The book of Hebrews contrasts the imperfect and incomplete sacrificial system of the Old testament (old covenant), with the perfect and complete sacrifice of Christ (new covenant). This includes contrasts between the imperfect human priests and Christ who is our perfect high priest. There are several other themes that run throughout the book that are important for believers to understand. One is the fact that adherence to the law is impossible and will never lead to salvation. The other is that, as believers, we now have direct access to God through Christ (our great High Priest) and therefore we can “approach the throne of grace with boldness.” Something that was previously impossible.
Essentially, the book of Hebrews is about how Jesus is better and superior in every way… the New Covenant in Christ is better and superior to the Old covenant, Christ’s sacrifice is better and superior to the old sacrificial system, and Jesus is a better and superior High Priest than any human priest.
Out with the Old in with the New- July 5
The writer of Hebrews is trying to show that the old system (the Levitical priesthood, the law, the structure of the tabernacle, the old covenant, etc...) is problematic for all kinds of reasons. He wants his readers to understand that there is a new way found in Christ that is better, more superior, and more complete.
Discussions/Questions
1. Read Hebrews 7:19 ("For the law perfected nothing..."). How do we see this truth throughout the story of Scripture?
2. Read Hebrews 8:7-17. The law isn't the problem; people are. We see this truth throughout the Bible, and we see it in our own lives. We all fall short of God's standard (Romans 3:23). Where have you been reminded recently of your need for a Savior?
3. Jesus made a new way, and we get to place our faith in His finished work. Are there areas of your life where you're still trying to earn God's acceptance instead of resting in the good news of the gospel?
4. The old covenant revealed that it's possible to look spiritually healthy on the outside (like the Pharisees) while missing a genuine relationship with God. What is one practical way you can enjoy your relationship with Jesus this week instead of simply going through the motions?
The writer of Hebrews is trying to show that the old system (the Levitical priesthood, the law, the structure of the tabernacle, the old covenant, etc...) is problematic for all kinds of reasons. He wants his readers to understand that there is a new way found in Christ that is better, more superior, and more complete.
Discussions/Questions
1. Read Hebrews 7:19 ("For the law perfected nothing..."). How do we see this truth throughout the story of Scripture?
2. Read Hebrews 8:7-17. The law isn't the problem; people are. We see this truth throughout the Bible, and we see it in our own lives. We all fall short of God's standard (Romans 3:23). Where have you been reminded recently of your need for a Savior?
3. Jesus made a new way, and we get to place our faith in His finished work. Are there areas of your life where you're still trying to earn God's acceptance instead of resting in the good news of the gospel?
4. The old covenant revealed that it's possible to look spiritually healthy on the outside (like the Pharisees) while missing a genuine relationship with God. What is one practical way you can enjoy your relationship with Jesus this week instead of simply going through the motions?
Action Step: When you fall short and feel like you don't measure up (and you will), remember that's the Old Covenant. Find joy and rest in the fact we have a better covenant built on better promises and it's not about your ability to measure up.
More Cowbell- June 28
Hebrews 6 is one of the most contested and controversial portions in the New Testament, and presents an opportunity to reflect upon what the Bible is and how to read it well. Is repentance impossible for people who have fallen away? How does this square with other portions of Scripture which indicate the opposite?
Discussions/Questions
1. Read Hebrews 5:11–6:8. How were you taught to read the Bible? How do you currently read and understand the Bible?
Hebrews 6 is one of the most contested and controversial portions in the New Testament, and presents an opportunity to reflect upon what the Bible is and how to read it well. Is repentance impossible for people who have fallen away? How does this square with other portions of Scripture which indicate the opposite?
Discussions/Questions
1. Read Hebrews 5:11–6:8. How were you taught to read the Bible? How do you currently read and understand the Bible?
2. Have you ever experienced the danger of reading one passage in isolation instead of seeing it within the whole story of the Bible? Explain.
3. A journey toward spiritual maturity is expected for followers of Jesus. (The emphasis is on the journey!) Are you still growing, or are you experiencing a season of stagnation? Explain.
4. Where could you demonstrate spiritual maturity by serving and giving instead of simply consuming? Austin reminded us that we are all called to help other people love God and love people.
5. Read Hebrews 6:4–8 again. How do you receive the warning in this passage while also resting in your unconditional acceptance by God?
6. Do you know anyone who has reached a place where they no longer want to be received by God? Spend some time as a group praying for those people. (Consider splitting into groups of two or three for a focused time of prayer.)
Action Step: Receive the warning and receive your unconditional reception.
Jesus...Our Great High Priest- June 21
The author of Hebrews begins to explain how Jesus is a greater high priest than the human high priests they had known. Although Jesus is God, he was also fully human and was tempted as we are. According to the author, this should give us confidence as we approach God who is full of mercy and grace.
Discussions/Questions
1. Read Hebrews 4:15
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus was "tempted in every way, as we are...?" Does it give you peace, confidence, encouragement, etc...? How so?
2. Read Hebrews 4:16
What does it mean to "approach the throne of grace with boldness...?" How do we do that? What does that look like?
3. Can we go too far with our boldness before the Lord where it sort of drifts into arrogance or entitlement? How can we prevent that from happening?
4. How do we wrap our minds around the fact that Jesus was fully God and fully man? Why is that truth so significant and how would you try and explain that to someone?
Action Step: Approach the throne of grace with boldness this week remembering that Jesus is your great High Priest
The author of Hebrews begins to explain how Jesus is a greater high priest than the human high priests they had known. Although Jesus is God, he was also fully human and was tempted as we are. According to the author, this should give us confidence as we approach God who is full of mercy and grace.
Discussions/Questions
1. Read Hebrews 4:15
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus was "tempted in every way, as we are...?" Does it give you peace, confidence, encouragement, etc...? How so?
