Practical Help in Reading the Letter to the Hebrews
/
The letter to the Hebrews can be a bit daunting. Yes, we have our favorite passages. Who doesn't know about the giants of the faith in chapter 11 or the exciting challenge to run our lap of the race in chapter 12? Then there's the assurance that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever in chapter 13. But what about the message of the entire book? For those of you who would like to understand the message of this Christ-exalting book, there is help! Here are a few tips for those of you who are reading the letter to the Hebrews.
Please don't get discouraged...do what you can. One of my mottoes of life is "Something is better than nothing." "All or nothing" used to be my motto...but that is unrealistic, and you'll end up with nothing most of the time. God wants to speak to us in this glorious word of His. Listen for HIM as you read!
That being said, here are some ideas that, I think, can be helpful.
There are some major warning passages scattered throughout the book...5 of them, in fact. I have found that if you block off these passages and then read through the book without them several times, it's much easier to get the flow of the author's thought.
Then after reading through that way, read the warnings within the context of the flow of thought. It is really amazing how you will be able to see why the warnings come where they do.
Here are the passages (I have drawn a box around each of them in my text of Hebrews):
Warning #1 = 2:1-4 Warning #2 = 3:7-4:13 Warning #3 = 5:11-6:20 Warning #4 = 10:26-39 Warning #5 = 12:15-29
After you read and get the flow of thought and then put the warnings back in, take a look at this outline to further help you:
Plan of the Epistle to the Hebrews
Listening via audio can also be helpful. If you have the Bible on CD or MP3, pop that in your player and listen. Here is a link to a youtube audio of Hebrews:
May you be blessed as you read, dear sisters and brothers!
Thy Word
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path
When I feel afraid And think I've lost my way Still, You're there right beside me Nothing will I fear As long as You are near Please be near me to the end
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path
I will not forget Your love for me and yet My heart forever is wandering Jesus by my guide And hold me to Your side And I will love You to the end
Nothing will I fear As long as You are near Please be near me to the end
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path Thy word is a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path And a light unto my path You're the light unto my path
JESUS IS BETTER, intro Class Notes
