1. Hebrews 12:3-11 …………………………The Father's Discipline 1
2. Hebrews 12:12-17 ……………………… Holiness in Affliction 3
3. Hebrews 12:18-24 …………We Have Come to Something Better 5
4. Hebrews 13:1–6 …………………………………A Holy Life Pt 1 7
5. Hebrews 13:7-16 ………………………………..A Holy Life Pt 2 9
6. Hebrews 13:17-19 …………………………Leaders in the Church 11
7. Hebrews 13:20-24 …………….Benediction and Final Remarks 13 1. Hebrews 12:3-11 …………………………The Father's Discipline
Read: Hebrews 12:3-11
Observe: 1. Why does the author want the Hebrews to to consider Christ? What did Christ suffer? ______
2. How are believers addressed, according to v.4? ______
3. For what reason are believers called to endure? What does this produce, according to v.11? ______
4. For what reason does God discipline His children, according to v. 10? ______
5. What does the presence or absence of God's discipline reveal about a person? ______
Learn: • The word “discipline" can often have negative connotations, bringing to mind punishment. However, the word that the author of Hebrews uses (paideia) is referring to training or instruction. This is a positive word describing God's training up of His children, not a harsh and heavy punishment. Though the Lord may use affliction to teach us and sanctify us, He never does so in a way that goes beyond what is needed, nor is their sinful anger in Him like there might be in our earthly fathers.
• The phrase found in v.3, “weary or fainthearted” has been found in ancient Greek writings to describe rulers who collapse after crossing the finish line; however, the author of Hebrews hopes to "inspire his listeners to run with endurance so that they do not collapse before reaching their goal. There seems to have been ‘a weakening of resolve and a failure of nerve’ on the part of at least some within the congregation.”1
1 Peter T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Hebrews, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2010), 461.
1 Think: 1. What are the difference between the suffering of the Hebrews and Christ? What is the similarity (cf Hebrews 5:8)? ______
2. What is the discipline that the Hebrews are currently undergoing? Why is it necessary that they endure? ______
3. Why, in one sense, is it a good thing that a Christian might find themselves enduring hardship, according to this passage? ______
4. Take a few minutes to use your cross references to find other passages on how God uses suffering and hardship in the life of the believer (e.g., James 1:2-4, etc). What is the ultimate result that God produces from suffering, and how can the believer find something good in the midst of their affliction? ______
5. Based on this passage, and the passages you read above, what is God's ultimate plan for your life? ______
Apply:
1. How have you responded to God’s discipline in the past? Did you realize that it was discipline at the time? What did God produce from that experience? Take a moment to thank Him for His work in your life! ______
2 2. Hebrews 12:12-17 ……………………… Holiness in Affliction
Read: Hebrews 12:12-17
Observe:
1. What is the connection between v.12 and 12:1-11? ______
2. What kind of language do we find predominately in this passage (e.g. questions, commands, etc)? ______
3. What is the church to strive for? ______
4. What does the church need to keep watch against, according to v.15-16? ______
5. What Old Testament figure is referenced in v.16-17? ______
Learn: • The list of commands in this section are all second person plural verbs (“y’all”). This means that the author of Hebrews is not addressing individuals, but the Christian community as a whole.
Think: 1. What is the significance of these commands being directed to the church as a whole? How does this affect the way that they should be obeyed? ______
3 2. Read Isaiah 35:3-4. Why do you think the author of Hebrews might quote these verses here? What is the author of Hebrews seeking to communicate to his hearers? ______
3. The author of Hebrews writes that there is a “holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (12:14). Is the author of Hebrews teaching works based salvation? Reading Romans 8:29-30, Philippians 1:6, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, explain the role of practical, progressive holiness in the Christian life in light of our election and justification. ______
4. What passage is the author of Hebrews referencing when he mentions the “root of bitterness”? What is the context of the original passage? Based on the context of the passage being quoted, what do you think the author of Hebrews is referring to? Has this been mentioned elsewhere in Hebrews? ______
5. Esau is described as “sexually immoral” and “unholy.” It could be that Esau’s sexual immorality is referenced, or that his spiritual unfaithfulness is in view. Either way, what is illustrated by the reference to Esau selling his birthright? ______
6. What does v.17 communicate about those who would “sell” their inheritance in Christ for worldly things? ______
4 3. Hebrews 12:18-24 …………We Have Come to Something Better
Read: Hebrews 12:18-24
Observe: 1. What have the Hebrews not come to? ______
2. What Old Testament figure is mentioned in v. 21? ______
3. Where have the Hebrews come to? ______
4. Upon coming to Mount Zion and the New Jerusalem, what have the Hebrews come to? ______
5. What Old Testament figure is mentioned in v. 24? ______
Learn: • The term “festal gathering" in v. 22 refers to a joyful assembly or religious festival gathering.
