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.

Why Jesus? Because Once for All: We are Perfected

Introduction:

Why Didn't the Old Covenant Take Away Guilt? (Hebrews 10:1-4):

1. It wasn't Designed to. (Heb 10:1)
2. It Reminded you that you ARE Guilty. (Heb 10:2-4)

Once For All: Jesus Takes Away Your Guilt (Hebrews 10:1-18):

1. Once for all: You are Sanctified . (Heb 10:10)
2. Once for all: Your Sin is gone. (Heb 10:11-13)
3. Once for all: You are Secure . (Heb 10:14)
4. Once for all: You are Settled . (Heb 10:15-18)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 10:1-18

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

2. Why did God ordain the Old Covenant if it couldn’t really take away sin? Why would God allow it to be a constant reminder of sin?
   

3. What does it mean to be “sanctified”? How is sanctification both a condition and a process?
   

4. Why do you think many Christians struggle with the idea of “once for all” we are saved, sanctified, and secure?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Because Once for All: Sin is Put Away

Introduction:

It Was Necessary... (Hebrews 9:15-28):

1. For Jesus to Shed His Blood for My Forgiveness . (Heb 9:15-22)
2. For Jesus to Die Only Once as My Substitute . (Heb 9:23-28)

   2 Corinthians 5:21 - For our sake He (God the Father) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

   1 Corinthians 1:18 - For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 9:15-28

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

2. Why was it necessary for Jesus to die on the cross? Couldn’t have God the Father saved/forgiven us in any other way?
   

3. How should the message of the cross change how I view my own sanctification process and battle with sin?

Breakout
Pray for one another.