Sermon notes:
1. Humans lost control over the creation, leaving us with a desire for power, control, and self-importance. By Jesus’ victory on the cross, significance is restored. (Hebrews 2:5-9)
2. We live in a world of broken relationships and selfish individualism. By sharing in our suffering, Jesus made us part of God’s family. (Hebrews 2:10-13)
3. Death threatened our future and gave Satan power over our lives. Through his death on our behalf, Jesus broke Satan’s power, reclaimed our destiny, and set us free from fear. (Hebrews 2:14-18)
Some Questions to consider this week:
1. When is the last time you watched The Ten Commandments? Why doesn’t Hollywood make movies like this anymore?
2. In Hebrews 2, the author ponders the ways that Jesus fulfilled the destiny planned for humanity and secured a future for God’s people. To do these things, He had to become human like us. Read Genesis 1:26-28 and Genesis 2:15. What was God’s plan for human beings over the created universe? While we lost control over creation, His plan for us never changed. Read Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Peter 1:3-4; Revelation 21:1-5. What do we learn about God from these verses?
3. Read Philippians 2:14-15; Romans 8:16-17; 1 John 3:1-2; Hebrews 13:1-3. The idea that God’s people are family is very different from the individualism in our world today. How does it challenge you to live differently?
4. Read Hebrews 2:14-15. The author of Hebrews tells us that the devil held power over us because of our death. We all still die, as humans, but Satan’s power has been broken by Christ. Read 1 Corinthians15:54-56. Why shouldn’t “fear of death” control those who have trusted Christ? How has Satan’s power over you been broken?
5. Read Hebrews 2:18. The author of Hebrews ends chapter 2 by noting that Jesus can help those who suffer when they are tempted because He also was tempted. In other words, He understands us and won’t leave us when we need him. The word translated “tempted” can also be translated “tested.” What are some difficulties you are facing that the Deliverer can help you with?