Let us begin by summarizing how the book unfolds in its arguments. To better appreciate this, we highly recommend that you read through the entire letter at least once before continuing.
Open Text
In a way, the book of Hebrews is quite simple to understand. It opens with a grand declaration (1:1-3) that Christ is superior to the previously revealed Levitical order for our redemption. The rest of the letter is a series of illustrations and proofs of this fact, each of which is followed by the interjection "therefore, we must/let us [do this/that]."
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Therefore, we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. <2:1)
Therefore, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. (3:1)
Therefore, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. (4:1)
Therefore, let us make every effort to enter that rest, so that no-one will fall by following their example of disobedience. (4:11)
Therefore, et us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (4:14)
Therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, . . . (6:1)
Therefore, . . . let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (10:19-22)
Therefore, . . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (12:1)
Therefore, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, . . . (12:28)
Therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name. (13:15)
In-between these interjections the author offers reasons, expositions, illustrations, etc, for his exhortations to his audience to "let us" do this and that, all of which add up to a call to persevere in the faith despite the pressures they were facing.
Beyond the simplicity of this line of argument, scholars are not agreed exactly about how the actual arguments of the letter are structured. Peter O'Brien notes:
The letter to the Hebrews is widely recognized as a literary masterpiece that has been carefully constructed. Yet there is little agreement about the shape of that structure. Exegetes differ as to the major and minor divisions of the discourse as well as the development of its argument. For a literary masterpiece this is rather surprising, as one would expect it to be coherent with a clear train of thought. At a popular level the epistle has often been read as a series of proof texts, while 'the NT specialist has not fared any better' in following the author's movement of thought.
Peter O'Brien, The Letter to the Hebrews (PNTC; Grand Rapids/Cambridge: Eerdmans, 2010), 22-23.
A broad outline of the author's argument may, nonetheless, be discerned along the following lines:
I. God has spoken to us through His Son, 1:1-3.
II. His Son is Superior to Angels, 1:4-2:18.
III. His Son is Superior to Moses & the Promises Given through him, 3:1-4:13.
IV. His Son is Superior to the Levitical High-Priests & the Sacrifices they offered, 4:14-10:18.
V. The 'Great Therefore' — Implications & Reasons for Persevering in our Faith in the Son, 10:19-12:29.
VI. Concluding Exhortation
Whether academic scholars will be happy with such an outline or not, if you structure a series of sermons along these lines, you would have covered the main thrusts of the book in a way that is exegetically faithful.
Low Chai Hok
©Alberith, 2016
©ALBERITH