Sunday, October 24, 2021

Hebrews 5:11-6:12 | 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 | Our Great Teacher | Hebrews 5:11-6:12

Hebrews chapter 5:11-6:12 are focused on Jesus as our great teacher. The early church was experiencing a time of persecution. Christians were being killed for their faith in Jesus and some considered returning to their Jewish customs. The worries of the world began to choke out their spiritual growth. That is where the author of this letter comes in to encourage them to keep following Jesus. He identifies four marks of spiritual immaturity. You can tell he knows them personally because he is kind in his comments. After identifying that, he encourages them to grow in their walk with Jesus. Some of them had become lazy and needed the motivation to push on with Jesus. 

1) In Luke 7 we read The Parable of the Sower. In this parable Jesus uses the example of a farmer to help the disciples understand the Kingdom of God. When you think about this parable, what soil is your life planted in? What soil do you want to be planted in? 

2) Read Hebrews 5:11-14. The author gives four marks of spiritual immaturity. The first mark is a dullness to the word of God. Have you ever been dull to God’s Word? Share how you keep the word of God fresh in your life. 

3) The final mark of spiritual immaturity is being unskilled in using God’s word. Do you have a plan to memorize Scripture so you can be skilled in God’s word? How can you grow in knowing God’s word? (Psalm 119:105, Colossians 3:16, John 15:7). 

4) Read Romans 7:7-12. The Apostle Paul shares at length to teach us the value of the Law and the Scripture in our lives. Knowing that scripture teaches us how to follow Jesus, how can we apply Scripture to our lives to see life change? 

5) Read Hebrews 6:1-3. We are exhorted to move forward in spiritual maturity instead of shrinking back in our faith. What is one area that you sense God calling you to move forward in spiritual maturity? (see Philippians 3:14)

6) Read Hebrews 6:4-8. This passage has caused many people to doubt their faith. Neal shared four ways to interpret these verses. He thinks this is a hypothetical situation. What do you think and why? 

7) Some people in the early church had become lazy in their faith (read Hebrews 6:11-12). If you have become lazy in your faith, what do you want to change? No matter your situation, how can you help others grow in maturity? 

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

Monday, October 18, 2021

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 | 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 | Our Great High Priest | Hebrews 4:14-5:10

As move into Hebrews 4 and 5 we are introduced to a new title for Jesus: our great high priest. No other priest has ever held this role in the past. The role of the high priest is an Old Testament role originating with Aaron in the book of Exodus. The role a familial role first held by Aaron and then by his sons. In the Old Testament the high priest had to be from the tribe of Levi. It’s helpful to know that was not a man-appointed role but a God-appointed role. In our text this week we learn about how Jesus is our great high priest and what He accomplished to receive this title. It’s important for the author to teach this lesson to the early church because it would encourage them to continue in spiritual maturity and discourage returning to the old covenant. 

1) Neal shared a story with us about traveling to Germany as a young boy. Think about a time when you traveled to a foreign country or different area. What stood out to you about the language, mannerisms, and culture of that area? 

2) Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Focus on verse 15. So often people stick with us when things are going well, but this text teaches us that Jesus is near us in our weaknesses. Share a time that Jesus drew near in your weakness’.

3) In Matthew 4:1-11 we read about the temptation of Jesus. Jesus was tempted in every way we’ve ever been tempted. Read Matthew 6:13, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and 1 Timothy 6:9. Where are you most susceptible to falling into temptation? 

4) Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the mercy of Jesus and live in the grace of God. Read John 1:14-17, Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 2:8-10, and James 5:11. How does these passages help you understand grace and mercy more?

5) Read Hebrews 5:1-4. The point is that Jesus deals gently with all sinners who come to Him irrespective of their particular offense. Where do you need to learn to be gentle with those who are ignorant and going astray? 

6) Picture Jesus praying to the Father as in Hebrews 5:7 describes. How was His prayer life like yours? How was it different? After reading this passage what do you want to change/adjust in your prayer life? 

7) Read Hebrews 5:7-10. Now, Jesus couldn’t be disobedient to God that would be contrary to His nature but Jesus learned what is involved in obedience. How are you growing in obedience to the word of God? 

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

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Hebrews 4:1-13 | 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 Blaze McEntee wrote the small group questions.

Jesus: Our Eternal Rest | Small Group Questions | Hebrews 4:1-13

In Sunday’s message, Jesus: Our Eternal Rest, we dive into Hebrews Chapter 4 - a passage that challenges us to hold fast to our faith in God's promise. The author directs our eyes to the Israelites in the wilderness, reminding us of their inability to enter into the promised land due to their unbelief. We see that unbelief and faith both bear visible fruit, and are encouraged to look ahead to our "promised land" as we navigate our lives in faith.

1. At the start of this week’s message, Blaze brought up the difference in resting patterns between him and Rachel. Are you someone who needs to get all their tasks done before being able to rest?

2. Can you see why the author of Hebrews would use the terms “unbelief” and “disobedience” almost interchangeably? What are some examples of the unbelief of the Israelites in the wilderness?

3. This Sunday, Blaze used an example of a dead tree with apples taped all over it. Could you relate with this idea? Have you ever tried to tape on fruit in your life?

4. The illustration of the tornado heading for your house was an example of what true faith looks like. What actions might God be calling you to in faith?

5. To bring up Blaze’s question that was asked at Coastline Student Ministries, “Being truly honest with yourself, are you excited for heaven? Why or why not?”

6. If Jesus played a role in preparing this world for us, what causes us to doubt His preparations in the one to come?

7. The message concluded with some heavy words in Hebrews 4:11-13. In reading this passage, what stands out to you?

8. Can you see the importance of God’s word in your life?







Sunday, October 03, 2021

Hebrews 3:7-19 | 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 | Our Encouragement | Hebrews 3:7-19

Hebrews chapter 3 is focused on helping the early church stay encouraged as they follow Jesus. The author uses Israel as an example of how to not harden your heart to the Lord. The negative example of Israel serves as a positive example for how we are to live for the Lord. Sometimes bad news is what leads to good news. The good news is that the church is called to encourage. In this world we will be persecuted, harassed, and possibly attacked for following Jesus. One role of the church is to support each other when we encounter difficult times. The best way to encourage others is to make sure you are living a life encouraged by the Lord. 

1) Researchers have investigated the phenomena of how encouragement affects the brain and the development of the brain. Share a time when someone encouraged you and it changed the trajectory of your day, week, or life. 

2) Israel hardened their heart to the Lord while wandering in the wilderness. Read Hebrews 3:7-11, Exodus 32:1, Numbers 12:1-2, and 20:1-12. Discuss some of the ways Israel was disobedient to the Lord and the consequences they experienced. 

3) The opposite of hardening our heart is having a tender heart to the Lord. Read  Romans 5:5, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Colossians 2:2-3, and 2 Timothy 2:22. What does Scripture teach us about having a heart for the Lord? 

4) The author wants the church to have a heart committed to the Lord and not a sinful heart (Read Hebrews 3:12-15.) How have you seen sin hurt your relationship with others and with the church? How does sin cloud our vision? 

5) Hebrews 3:13 is a primary point of application in this entire text. We are called to be people of encouragement. Read Psalm 10:17, Acts 9:31, Romans 12:6-8, and Philippians 2:1-3. How can you be a person of encouragement this week? 

6) To be a person of encouragement we all need to be encouraged. Where is an area in your life that you’re feeling discouraged right now? How can this small group come alongside you to encourage you this week? 

7) Read Hebrews 3:16-19. The chapter ends with a series of leading questions. It’s almost a summary of the authors thoughts. Where do you need to enter the rest of the Lord this week? 

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