In this sermon series, we unpack the book of Hebrews. From the mysterious Melchizedek to the New Covenant, it all points back to one Person - Jesus!
3.21.2021
"The Last Word
of Hebrews"
The Last Word of Hebrews
Hebrews 13 – 3.21.2021
Hebrews 13 gives us a variety of commands and finishes with one grand benediction:
1. Remember to love. (v. 1-6)
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Love one another. (v. 1)
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Love strangers … there may be a surprise in it for you. (v. 2)
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Love those who are suffering for the faith. (prison) (v. 3)
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Love your spouse and keep pure. (v. 4)
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Love what you have been given … including Jesus. (v. 5-6)
“Those who truly know Jesus will be humble and those who truly know themselves cannot be proud.” John Flavel
2. Remember to respect and have confidence in your leaders. (v. 7, 17, 18, 24)
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There is to be a predisposition to follow and not frustrate your spiritual leaders.
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Imitate their faith … compare with chapter 11. Risks, perseverance, advancements for the kingdom.
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Yield to them remembering they yield to God. (they must give an account)
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There’s no kingdom advantage to burdening leaders.
3. Remember right teaching about Jesus. (v. 9-16)
Last Words of Hebrews (v. 20-21) …
Relationship with God is only through Jesus.
“through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep.”
Pleasing God is only through Jesus.
“may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ...”
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – After all the complex doctrine the writer has given to us about Jesus, why do you think he commands us to love? Christ-like love is tangible – what tangible displays of love have been given to you? What tangible displays of love can you think to give to others on this list?
Question #2 – Describe current society’s disposition toward authority. What are ways we can visibly demonstrate respect and confidence in our spiritual leaders? Even in disagreement or question?
Question #3 – Rehearse some of the teaching of Hebrews on Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus? What has He done for us?
Question #4 – The benediction in verses 20-21 state that our relationship with God and pleasing God is only “through Jesus.” How do we come to God through Jesus? On this side of the cross, how to we daily grow “through Jesus”? What steps can we take to be close to Him and let Him work in our lives? Pray for each other and make a note to encourage someone in the group this week.
3.7.2021
"What Holds Us Back"
What Holds Us Back
Hebrews 12:14-29 – 3.7.2021
What holds us back in running the race?
1. Weights (encumbrances) (v. 1)
“The problem is not in what the weight is but in what it does.”
2. Sin (entanglements) (v. 1)
The Big Picture: Pursue Peace and Pursue Purity (v. 14)
The Big Dangers: Not seeing God and falling short of God’s grace (v. 14 & 15)
3 ways we get bound in the race…
1. Bondage to bitterness. (v. 15)
2. Bondage to sexual sins. (v. 16)
3. Bondage to religion of personal performance. (v. 18-24)
Keys to dealing with bondage…
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Put your belief/confidence in Jesus…
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Don’t run alone…
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – What are weights in life that can keep us from running the race effectively and efficiently? Remember “The problem is not what the weight is but what the weight does.”
Question #2 – Describe bitterness. What does and doesn’t it look like? How does it impact our running the race? How does bitterness start, grow and infect others? What can we do to deal with it?
Question #3 – Describe the convenience of sexual sins in our society. How does the story of Esau illustrate the impact of sexual sins. What practical tools can we utilize to deal with sexual temptation and sin?
Question #4 – Three times the writer commands us to “see to it” or to keep eyes on each other. What specific ways can we get into each other’s lives to help us stay in the race? Even if you don’t feel that you need someone, someone needs you.
2.28.2021
"Staying in the Race"
Staying in the Race
PR - Hebrews 12:1-13 – 2.28.2021
I. Encouragement to run this race of faith (v. 1-4)
A. Look to the example of others who have already run this race of faith (v. 1)
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They are bearing witness to us that God can see us through by faith, just like He saw them through by faith.
B. Look at ourselves and examine how we are running this race
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Throw off everything that hinders.
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We are to get rid of the sin that so easily entangles us.
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We are to run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
II. How do we develop discipline to run the race? (v. 5-13)
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Discipline is not retribution or condemnation but suffering that is allowed by our Heavenly Father for our good. (v. 10)
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We need to learn to accept suffering as a child
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The goal of God’s discipline is our holiness.
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Growth is not automatic. You have to be trained by it. (v. 11)
III. The power to run this race (v. 2-4)
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Fix your eyes on Jesus.
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Jesus as the author of our faith makes it possible for us to even be in the race
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Jesus as the perfector of our faith has completed the race and wants to help us to finish the race.
