Read Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 2:18. How do these verses make you feel about Jesus?
Rewrite each of these verses in your own words.
What types of temptations did Jesus experience? How did Jesus suffer during His life?
When do you think Jesus experienced disappointment during His life? When do you think he experienced emotional hurt?
Why was Jesus willing to go through temptation, pain and disappointment?
Read or quote John 3:16. Why did God send His Son? Repeat the following statement to yourself a few times: “God loved me so much, He sent His Son.”
How have you experienced pain, disappointment or temptation recently? How did you respond?
Read James 1:2–4. How does God use our difficult times for good? How have you experienced this in the past?
How does it help you to know that Jesus has suffered in the same ways you do?
Take a moment and silently pray. Don’t ask for anything, simply tell Jesus about your struggles. Be confident that He is listening and He understands.
If Jesus is in control of your struggles, you can focus on doing good. What are the good things He wants you to do this week?
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hebrews. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Jesus did the work we couldn't do (Hebrews 4)
What is the hardest work you have ever done? What is the greatest rest you have every experienced?
Read Hebrews 4:10. Rewrite the verse in your own words.
When did God rest? What was the work He was resting from? If He wasn't tired, why do you think he rested? (If you can't come up with the perfect answer, that's okay. This is a question that many people view differently.)
What do you think it means to enter into God's rest?
From what works does God's rest provide relief?
Read Revelation 14:13. While this verse may not be an exact parallel, it is connected to Hebrews 4:10. What does this verse teach about entering God's rest?
How much good does someone have to do in order to please God? How much bad does someone have to do in order to disappoint God?
Read Isaiah 64:6. How do our good works appear to God? Why do you think this is true?
Make a short list of some of the "good works" people do which they think will earn favor with God.
Is it possible for anyone to do enough good that they could earn their way to heaven? Why or why not?
What did Jesus do to make it possible for us to rest from our works of righteousness?
In heaven, we'll have full and complete rest from trying to work for righteousness. How can we enjoy God's rest right now?
Hint: God's rest doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing; it does mean that we can find joy instead of obligation in everything we do!
In what activities do you want to find joy this week? How will accomplish that goal?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Most Popular Verse in the Bible (John 3)
What does it mean to you to place belief in another person? Who is a person you know that you really believe in? Why?
Read John 3:16.
Why do you think John 3:16 is such a popular verse?
Why do some people believe that God doesn't love the world? How can the life of a Christian be a powerful illustration of how God loves the world? What types of things could you do this week to show the world that God loves them?
Why do you think God chose to demonstrate his love to us by sending His Son to earth?
Are the words "one and only" important in this verse? Why or why not?
Would you allow your perfectly healthy child to die if you knew it would save someone else's life? What does this gift from god teach us about His love? What sacrifices should we be willing to make for the good of someone else?
What does it mean to "believe in Jesus?" Have a few (or all) of the group members talk about why they believe in Jesus.
What does someone need to believe about Jesus in order to have eternal life?
(clue verses: Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 6:1)
How does belief in Jesus change your life?
Who do you know that needs to hear the truth of this verse? How can you tell you them?
Read John 3:16.
Why do you think John 3:16 is such a popular verse?
Why do some people believe that God doesn't love the world? How can the life of a Christian be a powerful illustration of how God loves the world? What types of things could you do this week to show the world that God loves them?
Why do you think God chose to demonstrate his love to us by sending His Son to earth?
Are the words "one and only" important in this verse? Why or why not?
Would you allow your perfectly healthy child to die if you knew it would save someone else's life? What does this gift from god teach us about His love? What sacrifices should we be willing to make for the good of someone else?
What does it mean to "believe in Jesus?" Have a few (or all) of the group members talk about why they believe in Jesus.
What does someone need to believe about Jesus in order to have eternal life?
(clue verses: Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9, Hebrews 6:1)
How does belief in Jesus change your life?
Who do you know that needs to hear the truth of this verse? How can you tell you them?
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Empowered to Resist Temptation (Matthew 4)
What is the food you just can't resist? How often do you eat it? What makes it so tempting?
Is there an activity you love so much that it is a constant temptation for you (exercise, facebook, hunting, etc.)?
