The Grace Message

Jesus is a high priest like no other. God appointed His own Son as our eternal priest. Jesus learned obedience through suffering, and He totally gets us. But the Hebrews weren’t sure what to think of Him. They hadn’t made up their minds. They’d heard so much great teaching that they ought to be teachers themselves. Instead, many of them were still spiritual infants, while others had yet to be saved at all. In Hebrews 5, the author is telling them to get with the program, to eat meat (not just milk!), and to enjoy all the benefits of the new and better covenant. I hope this message encourages you to dive deeper into God’s grace and enjoy “the word of righteousness.” Discussion Questions: 1. What are some similarities between the Old Testament high priests and Jesus? What are some differences? 2. What does it mean in verse 8 that Jesus “learned obedience”? 3. How can “those who obey Him” in verse 9 be misunderstood to support a conditional salvation? How does the better translation “attend to” or “listen to” help us understand the author's intent? 4. Why does Melchizedek appear in this chapter? 5. What is the “milk” referred to here? What is the “word of righteousness”?

Does Hebrews 3 say that we need to hang on tightly or we might lose our salvation? What does it mean to make every effort to enter God’s rest? Is there such a thing as a temporary believer? What does it mean to delight in the Lord? What does the Parable of the Ten Virgins really mean? Do you have to deny yourself to be saved or after salvation? My church teachers I will have to give an account for every sin. Is this true?

What is the meaning of "grace upon grace" in John 1:16? If an unbeliever is a slave to sin, how can he ever come to Christ? My friend thinks we believers can sin enough to harden our heart and walk away from Jesus. How do I respond to this?

How were Old Testament believers saved? How can "all Scripture be inspired" (2 Timothy 3:16) if we are not under the Law? My granddaughters have been abused, and some say this can open people to Satan and spiritual warfare. I'm wondering about a believer's susceptibility to the enemy.

How is Jesus the Prince of Peace if he came with a sword (Matthew 10)? What is Romans 9 talking about if we are not individually predestined to believe? Is Hebrews 6 warning Christians about loss of salvation? If not, what does it really mean?

I work for the government and have to file paperwork that I disagree with. How can I do my job well and with joy if I feel this way? Should I look for another job? What is a "word of knowledge"? Why does James 4 talk about drawing near to God if we are already close to Him?

Will we have free will in Heaven? Could the fall of humanity start all over again? What does it mean to live under grace? What are your thoughts on Halloween?

Make every effort to enter God’s rest? Try to rest? Sounds like a bit of a paradox to me! So, what is this Hebrews 4 invitation really about? Growing up, I believed Hebrews 4 was an invitation to believers to try to reach a second level or second tier of Christian experience – a higher plane of spiritual rest and victory. But believing that set me on a path toward chasing a superior experience that was always elusive. So, what does it really mean to enter God’s rest? In this message, you’ll discover the liberating truth that you’ve already entered it. You’ll also be introduced to a High Priest that is sympathetic toward your weaknesses and isn’t trying to get you to be someone different. Realizing this matters, so be encouraged and enjoy this message! Discussion Questions: 1. What is “God’s rest” and how does a person come short of it? 2. How is the seventh day used as an analogy for us today? 3. Explain the paradox of asking them to be diligent (or make every effort) to rest. 4. How have you seen Jesus sympathize with your weaknesses? 5. According to verse 16, what can we feel about talking with God? What can we always expect from Him?

Can you talk about Jesus as the Lamb of God? Why does Jesus say “Depart from Me” to some? How do I raise my child with new covenant teaching? Is there a certain evidence of true salvation? How should we view the fallen world and the political world? Am I allowed to defend myself in a lawsuit?

What is the new covenant? How is it different from the old? Why does Paul mention the angels in 1 Corinthians 11? Why would they care about hair length or head coverings? Was Abraham’s righteousness credited? What about us today?