In the Word Michele Telfer

Lesson 6 - The Perfect for the Imperfect
Hebrews 7:20—9:5. After comparing Christ’s ministry with that of the Levitical priests, the writer of Hebrews then began to compare the new covenant mediated by Christ with the old imperfect one. The old covenant based on the law was something that had governed the Jewish people’s lives for centuries and it was something they struggled to let go of. If everything they thought fixed forever had been superseded by something new — even if it was better and more sure — what were they to do?

Lesson 5 - Lessons from the Past 
Hebrews 6:13 — 7:19. Two Old Testament characters play major roles in this week’s lesson. Abraham — father of the Jewish nation — who showed faith and endurance waiting for God’s promise to be fulfilled. And Melchizedek — the somewhat mysterious King-Priest who received tithes from Abraham and blessed him. What do the readers of the letter need to learn from these men — and what difference will it make in their suffering?

Lesson 4 - Jesus Our Example
Hebrews 5:1 — 6:12. From continuing descriptions of Christ as God’s chosen High Priest, the writer highlights Christ’s obedience in the midst of His sufferings and the salvation it brought us. He urged these Hebrew believers to follow His example and yield to God's will, whether their circumstances changed or not. He encouraged them to embrace all the truths about Christ — not just the comfortable ones. And then he began to speak about those who had apparently fallen away from the belief in Christ they once professed.

Lesson 3 - Don’t Make the Mistake of Turning Away
Hebrews 3:16-4:16. The Hebrew believers were much like the Israelites after the Exodus. Set free from slavery to sin in Christ, they faltered when things got difficult and were considering a return to the way things were before He set them free. They were facing the same issue and the same danger as their ancestors: Would they trust God’s faithfulness going forward or would they turn away for the sake of temporary relief?

Lesson 2 - God Becomes One of Us
Hebrews 2:5-3:19. In this week’s lesson, the writer continues to remind his readers just Who Christ is — He is God Himself, come in the flesh to identify with His fallen creatures and set them free. And in demonstrating that He was greater than even Moses, the writer pulls no punches: If Christ is who He says He is, why are you turning away from Him?

Lesson 1 - Christ, Greater than the Angels
Hebrews 1:1—2:5. The book of Hebrews was written to a heavily persecuted group of believers who were considering returning to their Jewish roots in order to escape suffering for Christ. In this letter the unknown writer reminds them Who they have believed in why He is worthy of their trust and devotion.