Lesson 6: The Best Covenant (Hebrews 8)
Lesson 6
The Best Covenant
(Hebrews 8)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read Hebrews 8. This lesson references chapter 7 in Be Confident. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
I once spoke at a meeting of religious broadcasters at which a friend of mine was to provide the ministry of music. He is a superb pianist with a gift for interpreting Christian music, and I have always enjoyed listening to him. But that day my heart went out to him in sympathy, because the motel had provided the most deteriorated and derelict piano I have ever seen. It must have been donated by a local wrecking company. My friend did his best, but it would have been much better had he been playing a decent instrument.
Jesus Christ is God’s superior Priest, but is there anything that can minimize this superiority? Nothing! For He ministers on the basis of a better covenant (Heb. 8).
—Be Confident, page 101
1. What are some examples of things you’ve experienced that are “less than the best”? How might the Hebrews have experienced this with regard even to the priests? In what ways would this news that there is a “better covenant” have been good news for the Hebrews?
More to Consider: There were no chairs in the Old Testament tabernacle because the work of the priests was never finished. But Jesus’ sacrifice completed the work. How would the Jewish Christians have received this once-and-for-all sacrifice? What joy would they have discovered in it? What would have been difficult to accept or understand?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from Hebrews 8 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about this verse?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
Jesus Christ, in His ascension and exaltation, “passed through the heavens” (Heb. 4:14 NASB). He is now exalted as high as anyone could be (Eph. 1:20–23; Phil. 2:5–11).
—Be Confident, page 103
3. Read the above passages from Ephesians and Philippians. Why is it important that Jesus has ascended to the highest place, at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 8:1–2)? How does this make His covenant better than the one lived out in the earthly temple in Jerusalem?
From the Commentary
We must not, however, get the impression that our Lord is offering sacrifices in heaven that correspond to the Old Testament sacrifices. The word somewhat in Hebrews 8:3 is in the singular, and the phrase to offer is in a Greek tense that implies “offer once and for all.”
—Be Confident, page 104
4. Why does it matter that Jesus offered Himself as the sacrifice once and for all? Like the animals that were sacrificed under the Aaronic system, Jesus died. But unlike them, He was resurrected. How does that make His covenant and His promises better (8:6)?
From Today’s World
The word covenant has seen little use outside of the church context in recent years except where it comes to legal issues and homeowners’ associations. In the latter usage, it refers to an agreed-upon set of rules or guidelines restricting certain homeowner activities (such as limiting the exterior colors for homes, the number of vehicles allowed outside a garage, general cleanliness, etc.).
5. In what ways do people play “fast and loose” with homeowners’ covenants? How does our understanding of the word covenant affect our understanding of Hebrews 8? What are the key differences between our modern understanding of the word covenant and the usage in Scripture?
From the Commentary
Moses was the mediator (go-between) of the old covenant in the giving of the law (Gal. 3:19–20). The people of Israel were so frightened at Mount Sinai that they begged Moses to speak to them so that they would not have to hear God speak (Ex. 20:18–21). Sad to say, this fear of God did not last long, for the people soon disobeyed the very law they promised to keep.
—Be Confident, page 106
6. Why do you think the people were so quick to disobey the law Moses brought to them from God? If they were so afraid of God, what changed?
From the Commentary
The church today is made up of regenerated Jews and Gentiles who are one body in Christ (Eph. 2:11–22; Gal. 3:27–29). All who are “in Christ” share in the new covenant, which was purchased on the cross. Today the blessings of the new covenant are applied to individuals. When Jesus comes in glory to redeem Israel, then the blessings of the new covenant will be applied to that beleaguered nation.
—Be Confident, page 108
7. Hebrews 8:8–12 quotes Jeremiah 31:31–34. According to these verses, how is the new covenant superior to the old one? Read the rest of Jeremiah 31. What plans does God have for Israel? How do these plans line up with the new covenant as established by Jesus?
From the Commentary
God did not find fault with His covenant but with His people. “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Rom. 7:12). The problem is not with the law, but with our sinful natures, for by ourselves we cannot keep God’s law.
—Be Confident, page 109
8. What makes the law “holy”? Why did God give the law in the first place if He knew we could not keep it by ourselves? What does this tell you about the way in which God works?
From the Commentary
Even though the new covenant of grace brings with it freedom from the law of Moses (Gal. 5:1), it does not bring freedom to disobey God and to sin. God still desires that the “righteousness of the law” should be fulfilled in us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:1–4). There is a lawful use of the law (1 Tim. 1:8–11).…
The law was external; God’s demands were written on tablets of stone. But the new covenant makes it possible for God’s Word to be written on human minds and hearts (2 Cor. 3:1–3). God’s grace makes possible an internal transformation that makes a surrendered believer more and more like Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).
—Be Confident, pages 108, 110
9. Hebrews 8:10 speaks of God’s law not thrown away but written on our hearts. How does God write His law on our hearts? Are we passive as God writes the law on our hearts? Or do we make some active response? Please explain how this works.
10. Is there a role for external laws/rules/commands in all of this? If so, what is it? If not, why not?
More to Consider: Read Hebrews 8:7–9. What does this passage tell us about God’s grace?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of Hebrews 8. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. What about the new covenant is difficult for you to comprehend? What about it makes you feel confident to act in faith?
12. Is God writing His law on your heart? If so, describe that process. Is there anything you need to do to cooperate in that process? If so, what?
13. In what ways have you been like the Israelites who quickly disobeyed God’s law? How is your circumstance under the new covenant different from theirs? What difference does it make to you today that Jesus is the final sacrifice for your sins?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to better cooperate with God as He writes His law on your heart? Do you need to cultivate confidence that Jesus really is the final sacrifice for your sin? Do you need to picture Him next to the Father, above all else in the universe, interceding for you? Be specific. Go back through Hebrews 8 and put a star next to the phrase or verse that is most encouraging to you. Consider memorizing this verse.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Consider all the “covenants” you and those you love experience in the everyday—commitments to do things or avoid certain behaviors in family, work, or social situations. How well are you following through on these? In what ways are these sorts of promises like the old covenant? Consider what it would take to make them look more like the new covenant—the covenant of grace.
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you’ve previously noted. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the Going Forward section. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read Hebrews 9. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapter 8, “The Superior Sanctuary,” in Be Confident.