Are most things that tempt you good for you or bad for you? Why?
Read Matthew 4:1-11. Which of these temptation do you think was most difficult for Jesus to resist? Why?
Why do you think Jesus responded with Scripture each time Satan brought a new temptation? Do you think you could do the same thing? Why or why not?
How important is it to know Scripture if you want to resist temptation? What can you do to increase your knowledge of Scripture?
Read verse 1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit LED Jesus to a place he would be tempted? In what ways were these temptations good for Jesus? Is temptation ever good for you? Why or why not?
What role do you think the Holy Spirit played in helping Jesus resist temptation? How do you think your relationship to Scripture impacts your relationship to the Holy Spirit (check out Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12)?
Based on what you've discussed today, what are some keys to having the Holy Spirit empower your life?
What steps can you take this week to ensure you're ready next time temptation hits?
Is there an activity you love so much that it is a constant temptation for you (exercise, facebook, hunting, etc.)?
Are most things that tempt you good for you or bad for you? Why?
Read Matthew 4:1-11. Which of these temptation do you think was most difficult for Jesus to resist? Why?
Why do you think Jesus responded with Scripture each time Satan brought a new temptation? Do you think you could do the same thing? Why or why not?
How important is it to know Scripture if you want to resist temptation? What can you do to increase your knowledge of Scripture?
Read verse 1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit LED Jesus to a place he would be tempted? In what ways were these temptations good for Jesus? Is temptation ever good for you? Why or why not?
What role do you think the Holy Spirit played in helping Jesus resist temptation? How do you think your relationship to Scripture impacts your relationship to the Holy Spirit (check out Ephesians 6:17 and Hebrews 4:12)?
Based on what you've discussed today, what are some keys to having the Holy Spirit empower your life?
What steps can you take this week to ensure you're ready next time temptation hits?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
When Should You Trust God? (Hebrews 11)
Which of the following "Faith Stories" is most impressive to you? Why?
What do you think it means to "live by faith?" Who do you know that truly lives by faith?
Do you think someone can make bad decisions while claiming to "live by faith?" Give an example.
How can you know when you need to "trust God" and when you need to just take care of things yourself?
Consider the following questions*:
For what will you trust God this week?
*these questions taken from Dan Phillips at the Pyromaniacs blog.
- Abel bringing an offering that was more acceptable than Cain's
- Enoch walking closely with God
- Noah building the ark
- Abraham leaving his home because God had called him
- Sarah believing God would give her a son
- Abraham being willing to sacrifice Isaac
- Moses' parents hiding him from Pharaoh
- Moses giving up his position in the palace of Egypt
- Rahab hiding the spies in Jericho
- Joshua and Israel marching around Jericho for seven days
What do you think it means to "live by faith?" Who do you know that truly lives by faith?
Do you think someone can make bad decisions while claiming to "live by faith?" Give an example.
How can you know when you need to "trust God" and when you need to just take care of things yourself?
Consider the following questions*:
- For what specifically are you trusting God?
- On what basis are you trusting him for these things?
For what will you trust God this week?
*these questions taken from Dan Phillips at the Pyromaniacs blog.
Friday, October 22, 2010
All Things Are Made New (Hebrews 8)
If you could restore something in your house to it's "new" state, what would you choose? Why?
If you could have a new start for today, what would you do differently?
What is an activity you once loved, but no longer do? Why did you stop?
Read Hebrews 8:6-9.
What are your first thoughts when you hear the word "covenant?"
How would you describe the "old covenant" God once made with Israel? How many of the laws and promises of the old covenant can you name?
Perhaps the most well known portion of the old covenant is the 10 commandments. What is the value of the 10 commandments?
Can someone earn eternal life by following the 10 commandments? Why or why not?
Read Hebrews 8:10-12.
Which part of these verses do you most like? What questions do you have about these verses?
In your own words, describe the "new covenant" God is making?
What is the main point of verse 12? Why is this good news?
How have you experienced God's mercy in your life?
When you think about and focus on what God has done for you, what are you inspired to do about it?
What parts of your life is God making "new" right now? Are you allowing Him to renew you or are you fighting the process? How?
What is the next step in your spiritual life?
If you could have a new start for today, what would you do differently?
