Some ways to get more out of Hebrews:

• Use the footnotes and cross-references in your Bible.  Can you think of other passages in Scripture that say something similar, or might be relevant?.  Look them up.  “Compare and contrast” those other passages. 

• Try putting yourself in the place of a first century Christian – imagine you have walked away from the beliefs and traditions of your family, your ancestors  (you would have learned the history of your family going back many generations, and your whole place in society and work relies on your Jewish beliefs and practices). What would that be like?  How would the book of Hebrews help? 

• What if you were a Greek or Roman, and were turning your back on a system of sacrifices and rituals that were part and parcel of your daily routines, your family, your workplace. How would Hebrews help?  (The letters to the churches in Revelation, and parts of Galatians also tackle the issues of temptation to go back to some of the old traditions – particularly the Roman/Greek ones) 

• If you were a modern-day Moslem and have left Islam for Christianity, how might you have to put up with similar temptations and pressures – how would old Moslem friends and family react and argue with you – would similar arguments be used to try to convince you that you have left a strong faith for a weak and unreliable one? How would Hebrews help you? 

• How does Hebrews help counter some of the claims of other sects, religions and modern world views? 

• Which verses from Hebrews have you heard quoted before, and how does the context change how you understand them? 

 
Graham Wilkins
Bible Teaching Session #2 11/6/2017