Why Jesus? Faith Obeys God.

Introduction:

Romans 4:1-3 - What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6)

When I Believe God's Promises (Hebrews 11:8-19):

1. I don't need all the Details . (Heb 11:8)

   John 10:27 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

2. I'm willing to Wait . (Heb 11:9-10)
3. I'm focused on God's Ability , not mine. (Heb 11:11-12)
4. I take the Long view. (Heb 11:13-16)
5. I Obey even when it's hard. (Heb 11:17-19)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:8-19

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why doesn’t God give us His whole plan for our lives up front (Heb 11:8)? What are the benefits of “not knowing where we are going”?
   

3. What does it mean to “wait on the Lord”? Why do you think we struggle with that? What should we actually be doing while we wait?
   

4. Tell of a time you’ve obeyed God when obeying was extremely difficult. What motivated you to obey God?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Faith Pleases God.

Introduction:

Real Faith Worships / Walks with / and Works for Christ (Hebrews 11:4-7):

1. Real faith worships God's Way . (Heb 11:4)

   Genesis 4:3-7 - In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it."

   Hebrews 9:22 - ...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

2. Real faith walks With God . (Heb 11:5-6)

   Genesis 5:21-24 - When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

3. Real faith works Because of God . (Heb 11:7)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:4-7

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Why was Abel’s sacrifice accepted and Cain’s wasn’t? What does this tell you about faith?
   

3. What, exactly, does it mean to “walk with God”? How can you tell if you have a real walk with God?
   

4. Tell of a time you were called to obey God when it didn’t make sense.

Breakout
Pray for one another. Is there something God is calling you to do right now that seems kind of crazy? Pray for the faith to obey!

Why Jesus? What is Faith?

Introduction:

Trusting the Word of God, no matter how I feel, because God promises a good result.

Do I Have Faith? (Hebrews 11:1-3)

1. Does faith determine my Conduct ? (Heb 11:3)
2. Is faith how I seek God's Approval ? (Heb 11:2)

   Romans 3:28 - For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

   Romans 4:5 - And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness...

   Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

3. Does faith determine how I Understand the world? (Heb 10:28-29)

   "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." - CS Lewis

   Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 11:1-3

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. In your own words, define Biblical faith.
   

3. How exactly were people in the Old Testament times saved by faith if Jesus didn’t offer His sacrifice yet (Heb 11:2)?
   

4. Why do you think creation is the first illustration of faith (v3)? How do you see God’s truths in Genesis 1-3 undermined today?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Because We Do Not Shrink Back

Introduction:

What You Really Say When You Say NO to Jesus? (Hebrews 10:26-39)

1. "I prefer Sin over Jesus." (Heb 10:26)
2. "I'm Willing to go to hell." (Heb 10:27)
3. "Jesus is Nothing to me." (Heb 10:28-29)
   1. You are Spurning Jesus. (Heb 10:28-29a)
   2. You are Profaning Jesus' blood. (Heb 10:29b)
   3. You are Insulting the Holy Spirit. (Heb 10:29c)
4. "I'd Rather face God as my Judge than my Savior." (Heb 10:30-31)

   Matthew 24:13 - But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

I Don't Think I Really Believe! Now What?

1. Look Back: Remember your initial passion. (Heb 10:32-34)
2. Look Ahead: There is Reward for the faithful. (Heb 10:35-39)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 10:26-39

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. How can you tell if someone is a “church-goer” or a true born-again believer? Should you do anything if you think someone is the former?
   

3. Reread Hebrews 10:39. What is the evidence that someone is not saved?
   

4. What does it mean to “profane the blood of the covenant” (Heb 10:29)? How does someone do this?

Breakout
Pray for those in the church who have not come to Jesus.

Why Jesus? Because He Gives Us Confidence

Introduction:

Because of My Confidence in Jesus... (Hebrews 10:19-25):

1. I can Draw Near to Him in Faith . (Heb 10:19-22)
2. I can Hold Fast to His Word in Hope . (Heb 10:23)
3. I can Build Up His People in Love . (Heb 10:24-25)
   1. By stirring others up to Holy and Selfless Living . (Heb 10:24)

      Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.

   2. By refusing to Neglect My Church Family . (Heb 10:25a)
   3. By choosing to Be an Encourager Instead of a Critic . (Heb 10:25b)

      Proverbs 27:6 - Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 10:19-25

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. What are some examples of how the Lord has proven Himself trustworthy and faithful throughout Scripture? How has He proven Himself trustworthy and faithful in your own life?
   

3. How can we stir one another up to love and good works? How can we serve together as a small group?
   

4. What does intentional presence look like as you worship or serve on Sunday morning and participate in a small group?
   

5. How do you find yourself being a critic instead of an encourager? Who is the Lord calling you to specifically encourage right now?

Breakout
Pray for one another.