Jesus is Better
Sermon Series from September 2023 - November 2023
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
"So Great a Cloud of Witnesses"
November 12, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 11
Discussion Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on the idea that followers of Jesus should endure because of their confidence by faith in a promise-keeping God. • What faith is: certainty of unseen realities (vv. 1-3) • What faith receives: God's commendation (vv. 4-7) • What faith sees: the fulfillment of God's promises (vv. 8-22) • What faith enables: costly obedience (vv. 23-28) • What faith delivers from: death (vv. 29-31) • What faith endures: opposition (vv. 32-38) • What we have that they didn't: perfection through Christ (vv. 39-40) Digging Deeper: • How did Pastor Brett define faith from Hebrews 11:1-3? • Why is it impossible to please God without faith, as verse 6 says? • Why would having faith in God please him and receive his commendation? • What are some promises of God that you have seen fulfilled? What are some promises that you still are waiting to be fulfilled? • Share a story of a time when it’s been costly to obey Jesus. How did your faith help you obey? • What kind of opposition are you currently facing because of your faith? • What kind of opposition do you anticipate facing because of your faith? • How does it impact you that other Christians have suffered for their faith? • There's a long list of heroes in chapter 11. Did one of them stick out to you? If so, how come? 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 Request: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
"Do Not Throw Away Your Confidence"
November 5, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 10:19–39
Sermon Application Questions: Sermon Overview: This past week’s sermon was focused on the idea that followers of Jesus endure in the confidence Christ has provided, knowing your reward is sure. The author has established that because of Christ’s priesthood (ch. 5-7) and sacrifice (ch. 8-10), we have confidence to enter God’s presence, both now in prayer and ultimately in eternal life. Chapter 10 verses 19-21 recap this idea. From here, there are two paths we could choose to either reject it (vv. 26-31) or endure (vv. 19-25). Digging Deeper: The passage begins with the statement in verse 19 that a follower of Jesus should be “confident to enter the holy places.” What are the two reasons why a follower of Jesus should be confident to be close with Jesus? (see verses 19-21) In light of this confidence, the writer repeats the phrase “let us” three times in verses 22-24. What are the three things he calls the readers to? Verse 22 calls followers of Jesus to draw near to Jesus. Do you regularly do this? If so, what does it look like practically? Verse 23 calls followers of Jesus to hold fast to their hope in Jesus. What about your life makes it challenging to keep trusting Jesus? How does what is stated in the second half of verse 23 help us hold fast? Verse 24 calls followers of Jesus to “stir up one another to love and good works.” What are ways described in verse 25 to do what’s called in verse 24? Have you experienced someone stirring you up in this way? If so, what did it look like? How could you stir up someone in the way of verses 24-25 this coming week or month? Does anyone in particular come to mind?1 The writer, again, describes a stark warning for not following Jesus. Read 10:26-31. What is a takeaway for you from these verses? Read 10:32-24. Imagine what the readers went through. How does it strike you that the original readers “joyfully accepted the plundering of their property?” What truth enabled the readers to do this? See verse 34b. What is the better and abiding possession in verse 34b? How might this truth help us toward radical, practical, and costly love? 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
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:
Better Priest, Better Covenant
October 22, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 8—9
Sermon Application Questions: Sermon Overview: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 8:1-9:28 with the main idea being: Hold fast to Jesus, who has secured our eternal relationship with God through his sacrifice of himself. There were two parts to the passage: Jesus has secured our relationship with God built on beautiful promises (8:1-13) Jesus has secured this relationship through his self-sacrifice (9:1-28) Digging Deeper: In Hebrews 8:6, the author says the covenant that Christ mediates is better than the old covenant, “since it is enacted on better promises.” What “better promises” do we see in 8:10-12? How are these promises better than the old covenant? Why are they better? Why should we be thankful that we are members of this new covenant that God, in Christ, has made with his people? Hebrews 8:13 says “in speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. What does it mean that the old covenant is obsolete? What are the implications of this? There’s lots of talk about blood in chapter 9 (see verses 7, 12, 13, 14). Now, read Leviticus 19:11. What does atonement mean?1 Why was animal blood used to atone for sin?2 What is Hebrews 9:11-12 describing? What is the significance? Blood can seem like an odd