A Better Way

Based on the book of Hebrews

and Jesus is the better way to live.

• Better than they way of the .

• Better than the way of the .

√ “a better hope” (7:19)

√ “a better covenant” (7:22)

√ “better promises” (8:6)

√ “better sacrifices” (9:23)

√ “a better possession” (10:34)

√ “a better country” (11:16)

√ “a better life” (11:35)

√ “a better word” (12:24)

√ a better

²² This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

²³ The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, ²⁴ but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. ²⁵ Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

²⁶ For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. ²⁷ He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. (7:22-27, ESV)

What are the practical implications for the way we live?

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, ²¹ and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (10:19-25, ESV)

1. We should “draw near” (v. 22) – live in , daily fellowship with God.

2. We should “hold fast” (v. 23) – we should not , “drift away” (2:1), “shrink back” (10:39), or “grow weary or fainthearted” (12:3).

3. We should live in with one another (vv. 24-25) – “not neglecting to meet together.”

 Let’s get even more specific about the “better way” God intends for us to live:

¹² Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, ¹³ and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. ¹⁴ Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (12:12-14)

1. Strive for and .

 ²⁸ Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, ²⁹ for our God is a consuming fire. (12:28-29)

2. with “reverence and awe.”

13 Let brotherly love continue. (13:1)

3. one another.

² Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (13:2)

4. Be .

³ Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. (13:3)

5. Care for the .

⁴ Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. (13:4)

6. Honor God by honoring .

⁵ Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?” (13:5-6)

7. Don’t be ; be .

⁷ Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

¹⁷ Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (13:7, 17)

8. and submit to your .

¹⁶ Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (13:16)

9. Be .

²⁰ Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹ equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (13:20-21)