CG Discussion Guide

Watch the Sermon Here

Text: Hebrews 1:1-4

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 

Summary:
The book of Hebrews invites us into a breathtaking vision of Jesus Christ that transforms everything about God's communication with humanity. We discover that God didn't leave us fumbling in darkness—He spoke through prophets throughout the Old Testament, but then did something extraordinary: He spoke through His Son. This isn't just another prophet or teacher; this is God Himself coming in the flesh to reveal who He truly is. The seven excellencies of Christ presented here paint an awe-inspiring portrait: Jesus as heir of all things, creator of the world, the radiance of God's glory, the exact imprint of God's nature, the sustainer of the universe, the one who purifies us from sin, and the one seated at the right hand of majesty. These aren't just theological concepts—they're invitations to know the One who holds everything together, including our broken lives. When we face darkness, despair, relational conflict, or the weight of our own sin, the answer genuinely is Jesus. Not as a Sunday school cliché, but as the living reality that He is better than anything else we could pursue, and He alone can reconcile us to the Father we long to know.

Key Takeaways:

1. God is a Self-Revealing God - He has spoken throughout history but primarily through His Son, Jesus
2. The Seven Excellencies of Christ - Heir of all things, creator of the world, radiance of God's glory, exact imprint of His nature, upholds the universe, made purification for sins, sat down at the right hand of God
3. Jesus is Better - He is better than all of the good systems from the Old Testament

Discussion Questions:

1. How much experience do you have with the Old Testament? How familiar are you with the things mentioned in the sermon (prophets, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Temple sacrificial system, etc.)?
2. What are you excited to learn about in the book of Hebrews?
3. Why do you think the author of Hebrews begins by emphasizing that God has spoken? What does this tell us about God's character and His desire for relationship with us?
4. Are there any of the 7 excellences of Jesus ones you want to spend more time thinking about? Which aspects of Jesus do you tend to focus on in your day to day thinking?
5. In what area of your life do you most need to remember that "Jesus is better"? (Better than your hopes, dreams, aspirations, sin, fears, etc.)
6. The warning passages in Hebrews urge believers not to shrink back but to go on toward maturity. What would spiritual maturity look like in your life this year?

Practical Applications:

Choose one of the following to practice this week:

1. Worship Through the Word: Each day this week, meditate on one of the seven excellencies of Christ. 
2. Look to Jesus: Identify one specific area where you're struggling (sin, sadness, sickness, relational conflict, etc.) and intentionally "look to Jesus" by praying, reading Scripture about His character, and asking Him to meet you there.
3. Share the Better News: Think of someone who needs to hear that Jesus is better than what they're currently pursuing. Pray for an opportunity to share with them this week.
4. Study Deeper: Read through the entire book of Hebrews this week and take notes on how Jesus is portrayed throughout.