What is an activity you once loved, but no longer do? Why did you stop?
Read Hebrews 8:6-9.
What are your first thoughts when you hear the word "covenant?"
How would you describe the "old covenant" God once made with Israel? How many of the laws and promises of the old covenant can you name?
Perhaps the most well known portion of the old covenant is the 10 commandments. What is the value of the 10 commandments?
Can someone earn eternal life by following the 10 commandments? Why or why not?
Read Hebrews 8:10-12.
Which part of these verses do you most like? What questions do you have about these verses?
In your own words, describe the "new covenant" God is making?
What is the main point of verse 12? Why is this good news?
How have you experienced God's mercy in your life?
When you think about and focus on what God has done for you, what are you inspired to do about it?
What parts of your life is God making "new" right now? Are you allowing Him to renew you or are you fighting the process? How?
What is the next step in your spiritual life?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Living a Fruitful Life (John 15)
If you could only eat one kind of fruit for the rest of your life, what would you choose? Why?
What do you think it means to live a "fruitful life"?
As a group, read John 15:1-2. What do you think Jesus means when he talks about "fruit"?
Have different people read the following passages about fruit and then use the questions below to discuss them:
What steps should people take in order to see good fruit developed in their lives? What kind of activities might be harmful to developing good fruit?
What is one fruit you'd like to develop in your own life? What one or two things can you do this week to help develop that fruit?
How can this group pray for you and help you as you develop fruit?
What do you think it means to live a "fruitful life"?
As a group, read John 15:1-2. What do you think Jesus means when he talks about "fruit"?
Have different people read the following passages about fruit and then use the questions below to discuss them:
- Matthew 3:7-10
- Mark 4:13-20
- Galatians 5:16-23
- Hebrews 12:7-11
- What is the primary instruction in this passage?
- Is there a warning in this passage?
- What synonyms could you use to replace the word "fruit" in this passage?
What steps should people take in order to see good fruit developed in their lives? What kind of activities might be harmful to developing good fruit?
What is one fruit you'd like to develop in your own life? What one or two things can you do this week to help develop that fruit?
How can this group pray for you and help you as you develop fruit?
Monday, October 19, 2009
True Faith Leads us to Wait Patiently (Hebrews 11)
By faith Joseph, at the end of his life made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
1. Who is a person who you admired for the way they lived at the end of their life? What are some lessons you learned from watching that person?
2. Why do you think leaving Egypt was important to Joseph? (read Genesis 50:24-25) Why do you think he wanted his bones carried out of Egypt?
When God finally delivered Israel from Egypt 400 years later, He was foreshadowing the work of Jesus on the cross. Israel's deliverance from Egypt is symbolic of our delivery from sin.
3. What kinds of sins do people you know need to be delivered from? What keeps them from finding their way out of their sin?
4. Tell your group about someone you know who has been delivered from a difficult sin. How has that person inspired you?
5. Think about a situation in your life you would like God to deliver you from. If you desire, share with the group.
By reminding his family that they would someday leave Egypt, Joseph was setting an example of faith.
6. How should you act while you wait for God's deliverance? What should you do (or not do)? What if you never see God's deliverance?
7. What is God speaking to you through the story of Joseph? How can the group help you this week?
1. Who is a person who you admired for the way they lived at the end of their life? What are some lessons you learned from watching that person?
2. Why do you think leaving Egypt was important to Joseph? (read Genesis 50:24-25) Why do you think he wanted his bones carried out of Egypt?
When God finally delivered Israel from Egypt 400 years later, He was foreshadowing the work of Jesus on the cross. Israel's deliverance from Egypt is symbolic of our delivery from sin.
3. What kinds of sins do people you know need to be delivered from? What keeps them from finding their way out of their sin?
4. Tell your group about someone you know who has been delivered from a difficult sin. How has that person inspired you?
5. Think about a situation in your life you would like God to deliver you from. If you desire, share with the group.
By reminding his family that they would someday leave Egypt, Joseph was setting an example of faith.
6. How should you act while you wait for God's deliverance? What should you do (or not do)? What if you never see God's deliverance?
