Did God Really Say… His Word Can Be Trusted?

Introduction:

I Can Trust the Bible Because... (2 Peter 1:16-21)

1. It is not a myth but Historical Fact (2 Peter 1:16)

   The Bible is Verified by...

   1. Eyewitness Testimony
   2. Archaeological Evidence
   3. Scientific Accuracy
2. It is not an incomplete guide but The Only Source of Light in a Dark World . (2 Peter 1:17-19)
3. It is not the opinion of man but An Inspired Message from God . (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read 2 Peter 1:16-21

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

2. What does it mean that the Bible defends itself? Why can it be trusted?
   

3. Why do we delay/put off Bible reading and study at times? How can you take steps to grow in your ability as a student of the Bible over the next several days and weeks?
   

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? You Have Reason to Worship.

Introduction:

I Have Reason to Worship (Hebrews 12:18-29):

1. I live in Grace , not Law. (Heb 12:18-24)
2. I will never be Destroyed . (Heb 12:25-27)
3. I have been given Everything . (Heb 12:28-29)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 12:18-29

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

2. What are the two mountains being contrasted in Heb 12:18-24? What is the point of this contrast?
   

3. How would you rate your passion for worship, on a scale of 1-5?
   (1 is mostly dead, 5 is worshiping like you’re in heaven)
   Why did you give yourself that rating?
   

4. What “reason to worship” from this passage motivates you the most? Why?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Be Healed.

Introduction:

Why I Can't Quit Running (Hebrews 12:12-17):

1. Someone needs me to be an Example . (Heb 12:12-14)

   1 Kings 18:21 - And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions?”

   Philippians 2:14-15 - Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world...

2. Someone needs me to Challenge their walk with Christ. (Heb 12:15-17)

   Deuteronomy 29:18 - Beware lest there be among you a man or woman or clan or tribe whose heart is turning away today from the LORD our God to go and serve the gods of those nations. Beware lest there be among you a root bearing poisonous and bitter fruit...

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 12:12-17

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

2. What kind of example are you displaying on what it looks like to follow Jesus? Specifically, how much are you a complainer? What does complaining have to do with our witness? Read Philippians 2:14-15.
   

3. You know someone in the church that is a “church-goer”, but there seems to be no fruit in their lives that they are born again. How exactly do you lovingly challenge them on this, fulfilling Hebrews 12:15?

Breakout
Pray for one another to be going after those in the church who haven’t come to Christ.

Why Jesus? God Disciplines His Children

Introduction:

3 Reasons for Discipline:

1. Correction
2. Prevention
3. Edification

Discipline is Good for Me (Hebrews 12:4-11):

1. Because it is From God . (Heb 12:4-5)

   1 Thessalonians 5:18 - ...give thanks in all circumstances...

2. Because it Proves I'm His Child. (Heb 12:6-8)
3. Because it makes me Like Jesus . (Heb 12:9-11)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 12:4-11

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

2. “All of your hardships are ultimately God’s sovereign plan to discipline you.” How can you support this Biblically?
   

3. Tell of a specific lesson you have learned through God’s discipline. How did He discipline you? How did you come to realize the lesson?
   

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Why Jesus? Faith Endures.

Introduction:

Why I Am Not Motivated to Run the Faith Race As I Should (Hebrews 12:1-3):

1. I Sabotage myself. (Heb 12:1)
2. I'm too Near Sighted . (Heb 12:2)

   Romans 8:18 - For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

3. People have worn me out. (Heb 12:3)

   Luke 23:34 - And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Jesus Endured Hostility from Sinners By:

1. Understanding their condition.
2. Praying for them.
3. Loving them.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Hebrews 12:1-3

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

2. Which of these 3 do you think hinders your race the most…?

   - Self-Sabotage

   - Near-Sightedness

   - Dealing with Difficult People
   

3. How do the “cloud of witnesses” (Heb 12:1) inspire you to endure in your race? Who have you known personally that has inspired you?
   

4. How did Jesus endure hostility from sinners (Hebrews 12:3 - and see Luke 23:34)? How does Jesus inspire and empower you to do the same?

   Bonus: Would you say that you “hate” running or that you “despise” running?

Breakout
Pray for one another.