To understand the book of Hebrews, you have to understand the Old Testament. An overview of Biblical history starting with creation and original sin, through God's covenants with Abraham and David, and including times of idolatry and captivity for the people of Israel.

Why should Jesus be an authority in my life? The author of Hebrews gives two reasons: because of who he is and because of what he has done. Hebrews repeatedly cites the Old Testament to show that Jesus fulfills many prophesies, demonstrating who he is. And Jesus took our sins on himself on the cross, demonstrating his love for us. The audience of Hebrews were under intense pressure to deny Jesus. Hebrews is reminding them that there is only one way to be made right with God (through Jesus) and it's not tradition or religion but relationship.

The author of Hebrews begins to demonstrate that the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, and has made it obsolete. In these chapters, he outlines how Jesus is a new and better High Priest, one who is forever and intercedes not only for the Jewish people, but for all who would believe in him.

The author of Hebrews addresses questions of both Hebraic and Hellenistic Jews as to who exactly Jesus is. He argues that Jesus is both God and man, which made it possible for him to die for us, and also means that he understands our human experience. Because of the great value Jesus places on us, we can live without fear of death, knowing that we are loved, valued, and important.

The author of Hebrews warns his audience not to harden their hearts during difficult times, lest they not be able to enter God's rest. This passage is not talking about heaven, but rather experiencing the blessings and abundant life God wants to give us as we follow him. We can avoid hardening our hearts by spending quiet time listening to God, guarding our heart, giving generously, avoiding the trap of sin, and persevering to the end.

The author of Hebrews says we should fear failing to enter God's rest. Contrary to popular opinion, Christians should not fear rejecting God's provision and losing their salvation (for that would be inconsistent with the rest of scripture), but rather, we should fear failing to embrace the fullness of life God has in store for those who trust and rest in him.

The author of Hebrews explains how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament temple and sacrificial system, the final sacrifice that actually took away sin. This new covenant means that Jews no longer needed to follow the old system, which was only a picture of what was to come. People today are also made right with God through Christ's blood alone and do not need to follow laws, perform rituals, or do good works to be made right with God.

The author of Hebrews defines true faith as a combination of trust and action, citing figures from the Old Testament to illustrate his point. Following Jesus won't necessarily make us happy and can be costly, but it is evidence-based, faith-centered, and relationally and eternally rewarding.\r\n

The author of Hebrews gives several examples of Biblical characters who lived by faith, knowing that this world was not their true home but that they were just passing through, and that their true home was in Heaven. We can learn from their example by putting the word of God above the opinions of others, surrendering control to God, and acting on truth even when we have doubts.

Having defined faith, the author of Hebrews now explains how to walk in faith--orienting our lives more toward living for God. We do this by learning from the example of others, agreeing with God about the burden of sin, not quitting the race, and remembering that spiritual growth is a process.

The author of Hebrews discusses suffering and how God can use suffering to discipline us like a good parent disciplines a child. It is a mark of our sonship and God often uses suffering to hone our character or make us more dependent on Him. There is no avoiding suffering in this life, but our response can either allow God to use our pain to grow us and help others, or cause us to become bitter, self-centered, and alienated.

After defining faith as believing God's promises and putting them into action, the author of Hebrews now writes about making God's priorities our priorities. It's easy to agree with priorities like living in peace with others and forgiveness, but when we are faced with putting those things into action, we often find that we hold competing priorities and it is easier said than done. Often it is our choices that reveal what our top priorities are.

The author of Hebrews concludes by issuing a series of imperatives, urging believers to continue to love one another. A healthy church must love those outside the community of believers, love other one another, and, in marriages, love their spouse, especially when times are difficult.

The author of Hebrews concludes by urging believers to continually offer thanks and praise to God. We can show love to God by saying thank you and giving glory to God, living our life with God, singing and praising Him, being generous to others in need, and shepherding His sheep.