Introduction to Hebrews

Written t o : Jewish Converts who were struggling with this new faith and evaluating Jesus. Theywere being tempted to revert to Judaism or to Judaize the gospel, because of immaturityand stemming from lack of understanding of Biblical truths(Gal 2:14) Many were 2ndgeneration believers who had not witnessed the signs, wonders and various miracles thatGod had done in Jesus’ day, and had faced public insult, persecution (from both Jewsand Romans), imprisonment and even property loss for their testimony of faith in Jesus. They were also clinging to their past and ancient traditions.

Author: Only God knows for sure. One with both Greek and Jewish background. Possibilitiesinclude:

Barnabas (Tertullian’s choice, died 225 AD) Apollos, a Jew from Alexandria (Martin Luther’s idea but disputed by thechurch father Clement who was himself an Alexandrian)Paul: (believed by the early church because of an Alexandrian papyrus datedAD200) and Priscilla and Aquila (a German scholar’s choice)Others list Luke and Silas as possibilities

Date Written: Sometime before AD95 - possibly before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70AD. Between the day of Nero’s persecution in 64AD and Domitian’s persecution about85AD.

Key Verse: Hebrews 1:13 "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation ofhis being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purificationfor sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

Outline: I. The Superiority of Christ (Chapter 1 S Chapter 10:18)II. The Superiority of Faith (Chapter 10:19 S Chapter 13)

Theme: The absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as revealer and mediator of God’sgrace. God’s people must now look only to Him whose atoning death, resurrection andascension have opened the way into God’s presence. God has spoken to man in JesusChrist who is supreme and completely sufficient for salvation. This message was difficultfor Jews to accept. Although they had sought the Messiah for centuries they wereentrenched in thinking and worshiping in traditional forms. Following Jesus seemed torepudiate their heritage thus they often found themselves slipping back into familiarroutines.

Hebrews S Chapter 1Read verses 1-4

1. A. Through whom did God’s early revelation to man come?

B. Through whom was the new revelation?

C. Which was the superior method and why?

2. A. Give seven descriptive statements of God’s Son which show why He was superior and whathe did.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

B. How does Eph. 1:20-22 make the same point?

3. What does the exact representation of His being indicate? What is the implication for the Trinity?

Note: False teachers in the early church taught that God could be approached only through angels. Followers of these heretics revered angels. Some even thought of Jesus as the highest angel ofGod. But Jesus is not a superior angel, Jesus is God and He alone deserves our worship.

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Read verses 5-7

4. What was the purpose and function of angels in the following situations?

Ex. 23:20

Matt. 2:13

Luke 1:26

Matt. 28:2-7

Luke 2:9-14

Luke 22:43

Acts 12:7-10

Heb. 1:14

Psalms 91:11

Matt. 13:49

Heb. 1:7

Heb. 13:2

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5. The bible distinguishes between “angels” and “the angel of the Lord”. Who is the angel of the Lordand what function does he serve?

Gen. 16:7-13

Judges 2:1-5

Judges 6:11-22

Judges 13:2-22

Ex. 3:1-6

Psalms 34:7

6. When have you felt the care and watching over of you by God’s angels?

Read verses 8-147. What further information is given about the Son in verses 8-12?

8. A. Which verse (13 or 14) refers to Christ, the angel of the Lord, and which to angels ingeneral?

B. What led you to that conclusion?

9. Which phrase could be turned into a prayer for discernment and protection from the evil luressurrounding us in the secular society in which we live?

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Hebrews - Chapter 2Read verses 1-4

1. What warning is given in verse 1?

2. A. Define “drift”.

B. What might we drift away from?

C. What causes one to drift away?

3. What message spoken by the angels seems to be referred to here? (See Deut. 33:2-4)

4. Why do you think there was a need for this warning? (Consider the recipients of this letter.)

5. Do you think the author of Hebrews could have been an apostle? Why or why not?

6. What makes the message of salvation more unique than the one given by the angels?

7. Why do you think the Gospel message was accompanied by signs, wonders, miracles and gifts ofthe Spirit? See also Mark 16:20 and John 4:48.

