Better
In my sermon, yesterday, I mentioned five ways that the New Covenant was better than the Old Covenant. Here is another outline of Hebrews that shows why the New Covenant is better:
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
“Better” in Hebrews
The word “better” shows up 12 times in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Here are the 12 references:
Hebrews 1:4
having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
Hebrews 6:9
But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.
Hebrews 7:19
(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.
Hebrews 7:22
so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Hebrews 8:6
But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.
Hebrews 9:23
Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
Hebrews 10:34
For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks.
Hebrews 11:16
But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:35
Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;
Hebrews 11:40
because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Hebrews 12:24
and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.
WEDNESDAY
Questions About Hebrews 9:1-14
1. What are the differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant as described in Hebrews 9?
2. How does the author of Hebrews use the earthly tabernacle to illustrate the limitations of the Old Covenant?
3. What is the significance of Christ serving as our High Priest?
4. In what ways does Christ's sacrifice go beyond the physical and external?
5. How does Christ's sacrifice lead to our eternal redemption?
6. How does the concept of "once for all" sacrifice contrast with the repetitive sacrifices of the Old Covenant?
7. How does the new covenant offer a better hope, and how can this reshape our view of our relationship with God?
8. How can the contrast between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly sanctuary deepen our appreciation for God's divine plan?
THURSDAY
I love the parables of Jesus. Some are difficult to understand until they are explained. Some are very easy to understand. The parables found in Luke are important. They help us understand the nature of God. One of my favorite parables found in Luke is the parable of "The Rich Man and Lazarus.” I would encourage you to read Luke 16:19-31 in preparation for this Sunday’s sermon.