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Jesus not only gives us an example of someone who endured to the end but also as one who wants to empower us to complete the race.
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Jesus knows what is it is like and He is more than ready to help us if we call on Him.
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Jesus indwells us via the Holy Spirit to help us as we run this race of faith.
Action Steps:
1. Anticipate suffering and believe you can complete the race
2. Identify areas in your life that are hindering your race of faith
3. Ask “What” is God wanting to teach me?
4. Fix your eyes on Jesus
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
1. How many of you enjoy running? Why/why not?
What is the longest you have ever run? Tell us about it.
If you have ever run in a race, how have the crowds impacted your running?
2. What discipline did you sometimes resent as a child that you now appreciate?
3. What does suffering demonstrate about a person’s relationship with God?
4. What tends to hinder you or entangle you in your race of faith?
5. What helps you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus?
6. How can you help each other run this race of faith with perseverance?
2.21.2021
"The Substance of Saving Faith"
The Substance of Saving Faith
Pastor Jonathan - Hebrews 11 – 2.21.2021
Definition of Faith: Believe in God and act accordingly
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Faith understands (v.3)
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Faith offers (v.4)
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Faith pleases God (v.5)
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Faith builds (v.7)
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Faith obeys (v.8)
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Faith longs (v.16)
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Faith trusts (v.17)
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Faith blesses (v.20)
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Faith worships (v.21)
Faith unites us to Jesus Christ.
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
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How do verses 1-2 describe faith? What is the object of faith in this definition?
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In this famous “Hall of faith” passage is there a particular person or story that has especially been helpful for you? If so why?
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How does the promise of a heavenly country help us to keep our faith, even when we don’t see our hopes fulfilled immediately? (vs. 13-16) Could others say you are living as a stranger and a pilgrim here on earth?
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How do the last 2 verses of this chapter put everything in perspective for you as a believer?
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When is the last time living by faith made you uncomfortable? Is there an area of your life right now where you need biblical faith to persevere and endure?
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Look back into your family history. Where does the legacy of faith in Jesus begin? How are you passing on the faith to the next generation?
11.22.2020
"Why We Draw Near to Each Other"
Why We Draw Near To Each Other
Hebrews 10:26-39 – 11.22.2020
Why do we draw near to each other? V. 26-39
The thought and theme of this upcoming paragraph is very much attached to the preceding paragraph where we are commanded to be in each other’s lives. It’s what the text calls “spurring one another”. The writer commands the readers to encourage one another. To speak truth into each other, to give heart, courage and help each to take the next steps needed to be where they need to be with Jesus.
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… because there are people whose faith is only surface. V. 26-31
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They were in the church and knew the truth about Jesus
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They refused to refused to repent and disregarded Christ’s sacrifice as inferior or insufficient.
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They were certain to face God’s eternal judgement in hell.
2. … because there are believers who are struggling. V. 32-39
“a great conflict full of suffering” … “publicly exposed to insult and persecution” … “imprisoned” … “confiscation of your property”
Key phrases that connect us to the context of drawing near to each other …
v. 33 “other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.”
v. 34 “You suffered along with those who were in prison”
The goal isn’t just faith, it’s faithfulness.
v. 35 It’s not just a confession, it’s confidence.
v. 36-39 It’s not just a profession, it’s perseverance.
Do you have someone in your life like this?
2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Are you in someone’s life like this?
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Despite the biblical commands to “spur one another” and “encourage one another” when we assemble, why do many church goers prefer distance or isolation?
Question #2 – Discuss the dangers of church if people remain at a distance or in isolation. Discuss what opportunity is lost when believers don’t relationally invest in another to “spur” and “encourage” them.
Question #3 – Why has hell become a quiet teaching today? Does it look bad on God? Does it not fit with culture? What practical implications arise for the church that ignores the doctrine of hell?
Question #4 – Is there someone into whom you are relationally investing to “spur” and “encourage”? Is there someone that you have relationally investing into you to advance you spiritually? Can you think of someone to pour your life into? Are there people in the group that would like to team up?
11.15.2020
"Draw Near"
Draw Near
Hebrews 10:19-25 – 11.15.2020
Jesus drew near to Us … v. 19-21
1 John 1:10 “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son
as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
“The Son of God became a man, so that man could become the sons of God."
… So that we draw near to God … v. 22-23
“Draw near to God”
… So that we draw near to each other … v. 25-25
“consider how” “Spur one another” “Encourage one another”
“The goal isn’t just to be in a church service but to be in each other’s lives.”
