Class Lesson November 24, 2024

 Jesus is Better - Hebrews Week 15

This is our last week studying the book of Hebrews; we have seen above all else that King Jesus is better. He has ushered in a new covenant, mediated through His blood, and by faith in His name; we have a great inheritance that lies before us.

 

What is one takeaway from our study in 

the book of Hebrews?

 

Now, for this week's study...

The Point: 

We must live seeking the eternal city.

  

Hebrews 13:1-25

Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. 12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25 Grace be with all of you.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 13:1-25.

Study Notes

WEEK 15 NOTES: Hebrews 13:1-25

Similar to the book of Romans, Hebrews is a book that’s largely theological, with reference after reference to the Old Testament. Yet, the book of Hebrews is also similar to the book of Romans in that it was written to a specific group of believers at a specific time in a specific location.

Thus, it’s in Hebrews 13, where the author switches from a pastoral exhortation to practical application. In Hebrews 12:28, the author says, “Therefore, let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Because we have an inheritance above, a coming kingdom where we reign with Christ in glory for all time, we must live in this world with endurance, holding fast to the confession of our hope.

And it’s because of that great inheritance, the author says, we not only are empowered to endure, but we should be motivated for proper worship and service to God. The author doesn’t leave us hanging on what he means by “acceptable worship.” In fact, he gives us ten principles for seeking the heavenly city and offering up to God obedient worship through the Lord Jesus.

1) Love Each Other (v.1)

2) Show Hospitality (v.2)

3) Remember the Mistreated (v.3)

4) Let Marriage Be Held in Honor (v.4)

5) Be Content in Christ (v.5)

6) Trust Your Leaders (v. 7, 17)

7) Hold on to the Truth (v. 8-9)

8) Suffer Well (v. 10-15)

9) Show Compassion (v. 16)

10) Pray for Each Other (v. 18)

While much could be said on applying each of these principles to the life of the Christian, it must also be noted there is an incredibly straight-forward application to each. These aren’t simply suggestions, but commands for the believer. Furthermore, it’s not as if these principles appease or please God in and of themselves. The author has already stated, “...without faith it is impossible to please him.” Rather, these principles are to be offered up to God by faith in the Lord Jesus as “...as sacrifice of praise to God.”

The author summarizes this, as well as his message from the rest of the letter, in his benedictory prayer in v. 20-21. Thus, we no longer offer to God the sacrifices of bulls or rams as in the old covenant because God has provided a better sacrifice, who mediated a better covenant through his own blood. By faith in his name, we now offer to God the sacrifice of our lives, walking in worship-filled awe of who God is, awaiting the heavenly kingdom. How we worship, how we walk in anticipating the coming of that kingdom, is how we live out these principles given forth by the author.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

According to the author of Hebrews, what is our motivation for worship?

What does it look like to live a life of worship according to Hebrews 13?

Which of the ten principles stand out to you?

Of the ten principles for seeking the heavenly city, which is the most difficult for you? Which comes most naturally to you?

How do you think the world around you would view Christ-followers if we walked according to these ten principles?

 

We live our life in this world seeking the heavenly kingdom above, where Christ our King is seated on his throne. Because we have a great inheritance before us, we live in the now with hearts of gratitude, desiring above all else to glorify God and advance his gospel into the world.

END

Class Lesson November 17, 2024

 Jesus is Better - Hebrews Week 14

This week’s study is a solemn reminder of God’s holiness, as well as a joyful reminder of our access to God in Christ Jesus. The passage starts like a scary movie talking about darkness, gloom, and a blazing fire referencing humanity’s approach to God, but turns into hope in Jesus Christ. Therefore, during this study, do not be afraid to feel the weight of God’s holiness and the seriousness of what it means to reject the gift of salvation. Then, realize the complete opposite feeling of hope because Jesus brought us into fellowship with God.

 

Do you have any strange fears? What are they?

Has there ever been anything that you were once afraid of, but you now enjoy? How did it change?

 

The Point: Endurance finds its completion in an unshakable kingdom.

 

Hebrews 12:18-29

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken — that is, things that have been made — in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 12:18-29

*To understand the significance of Mount Sinai, it will be helpful to read Exodus 19-20 and Deuteronomy 4-5.

 

Study Notes

WEEK 14 NOTES: Hebrews 12:18-29

Hebrews 12:18-29 is one of the most straightforward and powerful passages in all of Scripture. The author begins by detailing the contrast between access to God with and without Christ. He looks back at a moment when God displayed His presence to the people on Mount Sinai. The people reacted in such complete fear they wanted God to stop talking.