7. What is God speaking to you through the story of Joseph? How can the group help you this week?
True Faith Leads us to Bless Others (Hebrews 11)
- What phrase would you like to have written on your tombstone? Why? If you could be remembered for one thing, what would you like your legacy to be?
- Read Hebrews 11:21. Why do you think Jacob wanted to bless his grandchildren before he died? What kind of things do you think he might have said to them?
- What have people said or done for you recently that has blessed you? What is something you have said or done to bless someone else recently?
- How would your life be different if you tried to be a blessing to others every day? How would a commitment like this be difficult to carry out?
- Jacob chose to bless those younger than himself, rather than seek blessing for himself. Why is it important to be a blessing to those who are younger than you? Why is it sometimes difficult?
- How can you use what God has given you to bless others? What is something you have to offer that will bless the next generation?
True Faith Leads to Sacrifice (Hebrews 11)
What would you be willing to give up for one million dollars?
- a year of chocolate?
- food for a week?
- the ability to talk for 48 hours?
What is the greatest sacrifice you have made in the past few years? Why did you make it? Was it worth it?
What factors do you consider when deciding whether or not to make a sacrifice?
Read Hebrews 11:17 and have someone in the group summarize Genesis 22.
Often, the longer you wait for something, the more precious it is when you finally receive it. Have you ever seen new parents who are over-protective? Why do you think first time parents are so protective of their children?
Since they waited so long for Isaac, do you think Abraham and Sarah were protective of him? Why do you think God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?
What is the one thing you would not want God to ask you to give up for him? Why?
How can our children and families sometimes become "idols" to us? What might we do to avoid letting our families be a spiritual roadblock?
What is something you believe God wants you to give up for him? What is the first step you can take toward offering that sacrifice?
- a year of chocolate?
- food for a week?
- the ability to talk for 48 hours?
What is the greatest sacrifice you have made in the past few years? Why did you make it? Was it worth it?
What factors do you consider when deciding whether or not to make a sacrifice?
Read Hebrews 11:17 and have someone in the group summarize Genesis 22.
Often, the longer you wait for something, the more precious it is when you finally receive it. Have you ever seen new parents who are over-protective? Why do you think first time parents are so protective of their children?
Since they waited so long for Isaac, do you think Abraham and Sarah were protective of him? Why do you think God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?
What is the one thing you would not want God to ask you to give up for him? Why?
How can our children and families sometimes become "idols" to us? What might we do to avoid letting our families be a spiritual roadblock?
What is something you believe God wants you to give up for him? What is the first step you can take toward offering that sacrifice?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Righteous Shall Live By Faith (Habakkuk 2)
As a group, make a list of people who seem to be succeeding at life in spite of living an immoral lifestyle (celebrities, politicians, athletes, etc.).
Why do you think God allows these people to be so successful?
If you focus on the future, is it easier to comprehend these people's present success? Why?
Throughout the book of Habakkuk, God
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19. How do you think Habbakkuk was able to be "joyful" even though things were bad and appeared to be getting worse?
If these verses were written about your life, what would they say? Do you think your faith would be the same as Habakkuk's? Why or why not?
Habakkuk 2:4 says "the righteous will live by faith". Habakkuk wrote this during the hardest of times. What do you think it means to "live by faith" in difficult circumstances?
What present circumstances make it difficult for you to always obey God? Why?
Read Hebrews 11:32-39. Which of the circumstances in this passage is closest to your present difficulties? What do you think made it possible for these people to live by faith in such difficult situations?
Which of the following is most likely to derail you from obeying God?
- You are afraid things might not work out like you want.
- You've seen too many people disobey God and succeed.
- You're having too much fun.
- Not everything makes sense yet.
- Other (explain).
Read 1 John 2:3-6. How can these verses shape your life this week?
Why do you think God allows these people to be so successful?
If you focus on the future, is it easier to comprehend these people's present success? Why?
Throughout the book of Habakkuk, God
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19. How do you think Habbakkuk was able to be "joyful" even though things were bad and appeared to be getting worse?
If these verses were written about your life, what would they say? Do you think your faith would be the same as Habakkuk's? Why or why not?
Habakkuk 2:4 says "the righteous will live by faith". Habakkuk wrote this during the hardest of times. What do you think it means to "live by faith" in difficult circumstances?
