The Hebrew people tend to find security and rest in the old ways of the old covenant, but the author attempts to introduce them to the new covenant where they can find hope once for all. Although we cannot identify with the familiarity of the old covenant, we are well versed in the desires to go back to “old ways” instead of trusting in the hope of Jesus. God desires for us to let go of the lesser things in this world and hang on to the better promises of His new covenant with us.

Scripture References

Hebrews 8:1-13
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 7:27-28
Judges 2:10
Genesis 9:12-17

I See the Lord | Vertical Church Band | iTunes

God with Us | All Sons and Daughters | iTunes
Joshua 1:9 • John 1:14 (ESV) • Psalm 68:19-20

Be Thou My Vision | Grace Church Worship
Deuteronomy 4:28-29 • Jeremiah 9:23-24 • 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

But God | The Village Church | iTunes
1 Peter 2:9 • Ephesians 2:4-7

Great and Mighty King | Elevation Worship| iTunes
Psalm 47:6-8 • Revelation 5:11-14 • Isaiah 6:1-3 • Daniel 11:3

Stronger | Hillsong Live | iTunes
Philippians 2:9-11 • Romans 6:9-10

1. The Hebrew people continue to look back to the old covenant and the comfort and familiarity of that system even though Jesus has already done away with it. Similarly, we look back to things that have already failed us or that are easy and comfortable to us because they require little work or faith. We return again and again to the mere shadows of the real thing when the real thing has already been brought to us. What thing do you continue to return to that is only a dim shadow of Jesus? Why do you keep looking back to something you know has already failed you? What is a closer and lesser thing in your life that you have made your idol?

2. Bill explained his struggle with getting comfortable in the healthy relationships surrounding him and not always remembering the compelling need to depend on God. Is your daily holy life dependent on the relationships you are clinging to or are you dependent on the work of the Holy Spirit to sustain you? Are you propped up by those around you or is your immediate and personal relationship with the Sustainer Himself your support?

3. The Hebrew people were familiar with the old covenant and the desire to fall back on the comfortable and seemingly secure Old Testament law, so the idea of a new covenant held great weight and meaning. What would it look like for you to really value our new covenant? Are these concepts hard to grasp on a daily basis? How can you practically apply these truths in your life?

Thoughts to Consider

– This world is just a dim reflection—a faint echo—of the reality of intimacy that God wants to have with the people He created.

– God covers both sides of His covenant with us—He makes the requirements clear and then fulfills them Himself on our behalf.

– The new covenant looks at the brokenness of God’s relationship with His people and makes something new that mends what they cannot mend for themselves.

– God introduces to us to three better promises if we are in Christ: a new heart and mind, a new relationship and intimacy with God, and full and final forgiveness.