8. Do you think miracles, signs, wonders and gifts are given in our day? Why?

9. A. What miracles, signs, wonders or spiritual gifts have you personally experienced?

B. How have they affected your faith or growth?

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Read Verses 5-910. A. Whom are all things to be subject to?

B. To whom are we not subject to?

C. Who is superior?

D. Are all things and people subject to Christ in our age? Why or why not?

11. How do you feel about being subject to Christ? (Be honest)

12. A. (:5-8) At what point in time was this a description of man?

B. What changed this?

13. When was Jesus a little lower than the angels?

Read verses 10-1814. A. What did Christ accomplish for you?

B. How was that accomplished?

C. What does the phrase “bringing many sons to glory” mean to you?

15. Since we are of the same family (brothers to Christ) what implication does that hold for us in regardto suffering?

16. Since Christ is the “Author of our salvation” we are asked to put our trust in him. When was thelast time you really put your trust in God?

17. Why was Christ so perfectly suited to be our High Priest?

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Hebrews S Chapter 3

Read verses 1-61. On what are your thoughts or attention fixed most of the time?

2. A. What advantages do you see in “Fixing our thoughts on Jesus”?

B. How does one “fix his thoughts on Jesus’ in a practical way?

3. What similarities and differences do you see in the missions of Jesus and Moses?

4. What examples of sin/slavery do you experience or see around you?

5. Explain in your own words the argument given here that proves Jesus is greater than Moses.

6. A. What word is repeated 7 times in these verses?

B. What is meant in scripture by God’s house? (See following verses.)Heb. 3:6

Rev. 21:3

I Cor. 6:19

Eph. 3:17-19

C. What is the difference between the role of a servant and a son in regards to a family? Applythis to Christ.

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D. How do we become a part of God’s household? (See Eph. 2:18-19 and I Peter 2:4-5)

7. A. What must we do to remain a part of God’s house?

B. Why does it take courage?

C. Why does hope play an important part?

Read verses 7-198. A. In what ways do we “Hear the voice of the Lord” today? (Give examples)

B. How do you respond to that voice and what results? (Give examples)

9. A. What did Israel do to break fellowship with God? (From verses 15-19)

B. What causes hardened hearts?

C. What results from hardened hearts?

10. What do you think “rest” means and are you experiencing it?

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11. Why do you think verses 8, 10, & 12 use the word “hearts” rather than “mind”?

12. What turns the heart away from God?

13. What is the opposite of turning to the living God?

14. In what area of your life are you most aware that God is a living God and where does He seemmost real to you?

15. A. What stimulates and strengthens our awareness of the living God?

B. What can we do if we have little or no desire to do these things?

16. A. Do you think rebellion can become a progressive thing? (Share thoughts on this)

B. Why do you think the word ‘today’ is used three times? (:7, 13 and 15)

17. How do we encourage one another? (See Hebrew 10:24-25)

18. Why did the generation of Israelites die in the desert?

19. A. How do we enter that salvation rest and receive the blessings of God?

B. Are you now enjoying that rest? (describe)

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Hebrews S Chapter 4:1-13Read verses 1-13

1. A. What do you think “his rest” refers to? Use Ex. 33:14, Ps. 62:1, Ps. 91:1 & Matt. 11:28-30to help you.

B. Do you think “rest” means absence of work? (See Matt. 25:14-21 & Matt. 11:28-30)

C. What is your reaction to that rest?

2. Will all receive that rest? Why or why not? (See also Ps. 95:8-11)

3. How does one enter that rest?

4. What work has been finished?

5. Which verse reinforces the “faith not works” doctrine?

6. A. What does a hardened heart mean to you? (See Ez. 36:26-27)

B. What could be the counterpart to a hardened heart?

C. Which describes you? ( all of the time, most of the time, or some of the time?)

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7. In what instances does your faith fall short between what God promises and what you seem able tobelieve?

