In August of 2021 Coastline Bible Church started a brand new sermon series called: "Greater." For approximately five months we are going to study 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 | The Truth about Faith | Hebrews 11:1-6
Many people have referred to Hebrews 11 as the: Hall of Faith. In this chapter we are reminder of several men and women who have proceeded us in our faith journey. This chapter actually introduces the final section of the book of Hebrews. The author makes a shift from the greatness of Jesus to the greatness of living for Jesus. It’s a shift from knowing the greatness of Jesus to trusting in Jesus with our life. Some early Christians were considering leaving their faith in Jesus and returning to the Law of Moses. The author has gone to great lengths to persuade them not to leave the faith. In this chapter we find that return to the Law of Moses would be departing from faith in God.
1) Neal shared a story about going on an outreach trip and exercising his faith in raising support. Share about a time when you took a step of faith. What were some key factors that shaped your faith in this experience?
2) Read Hebrews 11:1-2. The author starts this chapter with a description of what faith is. Read Romans 8:24 and 2 Corinthians 4:18. What do these New Testament passages teach us about faith?
3) The author refers back to the creation of the world to help us understand faith (read Hebrews 11:3, Genesis 1:1-3, John 1:3, and 2 Peter 3:3-7). How does having faith in God as creator help our faith on a daily basis?
4) The author shares about the faith of Abel and Enoch (read Hebrews 11:4-5). Go back to Genesis 4:1-10 and 5:24 to read their stories. What is similar in their story and what is vastly different? Talk about how God grows our faith differently.
5) The faith growth process contains similar elements for all people: God speaks to each person, then the person is stirred by God. Next we see people act in obedience to God. Finally the Scripture bears witness. What stage of faith growth are you in?
6) The author is crystal clear that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith that pleases God has two parts: belief in God and seeking Him. What one of those two characteristics do you want to grow in this year?
7) Read Romans 10:17. We are taught that we grow in our faith when we hear God’s word. Do you have a daily set aside to hear from God? Share with your group what works for you to hear God’s voice most clearly.
Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.
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