Think: 1. What location and event is being described in v.18-21? Provide Scripture references. ______
2. What is the significance of the phrase “what may be touched” in this passage? ______
3. What kind of response did Israel have to God’s holiness in v. 18-21? Why couldn't they approach God? ______
5 4. Use your cross references of a concordance to look up Mt. Zion. What is Mt. Zion? ______
5. What is the author of Hebrews referring to when he says “You have come” in v. 22? ______
6. Where have we seen God's city (the New Jerusalem) mentioned in Hebrews? ______
7. Given what you've learned about Hebrews so far, explain why and how the author of Hebrews compares Mt. Sinai and Mt. Zion. ______
8. Who are the “assembly of the firstborn”? In what way are they enrolled in Heaven? (Hint: Rev 3:5, 13:7-8) ______
9. Who are the "spirits of the righteous made perfect?” In what way have they been made perfect? ______
10. What did Abel’s blood cry out for? In contrast, what does Jesus’s blood provide? ______
11. Is the author of Hebrews describing a future reality for the Hebrews, or a present reality? What does this mean for you right now? ______
6 4. Hebrews 13:1–6 …………………………………A Holy Life Pt 1
Read: Hebrews 13:1-6
Observe:
1. What kind of speech do we find in this passage? ______
2. What are the commands in this passage? ______
3. Generally speaking, what do these commands relate to? ______
Learn: • The Greek word for “brotherly love” is philadelphia, a word that describes a familial love. In this case, it refers to the love that members of the family of God have for one another in belonging to that family.
• Hospitality to strangers was an integral part of both Hebrew and Gentile culture. Hospitality often included providing a meal and lodging for complete strangers.
• The sexual culture of ancient Rome was very loose and open. Men were free to commit sexual immorality with just about anyone they pleased, and infidelity was very common. Homosexuality and pedophilia were normal parts of Roman society. The teachings of Jesus and the Apostles on marriage and sexuality were extremely radical, as they taught that any sexual activity outside the context of a one man-one woman marriage was sinful and to be condemned.
Think: 1. What part of the “sermon” of Hebrews is this: explanation, illustration, or application? ______
2. Why would it be important for the Hebrews to be reminded to continue showing brotherly love to each other? ______
7 3. Use your cross references to find an Old Testament example of showing hospitality to angels. Do you think the author of Hebrews is providing this as a reason for showing hospitality or showing the great importance of hospitality itself? ______
4. How does v.4 line up with the rest of the Bible's teaching on sexuality? Explain using specific examples. ______
5. What relationship does a pure marriage bed strengthen, and how does this relationship in turn strengthen the local Church? ______
6. How does v.5-6 line up with Jesus’s teaching on money? ______
7. Is money itself a problem? Explain. ______
8. Why can Christians ultimately keep their lives free from love of money? ______
Apply:
1. Which of these commands are you struggling with most right now? Stop and ask God to help you walk in faith and holiness! ______
8 5. Hebrews 13:7-16 ………………………………..A Holy Life Pt 2
Read: Hebrews 13:7-16
Observe:
1. Who are the Hebrews to remember, and what are the Hebrews to do regarding them? ______
2. When is Jesus Christ the same? ______
3. What are the Hebrews not to be led astray by? Why? ______
4. What do v. 10-11 discuss? ______
5. Who suffered outside the gate? ______
6. Why are the Hebrews told to “go to Him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured?” ______
7. What are the hortatory subjunctives? ______
Learn: • The Greek verb tense of “spoke… the word of God” suggests that these leaders are no longer living but have died in faith. The Hebrews are to remember those who have gone before them.
