Study: What did God promise He would do for His people in the “latter days?”
Apply: Look at all the promises God fulfilled in the past. How should this help us to trust Him for the promises not yet fulfilled?
Share: Years ago when I was doing door to door work as a literature evangelist, I met a woman who told me, “Jesus never did anything for me!” I was surprised. How would have responded to this woman? Hint: See Genesis 12:3, Romans 5:18-19, Hebrews 2:9.
Apply: How do you know your belief in Jesus is not just presumption?
Share: Your neighbor asks you how he can know if he has eternal life? What do you tell your neighbor? See the Gospel Presentation.
Read Together:Hebrews 1:1-5. Define the main idea of this passage.
Study: What are some of the things that this passage teaches us about Jesus?
Apply: Why is it important to know that Jesus is greater than the angels?
Share: While studying with a protestant family about the spirit of prophecy, the wife told me, “In Hebrews 1:1-2 it says God used to speak to us by prophets but now speaks to us by His Son. This means God no longer uses prophets. He just uses His Son.” How would you have responded to this comment? Hint: See 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11-13.
I believe the book of Hebrews should definitely be considered with the other four gospels. It is a continuation of the Life of Jesus. It gets us up to date on what Jesus is currently doing. Jesus did not just ride off in the sunset after the resurrection. He is actively changing lives, healing and forgiving just like when He walked the earth. So I like to call the book of Hebrews the fifth gospel, right after Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Hebrews was written for two reasons.
1.To turn people’s attention to Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. This book, written just 4 or 5 years before the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, was meant to turn the heads of people away from the earthly sanctuary. Even today people in Israel weep for the old sanctuary to be rebuilt. Instead they should be looking at Jesus and where He is today. They should put their hope in Jesus and not a man made temple. Just as the book of Hebrews directed people to put their hope in contemplating Jesus instead of a temple that was soon to collapse, so today Hebrews encourages us to put our hope in Jesus instead of a social security system that is about to collapse or a stock market that may soon crumble and fall.
2.To encourage people’s faith that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. The new Christian believers were expecting Jesus to return right away, and many, especially in the face of persecution were losing faith when He did not come back right away. Hebrews 1 points out that Jesus was God. Hebrews 2 points out that this God did indeed become a man just like us. In Hebrews 3 and on, it points us to what Jesus is currently doing as our High Priest before He returns.
Here is a brief summary:
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Hebrews 1:1-2
This same Jesus who came to earth and died, is also God. He made the worlds! Many were beginning to doubt if He was the Messiah since He did not come right back. Shall we look for another? No. Jesus was God.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18
This same Jesus who is God also became a man just like us.
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Hebrews 3:1
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast [our] profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:16-17
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Hebrews 12:1-4
This same God who became a man is now our High Priest. Did you notice in Hebrews 7:25 that not only does He live as our intercessor, but it is the reason why He lives. We are the reason He came to earth. We are the reason He died and we are the reason He rose again. He is obsessed with us! He loves us! His whole universe revolves around us. Does your universe revolve around Him?
And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Hebrews 3:5-6
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end. Hebrews 3:14
Let us hold fast the profession of [our] faith without wavering; (for he [is] faithful that promised;)And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins. Hebrews 10:23-26
Time and time again Hebrews encourages us to hold fast our profession and confidence, that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. Hebrews 10:26 is not telling us there is no forgiveness if we willfully make a mistake. Hebrews is talking about the sin of unbelief. That is what the whole book is about, affirming our belief, profession and confidence that Jesus is the Messiah and will return. The point being made is that if after all the evidence we have that Jesus is the Messiah, if we choose not to believe, there will not be another Messiah come who will make a sacrifice for sin. Jesus is that Messiah. He died for us. He is interceding for us now and will return. Don’t lose hope! Don’t lose confidence! Don’t lose your profession! Encourage each other more and more that Jesus is our savior as the day approaches when He will return!
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28
Study: In verse 3 how did Satan try to make Jesus doubt God’s Word? Hint: Matthew 3:17. How did Jesus overcome these temptations? By His own power of by Scripture? Are the same resources available to Jesus available to us? See article, Every Word of God Proves True.
Apply: What passages from Deuteronomy or any of the Scriptures for that matter have you used to defeat Satan?
Share: A passenger in your car says she does not need to wear a seatbelt because she trusts in God. Which incident in this passage will help you answer your passenger?
Study: What is the essential message here, and why is it relevant to God’s church today?
Apply: How do we make sure we are not partial or biased in our dealings with others, especially our own church family?
Share: A family member claims he would come back to church if the church was more involved in social issues and social rights. How do you respond to your friend?
Study: How does Deuteronomy help us understand what type of death Jesus died for us on the cross? For further study see the article The God-forsaken God.
Apply: Is our obedience motivated by a legalistic hope of reward, or is motivated by love?
Share: Your friend says since the law does not save us we should not keep it. How do you respond to your friend?
Apply: Are there portions of the law or Scripture that we need to be reminded of or simply start putting into practice?
