CONNECT: Practically, how can you remind yourself of the promises of the New Covenant?

WARM-UP  Question

1. What do you think are the common things that Australians think are worth sacrificing?
2. When have you had to make a sacrifice for something? Was it worthwhile?

READ Hebrews 9:11-22

1. Can you recall the ways in which the author of the letter has, so far, argued that Jesus is better? In what way is the author now arguing that Jesus is better?
2. When you hear all of the references to ‘blood’, what is your initial reaction? What is it a reference to?
3. Why, in the sacrificial system, was it necessary for blood to be spilt? What did it enable for the people?
4. Whilst people received forgiveness, in what way was this limited or only a ‘shadow’ of that yet to come?
5. What is the relationship between forgiveness and justice? How do these come rushing together in Jesus in what he did for us on the cross?
6. How does Jesus obtain eternal redemption for us? Why was it possible only through him?
7. What is a mediator? Have you ever had someone mediate for you in any way?
8. What does it mean that Jesus is the ‘mediator of a new covenant’ for us?
9. What is meant by ‘God dwelling with us’? Why was this only partly possible under the Old Covenant?
10. How does the New Covenant open up a different type of us dwelling with God? How do you delight in the presence of God?

READ Hebrews 9:23-28

1. In what ways is Jesus' sacrifice final and complete? How was it superior to the sacrifices of old?
2. If Jesus’ sacrifice is final, is there anything that we must do or could do to contribute to our salvation?
3. As a Christian, do you think it is a challenge to not try and keep on earning salvation? What helps you to keep resting in what Jesus has done instead of what you have done or must do?
4. When Jesus returns, in what way will he ‘bring salvation’? How can we best wait for him?

APPLY: Find a practical way to rejoice daily in the dwelling with God that has been afforded to us through Jesus.

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On Your Frontline This Week: Have you touched base with a friend to hear how their frontline is going? What are the challenges and things to be thankful for?

For Families:

• A helpful video on the covenants by the Bible Project

Listen:

• “Guilt-free Forgiveness?” By Jon Kwan
• “He has appeared once to put away sin” by John Samuel
• “Jesus’ Sacrifice Better than the Temple Sacrifices” by D.A. Carson

Read:

• “A Little Introduction to Covenants” interview with D.A. Carson:
• “10 Things You Should Know about the Biblical Covenants” by Thomas R. Schreiner

Other Helpful Resources (For Series):

• BOOK: “The Majestic Son” by Peter Adam
• VIDEOS ON SERIES: "The Book of Hebrews” by Don Carson
• SERIES: “Hebrews: Such a Great Salvation!”
• VIDEO: The Bible Project Hebrews Overview:
  

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