They caught a glimpse of God, realizing the vast chasm between God’s holiness and their insignificance. They understood that a mere human could not approach God. As a matter of fact, they were even afraid to touch the Mountain where God revealed Himself as an all-consuming fire. We are reminded here of how unworthy we are to be close to God. The gloom in the passage shows how destructive and dangerous it is to attempt connection with God through our own merit.

As the author continues, the tone turns from fear to hope when he mentions another mountain where God dwells, Mount Zion. The reference to Mount Zion points forward to the work of Jesus on the cross and the Kingdom of God. This is where we are made worthy by His blood. Mount Sinai is where we see God’s holiness and our inability to touch the mountain. Mount Zion is where we experience the work of Jesus and gain access to the Kingdom of God.

The idea of access to God is a recurring theme in Hebrews, but this passage reveals a practical and emotional perspective on what that access truly means. Without Jesus, God is untouchable, and we are left in fear. However, through Christ, we experience freedom, joy, and fellowship with God. We can now approach Him with excitement and anticipation, eager to draw near to His presence.

In application, the message is clear: without Jesus, God will consume us. Therefore, do not reject Jesus. Simple! There is coming a day when God will shake the universe and anything impure will fall away. The only thing left will be God’s unshakable kingdom. All who are part of His kingdom experience the presence of God and all His blessings.

The chapter ends with a clear response for the people of God. We must be grateful for an unshakeable kingdom and reverently worship God. Reverence, in this context, means approaching God with humility, understanding He is holy, and we didn’t earn a spot in His kingdom. We are unworthy to be close to God, but here we are, sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

 

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Is there a difference between fearing God and being afraid of God? What is it?

Does the way God is described on Mount Sinai change the way you view God? Explain.

Will you share a time when you felt the distance between God’s righteousness and your unworthiness?

What does it mean to worship God with reverence and awe (verse 28)?

How can we cultivate a more reverent attitude in our worship practices?

END

Teacher Notes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpaWtg5O9Hc&t=3s

Click the link to Watch

Hebrews 12:18-21

18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”

When we catch a vision of God’s holiness, we can regard many things in our lives as holy. When we lose a sense of God’s holiness (as many have), then we lose the realization that anything is holy or unholy.

In this latter case, we also lose a sense of our own sinfulness, our need for God’s grace, and the desperate plight of our culture.

Unless we grasp God’s holiness, we will no longer be “amazed” at His amazing grace.

 

John Newton in his hymn, “Amazing Grace” said: “’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.”

Hebrews 12:22-24

22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

Mount Zion points forward to the work of Jesus on the cross.

This is where we are made worthy by His blood and gain access to the Kingdom of God.

 

Let’s read on: Hebrews 12:25-29 

Hebrews 12:25-29

25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken — that is, things that have been made — in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire. 

Without Jesus, God is untouchable, and we are left in fear.

Through Jesus, we experience freedom, joy, and fellowship with God.

We can now come to Him with excitement and anticipation, eager to draw near to His presence.

Click Play to Listen

 

Class Lesson November 10, 2024

 Jesus is Better - Hebrews Week 13

Have you ever run in a race? 

How did you do? What were the keys to finishing well in your race? 

If you could choose, which would you prefer, and why: lightning-bolt sprinter’s speed or a marathon champion’s endurance?

The Point: 

The Christian life requires that we keep running to the end.

 

Hebrews 12:1-11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son whom he receives.”

7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 12:1-11.

 

Study Notes

WEEK 13 NOTES: Hebrews 12:1-11

Up to this point, the writer of Hebrews has argued Jesus is better and a life of faith in Jesus is better. But in chapter 12, the writer turns the conversation from a theological argument to practical application. This is the point where he gets personal and turns the focus from examples of faith to the reader’s life. He says, since we have all these examples of living by faith (Ch. 11), we should take those examples and do the same. He is convinced the reader can also live the same victorious life. When we look at the hall of faith and how God worked in the lives of those mentioned, we can be encouraged to see the possibilities of God working in our lives for His glory.

In verse 1, the writer compares living the Christian life to running a race. The reality, though, is this race isn’t a short sprint, rather it’s a marathon full of distractions, celebrations, struggles, and victories. 

Therefore, there are three practical actions we must consider running this race.

 

Lay aside every weight and sin. (vs. 1)

Obviously, the first question is, where do we start? Where do we begin to live the Christian life? The starting point is for us to lay aside every weight and sin that holds us back. In other words, we cannot run until we get rid of the weight. Another term the Bible uses is repentance. We must daily allow the Spirit to convict us of anything that hinders our walk. We must also repent of that sin and find forgiveness in Christ. To clarify, we don’t get rid of sin through our own power. There is another action that must take place in conjunction with repentance.

