Three truths that bring hope to Christians:
I. Salvation guarantees us a glorious
!
A. We will rule & reign with Jesus in
Hebrews 2:5-8a NIV84 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified:
“What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor 8 and put everything under his feet.” (See Psalm 8; Genesis 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 6:2-3)Hebrews 8b NIV84 In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.
B. Jesus suffered
Hebrews 2:9 NIV84 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:10 NIV84 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, [should make the author of their salvation Psalm 139:16 perfect, through suffering.
Q: When was the last time you thought deeply about
Additional Notes:
II. Salvation assures us a place in God’s
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A. Jesus is proud to call us His
Hebrews 2:11-13 NIV84 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
Q: Do you fully grasp that you are a child of the
Additional Notes:
III. Salvation empowers us to live
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A. Jesus suffered to help us overcome
Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.*
Hebrews 4:15 NIV For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
B. Jesus died to free us from the
Hebrews 2:14-17 NIV84 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil—15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
Q: Do you fear death? Why not replace it with
Additional Notes:
Discussion Questions:
1. Describe a time in your life when you felt discouraged and hopeless.
2. Jesus said “The truth will set you free (John 8:32). In what ways can understanding truth help to give you hope?
3. Describe what you think heaven will be like. Does heaven excite you? Why or why not?
4. Describe what type of family you came from. Does that help or hurt your concept of being a part of God’s family?
5. List your top three temptations. Discuss why knowing Jesus has faced the very same temptations can help us endure and overcome these temptations.
*See HEAVEN series, June 2015 (http://www.experiencetherock.com/messages/recent-messages/?enmse=1&enmse_sid=28)