or ugly theme, especially to people who don’t follow Jesus. What would you say to an unbelieving friend about the need for Christ’s blood?3 In Hebrews 9:14 we read that Christ offered himself to God “through the eternal Spirit.” How might we understand the role of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s work of redemption on our behalf? How might this encourage you if you’re a follower of Jesus with the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of you? We are told in 9:24 that Christ has entered heaven, “now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” What is he doing there “on our behalf”? How might this encourage us? The passage mentions that we can now “serve the living God” and be “eagerly waiting” for Jesus’ return (vs. 14, 28). What does it look like today to pursue these things?4 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
Better Priest, Better Hope
October 15, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 6:13—7:28
Sermon Application Questions: Sermon Overview: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 5:11-6:12, a famous warning passage that progresses through three sections: 1. Admonition to a set of Christians (5:11-6:3) 2. Warning to all who claim to be Christians – true and false believers (6:4-6:8) 3. Reassurance for those who are faithful and patient (6:9-12) Digging Deeper: ⦁ In 5:11-14 the author makes a comparison between two groups of people: those he refers to as needing milk and those he refers to as able to eat solid food. What are the marks that characterize those in each group? ⦁ How does the writer characterize someone mature in the faith? [someone who discerns good from evil (5:14), and lives the right way (5:13)] ⦁ Hebrews 5:14 states that we can practice our ability to discern good and evil. Is this something you desire? If so, how can we practice our ability to discern good and evil? How can we do this individually? As a community? ⦁ Hebrews 6:1-3 is an exhortation for us to press on toward maturity. In what aspect of your Christian life do you most sense your need to press on toward maturity? ⦁ Hebrews 6:3 makes it clear that God is sovereign over our sanctification, our pursuit of maturity. How does that land on you? What effect do you think the author desired it would have on his readers? Other Scripture clearly states that it is impossible to lose your salvation (see John 10:28, Ephesians 1:13-14). So, Hebrews 6:4-6 must describe someone who once seemed to be a Christian but never really was. Read Matthew 7:21-22. ⦁ In this passage, how could you appear to be a true follower of Christ without really being one? ⦁ What are the similarities between the person described in Matthew 7:21-22 and the person described in Hebrews 6:4-6? ⦁ How can we make sure we are not this kind of person? ⦁ The author mentions good crops in Hebrews 6:7 and describes some of those crops in verses 9-12. What “good crops” do you see in your own life? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away from this passage, sermon, and/or the discussion tonight? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
"On to Maturity"
October 8, 2023 • Mike Bullmore • Hebrews 5:11—6:12
Sermon Application Questions: Sermon Overview: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 5:11-6:12, a famous warning passage that progresses through three sections: Admonition to a set of Christians (5:11-6:3) Warning to all who claim to be Christians – true and false believers (6:4-6:8) Reassurance for those who are faithful and patient (6:9-12) Digging Deeper: In 5:11-14 the author makes a comparison between two groups of people: those he refers to as needing milk and those he refers to as able to eat solid food. What are the marks that characterize those in each group? How does the writer characterize someone mature in the faith? [someone who discerns good from evil (5:14), and lives the right way (5:13)] Hebrews 5:14 states that we can practice our ability to discern good and evil. Is this something you desire? If so, how can we practice our ability to discern good and evil? How can we do this individually? As a community? Hebrews 6:1-3 is an exhortation for us to press on toward maturity. In what aspect of your Christian life do you most sense your need to press on toward maturity? Hebrews 6:3 makes it clear that God is sovereign over our sanctification, our pursuit of maturity. How does that land on you? What effect do you think the author desired it would have on his readers? Other Scripture clearly states that it is impossible to lose your salvation (see John 10:28, Ephesians 1:13-14). So, Hebrews 6:4-6 must describe someone who once seemed to be a Christian but never really was.1 Read Matthew 7:21-22. In this passage, how could you appear to be a true follower of Christ without really being one? What are the similarities between the person described in Matthew 7:21-22 and the person described in Hebrews 6:4-6? How can we make sure we are not this kind of person? The author mentions good crops in Hebrews 6:7 and describes some of those crops in verses 9-12. What “good crops” do you see in your own life? Take It Home: What is one thing you want to take away from this passage, sermon, and/or the discussion tonight? Prayer Requests: _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
