2012-2013 TBC Men's Bible Study - Lesson 01 - Hebrews Overview

Start Date

The Hebrews study starts on the week of September 10^th.  However, most of the locations are meeting year round.  Call the leader for your location to confirm whether they are already meeting.

Locations: 

Mondays @ noon 

Downtown, 320 S BostonBldg., 12th floor conf. room --

Thursdays @ 6:30 am 

Village Inn -- 5230 S Yale Ave, Tulsa (Studying Psalms)--

IHOP – Broken Arrowacross from Lowe’s, --

Panera Bread -- 71st and Garnett, Tulsa --

Fridays @ 6:00 am

Panera Bread -- 71st and Lewis, Tulsa -- 

Introduction

Hebrews is a rich and challenging book.  The author assumes his audience has an extensive knowledge of the Old Testament, so you will find yourself frequently referring to Old Testament.  The passages that include those OT quotations and allusions also include some challenging and thought provoking teachings.  William Lane noted that “Hebrews is a delight for the person who enjoys puzzles.”  It will cause you to really think.  Hebrews is also peppered with warnings, admonitions and exhortations.  Make sure you approach the book with a humble heart of “good soil” so these practical challenges will also take root and bear fruit in your life.

Wired

A unique feature of this Bible study is that the Word document has hyperlinks to internet Bible study tools and cross references in the questions.  You can access the “electronic” version of the lessons on the TBC website, from your Bible study leader, or from Pastor Martin.

The word study questions include the English word that has a link to the BlueLetterBible.  This resource includes pronunciation of the Greek word, definitions, a link to Vine’s Dictionary, and a few other features.  The English spelling of the Greek word has a link to the Bible Study Tools lexicon which also has links to all the occurrences of the Greek word in the New Testament.

When there are cross references they are usually linked to the NKJV in BibleStudyTools.com. After you follow that link, it is easy to switch to your preferred version.  Usually you will notice that extra verses are usually included before and after the cited verse(s) to help you with the context.   

There are inductive questions asking the text questions like who, what, where, when, why, and how?  Occasionally there are other links to recommended sources or other information that you will find helpful after you have focused on the text of the passage. 

Extras

The second page of each lesson will often contain Bible study tips or an article that relates to the passage we studied that week.  Concentrate on the main study and read the second part if you have extra time during the week.

Customizing

It is a challenge to prepare a study that will meet needs in the diverse group of men and study groups.  We have attempted to challenge those who are willing to devote extra time and study and also have included questions that address the “So what?” of each section. 

Some groups will enjoy bearing down on the “The WORD: What does the Bible say?” part, and others will find the “The WALK: What should I do?” questions really hit the spot.  I would encourage you to feel free to focus more on one particular section if you desire, but be careful to include both in your study and discussion.  The lessons are full, so different study leaders may choose to skip or be brief with some questions in order to allow time to focus on others.

Make sure you include prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit in your study and discussions.  Have a gracious and humble spirit in your discussions and be patient for the Lord to work in our understandings and lives.

Lesson 01          “Getting the Big Picture”                           Hebrews

ID: Inductive Questions (Asking the text questions like who, what, where, when, why, & how?”) 

CR: Cross References (Comparing Scripture to Scripture, understanding the vague by the clear.) 

WS: Word Study (Understanding definition, theological meaning, and usages in other passages.)

The WORD: What does the Bible say?

Read the whole book of Hebrews and identify the following:

1.      ID: Make note of hints about who the book was written to: (2.3; 3.1; 12; 5.11-12; 6.10; 10.32-34; 12.4; 13.7;22, 24) 

2.   ID: What are some of the main divisions (or themes) in the book of Hebrews?

3.      CR: Use tally marks to make note of quotations from and allusions to the Old Testament. There are 35-40 quotations and between 40-70 allusions depending on what you count as an allusion.  (You might even look at some of the OT passages that are alluded to more than once.)

4.      WS: What words were repeated frequently? Jot them down as you notice the repetition. You might even want to mark some of them as you read.

If you have time, read Hebrews again (ideally in one sitting) in another version.  (Read it in a more dynamic version like the NIV9, NET Bible, or Living and in a more literal translation like the NASB9, NKJV, or ESV9.)

The WALK: What should I do?

1.      What surprised you about the book?  What had you not noticed before or had forgotten?

2.      What did you think the main doctrine and the main application was for the whole book?

3.      Was there a verse or two that really convicted you or got you thinking about something?

4.      What do you expect to learn?  Or how do you think Hebrews is going to help you grow?

5.      What were your favorite verses or passages in Hebrews?

·        For more background information you can refer to some free resources on the internet.

·        Biblical Theology:  For a more extended study, read through Hebrews again and note what Hebrews teaches about the doctrines of 1. Revelation, 2. God the Father, 3. Christ, 4. the Holy Spirit, 5. sin, 6. salvation, 7. angels, etc.