8. When did God’s voice speak to you this week? How did you respond and what resulted?

9. Describe how the Word of God is:A. Living = (Jn. 1:1-5 & 14)

B. Active = (Is. 55:11)

C. Penetrating = Eph. 6:17)

D. Sharper than a two edged sword = (Eph. 6:17)

E. A judge =

10. How has the word touched your life in any or all of these ways? (Give examples)

11. How do you feel about the fact that “nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight?”

12. What do you learn about God from verses 1-13?

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Hebrews 4:14 S Chapter 5:14Read verses 4:14-16Note: Different Conceptions of God

To the Jews: God was holy (the root meaning = different; he belonged to a differentsphere of life and in no sense did he share our human experience)

To the Greeks: Stoics: God was unable to feel anything; since no one must be able to doanything or in anyway effect God. He was beyond feeling.Epicureans: believed the gods lived in perfect happiness and blessedness andin their complete detachment they were not even aware of the world.

To the Christians: God is one who has deliberately undergone every human experience. Heidentifies with the suffering of the world. He is involved with the state of theworld. Because of this man’s relationship with God changed. He is nolonger the untouchable God but is one who has gone through all that manmust go through.

The result of this: It gives God the quality of mercy. He has been there, He understands andthus finds it easy to forgive. It makes God able to help. He knows ourproblems because He has come through them.

1. Why is Jesus particularly well suited to be your High Priest?

2. In what way are you presently being tempted or tried?

3. How do you ”Hold firmly to the faith we profess”? (See Heb. 3:1)

4. A. How are we to approach God’s throne?

B. How is that possible when God is holy and we are sinful? (See Eph. 3:12)

5. What three things do we receive when we come to God in our need and tell what each means toyou.

1.

2.

3.

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Read verses 5:1-106. A. How did a High Priest come into office?

B. What were some of his functions?

C. What then is the actual purpose of a priest?

7. How was Jesus uniquely suited to be our High Priest? (Ch. 5)

8. Have you ever learned obedience through any kind of suffering, either major or minor? Describe

9. A. Verse 7 gives us a reason why Jesus’ prayers were heard. What is it?

B. Apply that thought to your own prayer life. What does it mean for you?

C. What blessing might come to others as you choose to obey in something which you are nowtempted to disobey?

Read verses 11-1410. A. What happened to the spiritual growth of these Hebrew Christians and why?

(See also Heb. 6:12)

B. Are you able to recognize temptation before it traps you?

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11. A. How does your spirituality compare to these Hebrew Christians?

B. How does it compare to your spirituality 5 years ago?

C. If growth is needed where is it needed and what do you intend to do about it?

D. How is this best accomplished?

12. What was the root cause of the spiritual immaturity mentioned in 5:11?

13. According to verses 12-14 what does ignorance lead to?

14. What do you think “solid food” means?

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Hebrews S Chapter 6Read verses 1-3

1. What constitutes the elementary teaching of God’s words listed in this chapter and what do theymean to you?

2. How does spiritual maturity effect:The mind =

The life =

3. In what way has your spiritual maturity altered your actions or reactions recently?

Read verses 4-124. What heavenly gift do you think verse 4 refers to?

5. How does the believer share in the Holy Spirit? (:4)

6. Do you think :4-6 are saying that we can permanently loose our salvation? Explain your thinking.

7. How does my falling away crucify God all over again?

8. Why do you think this little parable of land and rain (:7-8) was placed right here?

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9. In what situation recently have you shown:Spiritual diligence =

Laziness =

Faith =

Patience =

Read verses 13-2010. A. Though God made many promises to Abraham, what promises did he confirm with an oath

as if it were doubly binding? (See Gen. 22:16-18)

