OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE
Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.
Main Scripture: Hebrews 10:19–25
Introduction to Acts: Click here for a brief summary on the Book of Hebrews.
KNOW
Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.
Read Hebrews 10:19–25.
- At first glance what things stand out to you?
- Do you have questions about anything?
- Do any other passages of Scripture come to mind after reading these verses?
The room known as the Holy of Holies or Most Holy Place was the innermost and most sacred area of the ancient tabernacle of Moses and temple of Jerusalem. Read Hebrew 9:3 and 7.
- In the Old Testament, who was the only one allowed to enter the Most Holy Place?
- What separated the Holy place from the Most Holy Place?
Read Hebrews 9:1–14. Also, cross reference Hebrews 10:19–20 to Matthew 27:50–51.
- What do we learn about Jesus from these verses and how He rendered the Old Testament rituals and sacrifices obsolete with a new covenant found in Him?
Hebrews 10:19–22 speaks of a “new and living way.”
- What do Romans 7:6 and Romans 8:1-4 have to say about this new way compared to the Old Testament’s reliance on the law?
Read Hebrews 8:25–27 and Hebrews 9:12.
- How and why does the new covenant infinitely supersede the old?
Look at Hebrews 9:24–25. Following a thorough explanation of the hope and promise of salvation that we have in Jesus alone, the author exhorts believers to continually meet together while mutually encouraging one another.
- What specific things do these verses exhort and encourage us to live out as believers?
GROW
These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.
Hebrews 4:15–16 and 10:19 tell us we can have boldness or confidence to enter the presence of God because of His grace through the shed blood of Jesus.
- How should/does this truth impact our: prayer life, daily life, relationship with one another, assurance of faith, our relationship with non-Christians, when circumstances of life are difficult, etc.?
- If someone in the group has struggled with boldness or confidence in a particular area, and has now come through, briefly share your story for those who may still be dealing with something similar?
Hebrews 10:24–25 call us to “stir one another up” and “encourage one another.”
- How can expressing our gratitude and appreciation to our brothers and sisters in Christ spur them on to “love and good works?”
- Have you experienced this first hand in your own life? If so, share with your group.
The author of Hebrews states that we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Going to church was the norm a generation ago, but now there are so many things competing for our time, even on Sunday mornings!
- What blessings and benefits have you personally experienced over the years from continual church involvement?
- List your experiences (thoughts, feelings, struggles) when you have been unable to connect for a season because of various circumstances.
- What are the dangers of failing to surround ourselves with a group of devoted believers on a consistent basis?
Hebrews 10:23 tells us we are to hold fast to our hope without wavering not because of our own strength, but because of God’s character (specifically, His faithfulness).
- How can we practically look to God in times of uncertainty instead of relying on ourselves?
- Why is it important to learn how to surrender to Jesus in a world where we are told to be self-sufficient?
The world around us will do enough to discourage us and put us down, and our church home should be a place of belonging, refreshment, solace, and rejuvenation. Hebrews 10:24 tells us to consider one another in order to “stir up” love and good works. Another way to phrase this is to say we need to actively “fan the flames” for love and good works.
- With your group, look up the following verses to discover just a few ways on how we can best uplift one another. (2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 2:1–4; Hebrews 3:13; Titus 2:6–8)
- Consider one of your relationships and how you can honor the other person well this week by fanning the flame for love and good works.
GO
Take a next step and put your faith into action!
In today’s message we were presented with two challenging questions. The first, “Who’s life are you pouring into?”
- What are different ways we can pour into one another’s lives that lead to a growing relationship with Jesus?
- Do you have any fears or reservations about investing in someone else? Discuss, and how can your group help?
The second challenging question from today’s message was, “Who’s pouring into you?”
- Why is this important for our spiritual growth?
- Is there someone you need to reach out to this week to begin living out this challenge? (Tip: It may be someone sitting across from you in your group!)
Even Paul asked for prayer for boldness to witness. (Ephesians 6:19).
- Lets pray for each other for boldness to witness this week, then look for opportunities to share the gospel. Give an update on how God answers this prayer at your next group.
PRAYER
Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.
Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.
Northwest Prayer Highlight: Continue to focus on our 60-Day Prayer Challenge of praying twice a day for:
- The presence of God
- Increased faith
- Purity of God
- Boldness