Hebrews Chapters 3 and 4

Hebrews: Race to Glory: 13 Studies for Individuals or Groups: With Notes for Leaders (Study 3: Winning the Race (Hebrews 3))

3Winning the RaceHebrews 3Coaches tell us that what distinguishes average from superior athletes is the will to win. Endowed with equal physical strengths, one reaches the heights of stardom while the other slips into obscurity.In this chapter, the writer describes two equally endowed Christian runners in the faith race. One succeeded and the other failed. What made the difference? The will to win. One held firmly to Christ, but the other fell by the wayside because of a hard heart.GROUP DISCUSSION. What makes the difference between vibrant, growing Christians you know and those who appear to be dull and uninterested in the implications of their profession of faith?PERSONAL REFLECTION. Think about what motivates you to develop strong spiritual muscles and the will to win. What goals do you want to reach? Why?By this time we know how seriously the writer views the perils of our faith race. He plunges into Old Testament history to make his warning even stronger. Read Hebrews 3.1. What does the writer emphasize about Jesus in verses 1–6 that would encourage us to “fix [our] thoughts” on him (v. 1) and “hold on” to our courage and hope (v. 6)?2. Why would it be essential for the Hebrews to be convinced that Jesus is greater than Moses (vv. 2–6)?3. How do you concentrate intensely on Jesus (v. 1), especially when you are being tested by adversity, neglect or indifference?4. In verses 7–11 the writer hoists his second warning—unbelief and disobedience. These verses describe the nation of Israel after they crossed the Red Sea. They refused to obey God’s command to take the Promised Land because they were afraid of the military might they would face. So they were forced to wander forty years till that whole generation died off. How does the psalmist describe God’s perspective on the Israelites?5. In what ways might Christians “test and try” God (v. 9)? Why?6. How do people act whose hearts have turned away from God?7. Why do we need encouragement every day to hold fast to Christ?8. How did God judge the Israelites whom Moses led out of Egypt (vv. 15–19)?Why did he judge them in this way?9. How seriously do you think Christians today take disobedience and unbelief? Explain.10. On the positive side, what advantages are given to the one who has the will to win the race and who shares in all that Christ offers (v. 14)?11. Review the facts about the hardhearted (vv. 8, 10, 12–13, 15–18). Which aspects of this lifestyle come closest to your experience?12. What are you doing to avoid the peril of “falling in the desert” (v. 17)?Thank God for his saving grace and for his forgiveness of your sins through your faith in Christ. Ask him to protect you from a hard heart.Now or LaterMake your own list of qualities that separate people with hard hearts from those with faithful, believing hearts. Then list the names of those whose examples you would like to follow. What do you have to do to get moving?4Receiving God’s BlessingsHebrews 4:1–13American financial statistician Roger Babson once observed, “Opportunities are greater today than ever before in history. Young people have greater chances for health, happiness, and prosperity than had the children of any previous generation.” The same is true for Christians in God’s faith race.GROUP DISCUSSION. Why do you think some Christians miss out on the chance to find God’s richest blessings?PERSONAL REFLECTION. Rate your satisfaction with your Christian life and faith on a scale of 1–10. What impediments must be removed? What new qualities added?This chapter tells Christians in the race that there is something to fear but also something to strive for—experiencing God’s promised rest now. Read Hebrews 4:1–13.1. We are told to do our best to reach God’s rest (3:11, 18; 4:1, 3, 5–6, 9–11). How do you picture such rest?2. What do you think the promise of entering God’s rest means in verse 1?3. The tragic fate of the Israelites who perished in the desert serves as the basis of God’s warning to those who have heard the gospel. Why did some who had the gospel preached to them miss their opportunity to receive God’s rest (v. 2)?4. From what you have observed in Hebrews thus far, how would you describe the faith that is required to receive God’s rest?5. God rested from all of his work (v. 4), and he offers us a “Sabbath-rest” on the seventh day of the week. What does it mean to you to rest from your work?6. Verses 6–8 refer to the Israelites. How did they refuse to receive God’s rest?7. The “word of God” that judges our thoughts and attitudes (vv. 12–13) is the specific promise of God’s rest. How can God’s Word show you the condition of your heart?8. How should our exposure to God’s scrutiny and our accountability to him affect our thoughts and attitudes (v. 13)?9. What role does Scripture have in your life now?How would you like to deepen or change that relationship?10. What would being able to experience God’s rest mean to your life right now?Pray that God will enlarge your vision of all that he has to give you in Christ.Now or LaterTake time to think about your worries. List the categories: health, work, marriage and so on. Ask God to help you overcome them in the light of his provision of rest for your soul.5