2. Read Hebrews 4:16
What does it mean to "approach the throne of grace with boldness...?" How do we do that? What does that look like?
3. Can we go too far with our boldness before the Lord where it sort of drifts into arrogance or entitlement? How can we prevent that from happening?
4. How do we wrap our minds around the fact that Jesus was fully God and fully man? Why is that truth so significant and how would you try and explain that to someone?
Action Step: Approach the throne of grace with boldness this week remembering that Jesus is your great High Priest
Causes and Cures for a Hardened Heart- June 14
In Chapter 3 of Hebrews the author quotes Psalm 95 referencing the story of the Exodus of God's people from Egypt and them wondering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their "hardened hearts." But what causes our hearts to become hardened toward God and what is the remedy?
Discussions/Questions
1. What are some symptoms of a heart that is becoming hardened toward God? How can we identify a hardening of our own hearts?
2. Can you think of a time in your life when your heart was hardened toward God? What do you think led to that? How did it change?
3. Dave mentioned that one of the themes of scripture is that God wants rest for your weary soul. Why do you think we struggle so much with "resting" in God? What does it look like to "rest" in God?
4. Do you feel like we encourage each other enough? How can we as a small group be better at godly encouragement?
5. Read Hebrews 4:12 and discuss. What is the author trying to communicate about God's word? What does it mean that God's word is a "double-edged sword?" Why is that a good thing?
Action Step: Look for opportunities to practice Godly encouragement this week.
In Chapter 3 of Hebrews the author quotes Psalm 95 referencing the story of the Exodus of God's people from Egypt and them wondering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their "hardened hearts." But what causes our hearts to become hardened toward God and what is the remedy?
Discussions/Questions
1. What are some symptoms of a heart that is becoming hardened toward God? How can we identify a hardening of our own hearts?
2. Can you think of a time in your life when your heart was hardened toward God? What do you think led to that? How did it change?
3. Dave mentioned that one of the themes of scripture is that God wants rest for your weary soul. Why do you think we struggle so much with "resting" in God? What does it look like to "rest" in God?
4. Do you feel like we encourage each other enough? How can we as a small group be better at godly encouragement?
5. Read Hebrews 4:12 and discuss. What is the author trying to communicate about God's word? What does it mean that God's word is a "double-edged sword?" Why is that a good thing?
Action Step: Look for opportunities to practice Godly encouragement this week.
Merciful and Faithful - June 7
It's not easy being a Christian, and Jesus knows all about it. In Hebrews 2:1-18 we learn that while the call to obedience is firm, the one who calls is merciful and faithful, and he is not ashamed to be our high priest and brother.
Discussions/Questions
1. What do you make of the fact that some places in Scripture seem to speak of few people being in heaven while others seem to speak of many being in heaven?
2. Is it hard for you to believe Jesus is not ashamed to be your brother? Why or why not?
3. What's the significance of Jesus being a merciful and faithful high priest?
4. Do you think people around you see you as merciful and faithful towards them?
Action Step: Remember that Christ is a merciful and faithful high priest who is not ashamed to be your brother.
It's not easy being a Christian, and Jesus knows all about it. In Hebrews 2:1-18 we learn that while the call to obedience is firm, the one who calls is merciful and faithful, and he is not ashamed to be our high priest and brother.
Discussions/Questions
1. What do you make of the fact that some places in Scripture seem to speak of few people being in heaven while others seem to speak of many being in heaven?
2. Is it hard for you to believe Jesus is not ashamed to be your brother? Why or why not?
3. What's the significance of Jesus being a merciful and faithful high priest?
4. Do you think people around you see you as merciful and faithful towards them?
Action Step: Remember that Christ is a merciful and faithful high priest who is not ashamed to be your brother.
How To Not Drift Away - May 31
The recipients of this letter to the Hebrews were most likely Jewish Christians who were sort of beginning to drift away from the gospel message they had heard and believed. For this reason, the author of Hebrews begins the letter with the person and work of Jesus to remind them of the gospel. Drifting away from our faith is something that we're all in danger of and therefore we need to be on guard against. But what does it mean to drift away from our faith and how do we avoid doing so?
Discussions/Questions
1. Hebrews begins by declaring that God spoke by the prophets, but now God "has spoken" by His Son. What is the message God has spoken by his Son? By speaking that way, what is God trying to communicate to us?
2. Has there been a time in your life when you sort of "drifted away" from your faith? What did drifting away look like for you and what helped you return?
3. It's important that we "exercise our faith" in order to keep it growing and strong. How do you "exercise your faith?" What are some practical ways you keep your faith from drifting or fading away?
4. Why do you think the author of Hebrews spends so much time explaining why Jesus is greater than angels?
Action Step: Don't let attending church today be the only time you "exercise your faith" this week.
The recipients of this letter to the Hebrews were most likely Jewish Christians who were sort of beginning to drift away from the gospel message they had heard and believed. For this reason, the author of Hebrews begins the letter with the person and work of Jesus to remind them of the gospel. Drifting away from our faith is something that we're all in danger of and therefore we need to be on guard against. But what does it mean to drift away from our faith and how do we avoid doing so?
Discussions/Questions
1. Hebrews begins by declaring that God spoke by the prophets, but now God "has spoken" by His Son. What is the message God has spoken by his Son? By speaking that way, what is God trying to communicate to us?
2. Has there been a time in your life when you sort of "drifted away" from your faith? What did drifting away look like for you and what helped you return?
3. It's important that we "exercise our faith" in order to keep it growing and strong. How do you "exercise your faith?" What are some practical ways you keep your faith from drifting or fading away?
4. Why do you think the author of Hebrews spends so much time explaining why Jesus is greater than angels?
Action Step: Don't let attending church today be the only time you "exercise your faith" this week.
