“The Superiority of Christ Over Angels”
(Source – IVP daily Bible Study)

Spend a few moments reviewing last week’s study of (Heb 1:1-4) then focus upon what you have learned and experienced of the supremacy of Christ – His attributes, majesty, glory, and power. Take time to praise Him for who He is and what He has done for you and the world!

Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE (Heb 1:8).  Let’s hide the Word of God in our heart; MEDITATE; REVIEW!

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and the sermon about “The Superiority of Christ?”

Meditate upon (Heb 1:4-14) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online).  These verses contain seven quotations from the Old Testament; if you have a study Bible, try to find and read the source of each.

• What characteristics or attributes of Jesus found in these verses prove that He is superior to the angels?
• Who is the source of all these astounding statements (vv. 5-8,10,13)?
• What do you learn about angels from these verses?

Apply the Word

• What needs in your life do these attributes of Jesus address?
• How should your life be different because all this is true of Jesus?

Respond in Prayer

Pray that your life will reflect your knowledge of Jesus so that others may see Him in you.

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Intimacy with God: Your Quiet Time –2PROAPT

 Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word.  We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it.  Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn.

Study a short passage (couple of paragraphs) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.

• Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and give you understanding. Remember, your goal is to meet with Him, so spend time in Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (ACTS) – the supplication is to understand the Word, to know Him and to enjoy Him!
• Preview – Read the passage quickly; what’s the topic or theme? Did you notice anything in particular?
• Read – Read the passage again more slowly.  Is God trying to tell you something?  Is there something you haven’t noticed before?  
• Observe – Read the passage again out loud.  Look at each word; each phrase; underline or mark key words; vary the emphasis you place on the words.  What is He saying to you; what is He asking you to do?  Paraphrase the passage in your own words.
• Apply – Is there a command to obey; a sin to confess or an action to take?  How can you apply this scripture to your life?  Does He want you to do it now?
• Pray – Pray that He would enable you to do what He has told you to do in applying the scripture. Memorize (Phil 2:13); stand upon its truth. Be still before Him, listen, and let the Word saturate your thoughts and your heart.
• Tell – Write in your journal what He has revealed to you, then share with someone what you have learned. Don’t place your light under a basket (Mt 5:15). Remember to have a plan, a place, a purpose (to meet with Him), and finally – PERSEVERE, even when you don’t feel like it or don’t think you have the time, give God the “first fruits” of your day! Early mornings are wonderful in His presence; set your alarm clock 20 minutes earlier.
  

Hebrews: God speaks about His Son

“The fundamental truth set forth in Hebrews is that Christ Himself, the Son of God, is God’s message, His voice to us.” (W.R. Newell) In the next few weeks God will lift before you the wonderful Christ in all His radiance so that you will truly know Him. Set aside time this week to read the book in one sitting – takes about an hour – but time well spent!

Review the MEMORY VERSE (Heb 1:3).  Let’s hide the Word of God in our heart; MEDITATE, what does the verse say to you?  Pray for understanding.  Review, Review, Review!

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and the sermon about “The Superiority of Christ?”

Meditate upon (Heb 1:1-4) using 2PROAPT that you learned recently.  “God spoke”; let Him speak to you through this scripture. Look for the seven wonderful statements that He makes about His Son in verses ( 2-3).

• How do verses (1-3) reveal the essential truth of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency?
• Based on what we learn in verses (2-3), how would you answer the question "Who is Jesus Christ?"

Apply the Word

• What needs in your life do these qualities of Jesus address?
• What kind of life should you have because all this is true of Jesus?

Respond in Prayer
Pray that your life will reflect your knowledge of Jesus.

Based upon Dr. Stanley’s Life Principle Notes

Baptism is such an important part of discipleship that Jesus included it in the Great Commission (Mt. 28:19). A person’s sins are forgiven based on faith in Christ alone, but baptism is an important symbol of death to our old life and way of living and a new beginning in Jesus Christ.

Review the MEMORY VERSE (Mt 4:4).  Let’s hide the Word of God in our heart; MEDITATE, what does the verse say to you?  Pray for understanding.  Review, Review, Review!

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and the sermon about “Basic Steps to Christian Growth?”

Meditate upon (Acts 8:25-40) using 2PROAPT that you learned last week.  What prompted Philip to take the road to Gaza (v. 26)? Who or what prompted Philip to join the chariot (v. 29)? How did Philip get into sharing the Gospel (v. 30-31)? Is God revealing anything to you about His nature, His will, and His ways through this passage?  What did the Ethiopian want to do after Philip shared the scriptures with him (v. 36-38)? Verse 37 is not included in some of the older manuscripts, but is consistent with New Testament teaching that belief comes first, then baptism.  Why do you think the Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing?”

Application:  Phillip used the Jewish Scriptures to explain the Gospel to the Ethiopian.

• Could you show someone O.T. prophecies that were fulfilled in Jesus?
• Could you share the plan of salvation using the New Testament?
  
• If you answered no to either of the questions, how could you be more prepared (1 Pet 3:15)?

Two key elements in having intimacy with God are prayer and the Word.  We come to the Word of God not just to read it, but to understand what He is saying to us and to determine how He wants us to apply it to our lives; asking Him for the strength and will to apply it.  Finally, writing it down and sharing it with another so that they might also learn.

This Week: Study (Ephesians 5:21-33) using an acrostic called: 2PROAPT.

• Pray – Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the passage and give you understanding. Remember, your goal is to meet with Him, so spend time in Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication (ACTS) – the supplication is to understand the Word, to know Him and to enjoy Him!
• Preview – Read the passage quickly; what’s the topic or theme? Did you notice anything in particular?
• Read – Read the passage again more slowly.  Is God trying to tell you something?  Is there something you haven’t noticed before?  
• Observe – Read the passage again.  Look at each word; each phrase; vary the emphasis you place on the words.  What is He saying to you; what is He asking you to do?  Paraphrase the passage in your own words.
• Apply – Is there a command to obey; a sin to confess or an action to take?  How can you apply this scripture to your life?  Does He want you to do it now?
• Pray – Pray that He would enable you to do what He has told you to do in applying the scripture. Memorize (Phil 2:13); stand upon its truth. Be still before Him, listen, and let the Word saturate your thoughts and your heart.
• Tell – Write in your journal what He has revealed to you, then share with someone what you have learned. Don’t place your light under a basket (Mt 5:15).
  

Remember to have a plan, a place, a purpose (to meet with Him), and finally – PERSEVERE, even when you don’t feel like it or think you don’t have time; early mornings can be wonderful in His presence!