I. The Old Covenant ways of
point us to
.
HEBREWS 9:1-5 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.
Additional Notes:
II. The Old Covenant
us to
.
HEBREWS 9:6-10 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.
Additional Notes:
III. Jesus
what the Old Covenant
.
HEBREWS 9:11-14 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) 12 he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
Additional Notes:
Discussion Questions:
Do you think more about the things of the past, or more about the things to come? And do you ever feel like you forget to live in the present?
How can going to church week after week become an external obligation? How do you prepare your heart to worship the Living God when you go to church?
Do you ever feel like there are things that you need to do in order to feel more accepted by God?
What are some wrong ways to deal with sin, shame and a guilty conscience?
Do you have any walls built up between you and the Lord? Why are they there? What changes do you need to make to knock them down?
What does it mean to you that “Drawing near to God is not found in a place, but in a Person.”?
Next Week’s Verses: Hebrews 9:15-22