Better Priest, Better Covenant

Sermon Application Questions:

Sermon Overview:

This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 8:1-9:28 with the main idea being: Hold fast to Jesus, who has secured our eternal relationship with God through his sacrifice of himself. There were two parts to the passage:  

Jesus has secured our relationship with God built on beautiful promises (8:1-13) 

Jesus has secured this relationship through his self-sacrifice (9:1-28) 

Digging Deeper: 

In Hebrews 8:6, the author says the covenant that Christ mediates is better than the old covenant, “since it is enacted on better promises.”  What “better promises” do we see in 8:10-12? 

How are these promises better than the old covenant? Why are they better?   

Why should we be thankful that we are members of this new covenant that God, in Christ, has made with his people? 

Hebrews 8:13 says “in speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. What does it mean that the old covenant is obsolete?  What are the implications of this?  

There’s lots of talk about blood in chapter 9 (see verses 7, 12, 13, 14). Now, read Leviticus 19:11. What does atonement mean?1 Why was animal blood used to atone for sin?2 

What is Hebrews 9:11-12 describing? What is the significance? 

Blood can seem like an odd or ugly theme, especially to people who don’t follow Jesus. What would you say to an unbelieving friend about the need for Christ’s blood?3 

In Hebrews 9:14 we read that Christ offered himself to God “through the eternal Spirit.”  How might we understand the role of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s work of redemption on our behalf?   

How might this encourage you if you’re a follower of Jesus with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you? 

We are told in 9:24 that Christ has entered heaven, “now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” What is he doing there “on our behalf”?  How might this encourage us?  

The passage mentions that we can now “serve the living God” and be “eagerly waiting” for Jesus’ return (vs. 14, 28). What does it look like today to pursue these things?4 

Take It Home: 

What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion?

Prayer Requests: 

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