Jesus-The Better Tabernacle
Hebrews 9:1-10
Part of Home Group Study Guides - Hebrews
September 7, 2023

Sermon Date: September 10th, 2023

Reflections on Sunday’s Sermon

Below is a reference to the section of the New City Catechism that we went over on Sunday:

The New City Catechism

Lord’s Day 37

How Does the Holy Spirit Help Us?
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts and the desire to obey God; and he enables us to pray and to understand God’s Word. (Ephesians 6:17-18)

Scripture

Hebrews 9:1-10 - (English Standard Version)

    1 Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. 2 For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, 4 having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 These preparations having thus been made, the priests go regularly into the first section, performing their ritual duties, 7 but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 9 (which is symbolic for the present age). According to this arrangement, gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper, 10 but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation.

Understanding and Applying

  1. Reflection: Jot down some truths that stood out to you regarding Jesus from chapters 1-8.

      2. • How did these truths you mentioned impact your life in relation to the church, with the saints, at home, or at work? (Hebrews 3:1-2, 12-13; 4:16; 6:1, 11-12)?

  2. Symbolism: Though the author intentionally chooses not to get into the symbolism of the earthly tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-5), based on The Gospel Coalition article provided, what did the tabernacle signify?

    https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/what-does-the-tabernacle-symbolize/


      3. • Why might the Hebrew Christians be tempted to look back to the temple for God’s presence, instead of looking to Christ?

  3. Old vs. New: What did the Most Holy Place and the high priest communicate but not establish (Hebrews 9:6-10)?


      • Jesus: Why has the tabernacle come to an end (Hebrews 9:11-14)?


  4. Distraction: We may not be tempted to look to the temple however, what are some experiential or external practices that the church is tempted to pursue to “ensure” God’s presence?



  5. Gratitude: Why are you thankful for our worship as opposed to worship under the Mosaic Covenant?