Our Saving and Sympathetic High Priest
October 1, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 4:15—5:10
Sermon Application Questions: Sermon Overview: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 4:14-5:10 with the main idea being: hold fast to Jesus, who saves eternally and helps sympathetically. Digging Deeper : Read Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Why do we need Jesus as a high priest? Jesus is a high priest that was: (1) appointed by God, (2) chosen among men and (3) able to offer sacrifices for sin. Why are each of these elements signifcant? In this passage, the author of Hebrews is calling his readers to do two things (or to keep doing two things). What are they? (see vv. 4:14b, 4:16) The passage calls for us to hold fast our confession. What does holding fast to Jesus and his good news look like for you? What makes it hard to hold fast to Jesus? The passage calls for us to draw near with confidence to God. Despite our sin, why can we confidently go to God? What makes us nervous to go to God? How can knowing Jesus as our high priest help us in our times of anxiety? What do the things that tempt us seem to promise us? How do they leave us wanting more? In this passage, the author compares and contrasts Jesus, our great high priest, to the priests of the Old Testament. How does this passage provide for us an example of the benefits of knowing / understanding the Old Testament? Through this passage, we are invited to come to Christ for the help we need. Jesus offers help when we are tempted. Jesus offers help when we are suffering. Jesus offers help when we have sinned. Is there a time when you have experienced Jesus’ help in one of these areas? Please share. In which of these areas do you most feel your need for Jesus’ help now? Practically speaking, what would it look like for you to go to him for the help you need? 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's Voice, God's Rest, and Our Hearts
September 24, 2023 • Brett Wendle • Hebrews 3:7—4:13
Sermon Application Questions: Sermon Overview: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 3:7-4:13 with the main idea being: those who enter God’s rest are those who respond to his voice from the heart. Digging Deeper: The passage begins with a quote from Psalm 95. Can you identify the three time periods represented between vv. 7-14? What is “God’s rest” that this passage keeps talking about? How is what’s referred to in Hebrews 3:11 similar and different from what’s referred to in Hebrews 4:8-10. What did the people of Israel do after being brought out of Egypt? (see Hebrews 3:9, 4:16-18).https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/wordeditorframe.aspx?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&wopisrc=https%3a%2f%2ficrossway.sharepoint.com%2fsites%2fgospelcommunity713%2f_vti_bin%2fwopi.ashx%2ffiles%2f6050d843dced452cafa748e5e64c6a3b&wdenableroaming=1&wdfr=1&mscc=1&hid=b63ddc6d-e5c0-4e79-bc0a-d1bb39a40af8.0&uih=teams&uiembed=1&wdlcid=en-us&jsapi=1&jsapiver=v2&corrid=7e73860f-04a1-4cd2-b2e1-416757935572&usid=7e73860f-04a1-4cd2-b2e1-416757935572&newsession=1&sftc=1&uihit=teamsmodern&muv=v1&accloop=1&sdr=6&scnd=1&sat=1&rat=1&sams=1&mtf=1&sfp=1&halh=1&hch=1&hmh=1&hwfh=1&hsth=1&sih=1&unh=1&onw=1&dchat=1&sc=%7b%22pmo%22%3a%22https%3a%2f%2fwww.microsoft365.com%22%2c%22pmshare%22%3atrue%7d&ctp=leastprotected&rct=normal&wdhostclicktime=1695407714034&instantedit=1&wopicomplete=1&wdredirectionreason=unified_singleflush#_ftn1 What is an area of your life that is hard to trust God with and follow in obedience? Why is it hard? What makes the things that pull us away from God and his way feel so compelling? The passage describes one way God helps us fight against sin and unbelief in Hebrews 3:12-13. What is it describing? Share a time where God used community to help you overcome sin and continue to trust in Jesus. Gospel Communities are an ideal place to “exhort one another.” Do you see this happening in our Gospel Community? Why or why not? How could our group grow more in exhorting one another? This passage guards us from two dangerous misunderstandings: on the one hand we might be tempted to think we can earn “God’s rest,” on the other hand we might be tempted to think nothing is required of us in order to enter God’s rest. Which of these misunderstandings are you more inclined to believe? How does this passage confront both of these errors? (Hebrews 4:3, 4:11). Is there an unbeliever in your life who is clearly weighed down by the cares of this world and the burdensome effects of sin? How might you present to this person the truth from this passage that God in Christ offers eternal rest to all who would put their hope in Christ? https://usc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/wordeditorframe.aspx?ui=en-us&rs=en-us&wopisrc=https%3a%2f%2ficrossway.sharepoint.com%2fsites%2fgospelcommunity713%2f_vti_bin%2fwopi.ashx%2ffiles%2f6050d843dced452cafa748e5e64c6a3b&wdenableroaming=1&wdfr=1&mscc=1&hid=b63ddc6d-e5c0-4e79-bc0a-d1bb39a40af8.0&uih=teams&uiembed=1&wdlcid=en-us&jsapi=1&jsapiver=v2&corrid=7e73860f-04a1-4cd2-b2e1-416757935572&usid=7e73860f-04a1-4cd2-b2e1-416757935572&newsession=1&sftc=1&uihit=teamsmodern&muv=v1&accloop=1&sdr=6&scnd=1&sat=1&rat=1&sams=1&mtf=1&sfp=1&halh=1&hch=1&hmh=1&hwfh=1&hsth=1&sih=1&unh=1&onw=1&dchat=1&sc=%7b%22pmo%22%3a%22https%3a%2f%2fwww.microsoft365.com%22%2c%22pmshare%22%3atrue%7d&ctp=leastprotected&rct=normal&wdhostclicktime=1695407714034&instantedit=1&wopicomplete=1&wdredirectionreason=unified_singleflush#_ftnref1 Hebrews: An Anchor for the Soul by Michael J. Kruger, page 17. 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