What present circumstances make it difficult for you to always obey God? Why?
Read Hebrews 11:32-39. Which of the circumstances in this passage is closest to your present difficulties? What do you think made it possible for these people to live by faith in such difficult situations?
Which of the following is most likely to derail you from obeying God?
- You are afraid things might not work out like you want.
- You've seen too many people disobey God and succeed.
- You're having too much fun.
- Not everything makes sense yet.
- Other (explain).
Read 1 John 2:3-6. How can these verses shape your life this week?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Growth Through Suffering (James 1)
Have each person list five things in life that bring them joy.
Have each person talk about suffering they've recently endured.
As a group, read James 1:2-4.
What parts of this passage seem to go against common sense? What parts of this passage make sense?
According to James, what is the purpose of suffering?
What is perseverance? Make a list of synonyms for perseverance.
Have a few people share how their past suffering helped them develop "perseverance".
How can perseverance enable someone to grow in their relationship with God?
List some ways perseverance is a character trait which enables us to better love the people around us.
How would you describe a "mature Christian"? What are the character traits and personal habits of a mature Christian?
Can someone be a mature Christian without suffering? Why or why not?
Think about the ways you have most recently suffered. How can you demonstrate joy in those situations? (if you have time, discuss how "joy" might be different than "happiness". Use Psalm 51:7-12 to guide this discussion if necessary.)
Take a moment for the group members to consider how God might be "completing them" spiritually through their suffering.
Extra Passages for Further Study:
Hebrews 12:7-11
Romans 5:1-5
1 Peter 1:6-9
1 Peter 4:12-19
Have each person talk about suffering they've recently endured.
As a group, read James 1:2-4.
What parts of this passage seem to go against common sense? What parts of this passage make sense?
According to James, what is the purpose of suffering?
What is perseverance? Make a list of synonyms for perseverance.
Have a few people share how their past suffering helped them develop "perseverance".
How can perseverance enable someone to grow in their relationship with God?
List some ways perseverance is a character trait which enables us to better love the people around us.
How would you describe a "mature Christian"? What are the character traits and personal habits of a mature Christian?
Can someone be a mature Christian without suffering? Why or why not?
Think about the ways you have most recently suffered. How can you demonstrate joy in those situations? (if you have time, discuss how "joy" might be different than "happiness". Use Psalm 51:7-12 to guide this discussion if necessary.)
Take a moment for the group members to consider how God might be "completing them" spiritually through their suffering.
Extra Passages for Further Study:
Hebrews 12:7-11
Romans 5:1-5
1 Peter 1:6-9
1 Peter 4:12-19
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Is Jesus God? (John 1)
Have different people talk about a time someone sacrificed for them. How did it impact their life?
Why do you think people aren’t more willing to make sacrifices for others?
What kind of example did Jesus give us regarding making sacrifices?
Some people would suggest that Jesus wasn’t really God. Read the following verses and determine what they teach about Jesus’ divinity:
o John 8:57-59
o John 10:30-33
o Philippians 2:6
o Colossians 1:15-20
o Hebrews 1:3
One of the most important passages about Jesus’ divinity is John 1. As a group go through verses 1-18 and make a note of all the things this passage says about the Word.
Have members of the group point to the verses which seem to indicate Jesus was the Word.
Based on this passage, is it safe to conclude that Jesus was God? Why or why not?
Read John 10:10. What was Jesus’ goal?
Would it be possible for a regular human to bring “life” to all humanity? Why or why not?
If Jesus is God, and he wants to give us life, can he be trusted to meet our needs? Why or why not?
Read Matthew 25:31-46. What are the signs of a true follower of Christ? What kind of sacrifices might be required for us to live this way?
Read Matthew 7:25-34. What should we not worry about, what should we worry about?
If we are trusting Jesus to take care of our needs, how might we be able to live more sacrificially?
Why do you think people aren’t more willing to make sacrifices for others?
What kind of example did Jesus give us regarding making sacrifices?
Some people would suggest that Jesus wasn’t really God. Read the following verses and determine what they teach about Jesus’ divinity:
o John 8:57-59
o John 10:30-33
o Philippians 2:6
o Colossians 1:15-20
o Hebrews 1:3
One of the most important passages about Jesus’ divinity is John 1. As a group go through verses 1-18 and make a note of all the things this passage says about the Word.