9 Think: 1. Why might the author of Hebrews encourage his hearers to look to consider and look to their leaders? ______
2. What is the connection between v. 8 and the following verses, and what does v. 8 tell us about Jesus? ______
3. Given the context of the book of Hebrews, in way is the heart strengthened by grace? Why might the author reference foods here, by contrast? ______
4. Who are those that "serve the tent?” Explain whether the altar mentioned in v. 10 is a physical altar or a figure of speech? (Hint: look at v.12-14). ______
5. Explain how v.13-14 addresses the current situation that the Hebrews faced? ______
6. Explain how believers have come to the heavenly Jerusalem (12:22) but are still awaiting the city that is to come at the same time? ______
7. In contrast to animals sacrificed on an altar, what kind of sacrifices are Christians to offer to God? Who do we offer these through? ______
10 6. Hebrews 13:17-19 …………………………Leaders in the Church
Read: Hebrews 13:17-19
Observe: 1. What are the commands in these verses? ______
2. What is the general topic of these verses? ______
3. What are leaders in the church supposed to do? ______
4. How are they supposed to do this? Why? ______
5. What kind of conscience does the author of Hebrews have? ______
6. Why does he request prayer? ______
Learn: • The word for “obey” in v.17 conveys the notion of giving deference to someone out of trust in them. The leaders referred to in Hebrews were trustworthy and thus to be obeyed by the congregation on this basis. Likewise, the word "submit" could be understood to mean “yielding one’s self.”
• The word “Pray" in v.18 is in the present tense, meaning that it describes an ongoing action. When the author of Hebrews instructs his audience to pray, he is really saying "keep praying."
Think: 1. Are these leaders simply those who serve well in the church, or do they likely occupy a church office? Which office? ______
11 2. Read 1 Peter 5:1-5, 1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, and whatever other passages relate to the work of church leaders. In what ways do the elders keep watch over the souls of the flock? ______3. What does it mean that church leaders will have to "give an account”? How should this affect the way that leaders serve and handle God's Word? ______
4. What are the two kinds of demeanors described in v. 17? Why is it important for elders to shepherd with joy? What reasons are there for elders to have joy in the work of ministry? ______
5. Who do you think “us” is in v.18? ______
6. What is a “clear conscience,” based on the entirety of v. 18? ______
7. The majority of Hebrews has had the form and style of a sermon. However, what kind of New Testament writing do we see starting to emerge in v.18-19? (Hint: think about Paul)? Thinking about where we are in Hebrews, what does this suggest happened in the process writing of Hebrews? ______
Apply:
• According to the author of Hebrews, the work of an elder is serious (keeping watch over souls), and the heart with which they are to do it is joyfully. How can you be an encouragement and a joy to those whom God has appointed to watch over your souls? ______
12 7. Hebrews 13:20-24 …………….Benediction and Final Remarks
Read: Hebrews 13:20-24
Observe: 1. Who does the author appeal to in v. 20? ______
2. What does he pray that the Hebrews would be equipped with/to do? ______
3. Through whom does God accomplish this? ______
4. Who does glory belong to? ______
5. How are the Hebrews to respond to this exhortation, v.22? ______
6. What has happened to Timothy? ______
7. Who sends their greetings? ______
Learn: • The formula “Now may….” found in v. 20 is called a benediction, or a “word of blessing.” It is often found at the end of a letter to pray a blessing over the recipients. Following this model, we say a benediction at the end of our worship service.
Think: 1. What components of the Gospel can be found in this benediction? ______
13 2. What is the “eternal covenant" referred to here? In what way is this covenant eternal? ______
3. What does this benediction reveal to us about the nature of our sanctification and pursuit of Christ? ______
4. What other benedictions can be found in the New Testament? ______
5. Using a Bible search tool (such as esv.org), how many times does the phrase "through Jesus Christ” appear in the New Testament? Explain the significance of the preposition “through” in light of your research. ______
6. As we discussed last week, Hebrews was most likely a sermon that was transcribed with some additional paragraphs added at the end in order to make it more like a letter that could be distributed. How does v.22-24 demonstrate this? ______
7. Where was Timothy most likely released from? ______
Apply: • Take a moment to skim through the entire letter to the Hebrews. What are some of the biggest things that God taught you or the biggest ways He grew you through this study? ______
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