of the devil and delivered us from the fear of death, offering us eternal life. Personal stories of facing mortality serve as poignant reminders that this world is not our home, and our true home is with God in heaven. This hope transforms our perspective on life and death, encouraging us to live with an eternal mindset. [48:57]
1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life with God change the way you approach your daily challenges and fears?
Day 3: The Role of Humanity
God has given humanity a unique role, not angels, to have dominion and proclaim the Gospel. Despite the fall, we are called to fulfill this role, empowered by the grace and redemption found in Christ. The passage in Hebrews 2:5-18 emphasizes that it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, but to humanity, highlighting the unique role and responsibility we have been given. This calling is a reminder of the dignity and purpose bestowed upon us, urging us to live out our faith with intentionality and courage. [40:05]
Psalm 8:4-6 (ESV): "What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to fulfill your God-given role in proclaiming the Gospel and exercising dominion in your sphere of influence?
Day 4: Jesus, Our High Priest
Jesus, as our merciful and faithful high priest, understands our temptations and sufferings. His empathy and sacrifice provide us with the strength to endure trials, knowing we are not alone. The passage in Hebrews 2:5-18 highlights the significance of Jesus as our high priest, who made propitiation for our sins. His understanding of our temptations and sufferings assures us that we are not alone in our struggles. This truth offers comfort and strength, encouraging us to approach the throne of grace with confidence. [57:22]
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV): "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely on Jesus' empathy and strength to endure trials and temptations?
Day 5: Communion as a Reminder
The act of communion is a powerful reminder of the Gospel's truth and the restored relationship with God. It is a time to reflect on Christ's sacrifice and the hope of eternal life, encouraging us to live in the light of this truth. The passage in Hebrews 2:5-18 emphasizes the reconciliation we have with the Father through Christ's sacrifice. As we approach the communion table, we are reminded of the reformers' teaching that the symbols of the Gospel should never be isolated from its preaching. This sacred act calls us to remember and celebrate the restored relationship with God and the hope of eternal life. [59:28]
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV): "For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to approach communion with a deeper understanding and appreciation of its significance in your spiritual journey?
Quotes
I think it's really helpful we just lay some historical foundations, right, some themes historically that help us understand a bit more about our time in Hebrews. The first one, the community of Hebrews to whom the letter was written, we're facing the possibility of some pretty significant persecution. [00:35:05]
The greatest loss because of our sin was our relationship with God our Father, and what we gave gain and returned was death. Because of sin, death has come into the world, and now our story takes another plot twist, and we pick this up in verse n but we see him who for a little while was made lower than Angels. [00:44:43]
Because of Christ's sacrifice, because of his life, death, and Resurrection, our relationship with God, our father, has been restored, and we must not pass over this truth too quickly because this is the heart of the Gospel message. My sins separated me from fellowship with God, but Christ has restored that fellowship. [00:45:34]
Since therefore the children share in Flesh and Blood, he himself likewise took part of the same thing that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil, and deliver those who through the fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. [00:47:32]
Please know this: Jesus has defeated the one who had the power of death, the devil. I love this passage in Revelations, "behold I'm alive forever more and I have the kings of death and Hell." Where did Jesus get the keys to death? He took them from the devil. [00:48:57]
Getting old might just be God's way of reminding us this is not our home. Don't hang on to things here too tightly. This is not our home. Max Lucado makes this point terrifically. He said the dread of death ends when you know Heaven is your true home. [00:50:20]
So let's keep in mind this world is not our home and we'll go back and reread 14 and 15 since therefore the children share in Flesh and Blood, he himself likewise took part of the same things that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is the devil. [00:55:33]
For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps The Offspring of Abraham. Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [00:57:06]
As we come to the communion table today, we do so because Jesus' sacrifice, because of his death, because of his resurrection, because of his sacrifice, our relationship with God has been restored, and we are part of God's family, and we can with confidence come to the throne of grace. [00:59:28]
Propitiation, so what does that mean? Well, very simply, it means that Jesus Paid the price for our sin. The penalty of sin that we saw earlier is death, and Jesus Paid that penalty with his death and conquered it through his resurrection, and now as a preview of what we're going to hear a little bit later in Hebrews. [01:00:19]
The second point we find in this final verse is that Jesus understands what it's like when we go through hard times because he's experienced the exact same thing. So one last sneak peek into what we'll see in Hebrews since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens. [01:01:00]
We thank you for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who has restored to us and recovered Paradise that our relationship with you has been renewed, and we thank you that through the life and death and resurrection of Christ we can come to the communion table today and remember the sacrifice you gave for us. [01:02:00]
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