Hebrews - Week Twenty-Three

Hebrews 10:26-31

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

“The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider or some loathsome insect over the fire, abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked; his wrath towards you burns like fire; he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire…you are ten thousand times so abominable in his eyes, as the most hateful and venomous serpent is in ours.” - Jonathan Edwards

“Edwards gave his people a whiff of the sulphurs of Hell that they might deeply inhale the fragrances of grace.” Kent Hughes

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Share about a time when you started something with great enthusiasm (a hobby, a sport, a project, a New Year’s resolution) but slowly drifted away. What made it hard to continue?

READ HEBREWS 10:26-31

  1. How does the passage describe God’s judgment? Why is it important for us to hold a biblical view of God that includes both his love and his wrath?

  2. What is apostasy? What is the difference between occasional sin and the kind of deliberate, ongoing sin described here?

  3. The Bible should be to us a mirror, not just a window. What happens when we only apply these verses to other people instead of to ourselves?

  4. The message urged us to take inventory of:

    1. Our sin: What hidden sin might God be calling you to bring into the light? What “plain sins” (sins that we tolerate and therefore don’t hide) might you need to turn from?

    2. Our affections: What affections most complete with - and even crowd out - your affection for the Lord?

    3. Our prayers: What does your prayer life really reveal about you? How can you take one step toward deeper communion with God this week?

  5. How does Jesus’ promise in Hebrews 7:25 (“He is able to save to the uttermost…”) give you confidence and hope, even in light of these strong warnings?