B. What implication does this have for us?

11. A. According to Romans 4:19-21, on what did Abraham’s faith rest?

B. What is your “anchor”; that which gives security and firmness to your life?

C. Has this “anchor” changed at any point in your life? (Explain former “anchors” that endedup being worthless anchors)

D. What precipitated the change? (Relate specific incidents or thoughts which brought aboutthis change)

12. How do you see Jesus as your anchor?

13. When has God’s hope encouraged you?

14. What did you like about this passage?

15. Was there anything you didn’t like about this passage?

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Hebrews S Chapter 7Read verses 1-28Note: Latin for “priest” is “pontifex” = a bridge builder. The priest therefore was a man whose

function it was to build a bridge between men and God. It was one who gave us access to God. (Christ our High Priest)

1. List all you can find about Melchizedek; what he did and what he believed. (See Gen. 14:18-20,Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:1ff)

2. Give reasons why the new priesthood was superior:

3. Do you think that Melchizedek was the preincarnate Christ? Why or why not?

4. A. In scripture the word righteousness always comes before, not after “peace”. Why do youthink that is?

B. All people seem to be searching for peace. List ways that men seek to achieve “peace” intheir lives?

5. Verse :10 relates that, “ Levi (a descendant of Abraham) was still in the body of his ancestors.” In away this emphasizes the truth that what a man does reacts on his descendants. Give examples ofthis in relation to our lives and choices.

6. Verse :1 tells us that Melchizedek blessed Abraham. How has Christ blessed you?

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7. A. On what was the Levitical priesthood based?

B. What was wrong with the Levitical priesthood?

8. What is the basis for the new priesthood?

9. What do you think is the significance of the fact that God established Christ’s everlasting priesthoodwith an oath?

10. A. Verse :22 mentions a better covenant. What was the old covenant based on? (See Ex. 19:5)

B. What is the new covenant based on? (See Mark 14:24)

11. Who or what is the High Priest in your life; the one who opens the way of access to God?

12. How does Hebrews describe Jesus? What do those words mean to you? (Verses 26-28)

13. When has Jesus your High Priest saved, interceded or met a special need in your life?

14. What does having Christ as your intercessor mean to you?

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Hebrews S Chapter 8Read verses 1-6

1. What two things are said about Jesus in verses 1 & 2?1.

2.

2. Do you see anything unique about this combination of attributes?

3. If the former earthly priests and sanctuary are but a copy or shadow, what does that indicate aboutJesus?

4. Do you think worship today can be a copy or shadow rather than reality? (Give reasons for youranswer)

5. Why do we need a mediator?

Read verses 7-136. A. What do you understand the word ‘covenant’ means?

B. In the New Testament the Greek word for covenant “diatheke” is used (which means ‘awill’) instead of “suntheke” (which means ‘an agreement entered into on equal terms’)Using verses 10-12 explains this.

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7. Why did the old covenant fail?

8. What wonderful promises are given in the New Covenant and tell what each means to you?1.

2.

3.

4.

9. When this week, did you go to Jesus as your High Priest to intercede with the Father?

10. Do you know Jesus personally and are you familiar with His promises?

11. Under which covenant do you live?

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Hebrews S Chapter 9Read verses 1-10

1. Why do you think God had Moses set up a tabernacle in the wilderness? (See Ex. 25:8)

2. Out of what was the tabernacle constructed and in what spirit? (See Ex. 25:1-8, Ex. 36:3-7)

3. What do you give to the Lord and in what spirit?

4. What was the purpose of the whole elaborate system of sacrifices?

5. List the contents of the tabernacle and how you think they symbolize Christ and His work.1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

6. A. What do you think was symbolized by the rule that only the High Priest could enter the Holyof Holies and only once a year?

B. How was this changed?

C. What external ceremony or regulations are you apt to mistakenly place your trust in?

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Read verses 11-157. What do you think is meant by the greater tabernacle? (See 9:24, 8:2 & John 14:9)

8. A. Compare Heb. 9:9-10 with Heb. 9:14. What do you see as the great difference between theold and new order of sacrifice?

