The Perfect Sacrifice

CrossWay Community Church

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The Perfect Sacrifice

October 29, 2023 • Josh Mathews • Hebrews 10:1–18

Sermon Application Questions:

Sermon Overview:

The main point of this week’s sermon was: Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice to take our sins away, so stay loyal to him. The passage progresses through four reasons why Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice:

Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because every other way fails

Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because he’s the long-awaited, once-for-all all replacement

Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because he sat down.

Jesus alone is the perfect sacrifice because he begins a new era.

Digging Deeper:

Hebrews 10:3 tells us, “But in these sacrifices, there is a reminder of sin every year.” The old covenant sacrificial system provided people stark visual reminders of the reality and gravity of sin and the resulting need for atoning sacrifice. The author of Hebrews has repeatedly told us that the covenant we are under (i.e. the new covenant) is “better.” Does the new covenant do a “better” job of showing us the reality of sin, the gravity of sin, and the need for atoning sacrifice? If so, how?

Hebrews 10:4 tells us, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” If the blood of bulls and goats did not “take away” the sins of the people under the old covenant, then were any of them saved? If so, how? [see Genesis 15:6 for help].

You're likely not tempted to look to animal sacrifices to take away your sins like the original readers. However, when you do sin, what are you tempted to look to for cleansing and fulfillment?

Hebrews 10:14 tells us, "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” Is the idea that, in one sense, we have already been perfected (or have already “been sanctified” cf. v.10), yet in another sense we are not yet perfect a new concept for you? How might these categories help seek to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of your ongoing sanctification?

How can we as a Gospel Community help one another heighten our awareness of Jesus’ greatness?

If you’re loyal to Jesus and trust that his death took away your sins, then this passage says that you are forgiven (vs. 18). How does being fully forgiven change your life? What does it do for you personally? How does it change the way you interact with others?

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:

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