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 | Useful Discipline | Hebrews 12:4-13
As we near the end of the letter we see the author encouraging the Hebrew people to continue following Jesus and not give up. The author takes the time to encourage them, using God’s word, to endure the disciple they are going through. He knows that when they endure this season of their life they will mature in their faith. The problem is they have slowly drifted from the Lord and become dull to God’s word. They are in desperate need of a revitalization of their faith. In Hebrews 12:4-13, the author provides three reasons for them to stand strong in their faith. First, they have God’s word. Second, they can endure the discipline of the Lord. Finally, they will preserve during their season of discipline. Study these questions to learn more about useful discipline.
1) Neal shared a story about wanting to quit playing football his sophomore year of high school but his mom wouldn’t let him. Share about a time that you wanted to quit something and the lesson you learned through that discipline.
2) Read Hebrews 12:4-6. The author teaches us that God disciplines those He loves (read Deuteronomy 8:5, Job 5:17, and Psalm 94:12). How does God’s word provide the discipline in your life that you need to grow spiritually?
3) Some of the early church had become dull to the word of God (read Proverbs 3:11-12 and Hebrews 5:11-12). Have you had a time in your life that you became dull to the word of God? Where are you currently reading in your Bible?
4) Read Hebrews 12:7-9. We are encouraged to endure God’s discipline because He disciplines those He loves (see Proverbs 12:1, Jeremiah 10:24, & Revelation 3:19). What are some reasons we don’t endure the discipline from God?
5) Read Hebrews 12:10-11. Most of us would prefer to bypass the discipline of our earthly father and Heavenly Father. What happens to people who grow up with no discipline? Why do you think God disciplines us so we can share in His holiness?
6) The author teaches us that the outcome of enduring discipline is that we find a “harvest of righteousness and peace.” What one area of your life are you lacking peace and you need to allow God to discipline you?
7) Read Hebrews 12:12-13. These final verses sound like the encouragement of a coach. Where do you need this group to encourage you to embrace the Lord’s discipline in your life? Where are you feeling weak and tired?
Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.
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