B. Which would be more beneficial and why?

9. A. Can you find any evidence that proves the sacrifice of Christ is retroactive?

B. How does this apply to you and your past life?

Read verses 16-2810. The Greek word “diatheke” can be translated either “covenant” or “will” (:15) Why is the word

“will” a good one to use for the new covenant?

11. Why do you think God chose blood as the most essential and significant factor in the ratification ofany covenant? (See Lev. 17:11)

12. A. What does forgiveness mean?

B. Is it easy? Why or why not?

13. For what do you need forgiveness or is there one who needs your forgiveness today?

14. What was unique and superior about Christ’s sacrifice?

15. What is the purpose of his second appearance and how will people react?

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Hebrews S Chapter 10Read verses 1-11

1. Why did the Israelites have to repeat sacrifices year after year that were unable to make them clean?

2. A. What does God prefer to these continuous sacrifices? (See also 1 Sam. 15:22-23; Psalms51:16-17; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8)

B. By contrast then, what set up a barrier between man and God?

C. What removed that barrier?

Read verses 11-183. Notice in verses 11 & 12 “Priests stand” and (Christ) sat down at the right hand of God. What

does that suggest to you concerning the difference between the Levitical priesthood and Christ’s?

4. In verse 14 the verb form “being made” is used. Why do you think that is?

5. Do you find an answer in these verses that cover those people of whom it is often said, “But whyshould they be condemned, they have never heard the Gospel message?”

6. What verses in this chapter do you find particularly comforting?

7. Are there practices in your religious life today that are really only a “shadow” of the real thing? Name them.

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8. A. How do verses 17 & 18 speak to the Old Testament law of continuous sacrificing?

B. What historic event in the history of Israel was a very visual object lesson to the Jews andreinforced that the continuous sacrifices were no longer necessary?

Read verses 19-259. A. Why is it possible now for us to come right into the presence of God?

B. What happened in the temple which showed this in a visual yet symbolic way?(See Matt.27:50-54)

10. A. The former question reveals God’s part in the sanctification process. What is your part?

B. How do you “draw near God”? (:22-26)1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

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11. How have you “spurred” another person on this week?

12. Why is deliberate sin such an abomination to God?

13. Are there any ways in which you are “trampling the Son of God underfoot” in your life now? Whatwill you do about it?

14. A. What sort of things were the Hebrews called on to suffer for their faith?

B. Does this sort of thing still happen today? Where?

C. Though our freedom of worship eliminates this kind of intense physical suffering, what kindof suffering have you been called on to suffer because of your faith?

D. Why do you think some professing Christians don’t seem to suffer at all?

E. Which is more spiritually destructive, adversity or prosperity?

15. In the face of difficulties and suffering what does God suggest that we do? (:23-37)1.

2.

3.

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16. A. What reward are believers promised?

B. What is in store for those who don’t believe and persevere?

17. What does this chapter tell you about God, Christ and the Holy Spirit? (Give verses)1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

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Hebrews S Chapter 11Read verses 1-3 also :6

1. A. What is faith?

B. What does the Christian hope for?

C. If you were to die tomorrow where would you go?

D. If God were to say to you, “Why should I allow you to enter my heaven?” What wouldyour answer be?

2. A. So many secular graduation addresses include the philosophy that the human mind, educatedto a high degree is in its collective manifestation a completely adequate instrument withwhich to solve human problems. According to Hebrews how is that thinking challenged?

B. Why is verse 3 important to you?

Read verses 4-73. A. Why was Abel considered a righteous man?

B. Why do you think his sacrifice was acceptable to God over Cain’s? (See Gen. 4:2-7)

4. Why was Enoch taken to God? (See also Gen.5:21-23 and Jude :14-16)

5. In what way can the believer say, “I will not experience death”?

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6. A. What was unique about Noah? (See Gen. 6-8)

B. How does God warn us?

C. Give an example of God’s warning to you and your response?

D. Why did Noah’s faith condemn the world and is that true of committed Christians today?

Read verses 8-227. List five or six admirable characteristics Abraham possessed by faith. (Verses 8-19, Gen.12:1-5 &

22:1-19)1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

8. When have you trusted God for the “impossible” and what resulted?

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9. What is there in life, dearest to you, that God wants you to surrender so that He can come first inyour life?

