Sermon Based Group Homework
For the message on February 17, 2019
Passage: Hebrews 12:1-13
QUICK REVIEW
This Sunday, Mike continued our study through the book of Hebrews by looking at what it takes to finish our race of faith with endurance.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
1. Have you ever participated in any kind of foot race (marathon, 5k, 100 yd dash, etc.)? How well did you start the race? How well did you finish the race?
2. What tends to slow you down in the race of the Christian life the most?
LET’S GO DEEPER
1. In the message Sunday, Mike explained that we should not only throw off those sinful things that slow us down but that we should also eliminate the good things that are encumbering our spiritual progress. According to the following verses, what are some of the keys to removing the needless baggage and useless distractions in our lives?
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV)
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
- Is there too much of a good thing in your life that may be robbing you of your spiritual fervor? Would you be willing to share it with the group?
2. To fight off spiritual weariness, the author of Hebrews instructs us to “look to Jesus” and “consider Jesus.” What do the following verses tell us about the benefits of putting our minds and hearts on the Lord?
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Proverbs 22:17-19 (ESV)
17 Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19 That your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today, even to you.
- Do you spend more time looking at your circumstances or focusing on the Lord and His promises?
- What spiritual habit do you need to begin or improve in light of the above verses?
3. The author of Hebrews seeks to encourage his readers by explaining that God is allowing the painful experiences in their lives because He loves them and wants them to “share his holiness” and to later on experience the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.” In light of the following scripture verses, why is enduring in our faith through the trials worth it?
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV)
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV)
24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.
- List some words that describe the heart of your Heavenly Father toward you.
- Write out a prayer to Him, expressing your faith in Him and His character, as you patiently endure the present difficulties in your life.
TAKE IT HOME
1. Looking back at this week’s teaching and study, is there one thing you’d especially like to remember this week?
2. Do you have any prayer requests for your group?
Prayer Requests:
