Welcome to CALLED Men’s Group!  If you're looking to move forward in your faith, then this is the place for you!  We are a group of men, called by God to understand who He is, who we are, and what we are CALLED to do for Him!  We study the Bible & discuss together, find projects where we can give back, and encourage each other in spiritual growth! 

INTRODUCTION: Welcome everyone, this is the fourth meeting of the Spring 2026 Semester for the Called Men’s
Growth Group – we are now halfway through the semester. We will meet every Wednesdays through June 24, 2026.
We are continuing our SOAP Bible study* of the book of Hebrews. (*SOAP study: Scripture, Observation, Application,
Prayer and Questions.) Reminder: there are no specific prerequisites or formal “membership” required to attend, and
you do not have to have been at a previous meeting to attend tonight. Our purpose is to come together, read and
study God’s word, develop an understanding, grow in our faith and have a friendly discussion. Please keep in mind
that we are all in different places of our faith journey; we all come from various backgrounds, have different points of
view. It does not matter if you’ve been a believer for 10 seconds, 10-years, or your entire lifetime; everyone is
welcome; everyone has value; everyone has a voice. If there are different points of view, we should not feel attacked
or be hostile to one another; it is our different points of view that add to the discussion. We came together tonight as
friends and brothers in Christ, and we should leave the same (as friends and brothers in Christ).

Often there is no right or wrong answer; just interpretation of scripture and Biblical scholars don’t always agree either;
ultimately, JESUS IS THE ANSWER.

/// Go around the room and have people introduce themselves. ///

BACKGROUND, HISTORY AND AUDIENCE:
The book of Hebrews is often called a masterpiece of New Testament theology. It is less like a standard letter and more
like a transcript or notes for a powerful sermon. The author dives straight into the deep end of theology without the
typical introductory greetings of a letter or identification of the author.

1. The Mystery of Authorship
For centuries, the church debated who wrote Hebrews. While the King James Version traditionally attributed it to Paul,
most modern scholars agree that the writing style, vocabulary, and theological focus differ significantly from Paul’s
known letters (like Romans or Galatians).
For more information regarding the author of Hebrews see: https://www.gotquestions.org/author-Hebrews.html

• Suggested authors include Barnabas, Apollos (known for his eloquence and knowledge of the Old Testament),

Luke, or even Priscilla.

• Ultimately, even though today, the author remains unknown and anonymous. Regardless, we can use the

message of the Book of Hebrews to further and deepen our faith.

2. Date and Audience

•  The Date: Biblical scholars believe the book was written before AD 70. The author speaks of the Jewish

sacrificial system and Temple rituals in the present tense. If the Romans had already destroyed the Temple
(which happened in AD 70), the author almost certainly would have mentioned it to prove that the old system
had ended.

• The Audience: The NLT translation does not include a heading, but some Bible translations, like the KJV include

a title "To the Hebrews" which was added to the text; it accurately reflects the target of Jewish Christians.
These believers were facing intense persecution and under pressure. Many believers were bullied and
tempted into abandoning their faith in Christ and return to the "safety" of traditional Judaism and the Mosaic
Law, in order to avoid Roman and Jewish hostility.

KEY THEMES, HISTORICAL IMPACT AND PURPOSE OF THE BOOK:
3. The Core Message: "Jesus is Better"
The book of Hebrews is a sustained argument for the supremacy of Jesus Christ. The author systematically proves that
Jesus is greater than every pillar of the Jewish faith:

• Greater than Angels: Jesus is the divine Son of God.
• Greater than Moses: Moses was a servant in God's house; Jesus is the Son of God, over the house.
• Greater than the Priesthood: Jesus is our High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.
• Greater than the Old Covenant: Jesus offers us a better promise than the old covenant and was THE FINAL

sacrifice – which ended the Jewish sacrificial system to atone for sins and salvation. Jesus served as the final
and perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all. Jesus’ sacrifice, replaced the need for repeated animal sacrifices
and established a new covenant that offers complete forgiveness and atonement for salvation. While the
theological end occurred with Jesus’ death, the actual Jewish end of animal sacrifices took place with the
destruction of the Jewish temple in 70 AD, which some Christians view as divine confirmation of the new
covenant.

