Hebrews 7:11-19
The Book of Hebrews | What the Law Cannot Do
June 28, 2026
Week 1 (vs.1-11): Superiority of Melchizedek’s Priesthood
Week 3 (vs.20-28): Superiority of Jesus Christ
This Week (vs.11-19): The Inferiority of the Law of Moses
I. THE LAW COULD NOT PERFECT US
Hebrews 7:11 – “Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?”
a. Moral Law
b. Covenantal Law
Hebrews 7:12 – “For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.”
Hebrews 7:13-14 – “For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe, Moses said nothing about priests.”
Hebrews 7:15-16 – “This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.”
John 10:17-18 – “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
Hebrews 10:14 – “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.”
II. THE LAW COULD NOT BRING US CLOSER TO GOD
Hebrews 7:18-19 – “For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.”
a. The Law Exposes Our Sin (Rom. 7:7)
b. The Law Entices Our Flesh
1. The Law of Diet & Fitness
Underlying Belief: “If I just eat the right foods and work out enough, I will finally feel good about my body, and I will be enough.”
2. The Law of Service
Underlying Belief: “If I just do enough for other people and for God, I will feel worthy of acceptance and love.”
3. The Law of Attendance & Tithe
Underlying Belief: “If I just attend church every week and pay my tithe, God will accept me and love me.”