One Another
Part 4
Part of Small Groups—Questions
March 17, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: Hebrews 3:12–13

Biblical Summary: 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 3:12. Different Bible translations start Verse 12 by saying, “Watch out,” “Take care,” “Beware,” “Take heed,” or “Be careful.” This is strong language, but we often underestimate the terrible nature of our unbelief and our ability to drift from following God.

  • What does the Bible say about who we are and how we are? Read the following verses to get your answer(s). Genesis 6:5, Ecclesiastes 9:3, Isaiah 53:6, Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7:21, Romans 3:10–18.
  • Through salvation we are forgiven and redeemed from our sinfulness and unrighteousness… our eternity is secure in what Jesus has done, yet what battle rages on and necessitates us to still “Watch out” according Galatians 5:17?
  • Why is it so important to have a right understanding of who we are and how we are?

Staying in Verse 12, the words “fall away” do not refer to losing one’s salvation, it’s talking about drifting away from everything God has for you in the Christian life.

  • What do the following verses teach us about the security of our salvation?

    • Jude 24… It is up to Him, not us, to present us before His glorious presence. Our eternal security is a result of God keeping us, not us maintaining our own salvation.
    • John 10:28–29… Both Jesus and the Father have us firmly grasped in their hand. Who could possibly separate us from the grip of both the Father and the Son?
    • Ephesians 4:30… If believers did not have eternal security, the sealing could not truly be unto the day of redemption, but only to the day of sinning, apostasy, or disbelief.
    • Romans 8:38–39… Our eternal security is based on God’s love for those whom He has redeemed.

Read Hebrews 3:13. This verse gives us the solution to battling a hard heart and the deceitfulness of sin. The key is “exhorting” or “encouraging” one another.

  • How often and how long does Verse 13 tell us to encourage one another?
  • Read Matthew 7:1–5. Jesus speaks to what Hebrews 3:12–13 is talking about. However, what does Jesus tell us to make sure we do before helping someone else? How does Jesus’ counsel ensure we relationally take care of one another in humility?

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

The author of Hebrews warns us to “Watch out” of allowing unbelief to settle into our faith.

  • What circumstances have the potential or tendency to cause your faith to waver, to question God’s faithfulness, or cause you to drift? Are these reactions reasonable, warranted?
  • What truth from God’s Word and today’s message can help you “Watch out” moving forward?

When someone is wavering in their faith, we often respond by withdrawing, hiding, trying harder to be good, relying on our own efforts to not sin, etc.

  • In regards to the “encouragement” that Hebrews 3:12–13 talks about, why is it crucial it come from someone walking in the Spirit and pointing you to God’s?
  • What does it look like for you to ensure any “encouragement” you give to someone else is in the Spirit and rooted in God’s Word seasoned with grace and truth?
  • Discuss the struggle and freedom of taking someone to God’s Word and allowing God (not you) to work.

If we have learned anything from today’s passage, it is that “encouraging” one another is tremendously important. It can both build up the faith of a brother or sister, as well as help us avoid sin!

  • What does it look like to build relational collateral with someone? What does it look like for someone to build relational collateral with you? Why is this so important to “encouraging” one another?
  • How do we hold ourselves accountable to encourage one another?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

Christian “encouragement” or “exhortation” involves stirring or motivating other believers to action.

  • What are some ways you can implement this during the next week?
  • What tools, resources, or best practices do you have at your disposal, as a follower of Christ?

We can’t “encourage” one another daily if we aren’t in fellowship with other believers. Reflect on your own life.

  • Do you have a network of people who will support you and point you to Jesus?
  • Who are you giving permission to see in you what you can’t see in yourself?

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.