Read verses 23-2910. List attributes or characteristics of faith that Moses possessed?

1.

2.

3.

Read verses 30-4011. In :33-35 God lists some things which faith can achieve. Apply them to our lives today.

1. Example: :33 conquered kingdoms = God helps me to overpower kingdom of darknesswhen He helps me stop sinning and obey.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

12. What is the final advantage of faith listed? (:39-40)

13. Faith is a great gift of God. What strengthens it and causes it to grow?

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Hebrews S Chapter 12Read verses 1-13

1. From verses 1 & 2 what could you set as your goal in your walk with the Lord?

2. A. Remembering what you read in the previous chapter, who might “the great cloud ofwitnesses be?”

B. How could knowing about them help you?

3. A. What things would be a handicap to my achieving that goal?

B. What must I do about it? (See verses 1, 4, 7, 9)

C. How is that accomplished?

4. Who is our example?

5. What sin hindering your goal would God have you throw off today? (Pray that God would revealthis to you but be prepared - He will!)

6. A. Is discipline of value according to Hebrews? Why or why not? (Define discipline)

B. What results when a father disciplines his children?

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C. What does it produce? (Explain or elaborate on the meaning of each)1.

2.

3.

4.

D. How is this accomplished?

E. How do you feel about discipline and give an example of a time when you felt God waslovingly disciplining you and what resulted?

Read verses 14-177. A. Why is bitterness such a serious sin? Give some results from daily life.

B. What attributes are we to actively pursue?

8. Read Gen. 25:24-34. In the light of Heb. 12:7-15 why do you think Esau was used as an examplehere?

Read verses 18-249. A. To what mountain was the writer of Hebrews referring in verses 18-21?

B. What was significant about it?

C. What feelings and emotions were connected with this event?

D. To which covenant does this episode relate?

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10. A. To what mountain do verses 22-24 refer?

B. What was significant about this mountain?

C. What feelings, emotions and thoughts are expressed in relation to these events?

D. To which covenant does this relate?

Read verses 25-2911. A. Through whom did God speak His first message?

B. Through whom did the second message come?

C. What conclusion does that lead you to in regard to the significance of each?

12. A. To what event does :26 seem to refer?

B. What will be destroyed?

C. What do you think will remain?

13. Because of the above fact why then is our worship of God so important?

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Hebrews S Chapter 13Read verses 1-8

1. List the five essential qualities of the Christian life given here and tell what they mean to you.1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2. What relationship do you see between :5 freedom from love of money and the two quotations givenin :5b and :6.

3. A. What leaders formerly mentioned in the book of Hebrews might the writer want theseChristians to emulate?

B. What characteristic makes a good spiritual leader?

C. Why is Christ’s leadership superior?

Read verses 9-164. What does God tell us to do in this last chapter of Hebrews? (Include verses 1-21, give verse)

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5. What problem may have existed in the church to which :9-10 speak?

6. A. Do you see in these verses any possible warning against an over-stressing ormisunderstanding of the sacraments?

B. What are the two important factors in and with the sacrament?

7. When and why did Jesus suffer outside the city gate?

8. When have you been disgraced because of your association with Christ? (If you never have, whatmight be the reason?)

9. When was the last time you publicly confessed Christ? What resulted?

10. What can the Christian offer Christ out of gratitude for His great love to us?

Read verses 17-2511. What do you think the greatest joy of your spiritual leader is? (See 3 John 4)

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12. Are you regularly praying for your Pastor? Why is this important?

13. What does the fact that God is the “God of peace” mean to you?

14. What does that he is the “God of Life” mean to you?

15. How does God equip us?

16. What does God as the “Shepherd of the sheep” mean to you?

17. Which picture of God is especially precious or meaningful to you and why?

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