Have members of the group point to the verses which seem to indicate Jesus was the Word.
Based on this passage, is it safe to conclude that Jesus was God? Why or why not?
Read John 10:10. What was Jesus’ goal?
Would it be possible for a regular human to bring “life” to all humanity? Why or why not?
If Jesus is God, and he wants to give us life, can he be trusted to meet our needs? Why or why not?
Read Matthew 25:31-46. What are the signs of a true follower of Christ? What kind of sacrifices might be required for us to live this way?
Read Matthew 7:25-34. What should we not worry about, what should we worry about?
If we are trusting Jesus to take care of our needs, how might we be able to live more sacrificially?
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Promise: God Started Again With a Family (Genesis 12)
- If you could move to anywhere in the world for the next ten years, where would you most want to live? Where would you least want to live? Why?
- What would be the most difficult part of moving away?
- Read Genesis 12:1-8. Why do you think the Bible says that Abram left his "country", his "people", and his "father's household"? What do you think is the significance of each of those things?
- How do you think Abraham's wife felt about moving away without knowing where they were moving to?
- Read through the promises God made to Abram in verses 2-3. Do you think it took more faith to move away from home or to believe those promises? Are the two related?
- Read verse 7. Why do you think Abram chose to build an alter then and there?
- Notice the similarities between Genesis 12:8 Genesis 4:26. When are some times you have felt like "calling on the name of the LORD?" Why?
- Read Hebrews 11:8-12. What is most impressive to you about Abraham's faith? How is he an example to you? What can you do this week to emulate him?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Hebrews 11:8-10
Today's Passage: Hebrews 11:8-10.
Read more about the call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9.
What is the biggest "leap of faith" you have ever taken?
Tell the group about a time you felt like a foreigner.
How do you think Abraham's family and friends responded when he first told them they were moving? What things can a family or friends do that will encourage our faith?
In your mind, what would be the most difficult aspect of moving to a foreign land?
Read 1 Peter 2:11-12. In what way are Christians "living in a foreign land"? As foreigners, what are some specific ways Christians should look and act differently from those around them? Why?
Abraham was called to go to a land that was his "inheritance". How would you describe the inheritance waiting for all who believe in Jesus? (Ephesians 1:11-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
Abraham was obedient because he was looking forward to his future with God. Why can reminding ourselves of the future help us be obedient in difficult times? What good things are you looking forward to in the future? How can your faith in those things help you ?
What step of obedience do you believe God is calling you to take right now? What obstacles are keeping you from obeying? How can this group help you take your next step?
Read more about the call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-9.
What is the biggest "leap of faith" you have ever taken?
Tell the group about a time you felt like a foreigner.
How do you think Abraham's family and friends responded when he first told them they were moving? What things can a family or friends do that will encourage our faith?
In your mind, what would be the most difficult aspect of moving to a foreign land?
Read 1 Peter 2:11-12. In what way are Christians "living in a foreign land"? As foreigners, what are some specific ways Christians should look and act differently from those around them? Why?
Abraham was called to go to a land that was his "inheritance". How would you describe the inheritance waiting for all who believe in Jesus? (Ephesians 1:11-14; 1 Peter 1:3-5)
Abraham was obedient because he was looking forward to his future with God. Why can reminding ourselves of the future help us be obedient in difficult times? What good things are you looking forward to in the future? How can your faith in those things help you ?
What step of obedience do you believe God is calling you to take right now? What obstacles are keeping you from obeying? How can this group help you take your next step?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Hebrews 11:7
1. Read Hebrews 11:7. What do you think is the key word or phrase in this verse? Why?
2. What specific action did Noah's faith cause him to take? Would he have undertaken this project if he didn't have faith in God? Why or why not?
3. What are some specific things you have seen people do because of their faith?
4. Noah was warned of events that were coming, but not yet known. What future events has God warned us about already? How should these warnings impact our lives?
5. How has God used other people to give you a warning? How has He used His Word? How should you respond when someone comes to you with a warning about your future (or your present)?