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Discuss together all that Jesus did so that we can draw near to God. What textual contrasts are given to show the difference between the Old Testament worshippers and our access through Jesus Christ?
Question #2 – What does “Drawing near to God” look like? How do you know when you are drawing near? What are some practical steps to help us draw near?
Question #3 – What does “Drawing near to each other” look like? Discuss the difference between
impressing from afar and impacting up close. How will you know you are drawing close to each other? What’s the purpose of drawing close to each other? Are you drawing close to anyone as Hebrews says? What can you do about it?
Question #4 – If you know of a believer who is drifting away from God rather than drawing near to Him, what practical action could/should you take to help them? Can you think of any additional Scripture that applies to this?
11.8.2020
"Total Forgiveness"
Total Forgiveness
Hebrews 10:1-18 – 11.8.2020
Hebrews 9:12 “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the
Most Holy Place ONCE FOR ALL by his own blood, thus obtaining ETERNAL REDEMPTION.”
The Law and Sacrifices could never do what Jesus did! (v. 1-4)
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They were a “shadow” of what was coming! (v. 1)
The law and the sacrifices were never intended to be the finished product but to point toward the greater thing that was coming.
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If they did work, you wouldn’t have to repeat them. (v. 2)
This is an excellent argument of the writer. If performing the sacrifices were effective for the worshipper (those that drew near to God) there would be no need to repeat them.
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Observers sacrificed in remembrance of their sins. (v. 3-4)
Observers of the sacrifices performed their rites in remembrance of their sin … But the believer in Jesus Christ partakes of the Lord’s Table take in remembrance of Jesus – that their sin is fully forgiven forever.
This is supported by:
1. The words of Jesus. (v. 5-10)
Jesus came to do away with the temporary Old Testament sacrificial system (set it aside) and establish the permanent sacrifice of Himself.
2. A vivid analogy. (v. 11-14)
Of the thousands of animals sacrificed, the incense burned, the gifts brought all of “which can never take away sins.”
“one sacrifice for sins.” Hebrews 10:12
“For by one sacrifice” Hebrews 10:14
3. The Prophecy of the New Covenant. (v. 15-18)
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Read Hebrews 10:8 … If the Old Testament sacrifices were ineffective to take away sins, why do you think God instituted them for the Jews for nearly 1,500 years? Is there any other Scripture you can think of to bring into this?
Question #2 – Read Hebrews 10:14 … It mentions we are “perfect forever” and “being made holy”. Describe the two realities – the differences and similarities. Why is it important to distinguish between them as it pertains to Christ’s forgiveness?
Question #3 – Discuss the two extremes … 1. The Catholic beliefs of doing penance and purgatory for our sins and how it stands in contrast to Christ’s “once for all” sacrifice for us. 2. The charge that total forgiveness by grace leads to permissive and sinful living.
Question #4 – How should our acceptance with God because of Jesus yield humility and grace in the life of the believer. How should we display that at home … work … church … community. What specific ways can we grow in humility and grace?
11.1.2020
"Jesus, the Mediator of a New Covenant"
Jesus, The Mediator of a New Covenant
Hebrews 9:15-28 – 11.1.2020
1. Why does he bring in this idea that the new covenant is a "last will and testament"?
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This is how the word covenant (diatheke) would have been understood in the Greek culture.
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The basis of the new covenant is the death of Christ.
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Even the first covenant was also associated with a death.
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The fourth reason the writer treats the new covenant as a "last will and testament" is that in verse 15 he used the words "eternal inheritance."
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He compares the new covenant with a "last will and testament" because a "will" is not something the heirs negotiate about.
2. Who is the executor of God's last will and testament?
3. Was this last will and testament, this new covenant, not in force before the death of Christ occurred?
4. Who are the heirs of God's last will and testament?
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 - As a group talk about your own experience with writing out your own last will and testament. What difficult decisions did you have to make. Who did you choose to be the executor of your will?
Question #2 - Read Hebrews 9:9 & 10:1-4 and talk about what was wrong with the Old Covenant.
Question #3 - Read Hebrews 9:15-16. What are some reasons why the author of Hebrews brought in the idea that the new covenant is a last will and testament?
Question #4 - Who is the executor of God’s last will and testament? How is that different from our own will? How does it help you understand the gospel?
Question #5 - Read Hebrews 9:18-22. What was necessary for the New Covenant to be enacted?
Question #6 - Read Romans 8:23-28. How do you know that you are a child of God and thus an heir of His promised eternal inheritance? What assurances do these verses give those who trust in Jesus?