 

Look to Jesus (vs. 2)

According to the Bible, we lay aside the weight and run the race while looking to Jesus (vs. 2). Jesus endured suffering and is alive victorious in order that we might look to Him for forgiveness, salvation, and sanctification. Jesus is the founder and perfecter of our faith. The King James Version says, “the author and finisher of our faith.” This means Jesus is Lord of our faith at the starting line, in the race, and at the finish line. Therefore, if we keep our eyes on Jesus, the distractions of the world are less likely to entice us. If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can daily run the race in holiness and grace, making progress along the way.

 

Receive God’s Discipline (vs. 3-11)

Another action associated with laying aside every weight and running the race is being disciplined by God. Few people, if any, are excited about God’s discipline. It hurts. His judgment and discipline break us, but in our brokenness, we can gain a sober look at our sin. We need that brokenness to surrender to God, so He can continue to work in us. That is why discipline is a form of grace. God is helping us when we cannot help ourselves by taking away our gods and replacing them with Himself. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (vs. 11)

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Why is the Christian life a marathon and not a sprint?

How have you been encouraged by the examples of faith set by Christians in years past?

Is there anything in your life that might not necessarily be sin but is still slowing you down? What is it?

What comes to your mind when you hear the word discipline? Do you see discipline as positive or negative? Why?

Read Proverbs 3:11-12. Why is discipline an example of God’s love?

Who in your life is an example of faith and how does their faith encourage you in your walk with Christ?

How can our group pray for you as you run the race?

 

END

Teacher Notes: From Brent Egan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp6aygmvzM4

Click the Link Above

A music video that may assist us in focusing our eyes on the promise of untold future blessings, and unload the weights and sin that bind as we serve out our earthly call.

Class Lesson November 3, 2024

 Jesus is Better - Hebrews Week 12

Hebrews 11 challenges us to live boldly by faith, drawing inspiration from those who have gone before us. It invites us to trust God’s promises, act on His calling, and support one another in our faith journey. 

 

How would you define faith to someone who 

has never experienced it?

The Point: 

The Christian life is only lived by faith.

 

Hebrews 11:1-40

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. 11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 19 He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.

29 By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated — 38 of whom the world was not worthy — wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Heb 11:1-40.

 

 

Study Notes

WEEK 11 NOTES: Hebrews 11:1-40

Hebrews 11 paints one of the clearest and most beautiful pictures of faith in the Bible. The Book of Hebrews emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the importance of faith, but chapter 11 gives multiple examples of how faith practically and miraculously works. To be clear, the writer is not referring to just any kind of faith or faith in any old thing. He is talking about faith that believes the Word of God and acts upon that Word.

 

Faith Defined:

Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This definition sets the foundation for understanding faith as both a trust in God’s promises and a conviction in His unseen work.

We can be assured that faith is not a risk or a blind leap. Faith is a divine gift from God to move us toward God with confidence and conviction. Faith is a firm conviction concerning the promises of God, and a confidence that He will do what He says He will do. On the other hand, Faith endures even when we cannot see or understand God’s plans. We live by faith as Christians because our faith rests in Him, not in ourselves or in our abilities.

The story of Christianity is about Christ saving sinners and using them for the glory of God. Therefore, faith is based on a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It is with this faith that we believe God created the world and upholds everything in it.

Faith in Action:

The chapter further illustrates true faith is demonstrated through actions. The common thread among these heroes is that their faith is not passive. Each story shows us that faith compels us to step out, and to follow God’s leading.

The chapter presents a list of faithful heroes, each illustrating different aspects of the same faith. For instance, Noah acted on faith when he built the ark, responding to God’s warning despite the ridicule he faced. Abraham trusted in God’s promise of a future land and descendants, living as a stranger in faith. Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. His decision illustrates the value of prioritizing God’s call over worldly comforts.

God uniquely uses each person and situation to accomplish His plan, but we can be encouraged to know that we are part of the same faith. The same God who operated in their lives, operates in ours today.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

What is the foundation for Christian faith? What other foundations do people try to use for faith?

Why is the object of faith more important than faith itself?

Drawing from the examples, what is the relationship between faith and perseverance?

How are faith in God and obedience to His ways related? Can you have one without the other? Explain.

What are similar traits in the individuals listed that would apply to us today?

Who are individuals you know whom you believe are strong in their faith? What are examples of their faith?

How are you demonstrating faith to others? Is it a positive or negative demonstration?

 

END

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufKpO9J8Cy4&t=2s

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Remember the Titans - Closing Scene

"You're Hall of Fame in my book"

This is our question this morning, will God say, "You're Hall of Fame in My Book" to us?

Let's talk about it...

Click Play to Watch