Friday, November 19, 2021

Hebrews 8 | Small Group Questions











Coastline Bible Church just started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For the next several months we are going to look through the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. For this sermon Doug Meye preached and wrote the small group questions for us! 

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS – A Better Priest, A Better Covenant – Hebrews 8

In Hebrews 8, the author continues to elaborate on the high priestly ministry of Jesus.  Like the ministry of Melchizedek (Genesis 14, Hebrews 7), Jesus’s high priestly ministry is superior to that of the high priests who ministered in the Jewish temple.  Because Jesus is a better high priest, who oversees a better covenant, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy about a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new covenant not only makes the old covenant obsolete but introduces followers of Jesus to new and wonderful realities of life with God (eternal life).

1) Think back over different bridges you have seen either in a picture or in person. What is the most memorable bridge you have ever encountered? Why?

2) The book of Hebrews cites a number of differences between the high priests who ministered in the temple and our high priest, Jesus Christ. Work as a group to recall as many of these as you can (See Hebrews 7:23-8:6).

3) In his ministry, death and resurrection, Jesus established a new covenant. Doug cited three different outcomes of the new covenant: an inner power, knowing God intimately, resting in grace. How do following scriptures help us understand these different aspects of the new covenant:
- inner power – (Matthew 3:11, Philippians 2:12-13)
- knowing God intimately- (John 17:3, Ephesians 1:17-21, Philippians 3:7-11)
- resting in grace – (Romans 5:1, Matthew 11:28-30)

4) Which of these new covenant outcomes means the most to you? Why? What things can you do to build this reality into your life in a greater way?

5) A priest serves as a kind of “bridge” between God and humanity. Jesus is our great high priest, but as followers of Jesus, we are also called to a priestly ministry (I Peter 2:4-5). How is our ministry like that of Jesus? How is it different? 

6) How can you use the analogy of a bridge to explain to an unbeliever what Jesus has done for us? (What scriptures might be part of your explanation: Romans 3:23, John 3:16, 10:9-10, I Timothy 1:15)

7) Who in your circle of relations needs hear the gospel? 

Close your time in prayer. Thank God for the aspect of the new covenant which is speaking most loudly to you. Pray for the strength to live out the reality of the new covenant. Pray for the person in your circle of relationships that needs to hear about the bridge to God Jesus has made possible.

Monday, November 15, 2021

Hebrews 7 | Small Group Questions











Coastline Bible Church just started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For the next several months we are going to look through the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Unlike Any Other | Hebrews 7

Hebrews 7 introduces the second main section of the book. This section extends through Hebrews 10 and focuses on the superior priesthood. In this section the author will expand on Jesus as the great high priest, understanding Jewish sacrifices, Melchizedek, and temple worship in Jerusalem. In Hebrews 7 we learn more about Melchizedek and his role as an eternal priest. The author uses him as an example to discourage the first-century church from returning to Jewish customs instead of following Jesus. This chapter in Scripture can be more cerebral and require us to think more about Scripture and deeper Theological topics. Make sure to open your time in prayer before studying this section and growing in your faith. 

1) In Genesis 14 we learn that Abraham went into battle to rescue his nephew lot from the kings that captured him. Think about a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to help someone in trouble. How did it end up? 

2) Read Hebrews 7:1-3. Melchizedek is called the king of righteousness and peace. We live in a time when many of us need peace in our lives more than ever. Read Ephesians 2:14 and Isaiah 9:6. Where do you need peace in your life? 

3) Scholars have written much on the lineage of Melchizedek. Some people think that he is Jesus in the flesh and others disagree. Do you think it’s possible for Melchizedek to be Jesus in the flesh? Why or why not? Support with Scripture. 

4) Read Hebrews 7:4. Abraham saw the greatness of Melchizedek and gave him an offering of ten percent. Giving is a very personal part of our walk with Jesus but also reveals where our heart is. What did this sermon teach you about Biblical giving?  

5) In Hebrews 7:11-21 the author brings up the old covenant and the priesthood. How was the old covenant unable to help us achieve perfection (read Hebrews 10:1-4)? What of your old life do you need to leave behind to follow fully after Jesus? 

6) Read Hebrews 7:22-28. We learn that Jesus is able to intercede for us because He lives forever. Read Luke 11:9-10, John 16:23, and Romans 8:34. What would change in your prayer life if you asked Jesus to intercede for you? 

7) In Hebrews 7:26 we read about the greatness of Jesus. Neal asked us what one of these characteristics we need to work on. Read 1 Peter 1:16, Philippians 1:10, and 2 Timothy 2:22 and share your answer. 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

Thursday, November 04, 2021

Hebrews 6:13-20 | Small Group Questions







Coastline Bible Church just started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For the next several months we are going to look through the book of Hebrews together. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience living in the first century. They are likely experiencing persecution and thinking about abandoning their faith. The author teaches us how Jesus is greater than: the prophets, angels, Moses, Abraham, the Law, the old covenant, and the high priest. We learn that Jesus is greater than anything that has preceded Him. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Greater than Abraham | Hebrews 6:13-20

In the later part of Hebrews 6 we read about Jesus being greater than Abraham. The author reminds the early church about the patience of Abraham. God called Abraham from his home country and made him into a Nation. But it didn’t happen overnight. Abraham had to wait for God to fulfill His promises. The author gives us the example of Abraham because some of the believers were considering abandoning their faith. They needed to learn to wait patiently on the Lord and go through the maturating process. Sometimes we abandon things too early and miss out on what God is working in our hearts. Study these questions and make the hope of Jesus the anchor of your soul. 

1) Neal shared a story about trick-or-treating as a teenager and how his friend lacked patience. His friends inability to wait put him in an unwanted situation. Share a time that your inability to wait put you in an unwanted situation.  

2) Read Hebrews 6:13-15. God made a promise to Abraham about building him into a great nation. Abraham, having patiently endured clearly refers to the Isaac trial, as a result of which he obtained the promise. Where are you learning patience today? 

3) God made it clear that He would bless Abraham and give him many decedents. The goal of those descendants was to be a blessing to everyone (read Genesis 12:1-3). How can you be a blessing to others this week? 

4) We were given homework to find the promises of God in Scripture. If you found some this week share those with your group. If you haven’t had time to do that, take some time as a group to look for God’s promises in Scripture.  

5) Read Hebrews 6:16-18. The author subtly pulls in the Old Testament aspect of the cities of refuge (Deuteronomy 19:1-14). What are the similarities in the cities of refuge and find refuge in Jesus? 

6) For centuries Christians have put their hope in Jesus as the anchor of their lives (Hebrews 6:19-20). How do you keep your hope anchored in Jesus when difficulties come? Where are you feeling hopeless? (see Colossians 1:5, 1 Timothy 1:1)

7) Hebrews 6 ends with an image of Jesus as the forerunner of our hope. A forerunner is a person who has gone before another. Discuss the truth of Jesus being our forerunner in heaven and the impact of that (John 14:1-6, Colossians 1:16-20, Ephesians 1:20, and 1 Thessalonians 4:16). 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.