1. How does this passage relate to [Hebrews] 12:12-17? How does the fact that you have not come to Sinai help you put into action the author's imperatives in verses 12 - 17? Thing about each imperative.
Because Christians operate under a gospel of liberty, grace and peace. We enter into the grace of God by the blood of Christ. As Christ has shown us such grace and paid such a price to obtain mercy for us, we ought to show grace and share grace with those around us. We ought also to marry this grace with personal integrity making our paths straight and not ensnaring ourselves to sin or earthly appetites. Esau (vss 16-17) was a man led astray by his earthly appetites into profanity. We should winsomely and graciously work in our communities to discourage evil and lead others to freedom in Christ.
2. Why does the writer juxtapose Mount Sinai and Mount Zion.
At Mount Sinai the law was given and it was a terrifying experience for the people of Israel. The event emphasized the glory, holiness, and how the sin of the people had separated them from God. Mount Zion is associated with the earthly Jerusalem (just outside of which Christ paid the price for our sins and created a way to God) and the eschatological new Jerusalem, the Kingdom of Heaven which is and which is coming and the peace we have in Christ.
3. How does the author use the command to stone an animal to draw out the severity of the scene at Sinai? How has Jesus displaced this command in the new covenant?
The dumb animal was to be stoned to emphasize the holiness of God's presence and that no unclean, corrupted thing could enter into His presence. Jesus, in contrast is both sacrifice and high priest and has secured grace for us to enter into the presence of God (by prayer) by his atoning sacrifice and mediation.
4. In your own words, explain why the use of the word not in verse 18 is so critical to understanding this passage and our relationship to God in the new covenant.
Rather than a physical meeting place where our separation from God was emphasized. We ascend the spiritual mount Zion where we come into the presence of God and into relationship with him through the will of God the Father, sacrifice and service of God the Son and ministry of God the Holy Spirit.
5. Why is Sinai no longer the mountain on which Christians define their experience with God? On what basis do Christians now come to Zion?
Christ is the fulfillment of the law and so we are not bound under the old covenant, but free under the law of liberty to approach God in His Righteousness.
6. How should Christians think of the old covenant in light of Christ's fulfillment of it?
The old covenant was instructive to the revelation of our need for a savior and the truth of God's holiness and our fallen nature.
7. Explain why a proper reading of verses 22 and 23 requires reading through the lens of the already-not-yet tension.
Christ taught that the Kingdom of God was at hand. It was established in His ministry here on earth. We enjoy some of the benefits of that spiritual kingdom now. However, the Kingdom of God has not reached it's ultimate fulfillment, where it fills all the earth and is a kingdom without end or rival.
8. What is the significance in connecting Zion to the eschatological new Jerusalem? How does the author's usage of the word city play into this significance? What does it ell us about God's kingdom?
Just as the earthly mount Sinai is juxtaposed with the spiritual mount Zion, so the earthly mount Zion and the Earthly Jerusalem are referential to the heavenly Jerusalem.
9. Why is Jesus's blood superior to the blood sacrifice offered by Abel? Why does the author compare the blood offered by Abel with the blood offered by Jesus.
The sacrifice of Abel looked forward to the ultimate sacrifice for Sin, Jesus. The sacrifice of Abel was temporary in it's efficacy (he would have needed to sacrifice again had he not been murdered), while Christ's was sacrifice once for all sins of all people for all time. The blood of murdered Able cried out in condemnation of his murderer. The blood of murdered Christ cries out also for the forgiveness of his murders if they will but accept it (of which I bear guilt for my sin also murdered Him).
10. How does the glorious picture of Zion in this passage help you endure in the faith? Why do you think the writer chose to use this picture to motivate his readers to endure to the end?
Whereas previously we were instructed to remember the example of our Lord and Savior in our suffering that we might better endure to the end, now we are instructed to to consider how much better a kingdom and covenant for which we suffer persecution. As the Christ exemplifies how we ought to endure, the righteousness which his suffering endurance secured for us allows us to enter into relationship and intimacy with God and gives us a reason to endure, the hope that where He is, there we may be also.
Closing Scripture
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
The picture is "Burned Memories" by Ryan McGuire at IMCreator.com and is under a creative commons license.
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