4. Historical Impact: The "Hall of Faith"
One of the most famous historical summaries in the Bible is found in Hebrews 11. The author recounts the history of
Israel—from Abel and Abraham to Moses and Rahab—to show that faith has always been the requirement for pleasing
God.

5. Purpose of the Book
The history of Hebrews is rooted in exhortation; that is an earnest appeal, urge, or encouraging advice aimed at
persuading someone to take action or follow a specific course of conduct. The author uses five "warning passages" to
tell the readers: Do not drift away. Because Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, turning back to the old shadows is
not just a mistake—it is a spiritual disaster.

The book concludes with a call to run with endurance, looking past the immediate suffering toward the city that is to
come.

PRAYER: This Week’s Prayer: Father God, we thank you for allowing us to come together tonight and study your
word. Lord, Your word is Truth, it is a sword to protect us from the enemy. Lord, help us remain rooted in you, help us
to learn and know Your voice, so that we can remain obedient to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen


Scripture - Read: Hebrews 7 & 8

Observation, Application & Questions: (Identify/Discuss Among the Group)
Key verses and topics for discussion, Hebrews Chapters 7 & 8:
In chapters 7 and 8, the author of Hebrews takes a deep dive into theology to prove a massive point: Jesus is
completely superior to the old system. By exploring the mysterious Old Testament figure Melchizedek, the author
demonstrates that Jesus' priesthood is permanent, perfect, and introduces a far better covenant built on better
promises..

1. The Mystery of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1–10) The author introduces Melchizedek, an ancient king and priest who
appeared out of nowhere in Genesis to bless Abraham. Because there is no record of his birth, death, or genealogy, he
serves as a living picture of the Son of God.

• Discussion: Have group perform a Google Search “Who is Melchizedek?” – Discuss results.

Have group perform a Google search “Christophany theory of Melchizedek.” – Discuss results.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Melchizedek.html

2. The Need for a New System (Hebrews 7:11–14) Verse 11 asks a blunt question: If the old priesthood could have
made us perfect, why did God need to send a different priest? Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, a family line that
had absolutely no legal right to be priests under the old law.

• Question: Why can "rules" and "systems" never truly make a person perfect in God's eyes? In what ways do

we still try to rely on religious rules today instead of relying on what Jesus offers?

3. The Power of an Indestructible Life (Hebrews 7:15–19) The author highlights that Jesus became a priest "not by
meeting the old requirement of physical descent, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed."

• Question: Human priests eventually died and had to be replaced, but Jesus lives forever. How does knowing

that Jesus holds His position by the "power of an indestructible life" give you confidence when you face
uncertain circumstances in your own life?

4. Our Permanent Intercessor (Hebrews 7:23–25) Because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever. Verse 25
gives us an incredible promise: "Therefore he is able, once and for all, to save those who come to God through him. He
lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf."

• Question: What does it mean to you that Jesus is actively "interceding"; that is: praying, advocating, and

standing in the gap, for you right now? How does this truth combat the feeling that you have to earn your way
into God's good graces?

5. The Perfect High Priest (Hebrews 7:26–28) Unlike human high priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins
before they could help anyone else, Jesus is described as holy, blameless, and sinless. He sacrificed himself, for our sins
"once and for all when he offered himself."

• Question: How does the "once and for all" nature of Jesus’ sacrifice free us from the constant cycle of guilt and

self-condemnation?

6. A Better Ministry and Better Promises (Hebrews 8:1–6) Chapter 8 shifts to the environment where Jesus serves. He
isn't working in a human tent or building, which was just a "copy and shadow" of heaven. Instead, He serves in the true
place of worship in heaven, mediating a covenant based on "better promises."

• Question: The old covenant focused heavily on quid-pro-quo; "if you do this, God will do that." What are some

of the "better promises" of the new covenant that make our relationship with God purely a gift of grace rather
than a business transaction?

7. Written on Our Hearts (Hebrews 8:7–13) Quoting the prophet Jeremiah, the author explains the heart of the New
Covenant: God will put His laws in our minds and write them on our hearts. He adds the ultimate promise in verse 12:
"And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins."

• Question: What is the difference between trying to obey a rule written on a stone tablet versus obeying a

desire written directly onto your heart? How does the promise that God chooses not to remember your sins
change how you talk to Him when you fail?

