Thoughts on Questions on Hebrews Ch 12 from 4/15

HEBREWS STUDY QUESTIONS

My Sunday School Life Group is studying Hebrews. Every Monday, I post questions that were discussed the day before in Sunday School. I invite you to ponder/think about them and jot down your thoughts.

On Wednesdays, I post some of the ideas that came up in the Life Group's discussion for you to consider and compare with your thoughts.  

This is some of the discussion on the questions posted on Monday.

I was out of town this week. Thanks go to Barb and Ed Lewis for most of what you read below

Chapter 12

Vv 1-13

Joy and crucifixion are not usually linked. Why are they linked here?

Christ's death on the cross happened because He was willing to die BECAUSE of the JOY He knew would be His after His resurrection. 

It fulfilled God's promise.

What other word do translators use in v3 besides consider?

Consider (Think. Meditate. Think about.) him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 (NIV)

Vv5-6 are from Proverbs. Do they mean that all discipline is punishment?

No! 

Training is to show love for us and so we will do the right things.

Disciplined people automatically know what is expected and do it. That's why military recruits endure basic training or boot camp.

It may be uncomfortable while being disciplined, but results will show what you have learned!

According to v7. does hardship always = discipline? Explain

You endure hardship as discipline.

You can choose for it to make you better or not.

What’s up with the (parenthetical phrase) in v8?

Physical discipline is often the choice of another person.

Every good father disciplines his children.

Spiritual discipline is a personal choice.

God disciplines us when we ask Him.

“for our good” vs. “as they thought best” comment on this pair of qualifiers in v10.

The difference is in human perspective vs. spiritual perspective

Parents discipline how they "think is best" to make us do better.

God disciplines us "for our good" so we can share in His holiness.

V11 is not an uplifting end. What’s the good and bad news?

Bad: Discipline is painful; discipline is not fun; discipline hurts.

Good: Discipline results in growth in grace, character, righteousness, and peace. (Another way to look at this is Discipline is a result of growth in those areas!)

We must remember this: 

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for life;

Weeping may endure for a night,

But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)

We Got This Far This Week

How does the end of v13 relate to v12?

Chapter 12

Vv 14-29

“Every effort.” What does that mean?

Why is holiness important?

According to v15, what’s our job? Or, perhaps jobs? How do we do that/them?

What’s the point of the reference to Esau?

Vv18-21 refer to what OT event? How would you react to the audible voice of God? Why?

Do you agree with v21? Check Deuteronomy 9:19

What synonyms/names are given for heaven? Comments?

Who is in heaven? Make a list. Why is each one significant?

What “word” does the blood of Abel speak? How? Why?

Vv25-27 describe something besides heaven. What? Why?

What is the acceptable way to worship God?

V29. Awful or Awesome? Explain

If you'd like a PDF of the pages of questions in table form with room for you to write answers, email me at 

chuckdowning4@gmail.com 

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