10.25.2020
"God's Remedy for Guilt"
God’s Remedy For Guilt
Hebrews 9:1-14 – 10.25.2020
Hebrews 9:12 “He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the
Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
1. The Details of the Old Covenant:
• The Place of the Old Covenant: v. 1-5
• The Practice of the Old Covenant: v.7
• The Product of the Old Covenant: v. 8-10
2. Jesus sacrifice truly frees us from guilt. V. 11-14
• He went through the true tabernacle. (v. 11 & 8:2)
• He entered the Most Holy Place by His own blood. (v. 12)
Point … God gives failures the opportunity to flourish
Hebrews 8:12 “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
… cleansing our conscience from dead works, to serve the living God. You don’t have to MAKE UP for your failures … you get to MOVE FORWARD for God.
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Are guilt feelings valid for a Christian who has sinned? How would you counsel such a person? What Scripture would you use?
Question #2 – How can a believer distinguish between true and false guilt? How should each be dealt with?
Question #3 – How should we witness to a person who has no sense of guilt before God?
Question #4 – If we are totally forgiven through faith in Christ, why do we need to ask forgiveness when we sin? Can you think of any Scripture to support your thoughts?
In With the New
Hebrews 8 – 10.18.2020
Pivoting Passage: Hebrews 8:6 “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs (the O.T. Priests) as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.”
1. No one compares to Jesus as Priest! 8:1-6
2. Nothing compares to the Covenant of Jesus. 8:6-13
A Covenant is an Agreement typically made between two parties. Covenants are Conditional and Unconditional.
In the New Covenant, God Says, “I Promise” …
-To change your heart, not just your behavior. V. 10
“I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people.”
-That you can know me personally and directly, no matter your status. V. 11
“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘know the Lord’, because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.”
-To forgive you and remember your sins no more. V. 12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
How was this New Covenant enacted?
Romans 8:3 “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.”
1 Corinthians 11:25 “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘this cup is the new covenant in my
blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’”
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Take 5-10 minutes and read about two other covenants of God: Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15:9-21) and Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 20; Deuteronomy 11:26-28). Which was conditional and which was unconditional? Would doing away with the “old covenant” (Mosaic) mean that the 10 commandments are not for today?
Question #2 – Read Hebrews 8:7-12. From this passage or others, what were the problems with the Old Covenant or the people? How did God fix the problems through the New Covenant?
Question #3 – Reading Romans 8:3 & 1 Corinthians 11:25, when and how did the New Covenant get enacted. How do we become a part of this New Promise of God?
Question #4 – Understanding the intention of the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:10-12), how would God expect us to live? What should be different about us than about the people under the Old Covenant?
10.18.2020
"In With the New"
9.20.2020
"No Need for Renewal"
No Need For Renewal
Hebrews 7 – 9.20.2020
Hebrews 7:25-26a “Therefore, he (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need.”
Only Jesus Saves Completely
How Did God Give Us a Superior Priest in Jesus?
1. He is Greater than the Levitical Bloodline. V. 1-10
2. He is Greater than the Law. V. 11-22
3. He is Greater than Death. V. 23-25
Our forgiveness was secured at the cross, and it was secured forever at the empty tomb.
The writer gives a summary of Hebrews 7:
- Jesus is greater than the Levitical priests. V. 26-27
- Jesus is greater than the Law. V. 28
- Jesus is greater than death. V. 28
“Those who come to God through Him” v. 25
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Take 5-10 minutes and rehearse the ways that Jesus is superior to the priests, the sacrificial system and the law. There are a number of clues found in Hebrews 7.
Question #2 – Detail what it means to come to God through Jesus (v. 25). How do some people try to get to God through other than Jesus? Some of you share when you came to God through Jesus.
Question #3 – Are there some people in your life (friends, co-workers, family members, neighbors, etc.) who need to come to God through Jesus? Can you share who they are? Discuss how you can better connect with them to help them take steps in this direction.
Question #4 – Take some time to pray as a group to thank God for Jesus and to pray for those you know who need to need to come to God through Him.
9.13.2020
"Mysterious Melchizedek"
Mysterious Melchizedek
Genesis 14 – 9.13.2020
Blessed People Bless God and Bless Others.
3 Lessons From Melchizedek
1. You are blessed by God. 14:19-20
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High”
“Don’t let what you don’t have, ruin what you do have”
“Counting your blessings takes you from stressed to blessed”
2. God Made All There Is. 14:19-20
“Creator of heaven and earth.”
