Community Bible Study Engaging the Book of Hebrews

By: Ray Johnson

Lesson 13 A Call to Persevere

Our text for this lesson is Hebrews 10:19-39
All scripture, unless noted, is from the English Standard Version Bible

Hebrews 10:19-22 Let us be Strong in Worship

The Full Assurance of Faith
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Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 1. List the three aspects in verses 19-21 by which we have confidence to enter Gods presence. a. b. c. 2. How would you explain to someone what it means to draw near to God (10:22)?

Hebrews 10:23-25 Let us Benefit One Another

Hebrews 10:2325 (ESV) 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 3. Review Hebrews 10:17-18. What is our hope, spoken of in verse 23, based on?

4. Let us is used three times in 10:22-24 as the author exhorts his readers to various actions. Choose the one that is most important to you. If you were to follow through on this exhortation, what difference would it make in your life?

Hebrew 10:26-31 Let us Beware of Rejecting Truth

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For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. 28 Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, Vengeance is mine; I will repay. And again, The Lord will judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
5. Review Hebrews 3:12 and 6:4-8. In light of these verses, what kind of sin is addressed in verses 26-31?

6. According to the following verses, what aspects of Gods character are revealed when He deals with sin other than apostasy? a. Hebrews 2:17-18

b. Hebrews 4:15-16

c. Hebrews 5:2

7. What behaviors lead to judgment, according to 10:26-31?

8. Why is the punishment referred to in Hebrews 10:29, greater than that in 10:28?

9. From 2 Peter 2:4-9, what is the key to avoiding Gods wrath?

Hebrews 10:32-34 Let us Bear up with Hope

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one.
10. After his warnings in verses 26-31, how does the author encourage his readers?
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11. How do these verses encourage you?

12. What do you learn about a better possession and an abiding one (10:34) from Matthew 6:19-20?

13. Would you say it is easy or difficult to appreciate a better possession and a lasting one? Explain your answer.

Hebrews 10:35-39 Let us Believe and Be Saved

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Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. 37 For, Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; 38 but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

14. State from verses 35-36: a. The responsibilities of the believer

b. The responses of God

15. What does shrink back (10:38) mean to you?

16. In verse 39, what is the alternative to shrinking back?

17. What can you apply from this passage to warn and encourage those around you?

Apply what you have learned

Hebrews 10 is written to stir the readers to love and good works. The manner in which we do this stirring is important. Is there someone you know who needs encouragement toward love and good works? What might be a helpful way for you to do this? What would be an unhelpful way? If you thing God is prompting you to encourage someone, make sure you also seek Him for a way to do it that will help and not discourage that person.