Share: An older church member laments that some of the inspired writings of earlier days seems to be forgotten and needs to be rediscovered, much like the book of the law in Josiah’s time. Do you agree? Disagree? Why?
Read TogetherDeuteronomy 10:12-15. Identify the most important point in this passage.
Study: What is Jeremiah telling the people, and how does it relate to what was already written in Deuteronomy?
Apply: Israel received a similar message from both Moses and Jeremiah. What is your reaction when you receive similar messages from different people? For example when your mother says you need to exercise more and then you hear the same thing from your wife?
Share: A class member shares that Jeremiah had to remind God’s people of messages Moses already taught in Deuteronomy. She then references Joel 2:28-31, and says God may also use last day prophets to remind us what was already taught in the Bible. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Click here for ideas.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...James 1:22.
Main Theme: Repentance is turning away from self and towards God’s love.
Read TogetherDeuteronomy 4:25-31. Discuss the important point of this passage.
Study: What warning is given in this passage? What hope is given in this passage?
Apply: What circumstances in your life have caused you to seek God? How did you find Him?
Share: At Thanksgiving dinner your cousin pulls you aside, and tells you he has fallen back into drugs for the umpteenth time. He wants to return to God like he was brought up, but he feels like its hopeless at this point. What Scripture or experiences of your own can you share to encourage your cousin?
Study: What does it mean that the word translated as “Oh” comes from “mi-yitten”? See Sunday’s lesson for hints.
Apply: What choices in your daily life do you need to make in order for God’s desires for you to become reality?
Share: Your neighbor claims that God has already decided who will be saved and who will be lost. We are all predestined. How does Deuteronomy 5:22-29 prove his theory untrue?
Read Together Matthew 3:1-8. Define the main idea of this passage.
Study: How is John’s message similar to the message of Deuteronomy?
Apply: John the Baptist tells the people to show sincere repentance. How did Zacchaeus demonstrate sincere repentance in Luke 19:1-10?
Share: Your coworker complains to you over lunch that her pastor won’t baptize her while she is living with her boyfriend. She says, “no one is perfect, so what’s the big deal about me getting baptized while sleeping with a man I’m not married to?” Do you side with her or her pastor? Why?
Study: What was Jesus asking the people to repent from when he said “Believe the Gospel?” As you examine Acts Chapter 2, what was Peter asking the people to repent from? Specific sins or their overall attitude of unbelief that Jesus was Messiah and Savior?
Apply: How does baptism by immersion demonstrate repentance? See Romans 6:3-6.
Share: At Thanksgiving dinner your nephew asks you what made you turn to God? What do you share with him?
Study: According to this passage what brings life and blessings? What brings death and curses?
Apply: How have you seen or experienced the results of obedience or disobedience today?
Share: A friend tells you that we now have life trough grace and obedience to the law is no longer necessary. How do you respond to your friend? Hint: Matthew 19:17.
Read TogetherDeuteronomy 4:19. Discuss the main idea of this passage.
Study: How would worshiping the sun or moon be choosing death?
Apply: What things or people do people worship today? How is worshiping those things rejecting life and choosing death?
Share: Your child asks you what is the difference between admiring God’s creation and worshiping God’s creation? How do you answer your child?
Apply: A recent Newsweek article claims every time we drink a cola it takes 12 minutes off our life. In what subtle ways might we be choosing death or life in our every day choices?
Share: A friend asks, “how do I know if I have the Son?” How do you answer?
Apply: How does your behavior express your faith or lack thereof?
Share: your cousin tells you she wants to choose life, but wants to know how to know if she has eternal life. What do you share with your cousin? Hint: The Plan of Salvation,
Main Theme: While we are saved by grace in both Old and New Testaments, we have the law in both testaments to show us how to live a life of love.
Read Together Ezekiel 25:15-16. Define together the main idea of this passage.
Study: Iniquity is sin. According to the definition of sin in 1 John 3:4 was there a law in heaven when Lucifer sinned? Is it possible to sin where there is no law? See Romans 3:20.
Apply: Why is the idea of a moral law inseparable from the idea of moral beings? Without that law, what would define what is moral and what is not?
Share: Your neighbor asks, “did the angels have the ten commandments written in stone or was there a main underlying principle they followed?” What do you tell your neighbor?
Read Together Deuteronomy 5:6-22. Define together the main thought of this passage.
Study: Is God commanding we have no other gods or promising they will need no other gods? Both? How do we know? What assurances do we have in this passage of God’s grace? In verses 12-15 where do we see a promise of rest?
Apply: How do we keep the commandments without being legalistic?
Share: Your same neighbor tells you we were saved by keeping the law in the Old Testament, but today we are saved by grace. What do you say to your neighbor? Hint: God has Always Been Graceful.
Read Together Deuteronomy 9:1-6. Define together the main thought of this passage.
Study: How does this passage relate to Ephesians 2:8-10? Do we see the same principles of grace in both Old and New Testaments?
Apply: Even when we are obedient and victorious why should we never be proud? See Galatians 2:20.