3. Your Victory Came From God. 14:19-20
“And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Abram’s & Our Responses to blessing …
- Blessed People Bless God! 14:20
- Blessed People Credit God for All They Have. 14:22-23
- Blessed People Bless people! 14:24
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Take 5-10 minutes as a group to count your blessings. Name the mounting evidence that you are blessed by God.
Question #2 – Of the 3 lessons of Melchizedek, which negative version is most prevalent in our world? Which one could you struggle with? 1. Thinking that you are not blessed? 2. Thinking that you are the source of some of your blessings? 3. Thinking that you’re to credit for your accomplishments?
Question #3 – Do you have any personal stories connected to the 3 responses to blessing? Is there a response or two that you feel you need to work on more? What does it visibly look like to bless God or bless people?
Question #4 – Take some time to pray as a group to thank God for His many blessings.
9.6.2020
"What's Your Anchor Attached To?"
What’s Your Anchor Attached To?
Hebrews 6:13-20 – 9.6.2020
Read Hebrews 6:13-20
“Our Anchor is only as good as what it’s attached to.”
1. Our Anchor of Hope rests in Jesus’ being our Sacrifice and Priest v. 19-20
- The starting point. Tabernacle imagery. Anchor enters “behind the curtain” the Holy of Holies”.
- The connecting point. Jesus, our forerunner entered on our behalf. He is the connecting point with us and God.
- The anchor point. Jesus, in His ministry as our sacrifice, fully atoned for all our sin.
2. Our Anchor of Hope is secure because of God’s Promises and His Oath. V. 13-18
- His Promises are unchanging. V. 13-15
- His Oath is Unalterable. V. 13-18
Thankfully, God’s promises depend on His character, not ours!
Application:
- Make sure the anchor is firmly set in Jesus Christ!
- Make sure you are on the other end of the rope!
“Anchor in the hope of the Savior or live at the mercy of the storm.”
- Continue to trust God’s Promises.
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Read Hebrews 6:19-20 and discuss together the “anchor of hope”. What is it? What is it lodged in? How do we know we are connected to it?
Question #2 – What other things do we (society) often anchor in other than Jesus? How do we know when we’ve anchored in other things? Are there some things we’ll admit to the group that naturally attract our anchor away from Jesus? (ie. “I feel the pull to put my hope in politics.”)
Question #3 – Hebrews 6:13-18 show that God keeps His promises and His oaths because of His unchanging character. What causes us to sometimes doubt His promises or His faithfulness? What can we do or what Scripture can we remember that would help us remain confident in the promises and faithfulness of God?
Question #4 – Are there some storms you are experiencing right now that you’d share with the group? We need the anchor of Jesus but we also can need each other! Share experiences, love, support, God’s Word and prayer together!
8.30.2020
"Time to Move Forward"
Time To Move Forward
Hebrews 6:1-12 – 8.30.2020
The Golden Rule of Bible Interpretation … Know Your Context
Hebrews 5:8-10 “Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.”
… In place of an imperfect system, God sent a perfect Savior
… In place of a temporary atonement, God provided an eternal salvation through Jesus
In light of Christ’s Perfect Sacrifice, Genuine Believers Must …
1. Stop trying to restart what Jesus made eternal. 6:1-6
-Thinking we renew our permanent salvation is a hindrance to maturity. V. 1
-“Renewing” our permanent salvation is actually a spiritual impossibility. V. 4-6
-“Renewing our salvation” makes a poor statement about the sufficiency of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. V. 6
2. Move Forward toward Maturity. 6:1-3; 7-12
What does the context teach about maturity:
-What is maturity? 5:11-14
-How do we produce it? 6:1, 3
-Who does it benefit? 6:7, 10
-Is maturity worth it? 6:9-10
-How long do I need to work on it? 6:11
-What hinders maturity? 6:12
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 – Rehearse the context of Hebrews. Who was it written to? What was it written to say about Jesus? What was their sacrificial system like? How did salvation through Jesus differ from their sacrificial system? Hebrews 5:3; 9; 10:11-18
Question #2 – Have you ever doubted your forgiveness in Jesus? What impact did that have on you? What impact could that have on a believer in general? How can you help someone who doubts Christ’s forgiveness? What Scripture can you go to?
Question #3 – Read 5:11-14; 6:7&10 … what are your next steps of maturity? Baptism? An attitude to develop or forsake? A habit or character trait to grow? How do you develop that maturity? 6:1,3 & 12
Question #4 – Write down some maturity goals that you would like to accomplish before next group. Think of ways to help each other do them and pray for each other before group ends!
