Hebrews 1: A Better Family // Dr. Jeff Warren
Channel: Park Cities Baptist Church
Date: 11/06/2023

SERMON RESPONSE GUIDE
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE: 
HEBREWS 2:5-18 ESV
5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
    or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
    you have crowned him with glory and honor,
8     putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
    in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
KEY POINTS
God invites us into a better family (God’s family) who lives in God’s Kingdom and creates culture that reflects God’s Kingdom.
To participate in God’s family is to be:
1)    Cared for and care for others
2)    Crowned with value, dignity, significance, and worth
3)    Given a divine purpose as an integral part of the family business
A healthy family:
1)    Recognizes God’s care
2)    Puts value and significance on each member
3)    Ensures each person is important
MEMORY VERSE
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,”
-Hebrews 2:11 ESV

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:

1: Have you ever thought of Jesus as your brother?

How does thinking of Jesus as our brother give you a greater understanding of who he is?
How does thinking of Jesus as our brother give you a greater understanding of who we are?
2: What would you consider marks of an ideal family?

Why do you think the language of family is used to describe God’s relationship to God’s people?
Likewise, why do you think the language of family is used to describe interpersonal relationships in the Kingdom of God?
3: Review this week’s memory verse (Hebrews 2:11) and answer the question that follows.

What good news do you find in this verse?
4: What is an inheritance?

In Christ, what have we inherited?
5: What is the primary truth God revealed to you today?

How will you respond?
Who do you know who you can encourage with the truth this week?
 
PRAY
Lord, thank you for inviting us to participate in your better family. Not only have you adopted us by your Spirit to cry out to you as our Abba Father, but you have given us a new family with one another in Christ. We confess we have failed to live into and live out of the Kingdom realities that are ours in you. Make your ways known to us, Lord, and teach us your paths. May your Kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.