Share: Your neighbor asks, “if we are not saved by keeping the law then why keep it?” What do you tell your neighbor?
Read TogetherRomans 3:20, 27-31. Define together the main idea of this passage.
Study: Is Paul presenting a new idea or an eternal idea? In other words was anyone in the Old Testament saved by keeping the law? Were those in the Old Testament saved by grace as well?
Apply: How does faith help you keep the law? See James 2:18.
Share: Your neighbor asks you how you can tell if you are saved? What do you tell your neighbor? See the Gospel Presentation.
Key Thought: This quarter we will look at the themes of Deuteronomy: the everlasting covenant, law and grace, present truth messages, and the love of God. October 2, 2021
Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
From our perspective today, how do we understand what God was promising to do through Abraham?
Personal Application: How do we see ourselves in relationship to the world and the call to give the three angels’ messages? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How much of what God was telling Abraham did he and his descendants really understand what God was saying?” How would you respond to your friend?
Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why did the Lord call the people out of Egypt?
Personal Application: Do you consider the church members a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? Why or why not? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “They said that they would do all that the Lord commanded. Isn’t that legalism? How do we discern between obedience and legalism? How do we discern between legalism and obedience? What could turn obedience into legalism?” How would you respond to your friend?
Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What was the punishment given to the nation because of their refusal to trust what the Lord had told them to do?
Personal Application: Since disobedience usually comes from a lack of trust in God’s word, how can we learn to have more faith? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Since God seems to destroy those who don’t follow His will, we should obey just so we won’t get punished, but my heart wouldn’t be in it.“ How would you respond to your relative?
Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What does this show us about the truth of the freedom found in love?
Personal Application: Take a mental note of your thoughts throughout the day. What does this teach you about the state of your own heart?” Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
Key Thought: No matter our present situation, what trials we are facing; if we dwell upon God: His goodness, love, and sacrifice; we can rejoice in Him and have peace for our weary souls. September 25, 2021
Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
What will Jesus coming be like? How can we avoid being deceived?
Personal Application: Can we discern between what the Bible says and what we see before us as to what is true? How can we help others understand the difference? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What does it mean to endure to the end? I thought once we received Christ, He would see us through the hard times. What do I have to do to endure?” How would you respond to your friend?
Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What is being taught here? Why is it so important and urgent?
Personal Application: What elements of the everlasting gospel, or present truth, have most Christians missed that would help them see Christ’s rest more clearly? Are these elements important for salvation? Share your thoughts
Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does it say that those who receive the mark of the beast, worship the beast, and receive his number have no rest day nor night? Does this mean they can’t sleep? They have no peace in their hearts? If we believe in Jesus, He promises us peace.” How would you respond to your friend?
Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What great promise ius found in this passage?
Personal Application: What Scriptures would you use to show someone that death is a sleep, and that the dead are resting in the grace until Jesus comes the second time? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states: “My dad is resting in Jesus now. He is in heaven and enjoying the company of angels and those who have gone before him. He came to me in the night to let me know he was happy and fine in heaven.“ How would you respond to your relative?
Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
What is Paul saying about how to have true rest and peace in this painful world?
Personal Application: What is our role and goal in bringing peace and harmony to people living in this world of sin and strife? Can we compromise our message to bring peace?” Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
Main Theme: Jonah could not find rest with his heart in the wrong place. God is patient as He helps us have the right attitudes that give our hearts peace.
Read TogetherJonah 1:1-18. Discuss together what the main idea is of this passage.
Study: Why might Jonah be running away? Did running away bring true rest?
Apply: What are some ways people run from God today? Do they find true rest apart from God? Hint: Isaiah 48:22.
Share: Share a brief testimony of a time when God finally brought you around to doing the right thing.
Read TogetherJonah 2:1-10. Discuss what the main idea is of this passage.
Study: What is Jonah praying about? Where does he direct his prayer and why?
Apply: How has God been merciful even when you were running the wrong way? How did his mercy help you find true rest?
Share: Your friend asks what exactly Jonah 2:8 is talking about. How do you explain it?
Read TogetherJonah 3:1-10. Discuss what the main idea is of this passage.
Study: How did Nineveh respond and how do we see their repentance was sincere?
Apply: How do we show that we have sincerely repented? Hint: Ephesians 4:24-32, Luke 19:8-10. How does repentance and making things right give us true rest? Can you think of a time when you could find no rest until you finally made something right?
Share: A friend at church says she is afraid to share Jesus with her coworkers for fear of being rejected or made fun of. What hope can you share with your friend?
Read TogetherJonah 4:1-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.
Study: Why is Jonah so upset? Do you think Jonah may have forgot that the same mercy that saved Nineveh also provided the great fish to save him also? What can we learn from this?
Apply: Have you ever been reluctant to grant mercy to someone only to realize later that we all need mercy? See We all Need Mercy. How does forgiving others give us rest?
Share: Can you think of someone you have “discarded” as hopeless as a Ninevite? Will you rethink your attitude and share the Gospel with them this week? Remember,
In Light of The Cross 