-----------------

Supporting Scripture to review: -
1. On Jesus Being the Sovereign King and Priest: Genesis 14:18–20
Connection to Hebrews: This is the historical account that forms the entire baseline for Hebrews 7. The author of
Hebrews uses this exact moment to prove that because Abraham honored Melchizedek, Melchizedek’s priesthood is
inherently superior to the Levitical priesthood that descended from Abraham.

2. On Jesus as Our Heavenly Advocate: 1 John 2:1-6
Connection to Hebrews: This beautifully aligns with Hebrews 7:25, which states that Jesus "lives forever to intercede"
on our behalf. Both passages provide the comforting assurance that when we fail, Jesus stands as our permanent,
righteous representative before God.

3. On the Limitation of the Old Law: Galatians 3:19-22
Connection to Hebrews: This mirrors Hebrews 7:11 and 7:19, which point out that perfection could never be attained
through the old Levitical priesthood or the law. Both Paul and the author of Hebrews emphasize that rules cannot
generate spiritual life—only Christ can.

4. On the One-Time, Perfect Sacrifice: Romans 6:1-14
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 7:27 highlights that Jesus does not need to offer daily sacrifices like human priests;
He did it "once and for all when he offered himself." Romans reinforces this complete breakthrough—the power of sin
was broken in a single, unrepeatable moment.

5. On Jesus as the Mediator of a Better Covenant: 1 Timothy 2:1-5
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 8:6 states that Jesus has been given a ministry far superior to the old priesthood
because He is the "mediator of a better covenant." 1 Timothy confirms that Jesus is the singular, perfect bridge
between God and mankind.

6. The Old Testament Prophecy of the New Covenant: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Connection to Hebrews: This is the exact, extensive passage quoted by the author in Hebrews 8:8–12. It serves as the
definitive scriptural proof to a Jewish audience that God always intended to transition away from an external,
compliance-based system to an internal, heart-based relationship.

7. On Total Forgiveness and Cleansing: Psalm 103:8-18
Connection to Hebrews: Hebrews 8:12 delivers the staggering promise of the New Covenant: "I will forgive their
wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins." The Psalmist uses a powerful spatial analogy to capture the
exact same truth—under God's grace, our past failures are entirely out of sight.

Other questions to explore:

• What was the context? What was going on at the time this was written?
• What and where is this happening?
  • What makes what was happening meaningful?
  • Is there anything special about the location (or locations)?
• Who is involved?
  • How do they respond to God?
  • What character traits do you notice about them?
  • What is the significance of their involvement?
  • What do you think is the key message?
• Did anything that surprised or stood out to you? What was it? Share with the group and discuss.
• Are there any key verses that stand out to you? Discuss among the group.
• Were there any repetitive words or themes that stood out to you? What were they?

---

• Is there anything that left you with more questions? What were they? Share with group, discuss, and

research.

• Biggest takeaway?

Elements of today’s Bible study were referenced from:
1. NLT Courage for Life Men’s Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2023 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation
https://www.tyndale.com/sites/courageforlifebible/
2. ESV Study Bible, copyright 2008. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV); copyright 2001 by Crossway,
Wheaton, Illinois.
3. NIV Study Bible, Revolution, copyright 2011. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV); copyright 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan. https://www.zondervan.com/p/niv-bibles-for-teens-
true-images-revolution/
4. NLT Parallel Study Bible, New Living Translation (NLT); copyright 2011 Tyndale House Ministries
Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation
5. HCSB/CSB The Apologetics Study Bible, copyright 2007. The Holy Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible
(HCSB/CSB); copyright 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holmon Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee.
7. https://www.jeremiahstudybible.com/Hebrews/

May 2026:
_x_ 001, 05/06 Hebrews, Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2
_x_ 002, 05/13 Hebrews, Chapters 3 & 4
_x_ 003, 05/20 Hebrews, Chapters 5 & 6
_x_ 004, 05/27 Hebrews, Chapters 7 & 8
June 2026:
__ 005, 06/03 Hebrews, Chapters 9__ 006, 06/10 Hebrews, Chapters 10
__ 007, 06/17 Hebrews, Chapters 11
__ 008, 06/24 Hebrews, Chapters 12 & 13*
*Last meeting, please monitor FV.church/events for more information about the next semester.