Hebrews 3:1-6 Inductive Study

Observations

Genre:

1. Epistle

Outline:

1. Consider Jesus (v.1)

The apostle and high priest (v.1)

Was faithful to him who appointed him (v.2)

More glory than Moses (v.3)

The builder of all things is God (v.4)

Moses was faithful as a servant (v.5)

Testify to the things to be spoken later (v.5)

Christ was faithful as a son (v.6)

We are his house (v.6)

Summary:

1. The author of Hebrews expresses the importance of contemplating Christ. Jesus is compared to Moses as a measure of faithfulness both in and over God’s house. Where Jesus and Moses differ, is in the amount of glory given to them, that is Christ has more glory because of his position as Son. The author finishes this passage with the reminder that he and his audience is the house of God when they are faithful to Christ.

Key Words/Phrases:

1. Consider (v.1)

2. Apostle (v.1)

3. High Priest (v.1)

4. More glory (v.3)

5. House (vv. 2-6)

6. Over (v.6)

7. Faithful (vv. 2,5,6)

Cross References:

1. V. 3 is connected to Matthew 7

2. V. 5 is connected to Exodus 16?

3. Vv. 3-4 are connected to 1 Corinthians 10 & 6:19

Discussion Questions:

1. Who are we called to be faithful to?

2. Do you ever find yourself focusing on other biblical figures more than Jesus?

3. How are we carrying ourselves as good houses of God?

Potential Questions Asked:

1. Why is Jesus called the apostle?

2. If God is the builder of everything, then who built God?

3. Are we God’s apostles?

Biblical Themes:

20. Faithful

21. God’s house

Interpretations

Context

1. While the human author of this letter is uncertain, many speculate a wide range of potential writers. Names like Paul, Luke, Barnabas, and even Clemens of Rome have been given credit for authorship (Henry). Whoever the true author is, it is clear this letter was written to the Hebrew Christians living in the Roman empire some time in the 1st century. This means the original audience of this letter were not first hand eye-witnesses of Christ Jesus.

Meaning

1. Consider (v.1) is a command given to the audience to think about Christ. This means the audience is to pay attention to Christ, so that they may learn about him (Guzik).

2. Apostle (v.1) is used to describe who Jesus is. This means Christ was the ambassador that God sent to deliver the ultimate message of the Gospel to his people (Guzik).

Implication

1. “Consider Jesus” (v.1) implies that by fixing one’s thoughts on Christ, they are building upon the firm foundation of Him. This means the audience is to establish their faith on Christ.

Progression

1. Focus on Jesus

God created everything

Moses served God faithfully

Christ was faithful to his Father

This means Christ was the most faithful to the Creator God, therefore the audience should think about him.

Literal or Figurative

1. “The builder of all things is God” (v.4) is literal. This means that God really did create the Heavens and the Earth, and all other things.

Interpret Scripture by Scripture

1. Verse 6 is connected to 1 Corinthians 6:19, “or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” This means that we are a vessel for Christ to display his faithfulness to others, and to dwell amongst his people.

Descriptive or Prescriptive

1. “Consider Jesus” (v.1) is prescriptive. This means every Christian for all time is to be thinking about Jesus.

Application

Big Idea:

If we are to consider Jesus fully, then we must recognize him as the faithful Son over God’s house.

Cognitive:

After reading Hebrews 3:1-6, we will comprehend Jesus’ faithfulness better.

Affective:

After reading Hebrews 3:1-6, we will feel belonging in His household.

Behavioral:

After reading Hebrews 3:1-6, we will be better servants in His household.