1.JESUS CANNOT BE HONOURED TOO HIGHLY (Hebrews 1:1-14)

As we take in the truths of these verses concerning the Person and work of Christ Jesus, we should be filled with determination to lift Jesus higher, that the world may see who Jesus is. In these first verses we have a condensed summary of the coming argument of the Epistle. Those who would turn back to Judaism are confronted with the one great and provable answer,

"Christianity is superior to Judaism as seen in its founder, Christ." James M. Gray. Christian Workers Commentary

Hebrews 1:1 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, " (KJV)

What awesome truth - there has been no failure on God's part in communication. God has, and does speak in the Scriptures. We are enriched by God's revelation in the Scriptures (Psalm 19:7-11 ), His testimony (Psalm 19:7 ), statutes (Psalm 19:8 ), commandments (Psalm 19:8 ), judgments (Psalm 19:9 ), warning (Psalm 19:11 ), instruct in living a godly life. All Scripture is given by inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16 ), Literally: "God-breathed." God speaks to teach - train - equip (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ). The Bible is an authoritative word from God - not a speculation, but revelation, and for the believer the means of deepening relationship with God.

The former word was spoken by God through the prophets. "At many times and in various ways" (NIV); that is, through the law, institutions, ceremonies, kings, judges, prophets. Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV). Prophets were able to speak of events coming hundreds of years after their life span. They spoke of things not understood by them, because God carried them along by His Spirit to express in their words exactly what He intended to communicate, revealing His own mind and purpose. Jesus is God's final, complete revelation.

Hebrews 1:2 " Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, ..." (KJV)

The revelation of Scripture is authenticated and fulfilled by Christ Jesus (Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:44 ) The revelation through Him is ultimate and final because He is the Son of God, the blessed second Person of the Godhead. He speaks for God, being God (John 14:7,9 ), as the co-equal with God. See the contrast: the prophets were servants; the Son is Lord. The prophets were temporary, the Son abides forever. The Son, perfect, pure and able to purify. The prophets spoke partially, the Son, fully. He the Son is above all.

Hebrews 1:2 "... whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" (KJV)

As co-equal, eternal God, His possession of all things was rightly appointed His from eternity past. As God-man, having wrought redemption through the blood of His cross, He is the exalted, appointed heir of all (Philippians 2:8-11 ). All power is His - power over sin, principalities, sickness, death, demons, Satan (Matthew 28:18 ). But that is not all! We, the redeemed, the members of His Church, are His inheritance (John 17:6; Ephesians 1:22-23 ). Proclaiming Jesus as Lord and heir of all things, points forward to the end of all history when:

Revelation 11:15 "... The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. " (KJV)

Hebrews 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" (KJV)

"Worlds" as Ryrie notes, Lit., the ages, including time, space, and the material world."

Christ is not only creator of the universe (John 1:1-3,10; Colossians 1:16 ), but creator of the successive ages of man's existence. The glory of Jesus Christ is unmatchable, and it is He who speaks.

Hebrews 1:3 "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, ..." (KJV)

Here is Christ before all history, co-equal and co-existent with God. The glory of God under the old covenant appeared between the cherubim (Psalm 80:1; 99:1 ), but when Jesus came into the world He Himself was the very outshining of the Father's glory (John 14:9 ).

Hebrews 1:3 "... and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (KJV)

	Christ pre-existed all history
	Christ is the consummator of all history
	Christ is sustaining the universe - and will do through all history
	Christ is actively engaged in the realm of earth's history
	Christ is changing history by bringing the will of heaven here on earth
	Christ sustains His Church, making the Church to prevail over the councils of Hades (Matthew 16:18 ).
	Christ is Lord of the Church, sustains the fulfilment of His great commission. (Matthew 28:20; Mark 16:20 )
	Christ is dynamically holding all together by His powerful word.

Hebrews 1:3 "... he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" (KJV)

Christ Jesus provided purification for sin through His redeeming death on the cross. This includes His accomplishment for us, in us, and through us of all that is necessary for full and complete salvation.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Would you say that God is the great Communicator? Does God speak to you in the Scriptures? Can you share something He has said to you recently?

2. What do you think is the meaning of speaking in various ways? Does God speak to you in a variety of ways? Could you or others in the group give examples?

3. Why do you believe Jesus is God's final and complete revelation?

4. What does it mean to you that Jesus is heir of all, and has all power?

5. What meaning is conveyed to you by the words brightness of His glory and express image of His Person (Hebrews 1:3 )? What is Jesus dynamically holding together by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3 )? What has Jesus accomplished for you?