Hebrews 1:4-13 Jesus is Better because: BC 3/98

I.  He is the Faithful Son of the Father

4  Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  5  For to which of the angels said he at any time, You art my Son, this day have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (cf. Ac 13:33)

Jesus’ inheritance (as well as ours) is based upon his faithfulness as an obedient son

Php 2:9  Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

II. He is Praiseworthy

6  And again when he brings in the firstbegotten into the world, he says, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7  And of the angels he says, Who makes his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.

His Worship is based on His Worth which is exhibited in His Works (Worship is a response to revelation)

Re 5:12  Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive... honor and glory...

III. His Throne is forever

8a  But unto the Son he says, Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever:

The Son will rule on David’s throne with those loyal to Him  

2 Sam 7; 1 Ch:22:10  He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

Rev 3:21  To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. (Mt 19:28; Pr 25:28)

IV. He is Righteous from the Heart

8b a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9  You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above thy companions.

The Son will rule in righteousness (Rev 11:15)

Righteousness is an expression of values

Righteousness results in joy (Joy comes from choosing what is best.)

The Messiah’s joy is shared with faithful companions (Mt 19:28)

V. He’s the Alpha and Omega

10  And, You, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of your hands: 11  They shall perish; but you remain; and they all shall wax old as does a garment;

12  And as a vesture shall you fold them up, and they shall be changed: but you are the same, and your years shall not fail. 13  But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?

Jesus endures; He gave Himself for that which endures

He lets His Father fight the battles

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Do you have any control over your inheritance? Do you have any control over your righteousness?

2. Why would one expect to share in Jesus’ joy without sharing in His righteousness?

3. Does God value our worship? Why? Of what is He worthy? How do we demonstrate that God is worthy?

4. Are there legitimate times for fighting our enemies or must God always fight our battles?

5. If everything under heaven is a dirty T-shirt,  why do we spend our days bronzing and polishing laundry?