Please feel free to use the following as a reflection, personal study, or for your Life Group. Please be sensitive to other views expressed.
BACKGROUND
In summary, the author has been revealing to us a couple of important points:
1. the importance in understanding who Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Messiah, New Covenant, etc.);
2. the danger in not believing (and thus turning away) from what God is revealing through his Son Jesus Christ.
Why do you think it's difficult for people to receive Jesus Christ even after the Gospel has been shared with them?
READ HEBREWS 10 & 11 (share reading)
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION / STUDY
1. How would you define authentic faith?
2. Based on 11:3 who is our faith upon?
3. Why might Christians lose confidence in God? What does this say about their faith? How might they start living?
4. Why does God test believers?
5. What acts of faith do you see happening from the Great Heroes of Faith in chapter 11?
6. Are you comfortable or uncomfortable being associated with Christ?
7. What steps do you need to embrace in order to stand more boldly for Jesus?
8. What conclusion may you take away from those who persevered faithfully in following God?
IN CONCLUSION
The faithful followers of God revealed in the Old Testament were not perfect or sinless people. However they faithfully responded to the word of God spoken to them with confident trust and obedience. These were faithful followers who trusted and obeyed God even beyond their own understanding, their own logic, their own personal desires and preferences, and securities. Often times we see God declaring such followers as RIGHTEOUS (upright and blameless), one who WALKED WITH GOD, a FRIEND of God, a personal SERVANT.
How would you explain the relationship and access you have with God through your relationship with His Son and the Holy Spirit?
How did God speak to you through this reflection / study?
Blessings in our Lord,
Pastor Trevor