Theme: The way forward by faith (part 1)
Passage: Hebrews 11:1–7
1. Faith Described:
a. Assurance that the things we hope for will happen (1a)
b. Conviction that the unseen things are real (1b)
2. Faith in Action:
a. Creation (3): Faith understands that the universe (the seen) came into being by God’s word (the unseen).
b. Abel’s Sacrifice (4): Faith offers obediently to God that which He commends.
c. Enoch’s Walk (5–6): Faith lives to please to God.
d. Noah’s Ark (7): Faith responds reverently to God’s word and renounces the things of this world.
Main Idea: Persevering faith follows God no matter how the world may respond.
Application Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 11:1 contribute to a biblical understanding of faith? What elements from the NT might you add to fill out the definition of faith?
2. Describe the objective and subjective aspects of faith? How do these relate to one another? Which takes priority?
3. Why is the belief that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him a necessary component of faith (v. 6)? Is this a component of your faith? Explain.
4. Which of the truths concerning faith, gleaned from the OT examples in vv. 3, 4, 5, and 7, do you see in your own life? Which do you sense are weak in your faith? How can these be strengthened going forward?
August 1, 2021
Theme: The way forward by faith (part 1)
August 1, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 11:1–7
October 3, 2021
October 3, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 13:18–25
Theme: Final Remarks for the Way Forward Passage: Hebrews 13:18–25 Three final calls to action as the book of Hebrews closes: 1. Pray for leaders to possess the conviction to powerfully display the Gospel (vv. 18–19). 2. Trust the work God is doing for you through Jesus (20–21). 3. Continue to persevere in the gospel (22). Main Idea: God’s has mapped out the way forward on life’s journey in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Application Questions: • What do vv. 18–19 teach us about the content of our prayers as well as how to pray? • How does the content of v. 20 serve as the basis for the request of equipping believers to do God’s will in v. 21? What does this indicate about God’s will in our lives? • What does it mean that God “works in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ” in v. 21? How should this impact the way that you live? • What has Hebrews taught you about perseverance in the gospel?
September 26, 2021
September 26, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 13:7–17
September 26, 2021 - The Way Forward Following Your Leaders Passage: Hebrews 13:7–17 Title: The Way Forward Following Your Leaders Main Idea: God provides us with guides for our spiritual journey. Thus, we must: 1. Imitate our spiritual mentors (7–8). a. Remember their teaching. b. Observe their life choices. 2. Trust Christ’s Sacrifice (9–16). a. Don’t follow faddish teaching (9). b. Follow Christ’s path (10–14). c. Offer God sacrifices that praise him (15–16): i. Speech that confesses his name ii. Service that benefits others 3. Submit to your church leaders (17). a. They watch over your souls. b. They will give account. c. The more joyous their task, the more benefit to you Application Questions: • Name the spiritual mentors that have impacted your life. What was it about them that made such an impact on you? • How are you vulnerable to false teaching today? • What does Christ’s path suggest about the way our lives should look (vv. 12–14)? How does this differ from your current reality? • What does submitting to your current church leaders mean and not mean? How can we make their work joyous and not a burden?
September 19, 2021
September 19, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Hebrews 13:1–6
Theme: The Way Forward in Service Passage: Hebrews 13:1–6 How thankful service to God (12:28–29) acts toward the people in our lives: 1. Spiritual Siblings: Lovingly care for your spiritual brothers and sisters (1) 2. Strangers: Hospitably care for those you don’t know (2) 3. Suffering: Think about those suffering for Christ and act accordingly (3) 4. Spouse: Vigilantly remain sexually pure (4) 5. Self: Conduct your life free from the care of money (5–6) Main Idea: Service focuses on the situation and needs of others by deemphasizing the desires of self. Application Questions: • Are you connected with this body of believers so that you can lovingly care for your brother and sisters here? How can you connect more deeply to obey the command in v. 1? • Why might believers struggle showing hospitality to those they don’t know, even in the context of the church? What can be done to address a lack of hospitality in your life? • What can you do to empathize with and help those who are suffering for the cause of Christ? • Where are you weakest in the battle to remain sexually pure? What steps do you need to take to remain sexually pure in our current context? • What practical ways can you implement in your life to free yourself from the love of money?