8.23.2020
"Time to Grow Up"
Time to Grow Up
Hebrews 5:11-14 - 8.23.3030
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
Three Measures of Genuine Spiritual Maturity:
1. Passion to Engage With God’s Word. V. 11
“No longer try” … same word as v. 12 “lazy” – it means sluggish, slothful or slow.
It wasn’t that they weren’t hearing God’s Word, but that their passion was wasn’t peaked, their heart was wasn’t tuned, their motivation wasn’t up. It was in one ear and out the other.
“Information you don’t care about will never change your life”
2. Investing in Discipling Others. V. 12
“By this time you should be teachers” …
American church has often made a measure of maturity if you are being taught. The writer of Hebrews says that a measure of maturity is if you are teaching someone else.
“What God does for you shouldn’t end with you.”
3. A Personal Active Spiritual Workout. V. 13-14
What is “Milk”? v. 12 “what they learned at the beginning of their Christian life.”
What is “Solid Food”? v. 13-14 Practically using God’s Word every day to live for Him. “teaching about righteousness” for the purpose of “distinguish good from evil.”
“constant use” – regular training
“trained themselves” – (gymnazo – to exercise the body)
“The Weights are His Word and the Gym is Our World”
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 - How do you feel people in church today measure spiritual maturity? How do you measure spiritual maturity in yourself? Apart from today’s passage, do you have any other Scripture to contribute to this theme?
Question #2 - Read Hebrews 5:11. The writer talks about the readers hearing becoming “dull” or that “they no longer try to understand” God’s Word. Put that attitude or condition into today’s language. What contributes to it? How can we protect against becoming dull? If we have become this way, how can we get out of it? Can you think of any Scripture to help someone who has become insensitive to God’s Word?
Question #3 - Read Hebrews 5:12. What percentage of believers, do you feel, personally invest in discipling others? Read Matthew 28:19-20. Why is this so critical? Is it possible to be a mature believer and not be involved in discipling another? Can you name someone who invested into you? Are you involved in the life of someone else? If not, can you think of someone you would like to invest in?
Question #4 - Read Hebrews 5:13-14. Solid food is “teaching in righteousness” to “discern good and evil”. What would “constant use” and “training themselves” in this teaching look like? How can we help each other with this? Take a few moments to pray for each other to see these measures of maturity continue to develop in your group!
8.16.2020
"Jesus, Our Great High Priest"
Jesus Is Our Great High Priest
8.16.2020
5 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. Hebrews 5:1
2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. Hebrews 5:2-3
4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you” Hebrews 5:4-5
6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:6
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus[a] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Hebrews 5:7
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8
9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:9-10
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. Hebrews 7:1-3
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Hebrews 5:7
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:9-10
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
S M A L L G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Question #1 - What are you waiting for? How could your season of waiting be preparing you for what is ahead?
Question #2 - What comfort does it bring to you that God is not apathetic but endured temptation and identifies with our humanity? (Hebrews 4:15)
Question #3 - What are the implications of Jesus being our great High Priest? When someone has the title of Priest today think about what kind of affront that is to Jesus?
Question #4 - What confidence does having Jesus as your High Priest give you to approach the throne of grace? (Hebrews 4:16)
Question #5 - In what ways do you see Jesus presented a superior High Priest to the Aaronic priesthood. (Hebrews 5:1-10)
Question #6 - What three ways are we called to respond to Jesus as our High Priest? (Hebrews 4:14, 4:16, and 5:9)
Only Jesus Offers True Rest
Hebrews 4 - 8.9.2020
Context:
*Hebrews was written to show that Jesus is superior to all others.
*At this point, the writer of Hebrews shows that Jesus is superior to prophets, angels and Moses.
*Moses was able to bring the Israelites out of Egypt but was unable to bring them to the land of rest.
Read Hebrews 4
Three Truths About Rest
1. God offers us true rest. V. 1, 6, 9, 10
2. Est comes through faith in the “good news” – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. V. 2, 3, 6
3. It takes a decision to rest. V. 10-11
Two quotes that help us understand God’s Rest …
- “If it rests on me, I won’t rest”
- “I can rest because it all rests on Him!”
NOTE: Matthew 12:1-14 … Sometimes religious people put extra expectations on us as though we won’t have God’s
acceptance unless we meet their standards. Jesus invites us to enter His rest and be free from that as well.
Application: God has given us what we need for rest …
- Follow Scripture v. 12-13
- Hold Firmly to Jesus. V. 14-16
