May 5-9
Overview: Concluding Moral Directions (Hebrews 13:1-6)
Having laid out the case for the superiority of Christ and the way of salvation through faith, the book of Hebrews begins to wrap up with the writer calling the hearers to show the workings of their faith in their own lives. These exhortations go beyond encouraging a group of fellow believers to be strong in the face of adversity; they are a call for the believers to live in a way which shows the work of Christ for them and in them.
The exhortations begin with the relational nature of the Christian experience. He begins with an encouragement to continue in fellowship with the brothers and sisters in Christ and to show hospitality for others. The hearers are then encouraged to remember, have deep empathy, and care for those who are suffering. By using phrases such as “Keep on … Do not forget … Continue …” it is obvious the saints are doing well in these areas, and they should see they are bearing fruit and must persevere to the end.
The instructions then take a sharp turn to personal conduct within that relational component of the Christian experience, where the writer calls the people to purity and contentment. In other words, these verses instruct believers to walk their talk! What you claim to believe about God should be evident in your daily relationships with believers and nonbelievers alike. With the promise of judgment and a command to “keep your lives free from…” it is clear the saints need to avoid trouble in these areas.
If you really want to show you believe in the Lord Jesus and have placed your faith and hope in Him alone, you must love others, love what is righteous, and flee from whatever stands in the way.
Day 1: Exhortations (Hebrews 13:1-6)
1. Why is it important for believers to remember those in prison and those who are mistreated?
2. Why do you think the writer would call on believers to keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters, and how can you relate to that in the modern church?
3. What challenges were the Hebrews facing regarding godly marriage? How do those challenges compare with what believers face today?
Day 2: Fellowship (1 John 1:3-7)
1. What is the fellowship that may be shared with the apostles?
2. What does the Apostle John mean when he says he is writing to make their joy complete?
3. What does it mean that “in Him there is no darkness at all”?
4. What are some areas where you feel your fellowship is lacking? Reflecting on this passage, why might that be?
Day 3: Care for the Suffering (Matthew 25:31-46)
1. Why did the sheep receive the blessing in this parable? Why did the goats receive condemnation?
2. Seeing that Jesus is the One who separates sheep and goats and the surprise of both flocks, what does that say about our ability to distinguish between them?
3. Considering your spiritual gifts, passions, and resources, what can/do you do to care for the suffering in your community?
Day 4: Pursuing Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8)
1. From where does the command to purity come?
2. What are the reasons given for living a life free of sexual sin?
3. What are the consequences of committing these sins?
4. What can you do to overcome temptation in this area? How can you avoid situations that could cause you to stumble into sexual immorality?
Day 5: Contentment (Psalm 37:1-13)
1. List any commands to obey in the passage.
2. What are some promises we can claim from the passage?
3. What is the end for those who hope in worldly schemes? What is the end for those who hope in the Lord?
4. Use the link code below to listen to the song “Abide” by Aaron Williams (6:45) and reflect on the lyrics. What are some areas of your life where you depend on things that are present in the world? What is preventing you from completely trusting in God to provide all you need? What can you do to shift your hope heavenward?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLDEt9KP2O0&t=200s