Hebrews 13 - Evidences of Faith

1. In running the Christian race this past week, what potentially discouraging event did you overcome by looking to Jesus?
   
   

2. The first six verses of this last chapter list five qualities of the Christian that were absolutely essential to the first century Christians. Consider how these were necessary and how we can demonstrate these qualities today.

3. Some things in our society today can make hospitality difficult for us to practice. Identify them and suggest some ways we can negate those difficulties?
   
   

4. Living in a country where we can worship God as we see appropriate, it is difficult for us to empathize with those of the first century who were often imprisoned for their faith. Speculate on how political persecution for our faith would change our day-to-day lives.
   
   

5. Contrast a worldly view of contentment with a biblical view of contentment.
   
   

6. "I will never fail you or forsake you" is a comforting message. What makes it hard for us to always believe this to be true?
   
   

7. Whose faith should we imitate and why?
   
   

8. How does the message, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" impact us?
   
   

9. Define diverse and strange teachings. How are we to react to such teachings? See also Acts 17:11; I John 4:1 and II John 9-11.
   
   

10. Read Leviticus 16. How is this sacrifice like Jesus?
    
    

11. Hebrews 13:9-14 compares the sacrifice of the old Law with the perfect sacrifice Jesus made for us. What is the outcome of Jesus' sacrifice according to verse 12?
    
    

12. What kind of sacrifices are pleasing to God?
    
    

    Share with the group ways you give God a "sacrifice of praise."

    
    

13. We are told to obey our leaders and submit to them. What responsibility do they have?
    
    

    How can our attitude make their job joyful? Sad?

    
    

14. What are some of the many advantages of prayer to both the one praying and the ones remembered in prayer?
    
    

15. From the benediction in verses 20 & 21, what has been done for us by God and what does the author pray will be done for us?
    
    

16. As the letter to the Hebrews concludes with practical instructions, we want to reflect on the lessons we learned. Looking at your Bible and/or lessons, consider and be ready to share at least one of these:

          Something you learned that is special to you

    
          Some area of Christian growth for you

    
          Something about Jesus and the awesome plan of salvation for mankind

    
    
    

• Think on the importance of offering up a sacrifice of praise. Look for ways to increase the time you spend praising God and Jesus for His ultimate sacrifice.
  
  

• Be aware of how your attitude about material things affects your family and others.
  
  

• Hebrews reminds us to remain faithful and endure through life's challenges. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith ..." (Hebrews 12:1 & 2)

Women IN God's Service

The Study of Hebrews - "Evidences of Faith" (lesson 12)
Ladies Bible Class Lesson, 27 March 2001
West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, Arkansas

previous lesson | overview | glossary