“The Perfect High Priest”

Memory Verse:  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

The priests of the Old Testament, with all their human weaknesses, were merely foreshadows of our Perfect High Priest. So, before you begin, ask Him for understanding as you study - take time to focus on Him as He intercedes for you.

Review this Week’s MEMORY VERSE (Heb 4:16).  Meditate, Review! Share your verse with a friend today!

DISCUSS: What did I learn in the Sunday School lesson and the sermon about “Approach the Throne?”

Meditate upon (Heb 4:14-16) using 2PROAPT (on the back or at the bottom if online).  Be still before Him and think about what you have just read. In your own words, summarize the message of this passage in light of (Vs 12-13).

• In what ways was Jesus like us when He walked the earth? (v 15;Jn 4:6;Mt 21:18;Mk 14:34)
• Why does it matter to us that Jesus shared fully in our humanity?
• Why is it significant that Jesus “…did not sin”? (v15;7:26-27;9:14)
• Since Jesus never sinned, was it possible for Him to know the full power of temptation? Why or why not?

Apply the Word

• Why do you think the writer of Hebrews refers to the “throne” as the “throne of grace”?
• What can you expect when you approach His throne? (v 16)

Respond in Prayer

Enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise “for His mercy is everlasting”. (Ps 100) NKJV

(Resource – Faith Foundations Study Guide, Alan Perkins)

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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.