E-pistle for June 15, 2012
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E-pistle 
FreeWay Foundation June 15, 2012
Jesus is far above the angels
(Hebrews 1:1-14)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Observations: on the author and background of this book
1. The author of Hebrews is not named; some Bible scholars think it was written by
Paul, while others suggest Barnabus or Apollos or some other person may have
written it.
2. Hebrews was written before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the
Romans in 70 A.D., Hebrews 10:11; 13:11.
3. The epistle was written to Jewish believers from "those from Italy," 13:24; its
purpose was to encourage them to stand fast in their faith.
4. The key word in Hebrews is "better" . . . Christ and the gospels is "better" than
all Old Testament ritual and tradition.
II. Concentration: on the works of Jesus
1. He spoke to man, revealing the true nature (character) of God, and revealing the
will of the Father, vv. 1, 3.
2. He created the universe; vv. 2, 10-12, and he sustains it, v. 3.
3. He is the Savior, purging (forgiving and taking away) our sins, v. 3.
4. He ascended into glory and now sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high, v. 3.
III. Meditation: on how Jesus is better than the angels
1. Jesus has obtained a more excellent name by Divine inheritance, vv. 2, 4.
2. Angels are beings created by the Lord.
3. Jesus is the unique, only begotten Son of God, v. 5.
4. There are hosts of angels; only one Son of God.
5. Jesus is to be obeyed by and worshipped by the angels, vv. 6-7, 14.
6. Angels are merely servants (messengers), doing God's will.
7. Jesus is the prophesied Anointed One (Messiah; Christ), v. 9.
8. Angels proclaimed the birth of the Savior of the world . . . an office which only God,
Himself, could occupy.
IV. Revelation: since Jesus has . . .
1. Spoken, believers need to listen to learn of God's nature and will.
2. Created, believers need to worship His majesty.
3. Saved, believers need to thank Him for His "amazing grace."
4. Ascended, believers need to obey His royal commands.
V. Applications:
1. Praise His excellent, holy name!
2. Acknowledge His divinity; He is the Son of God!
3. Join the angels in never-ending worship of Him!
4. Proclaim the fulfilled prophesy that the Messiah has come!
Testimony from four witnesses
(Hebrews 2:1-18)
Dr. Curt Scarborough
I. Concentration: on the four witnesses
1. "The word spoken through angels," v. 2.
2. "First began to be spoken by the Lord," v. 3.
3. "Was confirmed to us by those who heard Him (Christ)," v. 3.
4. "God also bearing witness with," v. 4 . . .
1) signs 3) various miracles
2) wonders 4) gifts of the Holy Spirit
II. Meditation: on the testimony of these witness
1. Jesus Christ has dominion over all things, including angels, vv. 5-8.
2. He died for everyone, but He rose again in glory and honor, v. 9.
3. His atonement through suffering brought salvation, vv. 10, 17.
4. He sanctifies believers, whom He is proud to call family, vv. 11-13.
5. He is victoriously triumphant over Satan, v. 14.
6. He releases (delivers) persons who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage, v. 15.
7. He aids persons who are tempted to resist sin, v. 18.
III. Revelation: on the spiritual implications seen in this chapter
1. God reveals Himself in many ways, but primarily through the Word (His Son,
John 1:1) and through the Word (Scripture), Hebrews 1:2.
2. In the mouths of two or more witnesses, a thing is established (Deuteronomy 17:6;
19:15; Matthew 18:16) . . . angles, Jesus, disciples, and God the Father.
3. Jesus Christ did not come to give aid to angels, but to the seed of Abraham . . .
persons who have faith, v. 16.
4. The Son of God became a human being, tempted in all points as we are yet without
sin (Hebrews 4:15), so that He could become a merciful and faithful High Priest making
propitiation (covering) for our sins, v. 17.
IV. As a Christian, I need to . . .
1. Pay earnest attention to the Living Word (Jesus Christ) and to the written word (the Bible).
2. Thank God for Christ's atonement through His death.
3. Thank God for Christ's sanctification through His sinless life.
4. Thank God for victory, deliverance, and freedom over sin and Satan.
"When you talk, you repeat what you already know;
when you listen, you often learn something."
--Jared Sparks
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