THEME: WHAT
IS FAITH?
TEXT: HEBREWS
10:19-31
MEMORY VERSE: “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews
10:23 (NIV)
LESSON AIMS: After participating in this lesson, each
student will be able to:
1.
Recite from memory the
imperatives that begin “let us” in the text.
2.
Explain the
consequences for those who fail to persevere in their faith.
3.
Suggest a new way his
or her church can build up the faith of its members.
INTRODUCTION
The book of Hebrews is not always given a place of
importance in the teaching and preaching of the church. Many prefer to focus on
the stories of Jesus as found in the Gospels, the magnificent doctrine of
Paul’s letters, and/or the mysterious images of the book of Revelation. But
Hebrews is filled with descriptions of Christ that are unique, and we dare not
neglect these. Here we see the role of the Son of God in creation (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Jesus is described as the “pioneer” of our salvation (2:10). Christ serves as
both our eternal high priest (10:21) and our eternal sacrifice for sins (9:26).
The book of Hebrews is tied to the Old Testament.
It quotes the Old Testament more than 30 times, sometimes at considerable
length. This is done not merely to reinforce a point the author is making, but
to dig into these older Scriptures and find what they have to say about Jesus
and the new covenant. In particular, the author is concerned to show that the
priests of Israel, their temple, and their sacrifices were all pointers to
Jesus.
[Please note that you
are free to reproduce this lesson for your Sunday school classes. The talk
points (in red prints) are to help your
discussions.]
A. A CALL TO DRAW NEAR –
Hebrews 10:19-22
1. What hinders you from entering God’s
presence with “full assurance”? How do you overcome problems in this regard? [Issues of doubt (James 1:6-8); Issues of presumption (Job
38:2; 40:1); Issues of despair (Lamentations 3:42-44); Issues of rebellion (Proverbs
28:9).]
B. A CALL TO HOLD FAST –
Hebrews 10: 23-25
1. In what circumstances do you find it
hardest to “hold unswervingly”? What helps you do so anyway? (In the workplace; Regarding entertainment activities; In
family life; In secular higher education.)
C. A CALL TO REMAIN PURE –
Hebrews 10:26-31
1. How does culture downplay the
seriousness of sin? How do you resist cultural influences in this regard? (Exodus 23:2; Psalm 94:7; Isaiah 5:20; Mark 7:9-12.)
2. What are some ways that people walk
all over Jesus today? How should we react when we see this happening? (Governmental laws; Employment policies; Commercialism; Media
portrayals.)
CONCLUSION
In uncertain times, people naturally want
assurances of security. We want to know that our jobs will continue, that our
marriages will be successful, and that our retirement plans will be adequate.
We experience anxiety when a job terminates, a marriage ends, or retirement
savings evaporate. The Christian is subject to the uncertainties of life just
as anyone else. Our faith in Christ will not necessarily protect us from
financial ruin or personal tragedy. However, our faith in Christ gives us the
assurance that our future is in the hands of a loving God.
Because of Jesus’ atoning death, we are not
subject to God’s condemnation and wrath (see 1 Peter 2:24). This is the life of
freedom God has given us. It is a life by which we can spur our fellow
believers to love one another and to practice our loving faith through good and
helpful deeds for others. The one who is securely in the arms of the loving God
lives this kind of life.
PRAYER
Holy God, may the fact that we have been
forgiven never cause us to take sin lightly. May we never miss an opportunity
to express love through our actions. May we never doubt our salvation through
our great high priest, Jesus. It is in his name we pray; amen.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
Know where real security lies.
NEXT WEEK: NEXT WEEK: SEPTEMBER 9, 2012: FAITH
GIVES ASSURANCE –Hebrews 11; Psalm 46
Amen
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