Hebrews - Week Twenty-Seven
Hebrews 11:23-31
Faith fears God (V. 23, 27)
“The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied…” Proverbs 19:23
Faith chooses Christ (V. 25-26)
“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” - CS Lewis
Faith Takes Risks (V. 28-31)
“You had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.” Hebrews 10:34
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6 / Psalm 118:6
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” 1 Corinthians 5:17
“Worthy is the lamb who was slain.” Revelation 5:12
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Has this week been more encouraging or discouraging?
If you could have witnessed any miracle from the Bible in person (like the parting of the Red Sea or Jericho’s walls falling), which one would you choose and why?
READ HEBREWS 11:23-31
Has this week been more encouraging or discouraging?
Have you ever struggled with understanding the relationship between your salvation and your good works? What did that look like for you specifically?
In what situations do you find it hardest to fear God more than other things (people’s opinions, the future, death, etc.)?
What are some modern examples of “fleeting pleasures” that compete for your heart’s attention?
For many of the people listed in this chapter pursuing something risky for God was not reckless, but rooted in faith. How can we discern the difference between a faith-filled risk and a foolish one?
Faith is meant to be lived out actively in our community, as we heard: “God doesn’t need our good works, but our neighbor does.” What’s one practical way you or your life group could live that truth out this week?