The Grace Message

Dr. Andrew Farley

News Flash! – Part 14

January 15, 2023

Imagine all the believers throughout history gathered to celebrate what we have in Christ today. That’s the picture we’re given at the outset of Hebrews 12. Then, we’re told to take off running and enjoy the journey with Jesus, looking to Him as our inspiration.

But interestingly, this passage also brings controversy. The author seems to use the word “scourge” to describe God the Father’s treatment of His children. Scourge? Ouch! That would be punishment, not discipline. And that kind of punishment was usually reserved for criminals, not children.

So, what’s going on? Is God the Father really engaging in a form of child abuse to keep us in line? Isn’t it true that Jesus was scourged so we wouldn’t be… and “by His stripes we are healed” (1 Peter 2:24)?!?

In this clarifying message, you’ll learn the truth about God’s discipline: It’s training for the future, not punishment for the past. As a result, you’ll learn to trust your Father’s heart even more.

Discussion Questions for Hebrews 12:1-15

1. Who is the great cloud of witnesses in verse 1?

2. How is the Christian life like a race? Is it a marathon or a sprint? How do we “win”? 

3. What does the “sitting down” in verse 2 represent?

4. Describe God’s discipline. How is it different from punishment? 

5. What is the alternate translation for the word “scourge” in verse 6? Why is this important?

6. Read verses 7-11. Why can we look forward to God’s discipline? 

7. Read verse 14. Will only certain Christians see the Lord? Explain.

Featured Offer

Untangle 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told!
Pastor Andrew Farley wrote his encouraging book Twisted Scripture: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told to help you confront the lies that hold you back and discover the truth that sets you free. We’ll send you a copy of Twisted Scripture as thanks for your gift below to help set more people free from the chains of legalism with the truth of who they really are in Christ.  

Archives

Can you help me understand Hebrews 10:29? Can women speak in church? Can women be leaders in church? What year did the Roman Catholic Church begin? What are your thoughts on Catholicism? My friend prays to Mary and defends this. What Scriptures will help them understand we pray to God, not any human? What do you think of a believer at a Messianic Jewish congregations reciting the Shema? Might it lead to an old covenant mentality about some things? Why does Galatians give a list of people who will not inherit the Kingdom? Could some of these people be Christians?
January 14, 2023
Did King Nebuchadnezzar ever repent and believe in God? Why was he so fascinated with Daniel? Why do so many learned people fail to see the context of 1 John 1:9, insisting that we have to confess every sin to be forgiven by God? Why does Romans 2 say that the doers of the Law will be justified? Who are these doers?
January 13, 2023
Why do we continue to hear messages from Malachi 3 about robbing God if we’re in the new covenant? Can a person who’s truly been saved lose their salvation? Who was Rahab and what is the significance of knowing her story?
January 12, 2023
Do we really have free will? Why does second Corinthians 5:21 say that we “might” become the righteousness of God? Can you explain the Trinity? Which person of the Trinity lives in us? Are believers today obligated to observe the Sabbath?
January 11, 2023
What is your take on psychology, medicine, and therapy? I’m scared I might be a lukewarm Christian. Might God one day tell me, “Depart from Me”?
January 10, 2023
I’ve been swindled out of almost $1 million, and I think of revenge every day. What should I do? Am I allowed to hang out with unbelievers or only Christians? Do believers today need to observe a Sabbath day? I heard a voice in the middle of the night that said, “Follow me”, and I worry that it was Jesus trying to tell me something. What are your thoughts?
January 9, 2023
Did you know we Christians are only qualified to share one spiritual message about having relationship with God? And it’s not the message of self-improvement. It’s the new covenant message of God’s grace! That’s right, the new covenant is all we are qualified to share with others. And when we focus on the new covenant, it leads to all kinds of confidence and boldness. This is exactly what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3. We just started a new year. As new creations, isn’t it time we focus on the new covenant? When we do, the “veil” of the Law is taken away and we find real freedom in Jesus!   Find out more in this foundational message that will help you start the new year off right! Discussion Questions: 1. Read verses 1-3. How do people serve as “letters of recommendation”? 2. Read verses 4-6. What specific message are we believers adequate and confident to share? 3. Read verses 7-11. Here, Paul compares the Ten Commandments (on stone) with the Gospel message we enjoy today. What expressions does Paul use to compare them? (Hint: Look for keywords such as the four uses of “ministry” and the ten uses of “glory.”) What should we conclude? 4. Read verses 12-13. Paul says we can “use great boldness in our speech” about the new covenant. How can this boldness be misinterpreted by others? Is there anything we can do about being misinterpreted? Discuss. 5. Read verses 14-16. Who has the veil over their eyes and hearts? What specifically does the “veil” blind them from? How is the veil lifted? 6. Read verse 17. What atmosphere can we expect from the Holy Spirit? How will this atmosphere be manifested in our personal lives? Relationships? Church congregations? 7. Read verse 18. Why does Paul say “beholding as in a mirror”? If you’re already a new creation, then what exactly is being transformed within you? (See also Romans 12:2 as a cross-reference.)
January 8, 2023
What do you do about doubts concerning salvation? What are the “various kinds of tongues” in 1 Corinthians 12? Can Christians get tattoos? What do we say to people who claim the Bible isn’t true because of the age of the Earth? What kind of amends should I try to make for the hurt I caused as an alcoholic? Is it possible to be blotted out of the Book of Life?
January 7, 2023
How should we view prayer and prayer meetings? Do I have to listen to my father if he’s giving me bad advice? How should we approach tough decisions? What does it really mean to fear God? Should we be scared of Him?
January 6, 2023
How do you balance the eternal security of Romans 8:1 with Galatians 6:8? Did God create evil? Are those who believe they can lose their salvation not even saved? I deal with scrupulous thinking and wonder if I’m saved. Can you help?
January 5, 2023
See More Episodes
Listen to The Grace Message on
Amazon Echo
Learn How
Learn How

Featured Offer

Untangle 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told!
Pastor Andrew Farley wrote his encouraging book Twisted Scripture: Untangling 45 Lies Christians Have Been Told to help you confront the lies that hold you back and discover the truth that sets you free. We’ll send you a copy of Twisted Scripture as thanks for your gift below to help set more people free from the chains of legalism with the truth of who they really are in Christ.  

About The Grace Message

The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley consistently offers simple, straightforward, and accurate help for anyone looking to better understand the depths of God’s grace. Andrew’s teachings will challenge the way you look at God through scriptural insights, and help you live in the freedom of the finished work of Jesus Christ.

About Dr. Andrew Farley

Dr. Andrew Farley is devoted to helping people better understand the grace of God and helping them live in the freedom that comes from a true understanding of Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross. He seeks to challenge the way people look at God, and themselves, through practical, scriptural insights about God’s forgiveness, living under grace and what a new identity in Christ really means.

Andrew is the author of Zondervan’s debuted #1 bestseller on Amazon, The Naked Gospel, in addition to serving as lead pastor of Church Without Religion in Lubbock, Texas. He is also the president of The Grace Message. His mission is to help people better understand the grace of God and see them enjoy freedom. He previously served as a professor of linguistics at the University of Notre Dame and Texas Tech University

Contact The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

Address
P.O. Box 87
Bridgeville, PA 15017
(800) 658-9807