6. The NIV says that Noah acted out of "holy fear". The NASB and ESV say he acted out of "reverent fear". What do you think it means to have holy or reverent fear of God? When have you felt "afraid" of God? Why? How might fear of God be unhealthy?
REVERENCE -- "profound respect or veneration; deeply respectful"
7. This verse says that Noah received the righteousness that comes by faith. What kind of righteousness can we receive by working hard? Is the "righteousness by works" acceptable in God's eyes? Why or why not?
8. How do you need to imitate Noah in your life? What actions should you be taking as a result of your faith?
9. How can this group help you to take your next step?
2. What specific action did Noah's faith cause him to take? Would he have undertaken this project if he didn't have faith in God? Why or why not?
3. What are some specific things you have seen people do because of their faith?
4. Noah was warned of events that were coming, but not yet known. What future events has God warned us about already? How should these warnings impact our lives?
5. How has God used other people to give you a warning? How has He used His Word? How should you respond when someone comes to you with a warning about your future (or your present)?
6. The NIV says that Noah acted out of "holy fear". The NASB and ESV say he acted out of "reverent fear". What do you think it means to have holy or reverent fear of God? When have you felt "afraid" of God? Why? How might fear of God be unhealthy?
REVERENCE -- "profound respect or veneration; deeply respectful"
7. This verse says that Noah received the righteousness that comes by faith. What kind of righteousness can we receive by working hard? Is the "righteousness by works" acceptable in God's eyes? Why or why not?
8. How do you need to imitate Noah in your life? What actions should you be taking as a result of your faith?
9. How can this group help you to take your next step?
Hebrews 11:4
* When is a time in your life when you felt especially accepted by people around you? When is a time when you felt those around you did not accept you? Why do you think being "accepted" is such an important desire for people?
* Read Hebrews 11:4, then read Genesis 4:3-4. Why do you think we are told that Abel brought the "firstborn of his flock" while Cain only brought some "fruit of the ground."?
* How would you respond if someone gave you a gift that they had already used and abused? Would you feel loved or would you feel unappreciated? Why?
* How are some ways people can offer God the first and best of what they have (time, gifts, resources, money, etc.)?
* How are some ways people often offer God their leftovers?
* If we truly trust God to take care of us, why wouldn't we offer him our first and best? Why do we often not really trust God?
* Does God accept our leftovers? Why or why not?
* What can you do this week to offer God the first and best you have? How can this group pray for you?
* Read Hebrews 11:4, then read Genesis 4:3-4. Why do you think we are told that Abel brought the "firstborn of his flock" while Cain only brought some "fruit of the ground."?
* How would you respond if someone gave you a gift that they had already used and abused? Would you feel loved or would you feel unappreciated? Why?
* How are some ways people can offer God the first and best of what they have (time, gifts, resources, money, etc.)?
* How are some ways people often offer God their leftovers?
* If we truly trust God to take care of us, why wouldn't we offer him our first and best? Why do we often not really trust God?
* Does God accept our leftovers? Why or why not?
* What can you do this week to offer God the first and best you have? How can this group pray for you?
Hebrews 11:1-3
1) What is faith?
2) Talk about a life decision you have made because of your faith.
3) When have you been disappointed because you placed your faith in someone or something who was not trustworthy?
4) Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Why is Jesus a trustworthy object of our faith?
5) Read Hebrews 10:19-25. How does having faith in Jesus change our life? What do we gain from our faith?
6) How does faith help you deal with the difficult parts of life?
7) How does your faith affect how you view the good parts of life?
8) How is your life different today because of your faith?
9)What areas of your life are most impacted by your faith? What areas are least impacted by your faith? How can you improve?
2) Talk about a life decision you have made because of your faith.
3) When have you been disappointed because you placed your faith in someone or something who was not trustworthy?
4) Read Hebrews 4:14-16. Why is Jesus a trustworthy object of our faith?
5) Read Hebrews 10:19-25. How does having faith in Jesus change our life? What do we gain from our faith?
6) How does faith help you deal with the difficult parts of life?
7) How does your faith affect how you view the good parts of life?
8) How is your life different today because of your faith?
9)What areas of your life are most impacted by your faith? What areas are least impacted by your faith? How can you improve?
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