Hebrews

Read Hebrews 11. 

1. Why does the writer of Hebrews give us the “hall of faith”? The broader picture of the letter, what is the purpose of this history lesson?

2. Hebrews 11:30-31 gives us two examples of faith. Which story of faith most matches where youare today?

3. These two stories highlight how faith balances our obedience with God’s power. How does the“faith seesaw” encourage you in your faith today?

4. Which person named in Hebrews 11:32 do you most connect with? Why?

5. Respond to the following statement, “Faith is not a formula to receive blessing, it is a posture and perspective that glorifies God.”

6. In Hebrews 11:33-35a we get four categories of what we may hope faith will accomplish for us (achieve, deliver, bless, conquer). Is there one of these that you are specifically hoping for in your life today? 

7. What would it look like for you to ask the question, “What does God want faith to accomplish through me?”

8. What helps you to trust Jesus when it appears you haven’t received what is promised?

9. What do you do when circumstances cause you to question God’s promises?

10. Does anyone in your world come to mind for you that fits the description in Hebrews 11:38, “of whom the world was not worthy”?

11. What would it look like for you to encourage those around you that may be experiencing a season where the promises of God are being brought into question?

12. How do the last two verses of Hebrews 11 encourage you today?

Listen to “Do it Again” by Elevation Worship

Read Hebrews 11. 

1. What does this text tell you about the character of God?

2. What does it say about God’s nature?

3. Where do you see God’s love at work in the midst of these verses?

4. What section or verses in the text speak most personally to you? 

Read Hebrews 10.22-25, 38-39 and answer the following questions:   

5. Where do you see faithfulness referenced here? 

6. How is your faith rooted and grounded in the faithfulness of God? 

Read Hebrews 11.1-3, 6, and answer the following questions:  

7. In your own words define faith.

8. Give an example of your “confidence” and “assurance” in hope.

Read Hebrews 4.-11 and answer the following questions: 

9. How do these examples of people who lived by faith encourage you? 

10. Where in your life, or with whom in your life do you have the most difficulty in living by faith?  

11. How specifically is God showing Himself faithful to you today?  

Read Romans 12.1-3, and Galatians 5.22-23 and answer the following questions:  

12. Faith has been given by God to you, how are you cultivating the gift of faith? 

13. Consider the life of Jesus, where do you see Him cultivating His own faith? When He grew weary how did He invite others to join Him on His journey of faith? 

Read Hebrews 11.13-16 and answer the following questions. 

14. What do all of these faithful followers of God have in common? 

15. Where are you on this faith journey? Where is God leading you?

16. How will you hold fast to faith in times when you don’t receive that which you most desire? Who will you invite to join you there? 

17. Which of the examples in Hebrews 11 give you confidence and assurance to trust the slow work of God? 

18. Complete the sentence. By faith, I _________________. 

Take some time to be reminded of His faithfulness. Read and reflect on the words to the hymn, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” 

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above

Join with all nature in manifold witness

To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow

Blessings all mine with 10, 000 beside

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Morning by morning new mercies I see

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

Read Hebrews 10. 

1. What does this text tell you about the character of God?

2. What does it say about God’s nature?

3. Where do you see God’s love at work in the midst of these verses?

4. What section or verses in the text speak most personally to you? 

Read Hebrews 10.1-13 and answer the following questions:  

5. How are you growing in your understanding of Jesus as our Great High Priest?  

6. How does your growing understanding of the full measure of His sacrifice bring you to deeper level of devotion? 

Read Hebrews 10.14 and answer the following questions:  

7. In your own words describe the lived reality of this verse. 

8. What causes you to disbelieve the truth of this verse? 

9. You are at once perfect and growing in holiness. How do you sense you are growing in holiness?

Read Hebrews 10.15-18, Romans 8.1-2,  1 Samuel 15.22, Psalm 51.16-17, Hosea 6.6 and answer the following questions:

10. What does God desire for you? What does He desire from you? 

11. How does the Holy Spirit testify to you? What was His last word of testimony to you? How does the Spirit encourage you, animate you, motivate you, empower you? 

Read Hebrews 10.19-25 and answer the following questions:   

12. Describe the urgency in these verses. 

13. Who spurs you on to love and good deeds? 

14. What’s your primary motive in “meeting together?” 

15. What’s the outcome of a life that “forsakes” meeting together? 

16. How aware are you of, “The Day approaching?” How does it motivate you?  

Reflect and respond to the statement from Sunday’s message: 

In my whole life, I’ve never met a mature Jesus follower who had a deep relationship with God and an understanding of His Word who didn’t regularly attend and engage in church.

17. Why is it important to you to continue to “meet together.” 

18. How do you sense God calling you deeper still when we are not meeting together? 

19. How is God using your communal life and your private life together to shape and form your heart? 

Give Him praise for His indescribable love. 

Read Hebrews 9. 

1. What does this text tell you about the character of God?

2. What does it say about God’s nature?

3. Where do you see God’s love at work in the midst of these verses?

4. What section or verses in the text speak most personally to you? 

As you begin this study answer the question, “What does ‘freedom in Christ’ mean to you?” 

Read Hebrews 9.1-10 and answer the following questions: 

5. What is the importance of the detail in these verses?  

6. What is the writer trying to convey? 

Read Hebrews 9.11-14 and answer the following questions:  

7. What is one distinct difference in the outcome of the sacrifice of Jesus? 

8. The sacrifice of Jesus cleanses the conscience of those who accept His grace. How have you experienced your conscience cleansed? How does your conscience bring comfort, or conviction? Describe. 

Read Hebrews 9.15 and Galatians 5.1 and answer the following questions: 

9. How do these verses complement each other? 

10. If you could describe Christianity in one word, what word would you choose and why?

11. In His freedom Jesus chose sacrifice. What is the implication for you? 

On Sunday two examples were used in thinking about being free and choosing sacrifice.

Tithing and Communion

Consider the quote from C.S. Lewis, and the words of Jesus. How do these words encourage you, and or challenge you?  

“I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them.” 

C.S. Lewis  Mere Christianity

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5.23-24

12. Where in your life might Jesus be inviting you to be so free that you choose sacrifice?  

13. What would it cost you?

14. How would it bless you?

Read Hebrews 9.16-24 and answer the following questions: 

15. How does the truth of these verses bring you to a place of rest? 

16. How do they encourage you? 

Spend a few moments reflecting on Titus 3.4-7.

Give Him praise for His sacrifice.