Hebrews                           by Dr. Ralph Wilson

Jesus, the Giver of Rest (Hebrews 3:1-4:13)

God's Household: Faithful as a Son Over God's House (3:1-6)

Q1. (Hebrews 3:6b) Why is the writer exhorting his readers to "hold on" to Christ?

Why must we continue in our faith?

According the writer of Hebrews, what happens if we don't?

A Call to Faith rather than Rebellion (3:7-4:7)

Keep from Being Hardened by Sin's Deceitfulness (3:12-14)

Q2. (Hebrews 3:12-14) What is the importance of faith in our relationship to Christ? How does sin trick us?

How does it harden us?

What is the value of Christian fellowship to keep our faith strong?

Rebelliousness and Unbelief Prevent Israel from Entering the Promised Land (3:15-19)

Combining the Message with Faith (4:1-3a)

Rest in the Old Testament

It Remains for Some to Enter God's Rest (4:3b-7)

A Sabbath-Rest -- Resting from Your Own Work (4:8-11)

Q3. (Hebrews 4:8-11) What do you think the writer of Hebrews means by this promise of "rest" for the believer?

Why does the writer urge us: "Make every effort to enter that rest"?

What is the difference between apostasy from Christ and the kind of falling into sin that all Christians experience from time to time?

The Living, Active Word of God (4:12-13)

Q4. (Hebrews 4:12-13) What do these two verses have to do with what precedes them?

How is the Word described?

What effect does the Word have on us?

Why do we need to continually expose ourselves to the Word of God?

Prayer

Father, we so need to enter into the rest of faith now -- and look forward to entering into your rest in heaven. We trust you. Keep us from straying and pull us back when we get off the path. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Key Verses

"But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." (Hebrews 3:6)

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." (Hebrews 4:9-11)

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:12-13)