Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15
1st Quarter 2022 - In These Last Days: The Message of Hebrews
2022 begins with a quarterly study of the book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews, referred to his own work as a “word of exhortation” (Heb. 13:22). This expression was used to identify the sermon, both at the synagogue (Acts 13:15) and at Christian worship (1 Tim. 4:13). Thus, it could be said that the book of Hebrews is the earliest “complete Christian sermon” that we have.
Hebrews was addressed to believers who accepted Jesus but then experienced difficulties. Some were publicly shamed and persecuted (Heb. 10:32–34). Others faced financial problems (Heb. 13:5, 6). Many were tired and had begun to question their faith (Heb. 3:12, 13). Can you relate?
The apostle, in a stirring sermon, however, challenged them (and, by extension, us) to persevere in faith in Jesus and to fix their eyes upon Jesus, now in the heavenly sanctuary.
Lesson 5: Jesus, the Giver of Rest
*January 22–28
The first Sabbath was the experience of perfection with the One who made that perfection possible. God also promises a Sabbath rest because true Sabbath observance embodies the promise that God will bring that perfection back.
*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 29.
Read for This Week’s Study:Gen. 15:13–21; Heb. 3:12–19; Heb. 4:6–11; Heb. 4:1, 3, 5, 10; Deut. 5:12–15; Heb. 4:8–11.
Memory Text: “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9, NKJV).
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 29
