Christ Superiority to Moses - Hebrews 3:1-6
Pastor John Opferman
September 26, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Opening Scripture: Hebrews Chapter 3, Verses 1-6
Theme: The superiority of Christ over Moses, emphasizing Jesus as our ultimate Apostle and High Priest.
Prayer: Inviting God to open hearts and minds to His truths.
Understanding Christ's Superiority
Background in Hebrews:
Hebrews 1: Christ's superiority over prophets.
Hebrews 2: Christ’s superiority over angels.
Hebrews 3: Christ's superiority over Moses.
Context:
In the Old Testament, prophets pointed forward to Christ.
In the New Testament, apostles pointed back to Christ.
We now point in both directions: Christ came and is coming again.
The Audience Addressed (Hebrews 3:1)
Holy Brethren:
Made holy not by our actions but through Christ.
Hebrews 2:11: Christ sanctifies us, making us holy and His brethren.
Partakers of the Heavenly Calling:
Jesus became flesh and blood to elevate us to a heavenly calling.
We have a higher purpose, no longer tied to this world but connected to heaven.
Consider the Apostle and High Priest (Hebrews 3:1)
The Call to "Consider":
Meaning: Observe fully and reflect deeply.
Just as Christ asked His disciples to "consider the lilies," we must consider Jesus in detail.
Jesus as 'The Apostle':
The highest office, the one sent by God.
Unlike other apostles, Jesus was the ultimate sent one, being both sender and message.
Jesus as 'The High Priest':
Our mediator between God and man.
This role emphasizes His current work, interceding on our behalf.
Comparing Christ and Moses (Hebrews 3:2-6)
Faithfulness:
Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house.
Jesus was faithful as the Son over His own house.
Moses: A Servant; Jesus: The Son:
Moses served faithfully, but he was a part of the house, not its builder.
Jesus, the Son, built the house, emphasizing His authority and divinity.
Moses' Role:
Moses led the Israelites as earthly brethren, establishing them as a nation.
He served as a prophet, priest, and type of king.
Christ's Greater Role:
Jesus offers a heavenly calling and builds the spiritual house of God.
He is not just a part of the house; He is its builder and owner.
The Builder and the House (Hebrews 3:4-5)
Christ as Creator:
Every house is built by someone, but God built everything.
Jesus, therefore, is not only the builder but also God Himself.
Moses' Role as a Servant:
Moses was faithful in leading Israel, but he was still a servant.
Jesus is the Master, not just a servant, and has ultimate authority over the house.
Holding Fast to Our Faith (Hebrews 3:6)
Confidence and Rejoicing:
We are part of Christ's house if we hold firmly to our faith, confidence, and hope until the end.
Importance of perseverance and continuing in faith, not drifting away.
The Warning Against Drifting:
Just as in Hebrews 2, there's a reminder to hold onto the truths and not let them slip away.
The danger of becoming religious without maintaining a relationship with Christ.
Application and Conclusion
Christ as the Preeminent One:
Understand the superiority of Christ over Moses and all others.
Jesus is the Apostle and High Priest who offers us salvation and intercession.
Our Role in Christ’s House:
As believers, we are to be "lively stones," a part of the spiritual house He is building.
We must remain faithful, confident, and rejoicing in our hope until the end.
Prayer:
Encouraging believers to continue in faith, remain part of Christ's household, and hold fast to His truths.
Final Reflection
Challenge: Are we maintaining a relationship with Christ or simply following religious routines?
Encouragement: Keep Christ as the center, knowing He is faithful, and we must hold fast in our journey of faith.
Biblical References
Hebrews 3:1-6 (Primary Passage)
Discusses Jesus as the Apostle and High Priest, who is more faithful and greater than Moses.
Hebrews 2:11
"For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren."
Hebrews 2:14
"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil."
John 1:18
"No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
John 17:12
"While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled."
John 20:21
"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you."
Ephesians (Referenced generally)
Speaks about believers "sitting in heavenly places."
1 Peter 2:2-5
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
Colossians (Referenced generally)
Refers to Christ building all things by Himself and for Himself.
John 8:30-31
"As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed."
Reflection Questions
How do I currently view Christ's role as both the Apostle and High Priest in my life? In what ways can I consider Him more deeply and intentionally as the center of my faith?
What can I learn from the faithfulness of Jesus compared to Moses, and how can I apply that level of trustworthiness in my own walk with God?
In what ways have I experienced being a 'partaker of the heavenly calling'? How can I be more aware of my identity as a member of Christ's spiritual house?
Am I holding fast to the confidence and hope in Christ as instructed in Hebrews 3:6, or do I find myself drifting from my faith? What practical steps can I take to remain steadfast in my relationship with Christ?
How does understanding that Christ is the builder and owner of the house change my perspective on my role within the body of believers? How can I better support and strengthen the spiritual house that Christ is building?
Daily Activities
Recognizing Christ's Supremacy
Activity: Take 10 minutes each day this week to meditate on the superiority of Christ, reflecting on Hebrews 3:1-6. Write down one way to honor Christ's authority and faithfulness in your life.
Application: By reflecting daily on Christ’s role as the builder of your spiritual house, you will grow in recognizing His leadership and allow His presence to guide your actions and decisions.
Building a Spiritual Community
Activity: Gather with your family or friends for a group devotion and read Hebrews 3:1-6 together. Discuss how each person can contribute to Christ’s spiritual house.
Application: Through this shared experience, you'll reinforce the understanding that you are all "living stones" in God’s house, inspiring each other to strengthen your faith and commitment to one another as a spiritual family.
Holding Fast to Faith
Activity: Dedicate time each morning this week to prayer, focusing on Christ as both the apostle and high priest. Specifically pray about one area where you need to "hold fast the confidence" in your faith.
Application: This practice will deepen your reliance on Christ's faithfulness and help you face challenges with a renewed sense of trust and assurance in Him.
Serving with Christ-like Faithfulness
Activity: Find a way to serve in your church or local community this week, following Christ’s example of faithfulness as a servant. Volunteer for a ministry, reach out to someone in need, or support an ongoing project.
Application: Serving others as Christ did will not only reinforce your role in His house but also help you cultivate a heart of humility, mirroring the servant nature of Jesus.
Deepening Understanding through Study
Activity: Commit to studying Hebrews 3 every day this week, focusing on one verse at a time, and journal your thoughts and reflections on how each verse applies to your life.
Application: This daily study will help you internalize the message of Christ’s superiority and faithfulness, enabling you to apply His teachings in your actions, relationships, and personal spiritual journey.
