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.
