Consider Jesus

CrossWay Community Church

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Consider Jesus

September 17, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 3:1–6

Sermon Overview:

The main idea from this past week’s sermon was to stay focused on Jesus, because those who hold their trust in him are his people forever. We were called to consider Jesus’ faithful work (vv. 1-2), Jesus’ greater worth (vv. 3-6a) and the promise of being his people forever if we hold fast to him (v. 6b).

Ice Breaker:

If you could build your dream home, what feature would be non-negotiable?

Digging Deeper:

Read Hebrews 3:1-6 together.

Considering Jesus, as 3:1 states, is one of the main things this passage advocates.

What challenges your ability to give regular time and attention to thinking about his greatness and all he’s done for you? In other words, what tends to occupy your attention more than Jesus?

We are all going to consider something. How can we be sure Jesus is what we’re considering most? What would it look like to take action this week?

Part of considering Jesus is considering the goodness of the identity he’s given to those who follow him. For example:

We’re holy: we’re acceptable to God and can come to him in confidence. (3:1)

We have a sure hope: God’s invited us to join him in perfect eternity. (3:1)

We belong to a people: as part of God’s house, we have brothers and sisters that love us, care for us, accept us, and are along with us as we follow Jesus. (3:6)

Which of these do you find yourself easily considering and rejoicing in?

Which of these would you like to grow in experiencing the goodness of? How might you take a good next step in pursuing it?

A house analogy is used in verses 3-6.1

What is the comparison in verse 3?

What does that tell us about who Jesus is (verse 4)?

The imagery changes in verses 5-6. How does Moses and Jesus relate to the house now?

The passage assures us that those who hold fast to faith in Jesus are his house (3:6b).

Share a time when it was hard to hold fast to faith in Jesus.

How can put your confidence and courage in Christ this week?

Do you know someone who feels cast off by God? How would you talk about this passage with that person?

Take It Home:

What is one thing from this week’s discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember?

Prayer Requests:

_____________________________

Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

God Equips Us for a God-Pleasing Life

December 3, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 13:20–21

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on three encouragements to pursue a life pleasing to God in dependence on God: (1) God makes perfect peace (v. 20a) (2) We have a living, almighty shepherd (v. 20b) (3) God works in us to do his will. (b. 21) Digging Deeper: · In your own words, what does a life of pleasing God look like? · What aspects of your life are pleasing to God? · What have you noticed in one another’s lives that is pleasing to God? · What aspects of your life are displeasing to God? · God knows we need encouragement to live a life pleasing to him. What from this passage encourages you to live a life pleasing to him? · Verse 20 describes God as a “God of peace.” How have you in the past experienced God’s peace? How would you like to experience God’s peace in the future? · From verse 21, Pastor Brett described how God actually works in us to do his will. How does this free you from feeling weighed down by the call to live a God-pleasing life? · How could you even more cooperate with the Holy Spirit as helps us live a life pleasing to God? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

A Life Pleasing to God

November 26, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 13

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on how we respond to Jesus’ sacrificial death for us by pleasing God with sacrificial lives. We please God in at least three ways: With our love for one another (vv. 1-6) With our loyalty to what we’ve received (vv. 7-17) When we look to him to keep us faithful (vv. 18-21) Digging Deeper: Read Hebrews 13:1-19. Put a star next to one or two encouragements that stick out to you. Then, discuss what you’ve starred. One of the ways we can please God is by our love for one another (see verses 1-6). How have you experienced God’s love for you through other followers of Jesus? Being generous is a way of showing love to one another (vv. 2-3). What are some practical ways you could show generosity to people in your life who are in need? Being sexually pure is a way of showing love to one another (vs. 4). Why does sexual purity impact the wider community? Being content is a way of showing love for one another (vv. 5-6). In what areas of your life are you most tempted to be less than content with what you have? How does contentment with what we have impact the wider community? Who is a past faithful leader you respect? What would it look like for you to imitate their faith (v. 7)? Are there ways you find it hard to “obey” and “submit” to your church leaders (v. 17)? How come? How does the verse help is do what it is calling us to do? Of all the encouragements mentioned in Hebrews 13, what is one that you want to think more about and grow in? Why? How can the Gospel Community be a part of helping you in this area? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532

"Let Us Run With Endurance"

November 19, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 12

Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on enduring in faith through laying aside sin and looking to Jesus. Digging Deeper: 1. Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” How is what we saw in Hebrews chapter 11 meant to motivate us to do this? (Note how Heb. 12:1 begins.) 2. In what ways are you tempted to stop “running the race set before you”? 3. Pastor Brett helped us see from the passage that one of the ways we will "run with endurance” (persevere in the faith firm to the end), is by laying aside sin. How can we grow in our ability to recognize “weights” and sins that trip us up or hinder our endurance? 4. What weights and/or sins are slowing you down / hindering you? What would it look like for you to lay them aside? Who in your life can help you do that? 5. Hebrews 12:12-17 speaks of pursuing peace and holiness together. Do you strive for peace? What does that look like for you? 6. Do you strive for holiness? What does that look like for you? 7. Pastor Brett helped us see from the passage that another way we will "run with endurance” (persevere in the faith firm to the end), is by "looking to Jesus.” How can we grow in “looking to Jesus”? 8. How does looking to Jesus motivate you to run with endurance? Take It Home What is one thing you want to take away, remember, do, or change in light of this week’s sermon and discussion? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532