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
"Made Like His Brothers"
September 10, 2023 • Mike Bullmore • Hebrews 2:5–18
Main Point: Last week we saw that Jesus is the divine Son of God, full in power, majesty, and authority. This week’s passage helps us see that Jesus covers our sins and identifies with us. He is our savior and brother. He both fully rescues us from our sin (savior) and identifies with us in our weakness (brother). Ice Breaker: Who is one of your heroes? Why do you admire them? In vs 10, it mentions Jesus bringing “many sons to glory.” Who have you admired who has “gone to glory?” Why did you admire him/her? Digging Deeper: Would someone be willing to read Hebrews 2:5-18? This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 2:5-18 that unpacked how Jesus is both our savior who covers our sins and our brother who sympathizes with us. Why is it crucially important to understand and accept that we are sinners destined for eternal death? Section 1: Jesus as Savior Heroes come to the rescue. The biggest sacrifice a hero can make is giving up their life. The passage argues that one of the reasons Jesus became human was to die and free people trapped under the penalty of death because of their sins (see Hebrews 2:14-15). Do you think of Jesus as a hero? Why or why not? What character traits of Jesus as Savior do you see in our passage? Do you fear death? Why or why not? (Hebrews 2:15) Section 2: Jesus as Brother Hebrews 2:6-8 is a quote from Psalm 8:4-6. Would someone be willing to read Psalm 8:4-6? Psalm 8 is talking about all humans. In Hebrews, the writer applies the passage specifically to Jesus (see Hebrews 2:9). In what ways are all humans and Jesus alike according to this passage? In what ways is Jesus distinct from all other humans? Read Hebrews 2:17-18 again. In verse 17, it says that Jesus was “made like his brothers in every respect”. Why is it important to know that Jesus has walked in your shoes? Consider that Jesus suffered when he was tempted (v 18) and his purpose was to help you when you are tempted. How does this encourage you when you are tempted? Take It Home: What would it look like to turn to Jesus when you’re tempted? How can our community be a help to each other when we are tempted? What is one thing from this week’s discussion or sermon that is important for you to remember? _____________________________ Music and Lyrics Used by Permission CCLI# 1595532
How Do You See Jesus?
September 3, 2023 • Mike Bullmore • Hebrews 1:1—2:8
Sermon Application Questions: Main Point: The main point of this past Sunday’s sermon was that Jesus is God’s very own son, which means he is the supreme, mighty God. Jesus is far grander, far mightier, far superior, far more powerful than our minds can comprehend. While it’s good to see Jesus as approachable and gracious and gentle, he’s also much more. Ice Breaker: In just a moment, I’ll say a word. When you hear it, I want you to quickly share the first word or thing that comes to mind. First a practice round. Ready? What immediately comes to mind when you hear the word “angel”? That was practice. Now for a second word. What immediately comes to mind when you hear the word “Jesus”? (make a list of the words people share. This will come in handy later). Digging Deeper: This past Sunday we looked at Hebrews 1:1-2:4 that highlighted how Jesus is God’s Son, which means he’s grand and majestic and divine royalty. Often our initial sense of who Jesus sometimes is much too simplistic or narrow. Reread Hebrews 1:1-2:4 and make note of characteristics about Jesus. What characteristics about Jesus do you notice from reading the passage? Share the verse number of where you get that answer from. (add them to the list you made earlier) Given all the ways Jesus has been described, both in our conversation and in the passage: Which one or two of these words are usually in your mind when you think of Jesus? Which one or two of these words are rarely in your mind when you think about Jesus? For the terms that come rarely to mind, how would it change your life to think about them more? Hebrews 1:8 quotes Psalm 45:6-7. Would someone be willing to read Psalm 45:6-7? Even in the Old Testament, there is an awareness that Jesus is royalty (vs. 6a: “your throne, O God…”) and that this royal Son was anointed by God (v. 7b: “Therefore God, your God, has anointed you…). What difference does it make that the Old Testament was referencing Jesus hundreds of years before he came to earth? How does it make you appreciate the Old Testament itself? Would someone be willing to read Hebrews 2:1? How can we individually purpose to pay close attention to Jesus as God’s royal Son? How can we, as a community, purpose to pay attention to Jesus? How can we individually drift away from paying close attention to Jesus as God’s royal Son? How can we, as a community, purpose to pay attention to Jesus? 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