LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Book Outline - Man
Submitted to Dr. Richard Connell
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
WRSP 635 – D01
Building a Theology of Worship
by
Student
Outline
I. Chapter 1 The Context of Hebrews 2:12
A. The Priesthood of Christ in Hebrews
1. John Calvin identifies the eloquence of Hebrews describing the Priesthood of
Christ.
2. Evangelicals focus on the redemption of Christ’s atoning work on the Cross.
3. Such a tight focus might distract from Christ’s role in leading believers into God’s
holy presence.
B. Jesus’ Role as Apostle and High Priest
1. Christ’s humanity and deity, makes Him uniquely qualified to be our Mediator.
2. As Apostle, Jesus represents the Word of God in all aspects of speech. (by, of, to)
3. As High Priest, Jesus offers the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. (His
life)
4. Conclusions are drawn that Jesus replaces Moses as the messenger of God and
Aaron as His high priest.
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II. Chapter 2 The Content of Hebrews 2:12
A. The Words of Jesus
1. The author of Hebrews often identifies Jesus as quoting from the Old Testament.
2. Jesus identifies Himself as a man that must learn to fully trust God in the flesh.
B. The Quotation from Psalm 22
1. There is debate on the prophetic or typological nature of this psalm.
2. The author identifies the importance of Psalm 22 to the Passion Story.
3. Discuss continues to analyze the lament and thanksgiving aspects of this psalm.
4. The redemptive element of this psalm is recognized in Jesus’ cry on the cross,
allowing the ability to praise because of His sacrifice.
C. The Time Options
1. Man attempts to identify the time period that Jesus could be alluding to in
Hebrews 2:12.
a) During His Earthly Ministry
(i) This is a less common view for commentators, two were specifically
mentioned. (Lenski and Smith)
b) At the Consummation
(i) More believe that it refers to a time with the glorified saints.
(ii) This idea is shaken because it changes the meaning of Jesus’ connection
to Him willing to call men His brethren.
c) In the Church
(i) The strongest view refers to Jesus’ continued work with the Church.
(ii) The connection here to ‘brethren’ is that of Christ-followers in the
Church.
D. Vocabulary
1. The author discusses the vocabulary choices with certain words used in Hebrews
versus Psalm 22.
III. Chapter 3 The Significance of Hebrews 2:12
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A. Proclamation (2:12a)
1. The author reiterates Christ’s role as the ultimate Prophet.
2. Scriptures are addressed that speak to Christ’s ministry both in the past and the
present time.
3. Sections of time refer to Jesus’ ministry on Earth as well as His future ministry as
explored in Revelations.
4. References from OT and NT demonstrate Christ’s relationship with the then and
the now.
a) Murray is observed to speak about the intention of the Gospels (what Jesus
started0 to Acts (the implementation of what He began).
B. Praise (2:12b)
1. The author reiterates Christ’s role as the High Priest.
2. All of Hebrews 2:12 expresses Jesus’ singing to God either by proclaiming or by
praising because God is the recipient.
3. The latter half of the verse demonstrates Christ’s role as a Worship Leader.
4. Jesus is in our praise physically but transports our praise spiritually.
5. A reminder is written that Christ is not singing a solo of praise, but He sings with
the congregation corporately.
C. Worshiped and Worshiper
1. It is difficult to fathom the two positions that Jesus holds as worshiped and
worshiper.
2. Jesus is mentioned as not just opening the door to the Father but modeling the
way as well as actively leading all His people.
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IV. Chapter 4 Contiguous New Testament Themes
A. The Continuing Humanity and Priesthood of Christ
1. Christ lowered Himself in order to be the ultimate expression of the grace of God.
2. Man reestablishes that Christ’s role of the mediator is active and did not just exist
in the past.
3. It is necessary to keep the truth in light that we are not a royal priesthood without
our High Priest.
B. The Two-Way Mediation of Christ
1. Moses and Aaron were identified as archetypes for the initial roles of prophet and
high priest.
2. Now, these two roles are filled by Christ creating two-way communication
through Christ.
C. The Revelation-Response Pattern of Scripture
1. The revelation of God to us must happen first, without revelation there is nothing
to worship in the response of His goodness.
2. God’s continual openness through revelation to His people influences the worship
seen from humanity.
a) Scripture and specific instances of revelation and response are listed within a
chart.
3. The revelation and response method exemplifies how to establish and maintain a
genuine two-way dialogue with the Creator.
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V. Chapter 5 Towards a Christology of Worship
A. The Ever-Present Christ
1. Christ is always in the praises of His people, no matter how hard people work.
2. We are invited and need to choose to show up, not the other way around.
B. Can Only Worship In and Through Christ
1. Through Christ’s name and grace is worship possible for humanity.
2. Prayer and praise is possible through the living Christ and His active ministry.
C. Jesus Makes Our Worship Acceptable
1. God accepts our worship not because of our talents or worthiness, but through
Christ work on our behalf.
2. We must engage with the Son through the Holy Spirit, and trusting His invitation.
3. It is necessary to keep the Word of God as the center in worship.
4. Revelation and response cannot occur without first engaging in God’s Word,
usually done through the reading of scriptures.
D. Necessity of Corporate Praise
1. Preaching was once considered the most important aspect of the worship service.
2. When corporate worship is neglected the Church neglects the response aspect to
the revelation of God to His people. (dialogue)
E. All True Worship is Mediated by Christ Led by the Holy Spirit
1. Forms and styles of worship may vary, but if Christ is present then true worship
can take place.
2. Christ inspires songs of worship through each culture in a multitude of ways.
F. Christ is the Worship Leader Not US!
1. Many times preachers have acknowledged Christ’s role in the worship service, but
the same goes for corporate praise and singing.
2. Since Christ is the ultimate worship leader we can enter into the Throne Room
with confidence.
3. God’s grace through Jesus’ sacrifice is what allows us the privilege of salvation
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