Monday, January 17, 2022

Hebrews 11:1-6 | Small Group Questions







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. 



Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Hebrews 10:19-39 | Small Group Questions






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 sermon Doug Meye wrote 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 – Hold Tight to the One Who Holds On – Hebrews 10:19-39

This passage often carries the subtitle, “A Call to Persevere.” But as was suggest in the message on Sunday, this heading doesn’t seem to capture the urgency conveyed n the passage or the high stakes involved. The author knows that because of challenging circumstances some are being tempted to go back to their old way of relating to God and abandon their new faith in Christ. This passage not only provides a sober warning, but practical helps and the confident assurance that they are going to make it to the finish line.

1) All of us probably know people who at one time were walking with God, but now seem to be far from Him. What causes people to walk away from their faith (Hebrews 2:1, Mark 4:19)?

2) Read through the entire passage, Hebrews 10:19-39. What is the primary feeling(s) that you have as you listen to this passage? And why? How does the passage fit into what the author has already written in Hebrews?

3) In verses 22-24 the author shares three exhortations, each beginning with the phrase, “Let us….”. What are the three exhortations? Reflect on the words of each exhortation? What further observations do you want to make about each (note specific words, phrases, what the author does not say, etc)?

4) Which of these three exhortations do you most need in your life today? How can you put the exhortation into practice?

5) Verse 25 talks about “encouraging one another.” How can others encourage you?

6) Whatever else you want to say about verses 26-31, it is certainly a warning. How do these verses fit into how the author describes the letter as a whole in Hebrews 13:22 --“word of exhortation”?

7) What do we learn about the first-century Christian community to whom the author is writing in verses 32-39? Is there a cost/suffering if you live as a follower of Jesus today? What in these verses encourages you to endure loss and stand strong for Jesus? Explain.

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

Close your time in prayer. Pray for each other. Pray that you would all do what it takes to draw near to God,  be an encouragement to each other, and stand up for Jesus regardless what it might cost. 




Wednesday, January 05, 2022

Hebrews 10:1-18 | Small Group Questions




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 Perfect Sacrifice | Hebrews 10:1-18

In Hebrews 10 the author carries on the theme that Jesus is greater than anyone or anything who came before Him. He does this by communicating to us how Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. In Hebrews 10:1-18 we are reminded that the law will never make us perfect. The author wants the people to understand that animal sacrifice is simply an annual reminder of our sin. He quickly moves to teaching us the power of doing God’s will. Jesus was obedient to the will of God. Through that obedience we find sanctification because of the work of Christ. As we move back into Hebrews in the New Year we jump right back into the realization that Jesus is our perfect sacrifice. 

1) Blaze started out the sermon by sharing how he and his wife Rachel went to Hawaii to help connect with a Christian camp that she runs. What did you do over the last couple weeks to help deepen your faith? 

2) Read Hebrews 10:1-4. The author teaches us that through the endless sacrifices and offerings required in the Old Testament we will never be made perfect. What have you tried to make you perfect that never worked? 

3) Understanding the futility of the law, we can look to the holiness of Jesus (read Hebrews 10:5-10). You have been made holy through the obedience of Jesus. How do you plan on living that out this year? 

4) A theological term for holiness is Sanctification. Sanctification is being set apart from the sinful and secular life to be used for the holy purposes of God. Talk about how you are set apart for God and not set aside. 

5) We understand the topic of sanctification more in the early church. Read Ephesians 4:22-24, Colossians 3:9-11, and Romans 12:1-2. What of your old life have you taken off and what of the new life have you put on to be more like Jesus? 

6) One of the best ways to live our sanctified life is to share the life change with others. Have you ever shared your faith story? If not, what is holding you back? If you have, share with the group how it went and where God worked. 

7) Some ways to pursue a life of holiness are, but not limited to: reading your Bible on a regular basis, doing life in community, finding a place to serve, practicing Biblical giving, or praying for God to lead you. What one will you work on this month?

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