Sunday Sermons

Melchizedek, A Type of Christ | Hebrews 7:1-10

Sermon Outline
Melchizedek's priesthood pointed forward to the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ.
1. Melchizedek's priesthood was like Jesus. (1-3)2. Melchizedek's priesthood was superior to the Levitical priesthood. (4-10)
 
Discussion/Application
1. What makes Melchizedek so significant in the story with Abraham? What part of their story stood out for you?
2. Describe a time when someone planned ahead for you (surprise party, vacation, a special meal, etc.). How did it make you feel knowing that they planned ahead for you? How does it feel knowing that God was giving previews of Jesus as early as Melchizedek?
3. How can you follow Jesus' superior priesthood in sacrifice this week?

Jesus, The Perfect Priest Forever | Hebrews 7:11-28

Sermon Outline
Jesus Christ is the final, perfect Priest, forever.
1. The Problem with the Levitical Priesthood (11-14)2. Jesus, the Perfect High Priest (15-19)3. Jesus, the Superior High Priest (20-28)
 
Discussion/Application
1. What was the problem of the Levitical priesthood?
2. Share about a time that you had to be/use a mediator. What made it necessary? Why to we need mediators between us and God? What makes Jesus the perfect mediator?
3. What/who are you tempted to run to as a mediator between you and God other than Jesus? How can you turn away from a false mediator in your life this week?

Jesus, The New Covenant | Hebrews 8:1-13

Sermon Outline
The covenant of Christ is superior to the old covenant.
1. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. (1-5)2. The new covenant is superior to the old covenant. (6-13)
 
Discussion/Application
1. Why do you think there were early-church Hebrews who wanted to go back to the old ways in old covenant?
2. Describe a time in your life when you didnt want to move into the "next stage"? Did you do it anyway? What helped/hindered you?
3. How are you clinging to your "old ways" today? How can you seek Jesus tomorrow instead of those things tomorrow?

Our Undivided Redemption | Hebrews 9:1-14

Sermon Outline
The blood of Christ brings the pieces of our divided worship together.
1. The tabernacle's dividers made sacrifice safe. (1-10)2. Christ's sacrifice makes our redemption secure. (11-12)3. Our redemption will bring our actions and convictions together. (13-14)
 
Discussion/Application
1. What made sacrifice unsafe in the old covenant system?
2. What was a time in your life when you felt secure/safe? Insecure/unsafe? How can you rest assured that the Lord receives our worship?
3. How has your worship been divided? How does looking to Christ bring the divided pieces of your worship back together?

Truer and Newer | Hebrews 9:15-28

Sermon Outline
Christ is the true mediator of God's new covenant...
...passing His inheritance on to His people. (15-17)...similar to the old-copy mediators. (18-22)...better than the old-copy mediators. (23-26a)...needing no substitute to die in His place. (26b-28)
 
Discussion/Application
1. What is the inheritance of Jesus? Why is it good news that He passes His inhertance to us?
2. Have you ever had someone break a contract with you? What is the difference between a contract and a covenant? What makes it good news that God's love is covenental rather than contractual?
3. Take some time right now to give thanks for Christ's sacrifice for you.

One Final Sacrifice for All | Hebrews 10:1-18

Sermon Outline
God has completely forgiven our sins because of Jesus' death on the cross for us.
1. The Problem with the Old Sacrifices (1-4)2. The Victory of the New, Once-For-All Sacrifice of Jesus Christ (5-18)
 
Discussion/Application
1. Why is it so hard to beleive that God forgets our forgiven sin? How should this truth affect our view of who God is?
2. Describe a time in your life when you worked hard to try to make yourself acceptable to someone you love. What did it reveal about your view of love? What stands in your way of seeing love as truly unconditional?
3. How can you put the unconditional sacrifice of Jesus in front of yourself every single day this week?

Our Assurance in Christ | Hebrews 10:19-25

Sermon Outline
Our assurance in Christ challenges us to grow in our faith, hope, and love.
1. Let us draw near in faith. (19-22)2. Let us hold fast to our hope. (23)3. Let us consider one another in love. (24-25)
 
Discussion/Application
1. "The responsibilities and privaleges that we have in Christ should never be separated." How does this truth deepen our understanding of the faith, hope, and love that we have in Christ?
2. Describe a time in your life when someone was faithful to you even through you were not faithful to them.
3. How can you "consider" a fellow Christian in love this week?

The Danger of Failing to Persevere | Hebrews 10:26-39

Sermon Outline
Living as Gospel people is hard, but it's worth persevering!
1. An Ominous Warning (26-31)2. A Reassuring Affirmation (32-39)
 
Discussion/Application
1. What does it mean to be saved/justified? How are we saved/justified?
2. Describe a time in your life when you ignored the signs of a problem. What made wisdom/discernment imoprtant in that circumstance? What makes wisdom/discernment important in understanding our own salvation?
3. How are you tempted to throw away your confidence in Christ? To replace it with confidence in something of this world? Make a plan to remind yourself every morning to endure with Jesus.