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Our Great High Priest: A 6-Week Study on Hebrews 4:14-16

This 6-week Bible study delves into Hebrews 4:14-16, exploring the profound truths about Jesus, our Great High Priest. We will examine His divine identity, His shared humanity, and His sinless perfection, understanding how these attributes enable us to approach God with confidence. Each week will guide us to a deeper appreciation of His intercessory work and empower us to live steadfastly, drawing upon the mercy and grace available at the throne of God in our times of need.

1. Week 1: The Supreme Identity of Our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14a)

1.1 Jesus: The Great High Priest

Verses: Hebrews 4:14a; Hebrews 7:26-28; Isaiah 9:6
  • Jesus' unique role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
  • His superiority to the Old Testament priesthood and its temporary sacrifices.
  • The singular nature of God fully manifested in the person and work of Jesus.

1.2 Passed into the Heavens

Verses: Hebrews 4:14a; Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:20-22
  • His ascension signifies His exaltation and completed work on earth.
  • His present position at the right hand of God, interceding for us.
  • The divine authority and power He now holds over all creation.

1.3 Jesus, the Son of God

Verses: Hebrews 4:14a; John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Understanding 'Son of God' as God manifested in human flesh.
  • The full deity of Jesus, who is God Himself revealed to humanity.
  • The one God revealing Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in different capacities.

2. Week 2: The Human Experience of Our High Priest (Hebrews 4:15a)

2.1 Touched with Our Infirmities

Verses: Hebrews 4:15a; Matthew 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4-5
  • Jesus' personal experience of human weakness, suffering, and limitations.
  • His perfect understanding of our struggles, pains, and temptations.
  • His deep compassion for us, stemming from His shared human experience.

2.2 Tempted in All Points

Verses: Hebrews 4:15a; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 22:28
  • The reality and intensity of Jesus' temptations, mirroring human experience.
  • The breadth of His human experience, facing trials common to all.
  • His victory over temptation serves as our example and source of strength.

2.3 Yet Without Sin

Verses: Hebrews 4:15b; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22
  • His absolute moral purity and blamelessness throughout His life.
  • His perfect obedience to the will of God in every circumstance.
  • His sinless nature is the essential basis for His perfect and atoning sacrifice.

3. Week 3: Holding Fast Our Profession (Hebrews 4:14b)

3.1 The Nature of Our Profession

Verses: Hebrews 4:14b; Romans 10:9-10; 1 John 4:15
  • Confessing Jesus as the Great High Priest and the Son of God.
  • Our commitment to His name, His truth, and His singular identity.
  • The foundational beliefs we declare and stand upon as believers.

3.2 The Importance of Steadfastness

Verses: Hebrews 4:14b; Hebrews 10:23; Revelation 2:10
  • Remaining firm and unwavering in our faith despite challenges and opposition.
  • The need for perseverance and endurance in our spiritual journey.
  • The promise of reward for those who faithfully endure to the end.

3.3 Practical Ways to Hold Fast

Verses: Hebrews 4:14b; Colossians 2:6-7; Jude 1:20-21
  • Engaging in consistent prayer and diligent study of God's Word.
  • Maintaining fellowship with other believers for mutual encouragement.
  • Living a life that is consistent with our confession and commitment to Jesus.

4. Week 4: Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16a)

4.1 The Throne of Grace

Verses: Hebrews 4:16a; Psalm 9:7-8; Revelation 4:2-3
  • God's sovereign presence, where His majesty and mercy converge.
  • A place of divine favor, compassion, and abundant provision.
  • Accessible to us directly through the intercession of Jesus, our High Priest.

4.2 The Privilege of Boldness

Verses: Hebrews 4:16a; Ephesians 3:12; 1 John 5:14-15
  • Approaching God without fear, hesitation, or a sense of unworthiness.
  • Our confidence is based on Jesus' finished work, not our own merit.
  • Our right as adopted children to come before our heavenly Father.

4.3 How to Approach

Verses: Hebrews 4:16a; Philippians 4:6-7; James 1:5-6
  • Through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, making our requests known.
  • With a sincere heart, genuine faith, and a repentant spirit.
  • Recognizing the one God who hears and answers the prayers of His people.

5. Week 5: Obtaining Mercy and Finding Grace (Hebrews 4:16b)

5.1 Obtaining Mercy

Verses: Hebrews 4:16b; Psalm 103:8-12; Lamentations 3:22-23
  • Receiving forgiveness for our past sins and transgressions.
  • Experiencing God's compassion in our failures and shortcomings.
  • God's undeserved kindness and pity extended to us in our need.

5.2 Finding Grace to Help

Verses: Hebrews 4:16b; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Peter 5:10
  • Receiving divine strength and empowerment for our present challenges.
  • Supernatural ability to overcome temptation and live righteously.
  • Sustenance and enablement for daily living and serving God.

5.3 In Time of Need

Verses: Hebrews 4:16b; Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10
  • God's timely intervention and provision in every circumstance of life.
  • His constant availability and readiness to assist us.
  • The assurance that His help is always present when we call upon Him.